Mario Kart - News
May2014
Video Watch Us Unbox The Mario Kart 8 Limited Edition Bundle
Be careful someone doesn't run off with your copy
Happy Mario Kart 8 launch day, everybody! To celebrate this momentous event, we've decided to do an unboxing video for the Limited Edition version of the game, which features an accursed blue shell and — of course — a copy of the game itself. It's rather good, as you'll know if you've already...
Mario Kart Month The Developers Who Tried To Beat Nintendo At Its Own Game
Improving On Perfection
Veterans of the 16-bit era will vividly recall the first time they played Super Mario Kart. Nintendo's seminal racer was a genuine revolution; it took what had previously been quite a staid and serious genre and turned it into something light-hearted, yet immensely challenging and addictive. While Super Mario Kart had an...
Guide Getting Started in Mario Kart 8
Don't drive into the deep end
As some of the Nintendo Life team still like discs that come in boxes, our original plan was to release a getting started guide on 30th May; then we remembered some of you trendy types may download the title as soon as it pops up on the Wii U eShop, which may or may not be at midnight. You just can't wait, right? So...
Video Experience the Blue Shell Blues in Mario Kart 8 With The Brett Domino Trio
We've all been blue shelled at some point
Mario Kart 8 does a lot right, including the fact that the blue / spiny shell moves along the ground to take out others en-route to the race leader, but the mere presence of that item is enough to irritate some. It likely annoys stronger players the most, as their reward for being rather good at the game is...
News Mario Kart TV Web App Goes Live
It actually works
One of the new features of Mario Kart 8 is the ability to save, edit and share video highlights through Mario Kart TV. As we reported yesterday, those that have received copies early didn't take long to start uploading highlights to YouTube and Miiverse. The game is now out in Japan — in fact, Japanese gamers have had most of...
News Mario Kart 8 DLC Confirmed for Japan With Free Mercedes Car
Tournament also planned in commercial tie-in
Update: Nintendo UK has issued the following statement to Eurogamer regarding this news: The announcement this time was made by Mercedes-Benz Japan regarding their collaboration in Japan with NCL. As for the information relating to the distribution of the GLA kart for MK8 outside Japan, we will be able...
News Miiverse Tells the Tale of a Broken Mario Kart 8 Street Date
Oh, you naughty retailers...
There have been comments bouncing around online in the past day or so regarding Mario Kart 8 being sold early by some retailers. It brings to mind the early arrival of Pokémon X & Y in October 2013, though that was far more contentious due to the desire of Nintendo and Game Freak that some surprises would remain...
Mario Kart Month Expanding the Universe of Mario Kart
Nintendo Kart?
Back in December, Nintendo showed off a cleverly deceptive trailer for Super Smash Bros. for Wii U and 3DS that briefly showed Kirby pulling off some audacious Warp Star moves in Mario Kart's Rainbow Road. Of course, that trailer turned out to be the reveal of Rosalina and Luma for Super Smash Bros., just another fun jok
Play Mario Kart 8 With Nintendo Life in our Launch Party
Watch our chums at Eurogamer play it live today, and us on launch day
Mario Kart 8 is extremely close now, and aside from some cheeky people that have found gullible retailers the vast majority are eagerly awaiting delivery or to hit up the eShop on launch day. We figured now would be a good time to let you know of some of our plans to enjoy the new...
Mario Kart Month A Brief History Of Mario Kart Item Evolution: Mighty Mushroom
There’s a shroom for every occasion
You wouldn’t normally associate a mushroom with speed, but just look at Toad with his white and red polka dot head – he’s always zipping about. Clearly he’s got a need for speed after excessive use of the mighty mushroom out on the track. Actually, it’s hard to imagine what’s even under that...
News Spiffy Mario Kart 8 T-Shirts Arriving 29th May on Club Nintendo Japan
Get ready to be jealous
A special edition Mario Kart 8 T-shirt will be making its way to Club Nintendo Japan alongside the game on 29th May. The shirts will cost 600 points and, as you can see, feature nifty silhouettes of twelve playable characters on the front and a small tire graphic on the back. They come in both medium and large sizes and are...
Video These Mario Kart 8 Players Are Getting Rather Immersed in the Experience
Two fresh commercials emerge
Nintendo has released quite a variety of commercials so far for Mario Kart 8, ranging from straight-up gameplay sequences to a quirky series that recreated items and features in a fictional real-world wacky lab. Two fresh commercials go for a mix of both ideas, while also showing off the game's local multiplayer selling...
Poll A Tale of Two Blockbusters as Mario Kart 8 and Watch Dogs Arrive This Week
How will you spend your cash?
A gaming year is often summed up by crowded, high-profile release windows, typically in November as Holiday shopping and Black Friday insanity sweep stores in multiple territories. While this week isn't quite on that scale, it does see the rather brilliant Mario Kart 8 on Wii U go up against Watch Dogs on, well,...
