Mercedes DLC Confirmed for Mario Kart 8 in the West

Why not an Italian Ferrari, instead of a German Benz??? Makes no sense. Ferrari red would suit Mario well

No way I'm getting it,even it it's free.

The day this arrives will be the day I no longer own Mario Kart 8. (Get a download code for Tropical Freeze instead). Leaving me with only Lost World left as a hard copy (Which I will also get rid of as soon as I can keeping the DLC presuming it works like I think it does).

Nice to hear the confirmation.

I actually been looking forward to this. Strange how the west gets it much later than Japan it should arrive on the same day

@unrandomsam why are you people so against this?

@Randomname19 and @unrandomsam

We don't care.

More courses and/or GP cups would be a good DLC package.

Mario Kart has been about fantasy racing. Seeing a real-life advertisement in the form of a boring-looking vehicle is kind of disgusting.

What date is it out?

Seems very very out of place in a Mario Kart game.

Sweet deal! Count me in!!!!

@Mega719 Read Kilroy's comment,he took the words right out of my mouth.

I want a gif of luigi death stare in that car....get on it internet!

I wouldn't have a problem with this at all if Mercedes designed it to look like it actually BELONGS in the MK universe. As it is, it looks tacky and uninteresting.

@Mega719 I don't like advertising. (Or Mario Kart 8 which makes the decision easier but I am lazy by nature so without this I probably just wouldn't have bothered).
_{Please just leave it at that — the preamble was unnecessary. Thanks! — TBD}

We'll see what happens, there are so many variables of which we will find out before the summer is over, THEN I will be able to judge this

This is awesome. Can't wait to see it release!

I hope its not for a limited time. I want to get it.

@Kilroy that is how I feel (your second post). If they "cartooned" it up a bit, I wouldn't care. It sticks out like a sore thumb otherwise, and clashes with the asthetics of the game. However I am not going to picket NOA over it, I just won't use it.

I hope we get some new tracks along with this!

While I don't care if it will be playable online, I still hope it won't be for the sake of those who don't want seeing it online publicly. I can understand the purists not wanting it on a Mario Kart game.

I don't really see it as too terribly less cartoony than the Sports Coupe that's already in the game: http://www.mariowiki.com/Sports_Coupe

Could be brighter, maybe. Have some pinstriping?

Still waiting for my F-Zero Blue Falcon DLC, Ninty...

I'll rock it but I own't pay a dime.

Imma ride as Pink Gold Peach all day in this.

German cars are safer, more comfortable and have more boot space for shells and banana peels.

Summer? So that means October, right?

Yay! I don't care what it is, any added content to this gem of a game is welcome to me! ...and as much as I like Mario's world to be separate from the real world, I'm really not going to let this bother me. I mean, it's like one time DLC...I don't think it's really that bad.

People get upset about this? It doesn't look that different to some of the other karts in the game.

Sounds great, Luigi would be ridin' dirty in that.

Sucks to be you, @unrandomsam. I knew some Nintendo fans were against DLC, but you sell your game for free DLC you don't even have to download? That's overboard, even if it looks "too realistic".

I don't understand the hate. I want this!

Well, I don't know about it looking realistic. I think it looks adorable!

@noctowl Its no lie.

@NavySpheal Its actually better for me in the case because I don't even like Mario Kart 8 but whereas before it would just sit in a drawer now it will be sold and I will get something I do want with the money. (Which usually I am far too lazy to do).

I wanna see Mario drive a James Bond style car with added theme music!

@unrandomsam Oh, well I understand it better now. I thought you enjoyed the game up until the DLC announcement. Sorry about that.

NOW GIMME EXTRA TRACKS!!!

I'll get it but can't see myself using it often. Still I don't mind Nintendo doing this now and again as long as it doesn't take over, and I doubt it will. What we really need though is more characters and a few arenas please. Go on Ninty, you know you want to.

I don't understand this people in the comments.
Even though this kart (car?) doesn't really suit Mario Kart does not mean it doesn't "suit" the game. Your reasoning is because there are already real car simulator games out there and it doesn't fit in the game.You can still get the quirkiness and craziness of Mario Kart just as the other karts available in the game. When was the last time you saw a Mercedes being hit by turtle shells? It's also FREE so why the hate?

I'm looking forward to smashing that Benz off Rainbow Road on my Yoshi bike. Now give us a few more tracks please.

it looks like a Power Wheels

God, I just hate it when Nintendo gives me free extra content. What jerks.

