Gizmodo: mario kart

School Shows Students Dangers of Texting While Driving Using Mario Kart

Jack Loftus — Sun, 17 May 2009 13:00:00 EDT

Vail Christian High School is taking this texting-while-driving thing seriously. So seriously, in fact, that they've brought in one of the most realistic driving simulators ever conceived to teach kids the dangers of this practice.

The simulation is simple. Students grasp the motion sensitive wheel in one hand, and a cell phone in the other. Then, just like in a real live driving situation, they fire off a blue shell before bounding over spongy mushroom jumps while a mustachioed plumber hurls bananas and high-pitched Italian-esque insults in their general direction.

See? Totally serious.

Now, silly as it sounds, this program apparently did educate the students about the dangers of driving ~~in the Mushroom Kingdom~~ while texting. "I ran into a lot of things and it was very stressful," said 13-year-old "it's-a me!" Alli O'Brian.

Good on her, and good on Eagle County, seriously, for educating these kids early on. As we saw here in Boston recently, texting's no joke. In fact, as Chen pointed out, it's getting pretty frickin' ridiculous.

[9 News - Thanks, Phil]

Twisted Soul Guts Super Famicom Cartridge to Create USB Hub

Jack Loftus — Sun, 05 Apr 2009 10:00:00 EDT

I'm all for mods, hacks and whatnot, but this SNES USB hub goes too far. Removing the innards from Mario Kart, just for a USB hub? Surely, Hong Kong 97 deserves such a fate, no?

But in all seriousness, it's not like you have to gut a classic to create this DIY hub. And, in defense of the creator, his materials list does state that the cartridge was already broken before descending upon it with knife and Dremmel. I apologize.

In the end, this is a quick and dirty little project, comprised of only three ingredients and requiring minimal tools and expertise. Just don't hack up anymore classics if you make this your Sunday project. My innocent childhood memories beg it of you. [Instructables via Gearfuse - Thanks, Daniel]

Mini Mario Kart R/C Racing Set Takes the Game Into the Real World

Sean Fallon — Mon, 24 Nov 2008 14:15:00 EST

The giant Mario Kart R/C racer was cool, but Mario on Mario races don't do a great job of bringing the game out of the Wii and into the real world (even the slot racer set doesn't quite do the trick). However, these new mini R/C toys from Brando are a different story. Each rechargeable, iPod shuffle-sized racer comes with a 6-direction IR controller and shell and banana accessories. Plus, it comes in Mario, Luigi, Koopa and Yoshi varieties. Available for $24 each.

[Brando]

Wiimote Keychains Project a Mario Mosaic On Your Wall

Sean Fallon — Fri, 21 Nov 2008 15:00:00 EST

These mini wiimote novelty keychains have a unique function—it can shine an image of your favorite Mario-Kart character on the wall at the push of a button. Fans can collect six different versions that feature Luigi, Wario, Princess Peach, Yoshi and Baby Mario—but I wouldn't expect Mario to come flying out of the woodwork on a kart to save you when you shine the signal. Yup, your only hope is that Ron Jeremy happens to drive past you on a moped while you are getting mugged. Available for $6.

[ThinkGeek via Technabob]

Wii Wheel Mount Plays Mario Kart in Stereo(types)

Mark Wilson — Thu, 03 Jul 2008 09:00:00 EDT

For those who don't like the floating steering wheel of Mario Kart Wii (because it lacks the realism of driving around a banana-spewing bulletmobile), this wheel mount by JTT isn't a bad solution. Using a suction cup to attach the wheel to any flat surface, the top tilts 120-degrees so you can compete old-lady or bus-driver-style. But for $28, we really wish it had the famous Chinese-girl-driving-wrong-on-one-way setting. Oh well. I guess good old fashioned psychotic "don't-cut-me-off"-motherfucker-Caucasian will still serve me as well as it always has. [JTT via GoNintendo]