Interview Mario Kart 8 Director, Kosuke Yabuki, On Key Features of the Wii U's Blockbuster Release
"Not ruling out the possibility" of a Smash Bros. roster approach in future
For Wii U owners this week is about one game, Mario Kart 8. A new arrival in the franchise is always an exciting occasion, and in some respects this entry takes the series forward in more ways than its predecessors — it brings HD visuals to the franchise for the first...
News Handle Stand Adds Steering Wheelosity to Your Wii U GamePad
Hands at 10 and 2
When Mario Kart Wii introduced motion-controlled steering, an accessory in which to slap one's Wii Remote was a natural addition. Now that Mario Kart 8 allows the same type of control with the much bulkier, rectangular GamePad, at least one company has taken it upon themselves to reinvent the wheel. The Handle Stand for Wii U,...
Mario Kart Month Keeping the Mario Kart 8 Race Going With DLC
Are you thinking what we’re thinking?
As we’re all aware, Mario Kart 8 is just about to zoom around the corner and handbrake turn into our shiny Wii U consoles, which makes it pretty difficult to think about anything else at the moment. With the recently released Mario Golf: World Tour offering paid DLC packs – including additional courses,...
Mario Kart Month Mario Kart's Best Weapon Isn't What You Think
Green Shells For Pride and Honour
Games in the Mario Kart series — including the forthcoming Mario Kart 8 — are usually referred to as racing games, but we all know that's only half the story — the other half is gladiatorial combat on wheels, battles fought between competitors using whatever Super Mario-themed objects of destruction they can...
News Digital Foundry Pins Down Mario Kart 8's Resolution and Framerate
No, not actually native 1080p
After a lengthy build-up, Mario Kart 8 is almost here, the latest entry in the hugely popular franchise. It's been critically acclaimed on multiple fronts, with plenty also lavishing praise on the visuals and performance of the title; in our review we said that visually "MK8 is a stunner, and joins titles such as Super...
Video Nintendo Minute Unboxes The Mario Kart 8 Wii U Bundle
What's inside the box? Well, a Wii U...
We do rather like the regular Nintendo Minute videos here at Nintendo Life, and the latest is one for all you unboxing fans out there. Don't deny it, don't pretend you're too self aware and mature to enjoy watching someone open a box with a thing inside — we know you like unboxings. It's a secret shame for...
News Become The UK's Best Mario Kart Family, Win Real And Impressively Proportioned Trophies
Thanks to our friends at Family Gamer TV
There’s an argument in many households all around the world over who is really better at Mario Kart. With the upcoming release of Mario Kart 8, this domestic contest is only going to get hotter. To help settle the debate once and for all, Family Gamer TV has set-up its own Mario Kart 8 Family Championships...
Video How To Become A Mario Kart 8 Master In Eight Easy Steps
Our newcomer's guide to mastering the basics
Mario Kart 8 launches at the end of this month, and if you've already read our glowing review, then you'll be well aware that this is a game you need to experience for yourself. The Mario Kart series has gradually evolved and developed over two decades, and there will be many people preparing to play...
News Nintendo Teams Up With E4 For Mario Kart TV Promotion
Have your highlights shown on TV
With Mario Kart 8 now just a week away, Nintendo UK has announced an intriguing partnership with E4 — the UK TV channel — to show player's exploits in Mario Kart TV in the commercial break during peak time. Not only will it be an exciting opportunity for early adopters of the game, but this promotion seems like a...
News Mario Will Be Racing In Reality At This Weekend's History 300 At Charlotte Motor Speedway
Not upside down, sadly
Mario Kart 8 may not have much of a grounding in reality, but the game will be getting some welcome real-world exposure at this weekend's History 300 At Charlotte Motor Speedway event. US retailer GameStop has taken over the livery of double Daytona 500 winner and NASCAR Sprint Cup Series racer Matt Kenseth's Toyota Camry in...
Video The Latest Mario Kart 8 Commercial is Possibly the Strangest Yet
Weird is good, right?
It's the opinion of some, including this writer, that Nintendo's renewed focus on seizing attention in the face of tougher times has reminded the company of key parts of its identity. After bland lifestyle adverts in the Wii and DS era as Nintendo merely needed to release something to make big bucks, we're now seeing the...
News Nintendo Brand Manager Hopes Mario Kart 8 Will Serve as a "Catalyst" for Wii U
"Mario Kart is one of our killer titles"
Though no game ever achieves loving praise from 100% of those that play it, Mario Kart 8 has been the recipient of plenty of compliments in reviews to date. What truly matters for Nintendo, however, is that buzz about the release will not only make it a must-buy for Wii U owners, but also entice other gamers...