This might be the only way I ever drive a Benz LOL

Don't understand the hate for this. It's OK to not like it by all means; but it's free, it's optional and it doesn't even look that bad. Anyway, bring on the Mario Kart DLC.

Unfortunately, you guys seem to be a bit late to these news, by about a month or two. I wish this article could be an update to the news, such as an actual date...

However, I'm so hyped for this DLC. Now excuse me as I fantasize Luigi giving off the Death Stare as he drives in the Mercedes blasting dubstep with the bass at the highest level.

Fun as this DLC may be, what about other DLC? Characters, tracks, extra modes? Options/stats menu? C'mon, guys. I'll keep using the Yoshi Bike anyway, and occasionally the Pipe Frame, Mach 8 or Sports Coupe when I feel like driving a kart. I'll get the DLC and play a round with it, but after that I probably won't touch this thing again. This might get me to get a Benz though! ...eventually, once they're cheap enough. And if they're no gas guzzlers.

@audiobrainiac Yeah, execept Ferrari won't pay them advertisement fees

It may look a little odd but as long as they a) don't charge for it and b) doesn't have stats which makes it stupidly overpowered then i don't mind it. It's harmless fun and optional so if you don't want it, don't download it- simple!

Awesome!

@Cresartist Last time we only knew it would be released in Japan. Today was when they announced it for NA and Europe.

@Cresartist
How so? I don't remember anyone announcing this as coming to America a month or two ago.

To the people like "I won't play this game anymore when this comes out!" Bye. Don't let free DLC that doesn't affect you in the slightest hit you on your way out.

Haven't played MK8 in dayz, will downloading this as soon as it's available.

@AVahne @GrumbleVolcano Several other websites said it. I do not exactly remember where I heard it from, though.

@Emaan Nintendo already has your money anyway!

@Yosher Unless you have a car nut in your family who enjoys playing Mario Kart 8.
Me? I have several.

Meh, whatever. I wont use it.

I have no issue with this, as long as it can't be used online so I don't ever have to see that in my game. Looks so out of place. Never thought we'd see advertising show up in Mario Kart of all games.

Why is everyone complaining about one tiny optional product placement? At least it's not as horribly in-your-face as

(Yes, this actually exists.)

What's the problem with this? IT'S OPTIONAL!

Why do people have a problem with this when we have karts like this in the game already......



I'm fine with this I might even use it occasionally there is no rule against these types of cars being in Mario Kart.

@sketchturner No use trying to understand what makes no sense whatsoever. Even if someone really doesn't like it, no one forces them to actually use it in the game... And I want to put those wheels under all of my 'karts'!

Yay! My first Mercedes, lol.

@Cresartist O_O
@Jazzer94 They're more colorful.

@iphys Lol
I figured this would make it overseas. Hope this makes more DLC more likely.

@Jazzer94 My thoughts exactly. The Mercedes actually looks like the sleekest kart/car in the game, which I like, and looks better than the Coupe. Though a bright red coat of paint would have made it even better.

I wonder how this kart will work on the selection screen. Can it have other tires put on, or is it stuck with these? And can these tires be used with other karts? And lastly, will this also include it's own glider?

@Cresartist As a matter of fact, I do have a family member who's really really into cars, and really enjoys Mario Kart 8 as well (despite never being that big a Mario Kart fan before, he even bought a Wii U just for this game). I don't see how that's relevant to what I said, though.

@Randomname19 They're still realistic though.

@DoomTurtle This is most likely a set of parts that are meant to be together, but you can do what you want with.

Can't wait to put Monster Truck tires on a Mercedes.

Meh i will get the DLC to see the car is worth my time or not.

Does it include a glider?

@unrandomsam Did anybody ask what you planned to do?

I'll get it, it does look wierd but I like the quirky look of it somehow!
My view on this is that if Nintendo are looking for more revenue, let Mercedes pump in the cash, NOT customers. There are far worse ways to squeeze cash out of a game than sponsorship of free karts. If this was paid I'd have a problem but it's free, you don't HAVE to get it to if don't want. it won't effect the price you paid or you gaming experience.

I'd be more interested in downloadable courses.

@Shiryu

I want to see an Austin-Healey Sprite

@Jazzer94 Cuz they are BMW/Audi Fanboys.

@Jazzer94 those are some sexy vehicles you have there!