Blazepro Offers Realistic Wii Racing Wheel For Better Mario Kart Control

Sean Fallon — Thu, 22 May 2008 15:00:00 EDT

If you haven't quite earned a license for Mario Kart driving, you can bypass the tacky training wheel and head straight for a realistic, grown-up solution. Blazepro is now offering a beefed-up racing wheel for the Wii that promises better driving accuracy. And, since the base can be attached to any desktop for better stability, chances are it can deliver on that promise. When your skills improve, you can even detach the wheel for traditional in-air gameplay. Available for only $5.87. [Superufo via Wii News]

Suck At Mario Kart? Build a Training Wheel in a Few Easy Steps

Sean Fallon — Wed, 21 May 2008 19:50:00 EDT

At first glance I thought that this homemade wheel mount was absolutely ridiculous—and with good reason. However, the fact that I recently played Mario Kart with my novice girlfriend leads me to believe that there could be a place for a mount like this. Using only a couple of 36-inch bungie cords and a plastic crate, you can build what is essentially a training wheel for the game that helps beginners settle down with the Wiimote and master the basic steering movements. Just don't let any of your gamer friends catch you using it. A video of the steering wheel mount "in action" is available after the break.

[Wii Fanboy]

Wiis Today at Toys R Us!

Jason Chen — Sun, 27 Apr 2008 14:00:00 EDT

If you still haven't gotten a Wii for yourself, Toys "R" Us has truckloads of them in stores today for Mario Kart fever. Problem is, they're probably 1985 Datsun trucks, so you'll need to head down to your local branch quickly. To overseas readers, yes, we've still got a Wii shortage going on. Nintendo's apparently shipped most of them to the EU or keeping them in Japan because of how little the dollar is worth now. [Kotaku]

Video: Hands-on With the Nintendo Wii Wheel

Adrian Covert — Tue, 15 Apr 2008 06:00:00 EDT

I got up close and personal with the Wii Wheel at last week's Nintendo Media Summit, where I (literally) played hours of Mario Kart Wii. I tried playing with the wheel attached and without, trying different configurations of play. And after spending a day with the peripheral, I can't exactly call it great, but it's not horrible either.

My first thought when this was announced last year was that I didn't need a piece of plastic to hold my Wiimote in place; I'd steer the controller by itself just fine. But last Thursday came around, and I approached the wheel cautiously, got comfortable, and even warmed up to the little white circle. While the game can certainly be played without the wheel, there's something that just feels right about holding it in your hands. There's more room to grip with your hands, and you're given a better frame of reference as to how much you're steering.

There is also an elongated, horizontal button on the back that acts as a mechanical proxy for the B trigger button on the underside of the Wiimote. Hitting the B button is a key part of the drift element in Mario Kart. Without the wheel, trying to hold the Wiimote horizontally in two hands while pressing the 2 button for gas and the B button for drift was a bit awkward. Not so much with the wheel in the hand.

However, the wheel took a little getting used to. I found myself oversteering at first, forgetting to steer later, and waving the wheel in strange directions (also exhibited in the above video by Kotaku's Michael McWhertor). But after awhile, I calmed down and found a sweet spot where I could play with a bit of skill. So the Wii Wheel may not be God's gift to racing control, but it doesn't make the experience any worse either. And as far as Mario Kart itself goes...go talk to Kotaku, they're the game freaks. [Mario Kart Wii @ Kotaku]

Dusty Wii Syndrome Returns With Launch of Mario Kart

Jack Loftus — Sun, 13 Apr 2008 18:15:00 EDT

They say smoking and squalor can kill a human, but that's turning out to be equally true for the Nintendo Wii. The hardware's disc-reading laser seems incapable of cutting through the grit, grime and second-hand smoke that accumulates on its lens' glassy veneer. The issue first appeared with Super Smash Bros. Brawl double-layer DVD, and now reports about the launch of Mario Kart Wii this month in Japan show that game is no different. Nintendo will clean your Wii for free, but that will mean a week or so without it. [GameFront via GoNintendo]

Nintendo Power Contest: Wii Wheel Cost Driven Down to $9.99

Jack Loftus — Sun, 06 Apr 2008 16:30:57 EDT

Your friends still aren't worth the cost of admission to your place for a game with Nintendo's Wii Wheel, but they're getting closer now that a Nintendo Power contest rules page lists the peripheral at $9.99. [GoNintendo]