Video The Piranha Plant and a "Crazy Plunge" Tested in the Latest Mario Kart 8 Commercials
Advertising with some bite
Over the past week we've shared a few Mario Kart 8 30-second commercial that have been doing the rounds, incorporating some fun live-action sequences with game footage. Nintendo's now uploaded a couple more examples, covering the Piranha Plant — an excellent new item in this entry — and showing a "crazy plunge" that's...
Mario Kart Month A Brief History Of Mario Kart Item Evolution: The Shell
When spiny blue shells grow wings
If you thought Donkey Kong’s banana-throwing antics were foul play out on the circuit, Koopa Troopa is probably worthy of mention as well – no doubt coming under fire from various animal rights groups for the exploitation of his own species. Although shells have been one of the many foundations of Mario Kart...
Video DreamWorks Animator Transforms His Son Into A Shell-Throwing Mario Kart Hero
Shell shocked
DreamWorks Animator Daniel Hashimoto has created a series of videos which star his son in the role of Action Movie Kid, where movie-standard special effects are applied to make his life look a little more incredible. The latest episode couldn't be more timely with Mario Kart 8 around the corner, as Hashimoto places his son in a...
Reaction Mario Kart 8 Accused Of Poor Sales Potential, Ruining Battle Mode And Racism
Mario Kart Hate
Mario Kart 8 launches at the end of this month, and as you'll know if you've consulted our review, it's well worth looking forward to. It would seem that most of the gaming press agrees with us; the game has scored very highly across the board. However, opinions are like belly buttons — everybody has one — and unsurprisingly,...
Video Nintendo Minute Picks Some Favourite Mario Kart 8 Tracks
Cloudtop Cruise! Mount Wario! Sunshine Airport!
There's just a bit — alright, a lot — of buzz around Mario Kart 8 at the moment, with this week's reviews generally declaring it to offer a jolly good time. We were happy campers in our own review, awarding it 9/10 and using the rather cheery tagline of "8th Wonder of the World". In other words,...
Video Check Out This Mario Kart 8 And Mario Kart Wii Moo Moo Meadows Comparison
Ahead of the pack?
With Mario Kart 8 getting rave reviews all over the interwebs, Family Gamer TV has dialled in for some close up comparison of the Moo Moo Meadows level on both the Wii and Wii U. While it is of course expected that the Wii U version looks better, quite how much better is kind of mind-blowing. Certainly this night and day...
8th Wonder of the World
Since the Super NES every Nintendo system — apart from the Game Boy Color and the doomed Virtual Boy — has been boosted by an entry in the iconic Mario Kart series. Despite its drastic evolution throughout the generations of hardware it nevertheless feels familiar each time around, while other entries in the kart racing...
News Mario Kart 8 Free Wii U Game Promotion Extended to Scandinavian Countries
A pin code and web page will be distributed
For those picking up Mario Kart 8 when it launches at the end of May, a welcome bonus is that registering the game by 31st July will entitle those gamers to a free Wii U retail title. You can see all of the details right here. This is tied to Club Nintendo, which has unfortunately ruled it out in...
Video Behold The Incredible Destructive Power Of The Mario Kart 8 Super Horn
Spiny blue shells, begone!
A short time ago we posted a video of Nintendo's new TV spot for Mario Kart 8, which gives a humourous spin (no pun intended) to the game's use of anti-gravity. Nintendo has now posted this video — along with two others — to its YouTube channel, and you can watch them in glorious HD quality below. The most amusing...
Mario Kart Month A Brief History Of Mario Kart Item Evolution: The Trusty Banana
Plenty of slip-ups contained within
Since the very beginnings of Mario Kart in the 1992 Super Nintendo original, items have been a truly defining aspect of the series. Little did we – and perhaps even Nintendo – know various themed items and effects originally extracted from the traditional Mario universe would go on to become such an integral...
Video This "Upside-Down Test" Mario Kart 8 Commercial is a Bit Awesome
"It's Flipping Fun"
Nintendo has expressed its desire to heavily promote Mario Kart 8 in the coming weeks and months, no doubt hoping to tempt a lot of gamers on the fence regarding the Wii U to take the plunge. In-store ads and a Mario Kart TV web app will play roles, though we should expect the company to spend some marketing money on good-old TV...
News Nintendo Announces "Mario Kart 8 Test Drive Days" At Over 2700 GameStop Stores
Pre-orders to get a special poster, too
It's pretty clear that plenty of Wii U owners are now impatiently awaiting Mario Kart 8, while others may be tempted to dive in and buy a system for the latest entry in the iconic series. Nintendo's cranking up the hype, meanwhile, with public-access demos now confirmed to be on the way to more than 2,700...