Personally I am all for this dlc. Its not the kart that matters its the enjoyment you get from the game. Heck I will drive around in a tiny pink dinglehopper if it moves fast enough.

Looks alright to me. Like a poster said above, it will hardly look as realistic with monster truck or sponge tires on it. Sure it's product placement but it's entirely optional. You can't turn your head in modern society without something being advertised to you. Don't like it - Don't use it.

What's more important about this is that it proves Mk8 has the ability to add DLC... I'm not generally a fan of DLC but I can make an exception in this case. More characters please!

If it is a paid DLC for the Mercedes cars, I would have rather had it be new courses or characters instead, not really worth it.
But if it is free (highly doubtful, but I can have some wishful thinking) - I find that's pretty comical and will probably download it for giggles.

I hope they release some of the old battle tracks as DLC
and more retro courses

I dont really care about more characters

My only problem with this kind of thing would be if it was paid DLC and it gave an advantage to people.

It would be a bit rubbish if the only DLC we ever got for free was this. I hope we get some real world track DLC. Mario Kart in the Nurburgring or Brands Hatch would be sweet!

@Cresartist: Maybe if you did your research, you'd know that Pepsi Invaders wasn't even a commercial product but rather a gift to a select few Coke employees. Here, read up on it.

As for this DLC...it doesn't bother me, and at least it shows they're coded to accept DLC at all. Step in the right direction, IMO.

@SanderEvers Don't get me wrong. There are plenty of characters. I should have been more specific - More characters that I want please! (Diddy Kong, E.Gadd)

Never thought I'd see the day where people would complain about free DLC. lol

@Stuffgamer1 Oh. ._.

There still are games released to the public only for the purpose of product placement. Games based on McDonalds such as McKids, for starters.

@Hy8ogen Don't forget Ferrari.

@Oren We'll just get Captain Toad. xD

Lol. This is so weird, but hey, if it's free I'll try it.

@Oren Spooky DLC this october, get the good doc, as well as King Boo(forget if he was in the game or not), Dry Bones versions of characters, and tracks based on Luigi's Mansion and other spooky areas/levels! Nintendo get on that!

@Cresartist: That is very true. I just think it's funny the example you picked first wasn't even applicable.

@rjejr haha good one.

@Mega719 They think it doesn't fit in the game, when there are already tons of things that don't fit. In other words...this fits.

@Sparx Themed DLC like that is actually a pretty cool idea. Even if it's only one extra character and a track. It would be a good excuse to further market the game once those times of the year hit too.

Nintendo should just hire me for their marketing...

Am I the only one that thinks that this is funny but that a character like Waluigi should not be in the same game as Rosalina?

@kuribo4

I agree. Waluigi should not be in any game

@Cresartist
As far as I know, every website has only reported on the Japanese announcement.

They should release Captain Toad as a DLC character.

Mario looks like he can just barely fit in the car.

@sinalefa I tried to complete a coup with him but I couldn't. xD
Thank God Miyamoto cancelled the Wapeach they were going to make for Mario Tennis.
Waluigi isn't cute/funny or anything. Just ugly.

Also included with the Mercedes DLC pack: Geoff Keighley's Mii and two brand new courses; Dew Dew Mountain and Doritos Canyon.

Looks strange lol but I like that its free DLC.

It looks so out of place, but that is kind of the novelty of it.
I don't really agree with the real car in Mario Kart, but at the same time I think it is cool. I might just use the tires from it, but you could catch me driving the whole thing once in a while.

My NNId is KromCo

I like this, but I'll like it even better if it's free. And I'll take any MK8 DLC as long as it adds more to Battle mode, maybe finally give us arenas...

@Jazzer94 This. Now I'd like to see a response from any of the whiners above.

Yay! More MK8 DLC the better, just give it to me Nintendo!!!

It's not as bad as Danica Patrick in Sonic Racing, but wow, that looks so out of place and clashes with the style terribly.

Battle Mode is probably the biggest dire need that MK8 has as far as DLC goes

@unrandomsam

Did you HONESTLY just compare racism and homophobia to not liking optional free DLC in a video game?

Disgusting.

@MrGawain German cars are safer, more comfortable and have more boot space for shells and banana peels.

Best comment on page.

Why is everyone complaining? Sure it's out of place in a Mario Kart game but it's free DLC. I'm completely happy with that.

