It's no secret that Nintendo struck gold with "Mario Kart 8." Since its debut on the Wii U in 2014 and its phenomenal release as "Mario Kart 8 Deluxe" on the Switch in 2017, the franchise has garnered a staggering legacy. The original sold nearly 8.5 million copies, while the Deluxe version exploded to a whopping 64 million sales, making it one of the best-selling games of all time. After over a decade of minimal updates and the massive success of Mario Kart 8, there’s a growing chorus of fans asking: what's next for this iconic racing series? How about a complete reimagining as a role-playing game (RPG)?

Imagine a world where the thrills of kart racing meet the immersive storytelling and character development of an RPG. This bold pivot could invigorate the franchise and captivate both new and seasoned players. Here’s my pitch for “Mario Kart 9”—let's venture into an RPG realm!

Drawing inspiration from beloved titles like "Mario Golf: Advance Tour," we could create a narrative-rich experience where players select a character from the Mario universe—be it Toad, Princess Peach, or even a new character—and enroll them in the fictional Marion Grand Prix Academy. The academy could serve as a hub where they meet various characters, complete challenges, and uncover secrets that enhance the overarching storyline.

As players engage in racing challenges across iconic tracks—from the nostalgic Luigi Raceway to the dreamy Rainbow Road—they would also level up their characters. This leveling system would allow for strategizing how to allocate skill points into crucial attributes like speed, drift, bounce, and luck. A personalized growth system would enable players to build their racer according to their unique playstyle, setting them apart in competitions.

The concept doesn’t stop there. Players could partake in mini-games, side quests, and bonus rounds that require them to master racing techniques like jumping, drifting, and skillful item usage. Each locale could have its own unique challenges and Mario characters that players interact with, fostering a rich, immersive experience.

Further, to keep things exciting, we could introduce a robust story arc. Perhaps the ultimate goal is to compete against Mario himself on a legendary new track, but only after overcoming a series of trials and races against increasingly challenging foes—each with their own distinct abilities and backstory. Accomplishing these tasks might even unlock new customization options for karts!

While some hardcore fans might clamour for just “another typical Mario Kart” experience, they might not realize that combining traditional racing mechanics with RPG elements could lead to a richer, more engaging game. Think of “Mario Kart Infinite”—a game that pays homage to its roots while innovatively expanding its gameplay.

Let’s be real: “Mario Kart 8” has held the racing crown for long enough. With players eager for something fresh, an RPG take could not only breathe new life into the franchise but also expand the vast universe of Mario in unexpected dimensions. In this revolutionary game, we could preserve the excitement of racing while diving deeply into character storylines and development—something we didn’t know we needed.

So, here’s to hoping the future of Mario Kart is not just another sequel but an exhilarating RPG adventure that combines the best of both worlds. Who’s ready to rev their engines and embark on this next-level journey? Nintendo, the ball is in your court!