News Kosuke Yabuki Explains That Every Mario Kart is Made "From Scratch"
Explains retro course design and Battle mode's lack of arenas in MK8
Mario Kart 8 is now just a few weeks away, and the secrets of its modes and design have been stripped away in favour of anticipation as Wii U owners become keen to get their hands on the latest racer in the series. In a mini-interview with EDGE magazine, Kosuke Yabuki took the...
Play Let's Race Through Mario Kart 1-7, Live!
Let's do this...
As you're hopefully aware, we announced earlier this week that we're running a marathon live stream of Mario Kart 1-7, in which two courageous souls from the Nintendo Life team will sacrifice their Saturday for your entertainment. We'll also be hoping that the elaborate setup of cables for the broadcast won't spontaneously combust;...
Video Join Us For A Relaxing Weekend Drive Around Mario Kart 8's Vintage Circuits
A blast from the past
In keeping with previous entries in the series, Mario Kart 8 resurrects popular tracks from past games. These are far from being lazy upgrades, though — many have been retooled to take advantage of the game's anti-gravity focus, and all of them naturally benefit from a luscious HD lick of paint. In the video below, intrepid...
Mario Kart Month Mario Kart 8 Character Profiles: Koopalings Galore
Our profile series concludes with the new MK8 contestants
With Mario Kart's ever-expanding roster of eligible drivers, it can be tough to keep track of them all. When you're out there on the crowded raceway, how are you supposed to tell your Birdos from your Koopa Paratroopas? Have no fear: Nintendo Life is here to help you with handy character...
Video Mario Kart 8's Balloon-Popping Battle Mode Looks Something Like This
No arenas this time around
Battle Mode has been an intrinsic part of Mario Kart since the days of the SNES original, and that hasn't changed in Mario Kart 8. However, instead of popping balloons in a specially-designed arenas, this time around your battles occur on a limited selection of tracks from the game itself: Moo Moo Meadows Dry Dry...
News Mario Kart 8 Limited Edition Software Bundle Coming To North America
But will only be available from the Nintendo World store in New York
When the Mario Kart 8 limited edition software bundle – containing a copy of the game and a Blue Shell figurine – was announced for Europe, many Nintendo fans across North America feared they would be missing out on a collectable item. Fortunately, for those wanting something...
Play We'll Be Blasting Through Mario Kart 1-7 in a Twitch Marathon
Not a ROM in sight
Not long ago we took our first tentative steps into the world of Twitch when we played a bit of Mario Kart Wii live for your amusement. Now we're planning to go a step further and marathon the first seven titles in the series; before any of you say "what about the arcade cabinets", we'll have feature content about those this...
News Amazon Germany Offers an Exclusive Steelbook Edition of Mario Kart 8
Check this beauty out
Whenever the phrase 'steelbook' appears in relation to a limited edition game release, our interest is immediately piqued. Some of team Nintendo Life are still insanely jealous of the Metroid Prime Trilogy steelbook that was released in North America but not in Europe, for example. Metal is lovely for game packaging. It seems...
Video Witness The Intolerable Cruelty Of Mario Kart 8
All thanks to Mario Kart TV's awesome slow-mo feature
Mario Kart TV is one of the biggest additions to Mario Kart 8, and will allow players to save, edit and share their finest on-track moments. It's also great for messing about with and creating daft little videos, such as the one we present to you below. The game's slow-mo feature makes even the...
News Nintendo Reveals 'Mario Kart TV' Web App in Financial Results Briefing
Connecting with NNID will provide extra features
Earlier today we shared a report from Nikkei announcing a Mario Kart 8 website or app in translated comments from a Satoru Iwata press conference. Now that the translated investor briefing has been released we have some more firm details and a screen of the service in action. This will be a web...
News Mario Kart 8 Smart Device Website or App on the Way
To provide services such as ranking checks
Mario Kart 8 is already forging new ground on the Wii U, with Nintendo having confirmed not only the Mario Kart TV feature, but the ability to upload those highlights reels directly to YouTube from within the game. It also seems set to represent Nintendo's first move into producing an accompanying smart...
Video We Blast Around Five Of Our Favourite New Tracks In Mario Kart 8
Mii spotted in rather tight racing leathers
Mario Kart 8 is creeping ever closer, bringing with it plenty of excitement for Wii U owners. Nintendo produced a rather entertaining Mario Kart 8 Direct recently, and there's plenty of buzz about this one online. Like many others we're planning quite a few videos ahead of release to show you what it's...
Mario Kart Month Mario Kart 8 Character Profiles: Mo' Babies, Mo' Problems
Imagine: Karting Babyz
With Mario Kart's ever-expanding roster of eligible drivers, it can be tough to keep track of them all. When you're out there on the crowded raceway, how are you supposed to tell your Dry Bowsers from your Honey Queens? Have no fear: Nintendo Life is here to help you with handy character profiles on every racer in this May's...
Mario Kart Month Mario Kart 8 Character Profiles - The Veterans
It's a Mario (Kart) Party!