This saddens me. The wonderful thing about playing Nintendo games is the incredible worlds they create. Even the advertising in the games is for fictional businesses in the Nintendo universe. To introduce this sort of in-game advertising/product placement takes Nintendo to a place I hoped they wouldn't go. No fun at all.

But worse still is knowing that this is just the beginning... that if this is successful, then Nintendo's games may suddenly be filled with ridiculous product placement and advertising. That they've held out this long is one of the reasons I respect Nintendo in this generation of consoles.

@unrandomsam So you've got a game you do not like and were going to keep it in a drawer but now that a free piece of dlc is coming out for it, you are going to sell it. Makes perfect sense.................

@Xiao_Pai "Never thought I'd see the day where people would complain about free DLC. lol"
Are you kidding, this is the internet. People would complain if they listed the lottery numbers but didn't get their winnings on a large novelty cheque!

@Mqblank I'd complain about that. Novelty cheques are awesome (also, English spelling of cheque for the win).

It's the Mercedes I so richly deserve.

Ohh, I hope we get a Dodge Ram DLC next!!

That's awesome! They should add BMW or a Lambo!

people can stop being mad about this, this "kart" will be used for a few weeks by people, but people will go back to using winning karts and bikes. i highly doubt the stats will be good on this car

It weird how Wario's car is a Cadillac Eldorado and everyone (the haters that is) don't bat a eye yet they complain about this. I guess Nintendo need to change the name and remove the logo to fit the universe.

Any who, I'm just happy we are getting free dlc that remains the same as the eastern counterpart.

Edit: found a image of a Cadillac Eldorado FYI

@unrandomsam Then you might as well hide yourself in a hole and never come out because there is advertising everywhere. Don't watch TV, don't listen to the radio, Don't go out and drive your car, Don't go grocery shopping. There is advertising everywhere and saying you don't want to play a game because of an optional DLC that is free is just sad.

Selling my Wii U now!

I want to play Mario Kart as The Stig..... Some say that he is immune to blue shells!

@Swiket You wouldn't be saying any of this if the Mercedes logo wasn't there and if it had been in the game from the get go.

@Daisaku36 I would sell mine but I'm waiting for that one special game I really hate so I can complain about it on here and threaten (to no one in particular) to sell it.

Honestly though, who here would complain if it was announced that we WEREN'T getting this dlc. I imagine a lot of the people that are complaing we are getting it...

I can't speak for anyone else, but it's not so much about the dlc and as it is what it represents and what may come. I don't want it, so I won't down load it. That's fine. But if they see success in this, this sort of thing may become more common place, more involuntary (and update to a game that also includes new ads for real world product in - let's say - Mario Kart. The update patches something, but ads McDonalds logos on everything), and more high-profile (and entire first-party game baring some ridiculous brand-extension or branding). That's what I'm annoyed about.

I don't really see this as much different from when certain game designers/publishers have included content completely unrelated to the game, but perhaps relevant for the platform, in the game. That's basically "advertising/product placement" right there.

Some instances I can think of at the top of my head

Mario/Zelda costumes in Tekken Tag Tournament 2

Samus/Peach/Zelda costumes in the upcoming Bayonetta 2

Kratos in Mortal Kombat 9

Link in Soul Calibur 2

Spawn in Soul Calibur 2

Zelda and Yoshi levels in Sonic Lost World

If people aren't really bothered by these, I don't see how including a product/feature related to something NOT part of the video game industry can get people so riled up. Would one's experience playing Fallout, for example, really be any different if the Nuka Cola bottle caps were actually Coca Cola bottle caps?

My personal feeling is that these things don't bother me as long as they're optional. I would feel differently, however, if some more relevant bundle required accepting product placement. I.e., I'd be pretty pissed if a DLC package containing 4 new characters all contained code that would change all the signage to McDonalds signs or something.

This is Nintendo selling out. It's disgusting.

YES THANK YOU NINTENDO

I wonder if the weird ad will air here in the UK

@rjejr who knows what month summer is anymore, it might even be december...

It looks a bit weird and there's no way I'd pay for it, but I don't have a problem with it really. I do wish it would conform to the other vehicles and have the character badge on the bonnet at least, though!

@ScorpionMG Yeah, especially as October 3rd counts as summer...

@Randomname19 Why, even if you download it, you won't be forced to use it. Just another option for a vehicle. Do you have something against options?

