Here’s our ultimate Mario Kart wishlist for the next game in the series!

1. A Robust Track Editor

Imagine designing your own dream tracks! A track editor would let players unleash their creativity, crafting custom courses to challenge their friends. With tools for adding jumps, hazards, and shortcuts, this feature could elevate Mario Kart’s replayability to new heights.

2. Expanded Roster with Unique Abilities

The Mario Kart roster is already packed with iconic characters, but adding more fan favorites like Pauline, Professor E. Gadd, or Captain Toad would be amazing. To spice things up, each character could have unique abilities—like Wario getting extra speed boosts on muddy terrain or Rosalina gaining a slight advantage on anti-gravity sections.

3. Improved Battle Mode Options

While recent installments improved Battle Mode, it could still use more depth. Expanding modes like Capture the Flag or introducing a Tower Defense-style mode would add variety and excitement to multiplayer sessions.

4. Cross-Platform Online Play

With so many Nintendo fans across the globe, cross-platform play could revolutionize Mario Kart. Connecting players across Switch, PC, and other potential platforms would make online lobbies larger and more competitive than ever.

5. Enhanced Kart Customization

While Mario Kart 8 Deluxe offers kart, tire, and glider customization, more options would be welcome. Imagine designing your kart’s color scheme decals and even creating your own custom horn sounds.

6. Dynamic Weather and Time of Day

Tracks that shift with dynamic weather and time of day could make races more unpredictable and immersive. Picture racing through a sunny Toad Harbor that turns into a stormy evening mid-race or a Moo Moo Meadows track that changes from day to night.

7. Story Mode with Quests

A story mode would add a fresh layer of depth to the franchise. Players could complete quests, unlock characters, and take on challenges like racing Bowser’s minions or navigating treacherous tracks to save the Mushroom Kingdom.

8. Double Dash Mechanics Return

Many fans miss the innovative mechanics of Mario Kart: Double Dash!! The ability to have two characters per kart with unique items would bring a fresh layer of strategy and chaos to races.

9. Expanded Co-op Modes

Co-op modes that allow two players to share the same kart, tackle challenges, or compete in team-based objectives would be perfect for friends and families playing together.

10. Crossover Characters and Tracks

Nintendo has already introduced crossover elements with Link, the Inklings, and F-Zero tracks. Expanding this with characters like Kirby, Samus or Pikachu and tracks inspired by games like Metroid or Splatoon would excite fans and bring a unique twist to the Mario Kart universe.

11. Better Online Tournament Features

Enhanced online tournaments with spectator modes, leaderboards, and customizable race rules would let players create their own leagues and host competitive events more easily.

12. A Retro Track Expansion Pass

A dedicated expansion pass focused entirely on retro tracks would be a dream come true for long-time fans. Revamped versions of iconic courses from previous games could be released regularly to keep the game fresh and nostalgic.

13. Interactive Items

New interactive items could add more strategy to races. For example, a Boomerang Shield that deflects shells or a Magnet Mushroom that temporarily pulls coins toward you would create exciting new possibilities.

14. Advanced AI and Adaptive Difficulty

Improved AI that adapts to your skill level could make solo races more engaging. Adaptive difficulty could also ensure that every race remains competitive without being frustrating for newcomers or veterans.

15. Virtual Reality Support

For a truly immersive experience, VR support could let players feel like they’re inside the kart. Racing in first-person mode with VR could redefine how we experience Mario Kart.

What Features Are on Your Wishlist?

The Mario Kart franchise has always been about fun and innovation, and there’s so much potential for future games. Whether it’s creating your dream tracks, racing with new characters, or enjoying expanded online play, the next Mario Kart could be the biggest and best yet.

Join the Race with HyperX

Mario Kart’s future is exciting, and we can’t wait to see what’s next. In the meantime, join HyperX’s weekly Mario Kart tournaments to test your skills and share your ideas for the next Mario Kart in the comments. See you at the starting line!