With Mario Kart's ever-expanding roster of eligible drivers, it can be tough to keep track of them all. When you're out there on the crowded raceway, how are you supposed to tell your Petey Piranhas from your Ludwig von Koopas? Have no fear: Nintendo Life is here to help you with handy character profiles on every racer in...
Mario Kart Month An Outsider's View Of Super Mario Kart
Kerry sees if the 16-bit classic is still in pole position
Mario Kart 8’s release is now just a few weeks away and everyone here at Nintendo Life is so excited about the game that they can’t sit still without applying superglue to their chairs first. Well everyone except me; I honestly haven’t been anywhere near a Mario Kart game for at least...
News The Awesome Hori Mario Kart 8 Accessories Seem To Hit The Final Straight For North America
Happy times
Not so long ago we had the happy news that Hori's rather attractive Mario Kart 8-themed GamePad skins and wheels to Europe. It seems that the accessory company — likely with distribution assistance from Nintendo — is also bringing its goodies to North America, too. The Mario and Luigi themed Wii wheels and GamePad skins have popped...
Video Nintendo Minute Kicks Off its Mario Kart May With Some SNES Racing
Back to the beginning
May is a big month for fans of the Wii U and the iconic Mario Kart series, and you can be sure that Mario Kart 8 and its predecessors will get plenty of coverage. Nintendo will be shouting from the rooftops, naturally, and its own weekly Nintendo Minute show will be getting into the act. Somewhat appropriately, the Nintendo of...
News Mario Kart 8 Bundle Dips Below £200 In The UK, Includes Additional Free Game Offer
Grab yourself a bargain
With Mario Kart 8 hitting the streets later this month, there has never been a better time to take the plunge and buy a Wii U console. Of course Nintendo are handily bundled together their Triple-A kart racer with the system, but where is the best place to buy it from? We'd recommend that you consider slapping in a preorder...
News Nintendo Ramps Up Its Merchandising Efforts With "World Of Nintendo" Toy Range
Coming to Australia this year
Nintendo has some of the most recognisable IP in the world of entertainment, and is clearly taking steps to leverage its library of characters with a new "World of Nintendo" range of toys and merchandise. 2014's big release Mario Kart 8 is getting a sizable push, with special track sets and cars hitting the market...
April2014
News New Mario Kart 8 Screenshots Power-Slide Into View
7 new screenshots to whet your appetite
What a day it has been for Mario Kart 8 news! If you missed the surprise Nintendo Direct broadcast earlier today, we've got you covered. What we didn't have space to show you in our monster round-up was some new screenshots which Nintendo released today. These show off new items such as the Super Horn and the...
Feature All the Important Details From the Mario Kart 8 Nintendo Direct Broadcasts
A perfect boost
Nintendo has pulled another Nintendo Direct rabbit out of the hat with its Mario Kart 8 videos, which were released straight onto YouTube. There were subtle regional differences, including the range of titles available in the undoubtedly attractive free Wii U game Club Nintendo promotion, while the North American broadcast had a few...
News Mario Kart 8 Club Nintendo Promotion Offers a Free Wii U Game
Choice of 10 in Europe, 4 in North America
After what were undoubtedly constant requests from fans — referenced directly by Satoru Iwata — Nintendo has unleashed new Mario Kart 8 Nintendo Direct broadcasts to reveal more about the upcoming Wii U blockbuster. Though regional variations were generally minor, there were subtle differences such as a...
News North American Wii U Mario Kart 8 Deluxe Set Bundle Races Into View
Could this be the Best Buy for US gamers?
We've already seen the Mario Kart 8 Wii U bundles for Europe and very nice they are too. Of course North America is not to be outdone and retailer Best Buy is currently accepting preorders for the Wii U Mario Kart 8 Deluxe Set — as seen above — for the attractive price of $329.99. As well as including a...
Nintendo Direct Special Mario Kart 8 Direct Shows New Features, Racers And Items
Watch the entire presentation here
Nintendo sure likes to keep us on our toes — it has just published a special, unannounced Nintendo Direct broadcast devoted to Mario Kart 8, which launches worldwide next month. The video — which is available in two different flavours, North American and UK — runs for over 30 minutes and contains details on...
Weirdness Best Buy Offers "Gas Cash" Promotion for Mario Kart 8
$10 of real-life gasoline to "rev up your Kart"
According to this site linked to Best Buy's Mario Kart 8 page, the company has an interesting promotion for customers in the United States. If you pre-order and purchase Mario Kart 8 at your local Best Buy, you'll get $10 in "gas cash" to fuel your real-life ride using a special code online. Specific...