I've always wanted to race around in a Mercedes-Benz, but they're so expensive, and I'd never be able to afford it. With this, I can finally realize my dream.

@unrandomsam If you hate advertising, how do you cope in the world we live in how? AFAIK advertisement is literally everywhere.

@ikki5 Billboards are about the limit of what I see (And there are basically none directly around where I live). There are no ad's on Netflix or Spotify Premium. Or BBC Radio. (Or BBC TV for that matter but I rarely watch it). If I buy something it is because I have actively looked for it and decided I want it. I buy food from local shops not chain stores. (More expensive but its not really that much more and at least the meat looks like meat). Europe seems to do well without it as well. (Its an eyesore as much as anything else).

Those who are complaining about this should definitely look at Guitar Hero World Tour and then they'll realise this is nothing.

@Xiao_Pai

@ScorpionMG - "it might even be December.."

Well it is in Australia. I think. Maybe.

Though I'm really more concerned w/ a SSB date, not only is it THE game for Wii U for the holidays (Captain Toad looks like a fun little casual app diversion, not a system seller) but they are also selling amiibo toys, a Gamecube adapter, and Gamecube branded Wii U controllers. That's an entire section in a retail store devoted to Wii U - and all that stuff will get shoved into a corner somewhere, if that, if SSB gets delayed until after Dec 24. Wii U can't afford that. It just can't.

Whats next? A Lada?

@rjejr I'd be extremely surprised if we didn't get a concrete date of the start of December relatively soon. There is no way they will delay it. At this point a slightly imperfect SSB is better for Nintendo to release that sweet FA at Xmas. I'm confident it'll be 100% done. Looked pretty close at e3. If not, well.... I guess there's always the option to patch......

@unrandomsam Scroll to the top of this page... What do you see...?

@rjejr Summer for Nintendo means December

Just to anger the 'purists' I will download this and use it online.

If it's free, I'm getting it, if not then so be it.

Weird but fair enough.

I think it will be amusing to troll people online in this kart, judging from the reaction here. XD

@rjejr Correct, summer begins in December in Australia. Not that Nintendo would ever notice, just the other week we had a "summer sale" advertised on the Wii U eShop.

Hoooooly crud, the negativity here. "I'm not gonna play this game just because of this DLC!" Really? Pfft. As for me, I'm game!

@unrandomsam Bah ha ha, I honestly don't believe half the stuff you said there. I doubt you just shop as small stores, even if you did, there is still advertising in those stores. Unless you yourself run the store, 99% of stores will have some kind of ads in them and if they don't, they will have them at some point. Yeah, netflix and that doesn't have ads, so yeah, I get you can claim that you don't watch TV ads because I am the same way. However over all, you claim that you don't do stuff that has ads well, I highly doubt that the BBC is the ONLY radio station you listen to as well as the fact that you use the internet which is chuck full of ads. Even this site has ads and yet you are here. So don't go give that crap about ads and how you refuse to do things that have ads.

Other cars I'd like to see, if only for the fact it would really annoy some people:
-any late 70s/early 80s AMC Eagle or Pacer, with rust.
-Limo from Cannonball Run w/chimp
-Adam West version Batmobile
-Austin "Danger" Powers Jaguar E-type Union Jack model
and
-The scooter from Dumb and Dumber
(seriously, lighten up if optional, free DLC of an actual car upsets you that much... maybe set the controller down for a bit and try a funny movie, like Spaceballs)

bwahaha totally getting this, even if it costs something

@Jazzer94 I agree, the top 2 karts there are good, but I NEED THIS KART. FREE OR NOT FREE. Talk about riding in Style!

Probably the closest I'll get to driving a Mercedes, sure!

I don't get what the big deal is. The Mercedes will probably have zero base stats like the standard cart and standard wheels combo. Though if Nintendo gave it souped up stats, I would be POed. I believe we have found a new target for battle mode: anyone driving around in a Mercedes will get pummeled with items!

I also want Coca-cola and LG ads. If I can pay for them, even better!

The dumbest decision Nintendo could ever make with Mario Kart 8 is not including additional tracks as DLC. The game already has just as many courses as every other rendition of Mario Kart (excluding super circuit but those are far easier to make) so at this point, anyone against DLC can shove it right back down their throat. You got what you paid for now the rest of us who want more can get it. I'd be content with remakes of courses from previous titles. Banshee boardwalk!

