Mario Kart 9 looks set to be Nintendo's premier launch title for the Switch 2 but will it be enough to convince millions of existing Switch owners around the world they absolutely need this new hybrid system right away?

Ahead of the hotly anticipated Switch 2 Nintendo Direct, two former employees of the company have expressed concern about Mario Kart 9's ability to convince people to upgrade to Switch 2.

Two former marketing leads think it would be very "unconventional" for Nintendo to release the Switch 2 alongside the new Mario Kart game because the company usually promotes its more boundary-pushing projects as launch games, a la The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild or Super Mario 64.

Switch was like a game tutorial for new ways to play on Switch. The collection of weird little collaborative two-player games encouraged you to look away from the TV or Switch

Tomodachi Life and Raidou are among the new and remastered game titles people want most. Plus, every game announced at Nintendo Direct in March 2025.

Nintendo accidentally revealed Switch 2 Edition games on its website. We don't know what they are, but we have some guesses.

Preorders opening the same day as the Switch 2 Nintendo Direct stream. Best Buy in Canada wrote in a now-removed blog post that the company will open pre-orders for Nintendo Switch 2 on April 2nd so that customers have the chance to secure their console early.

Nintendo's newest iPhone app is designed to help keep Mario, Animal Crossing, and Legend of Zelda fans in the loop with daily updates, customizable calendars and widgets, and more.

Nintendo Directs have long been one of the biggest events when it comes to delivering and receiving news on new Nintendo games and products, but it sounds like the group is set to offer a much more consistent means to learn the latest details on what’s going on with your favorite Nintendo games and IP.