News Nintendo To Market Mario Kart 8 Through The End Of The Year
Year of the Mario Kart
Nintendo UK has announced that the company's marketing campaign for Mario Kart 8 will run throughout the remainder of this year. A social media programme is already underway, which is designed to evoke old-school Mario Kart nostalgia; this will lead up to TV and online marketing campaigns that will launch when the game is...
News Amazon Comes in Low With Mario Kart 8 Wii U Bundle Price, Awesome GamePad Skins on the Way
Nintendo UK store has impressive Mario Kart 8 bundles, too
You may have already seen the news that Nintendo of Europe has confirmed the Mario Kart 8 Premium Pack – Special Edition Wii U Hardware Bundle for the region, and we expect that a North American announcement is just a matter of time. As anticipated it's a 32GB system with a disc copy of...
News Nintendo Confirms The Mario Kart 8 Premium Pack – Special Edition Wii U Hardware Bundle
Peach and Yoshi Wii Remote Plus controllers coming to Europe, too
Update: Nintendo of Australia has now confirmed the Mario Kart 8 Premium Pack – Special Edition bundle, with the same details; it's stated the recommended retail price in the region will be AU$429.95. Original Article: Not so long ago there was a rumour of a Mario Kart 8 Wii U...
Video Here's a Comparison of Mario Kart's Donut Plains 3 from SNES to Wii U
Generations apart
Comparison videos of retro tracks in Mario Kart 8 are certainly doing the rounds at the moment, and popular YouTube channel GameXplain has created a nifty split-screen video comparing the classic Super Mario Kart track Donut Plains 3 to its reimagining in the upcoming Wii U title. Check it out below: [ Nintendo EAD and its...
Rumour Mario Kart 8 Wii U Hardware Bundle On The Way
Seems feasible, salt on standby
Update: We've been advised by Nintendo that it has "nothing to announce at this time" regarding this rumour. You can take that to mean whatever you want, but that's the line we've been given. Original Article: We do enjoy juicy console bundle rumours here at Nintendo Life — the sensible ones, at least. A fresh...
Play Mario Kart Wii With Nintendo Life on Twitch - Live!
There will be blue shells
Nintendo Life does Twitch! Hopefully without it crashing, breaking down and basically not working. We're going all modern and trendy — next up an annoying catchphrase to open every stream! Well, maybe not on the catchphrase. We are, however, planning to run regular live streams of various Nintendo games that'll include...
Weirdness Now You Can Transform Your GamePad Into A Racing Wheel
Well, why not?
With Mario Kart 8 on the way, it should come as no great surprise to see peripheral makers attempt to capitalize on the renewed interest in racing titles, but Japanese firm CyberGadget has come up with the most unusual idea yet. Its Handle Stand fixes to your desk and allows you to clamp the GamePad in place, effectively turning it...
Play We'll Be Doing The Twitch Thing With Mario Kart Wii Online Multiplayer
Surely nothing can go wrong...
Twitch is all the rage, it seems, with the live streaming service used to watch gamers tackle a variety of titles and even team up in their thousands to play Pokémon. It's a social phenomenon in gaming. Aside from some retro titles being chaotically played by thousands of gamers at once, however, not much love is...
News Nintendo Releases An Awesome Mario Kart Infographic
Sorry arcade titles, you're out
With the release of Mario Kart 8 on Wii U preoccupying many minds ahead of 30th May, Nintendo is taking every opportunity to raise awareness and hype. Is there a better way to do this than with a fancy infographic? No, no there isn't. The infographic below shows the eight main series entries to date, spurning the...
Round Table Let's Talk Endlessly About Mario Kart 8, Just Because
Tom, Ant, Daz and Damo share their hands-on impressions
Our official Mario Kart 8 hands-on preview went live yesterday — if you haven't done so already, you should really read it. We'll wait here until you get back. Done? Good. We can now move onto the next phase of our Mario Kart 8 coverage: a good old-fashioned chat around a table featuring...
Video Check Out The Mario Kart 8 Visual Upgrade in This Retro Track Comparison
It's never looked this good
This week has brought us a flurry of activity relating to Mario Kart 8, with information emerging and a host of previews arriving online, including our own. One area that's been agreed upon across most outlets is that Nintendo's upcoming racer is a visual treat, utilising the hardware and terrific art design to great...
News Hideki Konno Emphasizes That Mario Kart 8 Balancing Means It's Not All About Luck
Promises that the new Rainbow Road is "spectacular"
As this is Mario Kart 8 day, or so it seems, there are some more snippets emerging from a GDC (Game Developers Conference) group interview held by game producer Hideki Konno in March. We've already heard details on why a custom track creator hasn't been included, and
Video Nintendo Minute Shows Off Two Courses in Mario Kart 8
Sweet Sweet Canyon and Toad's Turnpike in full
Today's certainly Mario Kart 8 day, with some new details emerging, while we've shared our — rather positive — opinions on the latest build in our own extensive preview; that article also includes a gorgeous new trailer. It's safe to say that some who weren't paying attention to the upcoming Wii U...
