# **Nintendo Switch 2 and Mario Kart 9: What We Know So Far**
The gaming community is abuzz with excitement as speculation and theories surrounding the Nintendo Switch 2 continue to emerge. One particularly captivating notion is the possible release date of this eagerly awaited console, with May 15, 2025, standing out as a prominent possibility. Alongside this, numerous fans are curious about whether *Mario Kart 9* will be among the launch titles for the system. Let’s delve into the specifics and see what information has surfaced thus far.
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## **Nintendo Switch 2: A May 15, 2025 Release?**
Although Nintendo has not yet officially revealed the release date for the Switch 2, several convincing indicators point to May 15, 2025, as a likely candidate. A hypothesis put forward by Steve from ThunderStash Gaming on YouTube has garnered attention, citing various forms of evidence:
### **1. Doom: The Dark Ages Launches on May 15**
One of the most robust pieces of evidence for a May 15 release is the scheduled launch of *Doom: The Dark Ages* on that same date. Traditionally, every significant *Doom* title has been available on the Nintendo Switch, including *Doom (2016)* and *Doom Eternal (2020)*. Given that Microsoft, which owns *Doom’s* developer id Software, has already pledged to support the Switch 2, it stands to reason that this new *Doom* title could serve as a launch game for the console.
### **2. LEGO Mario Kart Set Releases the Same Day**
Another notable indication is the introduction of the new LEGO *Mario Kart* set, also set for May 15. Content creator AndresRestart noted that LEGO typically rolls out major collaborations at the start of the month or on weekends. The choice to launch this set on a Thursday hints that something significant might be underway that day—perhaps the debut of the Nintendo Switch 2.
### **3. Nintendo San Francisco Store Grand Opening**
May 15 also coincides with the grand opening of the Nintendo San Francisco store. If the Switch 2 launches on the same date, it would surely generate substantial foot traffic to the store, marking a high-profile start.
### **4. Reports of Switch 2 Units Already Shipped**
Recent reports indicate that hundreds of thousands of Nintendo Switch 2 units may have already been dispatched to the United States. If these consoles are already packaged for retail and ready for consumers, it would make sense for Nintendo to release them sooner rather than later—especially with anticipation building from the *Nintendo Switch 2 Direct* event slated for April 2, 2025.
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## **Will Mario Kart 9 Be a Launch Title?**
One of the principal inquiries regarding the Nintendo Switch 2 is whether *Mario Kart 9* will make its debut alongside the new console. While Nintendo has not formally confirmed the game, several factors suggest that development may be underway:
### **1. The Success of Mario Kart 8 Deluxe**
*Mario Kart 8 Deluxe* has ranked among the best-selling games on the Nintendo Switch, with over 60 million copies sold. Despite its enduring success, fans are eager for a new entry in the series. A *Mario Kart 9* launch alongside the Switch 2 would undoubtedly be a significant selling factor for the new system.
### **2. The LEGO Mario Kart Collaboration**
The forthcoming LEGO *Mario Kart* set implies that Nintendo is proactively promoting the franchise. This may be a strategic effort to drum up excitement ahead of a potential *Mario Kart 9* announcement.
### **3. Nintendo’s Pattern of Launch Titles**
Historically, Nintendo has introduced major consoles with a flagship game from one of its leading franchises. For the Switch, it was *The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild*. For the Switch 2, a new *Mario Kart* could be the ideal system-seller.
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## **What’s Next?**
All attention is now directed toward the *Nintendo Switch 2 Direct*, scheduled for April 2, 2025, at 6:00 a.m. PT / 9:00 a.m. ET. This event is anticipated to unveil official details regarding the console’s release date, launch titles, and features. If *Mario Kart 9* is indeed in the works, this could be the moment Nintendo chooses to make it public.
Until then, fans can only speculate and wish that the rumors prove accurate. Regardless of whether May 15 becomes the definitive release date, one thing is clear: the Nintendo Switch 2 is poised to be one of the most anticipated console launches in recent times.
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### **Final Thoughts**
With increasing evidence pointing toward a May 15, 2025, launch for the Nintendo Switch 2, and the possibility