I hate this blatant piece of free advertising dlc and hate Nintendo for allowing it. So, I'm off to turn on my ad-free Xbox dashboard and play Doritos Crash Course and buy some more levels. So there....

@DestinyMan Me toooooo, but I always play Wario anyway, so that's a given.

Oh come on guys, even though it's advertising kinda, it's definitely meant in a humorous way. It's not like MK8 target demo are people who buy cars yet anyway lol. You don't have to download it if you hate it. I think it's pretty funny and stylewise it's not too far from Wario's karts in some titles...

Haha! Yes!! Why not?

@Kogorn733 Nintendo costumes in Tekken and Bayonetta are funny. Real cars in Mario Kart aren't. That's all.

This is going to look so cool with the gold tires!

lol I love how upset some folks get over optional DLC. I'll be using this with Pink Gold Peach or Baby Daisy.

Everybody complained when Nintendo wasn't advertising, now they're cashing in on one of their biggest franchises with one of the biggest car manufacturers people are still complaining. The car looks perfect next to the already included sports coupe. Come on people its not like they took a mclaren straight out of forza5 and just plonked it in the game because that would have just been silly.

@andreoni79 Thats not a real car its animated, so unless your going to Toon town with Roger and Jessica the only way you could drive it is in mario kart 8. Seriously get over it people its product placement, right now its a good thing for nintendo while the wii u gathers ground. Its not like microsoft and sony who constantly give us unfinished games then throw day1 dlc at us along with adverts on every page of there home screen dashboard.

@unrandomsam Why does it matter so much? is it that hard to simply not download the content?

I think this is hilarious. Certainly not a reason to sell the game. I switch up karts regularly for variety, so I won't be using this often, if at all besides for novel appeal and humor.

@unrandomsam I really cannot understand people such as yourself. This is going to be FREE DLC. No body is holding a gun to your head, you either choose to download it or not. So, due to the fact that the first DLC for MK8 contains a Mercedes, you are going to stop playing, what is probably the best game on Wii U at the moment. your thinking/actions have no logic what-so-ever.

No one who uses it is ruining my game, so I don't see the deal.

Laughs at all the sad people who are pissed about this

Tears start to flow through the laughter

Laughing turns to sobbing

I wish I had this game...or even a Wii U...

I'm waiting for something like this.

@AshFoxX Wow, that pedal car is trash. Just look at the wheel!

@StarDust4Ever the intention was for a delorean kart. This is the only picture I could find of one. Lol!

Oh hey, a boring looking car added solely for product placement. Ugh. I don't care if it is free, I don't like product placement shoved in my face.

lol so many butt hurt Nintendo fans! It's kinda funny!

Can't wait to see Luigi stare angrily at Mario's Mercedes.

@AshFoxX Ah, I get it. Do you think they'll make the flux capacitor into an item?

@StarDust4Ever well, they already have flame trails and folding wheels so a delorean is a no brainer. What would a flux capacitor item do? Send the other racers back in time?

@KeyMastar Boo Hoo....
I'm sorry, but.... Welcome to Nintendo
The very same company that has a CEO that fought against Iwata and sent a woman to another dimension before E3 2014, Complete with a robot replica!

@unrandomsam And here comes unrandomsam, the guy whom I always see write negative comments on every post!

i have a feeling the 2 mercedes that i drive irl are much faster.

Almost 200 comments, and no one has been able to articulate why they are against this.

This is free and totally optional; sounds like the perfect scenario for DLC.

@AshFoxX The Flux Capacitor warps you to lap #3!

can we dlc more tracks?

@Pinkman Two completely different things. Marketing and evangelizing their system and pushing proper messaging so people understand the Wii U/Gamepad concept or even know what the Wii U is, is far and away different from throwing some unrelated, game world altering, and possibly gameplay altering (still don't know what the stats will look like for this 'kart') ridiculous dlc for a quick buck that has absolutely nothing to do with their franchise. That's not advertising, it's piss-poor brand extension invading a gaming world where Mercedes doesn't exist. What it represents is sad and obnoxious.

And it has nothing to do with Nintendo advertising the system or it's games. Putting Mario in a Mercedes is not going to sell systems, nor is it going to sell a Mercedes. I have no idea what they are thinking… (well, obviously Nintendo's thinking with it's short-term wallet).

We're still waiting...

Nintendo is just like Sony & Microsoft, They're a corporation that must please share holders. People on the comment thread should stop glorifying Nintendo and understand that they must run a business.