News Mario Kart 8 Producer Explains The Absence of a Custom Track Creator
"We'll come back to that issue and maybe re-address it"
With Mario Kart 8's arrival creeping agonisingly close, Nintendo has lifted the lid on more details and removed embargoes on a fair bit of information. One set of details is actually from last month's GDC (Game Developers Conference) in San Francisco, with quotes from a round table interview...
The green light is nearly on
When it comes down to major, triple-A retail releases on the way that will — Nintendo hopes — lift the Wii U's sales and boost the public's perception of the system, there's currently only one show in town. While there are a number of exciting titles on the way from Nintendo and its partners, Mario Kart 8 has a firm...
March2014
Video Nintendo Approves of this Mario Kart Song
For the First Time in Forever, for you Frozen fans
It's a well-known fact that, aside from the occasional multi-platform game that many will happily ignore, Mario Kart 8's 30th May arrival is the closest major release for the Wii U. One consolation is that there is an enticing line-up of eShop games, but retail titles can still arguably get the...
News The Wait for Mario Kart 8 Is Filled With Sunshine in This Week's Course Update
More goodness flies into view
In recent weeks Nintendo — through social network accounts including its Wii U UK Facebook page — has been teasing out additional courses for the upcoming Mario Kart 8. As a result it's become a slightly unexpected weekend routine of skimming the previous seven days to see what new tracks are on show, and the happy...
News Hori is Bringing Some Awesome Mario Kart 8 GamePad Skins and Mario & Luigi Wheels to Japan
We'll take them in the West, thanks
The release of Mario Kart 8 has already served up some promising pre-order choices in Europe and — to a lesser extent — in Japan. Now Hori is stepping in with some accessories in Nintendo's homeland, and we want them all. As you can see in the images below, Mario and
News Real-Life Mario Kart Event Brings a Community Together in Japan
Not a blue shell in sight!
The streets of Shibuya, Tokyo were transformed into a Mushroom Kingdom speedway last weekend, as a group of kart-drivers in full costume got together for a multiplayer session not to be forgotten. The event was organised by the members of Tokyo Gaijins, a Japan-based community group dedicated to bringing overseas and...
News Super Mario Kart Record Holder Sami Cetin Gives Some Tips and Hits the Track in Mario Kart 8
Niece and world champion Leyla Hasso takes him on
For the vast majority of Wii U owners, we suspect the 30th May release of Mario Kart 8 is a major event on their gaming calendars. It's a franchise that has consistently delivered success for Nintendo, with the most recent iterations uniting experienced gamers and enthusiastic newcomers in some...
News Mario Kart 8 Pre-Orders from Amazon Japan Get Sweet Mario or Rosalina Playing Cards
Full of win
With Mario Kart 8's release slowly creeping closer, Nintendo is gradually stepping up its pre-order marketing for multiple regions. Nintendo of Europe was first out of the gate with its Limited Edition software bundle, which includes a Spiny trophy along with the game, while the UK also has various offerings that include wheel...
News Here Are Two More Mario Kart 8 Courses to Enjoy
The start line approaches
Earlier this month we shared five Mario Kart 8 courses shared by Nintendo in the form of rather presentable screenshots. We'd hoped it would be the start of a gradual reveal of many more of the upcoming tracks, yet our waiting has been rewarded with just two additional courses; the reveals stopped on 7th March. Rather than...
Play Mario Kart 7 with Nintendo Life
Time for pure racing...
Earlier this year we had our first Mario Kart 7 community event of 2014, and unsurprisingly it was a lot of fun. Since that time the release date for Mario Kart 8 has been confirmed, and we've realised that we need a lot more practice before the new Wii U title rolls around. Besides, the 3DS game is still a blast to play over...
News Super Mario Kart Drifts Onto Aussie Wii U Virtual Console on 28th March
Mario Kart 8 discount promotion included
Following the original Nintendo of Europe announcement, Nintendo Australia has now confirmed that Super Mario Kart will also be released on the Aussie Wii U Virtual Console on 28th March. To celebrate the upcoming release of Mario Kart 8 and the VC version of the classic Super Nintendo game that started it...
News Mario Kart Arcade GP DX Now Available To Play At Dave & Busters
Never drink and drive, kids
Last year we announced the good news that Mario Kart Arcade GP DX would be hitting Western arcades some time in 2014. While everyone has been busy revving their engines in anticipation, the popular chain of arcade/bar/restaurant/super-fun-place Dave & Busters recently announced that it'll be stocking the machines...
