Will Nintendo reveal Mario Kart 9 this year?

Mario Kart 9 with new twist in 2022

Mario Kart 8 Deluxe was re-released for Switch in 2017, and remains the last major instalment in the venerable series. Sure, Mario Kart Tour hit mobile in 2019, and Mario Kart Live: Home Circuit brought augmented reality to kart racing, but it has been a long time since an all-new Mario Kart.

Kantan Games' Dr. Serkan Toto and a number of other industry analysts have offered their predictions for 2022, and Toto believes that Mario Kart 9 is in active development and “comes with a new twist”.

• Mario Kart 8 Deluxe was enhanced for Switch
• Included all DLC, tweaks, and 1080p graphics
• Mario Kart Tour received a mixed reception from players

More mobile: Toto would not be surprised if Nintendo starts unveiling Mario Kart 9 this year, and he also believes Nintendo is working to introduce another major franchise to mobile.

Long wait: The new Mario Kart has allegedly been in development for three years, and might come out this year. It has been over half a decade since the original Mario Kart 8 launched for Wii U in 2014.

The Forgotten City started out as a mod for which role-playing game?

a) Oblivion
b) Mount & Blade
c) Skyrim
d) Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas

The answer will be revealed at the bottom of today's issue. Join up with our community on Twitter and Facebook to discuss what the answer could be.

Monster Hunter Rise and God of War

Monster Hunter Rise is finally coming to PC, alongside Santa Monica Studios' much-lauded dad'em-up God of War.

Wednesday – January 12th

• Monster Hunter Rise for PC

Thursday – January 13th

• Astroneer for NS

Friday – January 14th

• God of War for PC

Sony’s 3D scanner patent for real items

Sony just revealed the PlayStation VR2, but it's not the only futuristic tech they have up their sleeve: Patent sleuths have discovered an idea for a 3D scanner that could allow real-world items to be transferred into game worlds.

The scanner is meant to detect and identify objects, presumably looking up a corresponding asset rather than generating it on the fly, and then allowing it to be inserted in an interactive simulation. The patent uses a standing lamp as an example.

DualBanana: That's not the only leftfield patent in Sony's portfolio: Last year, they filed a patent for a technology allowing any object held in a user's hand to be interpreted as a controller, such as a banana.

Full scan: The big question is whether user-generated content based on photogrammetry is particularly feasible, and how broad the scope for abuse is. There's a reason why most games do not allow players to import their own photographs, and the problem will presumably not be any smaller with full 3D scans.

Rescue Party: Live PC keys need a home

We’ve got some Rescue Party: Live PC keys for Steam burning a hole in our virtual pocket. This charming local co-op party game from Tag Studio and 505 Games could soon be yours!

Save the day by entering our Rescue Party: Live Giveaway and be ready to fumble and stumble your way through danger alone or with up to three chums this January 13 when it launches.

Brave Browser rewards you for surfing

Maybe your internet connection is fast, but what about your browser? The Brave Browser is built from the ground up for speed, privacy and providing an ad-free Internet.

You can opt-in for ads that respect your privacy, and even earn rewards. It’s quick and easy to use, featuring the same comforts and conveniences you expect from a modern browser.

• New Japanese Pokémon Legends: Arceus trailer with plenty of gameplay footage
• Amazon Studios' signs deal for Fallout adaptation following announcement in early July 2020
• State of BioWare open letter says the studio's big priority is “rebuilding our reputation” following a string of departures and less-than-impressive games
• Grab Gods Will Fall for free on Epic Games Store until January 13
• FromSoftware is working on a new Armoured Core judging by claims users made while taking part in a consumer survey

The Forgotten City started out as a mod for which role-playing game?

ANSWER: Skyrim!

The Forgotten City was one of the most memorable games of 2021, featuring an engaging mystery and thought-provoking exploration of Roman culture. The project actually started life as a Skyrim mod, and revolved around a Dwarven culture ensnared by The Golden Rule: The many shall suffer for the sins of the one.

The mod and the full game have a lot of similarities, but the stand-alone game features a bigger pile of twists and turns and a richer storyline. The mod is no slouch though, and earned an award from the Australian Writers Guild. Let's hope Bethesda keeps the mod scene alive when The Elder Scrolls VI finally becomes reality.

Mario Kart 8 topped the charts in the UK again this week, so there's no rush for Mario Kart 9, right?

Today's issue of DailyBits was written by Gavin Herman, Erlend Grefsrud, Simon Priest, and Jamie Davey. If you have any feedback or news tips for the team, please email us!