News Nintendo of Europe Confirms Mario Kart 8 Limited Edition Software Bundle
The Spiny Shell is back
With Mario Kart 8 set to be a major release for the Wii U on 30th May, Nintendo of Europe has now started its engines on building hype and encouraging pre-orders. Having confirmed Super Mario Kart for the Wii U Virtual Console, along with a tempting eShop discount, it's also outlined physical retail options to tempt you to...
News SNES Classic Super Mario Kart Is Racing To The Wii U Virtual Console This Month
Download and get a discount on the cost of Mario Kart 8
Nintendo UK has announced that Super Mario Kart will be hitting the European Wii U Virtual Console later this month — March 27th, to be precise. What's more, as part of a special promotion in the run up to the release of Mario Kart 8, if you download Super Mario Kart you will receive a...
News Special Mario Kart 8 Event Racing Towards SXSW on 7th March
Nintendo of America and Pennzoil strike a deal
Has there ever been a series that so perfectly captures the mayhem of racing games like everyone’s favourite plumber and his red shell collection? The short answer is arguably no, and this May will see Nintendo’s front man return to the track in Mario Kart 8. All new racers, all new tracks, all new...
February2014
Because we all need more plastic accessories, right?
Remember the Wii Wheel? It’s a plastic peripheral that some would rather forget, and others will have fonder memories of. Despite mixed reactions, the wheel was ultimately an integral part of the Mario Kart experience on the Wii. Nintendo strongly marketed the product offering a new way to play,...
News Pre-orders for Mario Kart Ride-on Available at Toys 'R Us in the United States
Comes with a 100,000-mile or 1-Blue Shell warranty
Remember that sweet-looking Mario Kart ride-on we reported was coming to the UK later this year? Turns out Toys 'R Us customers in the United States can already put money down on the same set of wheels. Pre-orders for the Super Mario Kart Ride-on are currently open at the Toys 'R Us website. The 6V...
Weirdness Here's Some Olympic Speed Skating, Mario Kart Style
Can we start the petition for a 2018 inclusion?
The heat of competition burns at your pounding heart, rivulets of sweat drip down your brow but you can't afford even a second to wipe it away. Your pulse marks each passing second, the weight of the world gathers on your weary shoulders and as the finish line comes into sight, you know the true...
News Mario Kart Ride-on Racing into the UK Later this Year
"Billy, why'd you peel all the bananas?"
Let's admit it: some things just feel wasted on the young. With Nintendo stating its desire to increase its IP licensing, those of us who are adults can at least get away with buying the new plushies and figures and such that will come of this. But a licensed replica of Mario's very own Mario Kart as a...
News Bowser's Koopalings Join the Cast of Mario Kart 8, Launches 30th May
The gang's all here!
In today's much anticipated Nintendo Direct, CEO Satoru Iwata announced that Mario Kart 8 will officially be launching on 30th May in both NA and EU; this follows the late January confirmation that it was to be a May release. Iwata-san also announced that a few new "unexpected" characters will be added to the game's roster. For...
Weirdness New Scientific Research Reveals The Horrifying Impact Of Texting On Mario Kart Drivers
Don't text and handle red shells, kids
As we all know, texting behind the wheel isn't a wise move — it has caused countless accidents on roads all over the world, and you should never, ever do it. Ever. However, less is known about the effect texting has on road safety in Mario Kart. Thankfully, some pioneering scientists (in reality nine adults...
January2014
Play Mario Kart 7 with Nintendo Life - The Return
Start your engines
At the dawn of time Nintendo Life arranged community nights of online Mario Kart 7, and the gamers were happy. And lo, the ceremonies were ended in favour of seeking new forms of entertainment, exploring the world of online Nintendo gaming and seeking places where all could meet, unite as one, and compete in fun games. So began a...
December2013
News Mario Kart 8 Jump Festa Impressions
They're floaty light!
Over in Japan gamers attending the Jump Festa 2014 show are getting to grips with Mario Kart 8, lucky things. Reports so far tell us that there are three tracks for attendees to play — "Circuit", "Resort" and "Ghost House", which sound the same as the demo builds we've enjoyed in the West — and the game allows two players...
News Rosalina, Baby Characters, New Courses And Unique Rides All Confirmed For Mario Kart 8
UFOs, ATV buggies and bikes all inbound
Today's Nintendo Direct broadcast was bursting with new information about a host of Wii U and 3DS titles, and those looking forward to Mario Kart 8 weren't left disappointed. Nintendo president Satoru Iwata revealed a whole host of fresh info about the forthcoming Wii U racer, including new tracks and...
News Ender's Game Star Asa Butterfield Cut His Teeth On The Nintendo GameCube
"The HD version of Wind Waker makes me want to get a Wii U"
British actor Asa Butterfield may only be a tender 16 years of age, but he's already got a pretty impressive CV. He starred in the harrowing World War II drama The Boy in the Striped Pajamas back in 2008 before hooking up with legendary director Martin Scorsese for the dream-like Hugo. More...
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