Wii Wheel Gets $14.99 Price Tag; Your Friends Aren't Worth it

Haroon Malik — Sat, 29 Mar 2008 22:30:00 EDT

Looks like the fellows at Gamestop let the pricing for Nintendo's Wii Wheel slip, and $14.99 is the price you'll be paying for each friend you have over on Mario Kart Wii day, (April 27th.) The game will retail at $49.99, which includes one Wii Wheel to boot, but for multiplayer mayhem, you're going to have to fork out that little bit more. Friends suck...not in a good way. Jump to see a blown up shot of the flier with the figures. [Gamestop; Thanks, David W]

First Hands-On Video of Wii Wheel with Mario Kart Wii

Wilson Rothman — Tue, 18 Mar 2008 21:00:00 EDT

My buddy Stephen T over at MTV's Multiplayer blog scored the first video demo of the Wii Wheel in Mario Kart Wii game play. Melvin at Nintendo shows him how to insert a Wiimote into the Wheel, then head to the races. Watch T manage to execute a wheelie and a powerslide, then—in the second video in the link below—try the same maneuvering sans Wheel, with far less enthusiasm. He doesn't say whether or not it's a true winner or a waste of plastic, but my guess is, he likes it better than this guy. His biggest gripe? No horn to honk, Maggie Simpson style. FYI: If you live in Canada, UK or Japan, MTV hates your guts. [MTV Multiplayer]

Mario Kart Slot Racing For Geeks of All Ages

Sean Fallon — Fri, 07 Dec 2007 20:00:07 EST

You have been a slot racer fan since you were a kid —plus, you have always enjoyed the Mario Kart series. So why not put your passions together with this Mario Kart Slot Racing set? Additional info and photo of the track after the jump.

Each set comes complete with 1:43 scale versions of Mario's B Dasher and Wario's Brute, as well as 20 feet of race track. Plus, the unit has an official Nintendo seal of approval, so you know it is quality. It is currently sold out, but when they get more in stock the set can be yours for $89.95. [Product Page]

Mario Kart R/C Racer

Jason Chen — Sat, 28 Apr 2007 22:00:04 EDT

Still can't get enough of Mario Kart even though Nintendo's been pimping the series out on every platform? Grab this Mario Kart R/C racer and make your own races. Well, actually, all your races would be Mario vs. Mario vs. Mario. Unless, of course, you get dress one up in a Barbie dress, cover another in dog fur, and spray paint the third with green and shave off his love handles. Then you'd really have a Mario Kart race. – Jason Chen

Product Page [Think Geek via Gizmodude]

Mario Kart Coin-OP. Huzzah!

Travis Hudson — Wed, 21 Dec 2005 14:13:23 EST

This is Mario Kart Arcade GP. It is a two player, two-cabinet game that offers fun for all ages. I have needed to get in my fill of good, fun Mario Kart racing and now I can without having to buy that abomination of a Nintendo DS. There are six worlds filled with different racecourses, plus bonus games to boot. Merely $18k could put this bad boy in your basement, or you could just head down to the local arcade, quarters in hand, prepared to get stomped by me.

Mario Kart Arcade GP [Gadgetspy_]

Come On, World, Get Mario Kart DS

johnb — Sat, 12 Nov 2005 12:04:30 EST

I know it won't be "officially" out until Monday, but it's SO lonely playing Mario Cart DS without network play. To me, and this is just my anti-Mario backlash since he stole so much from me as a child—my health, my sleep, my svelte physique—I hate the Mario franchise . But I got the PSP and DS to do online play and I have yet to even see the mere inkling of it's possible wonders... until now. But there's no one to play with! I'll give you my friend tag if you give me yours! So anyone out there with DS, please look for the guy who likes to drive as Princess Peach. Her crinoline is so elegant.

Mario Kart DS Online Hands-On [Gamespot]

Pre-Order Mario Kart DS [Amazon]

Mario Kart DS Bundle on the way

Travis Hudson — Wed, 12 Oct 2005 18:37:41 EDT

Listen up kiddies, Nintendo is planning on releasing a hell of a bundle for the holiday season. This will include a special edition red DS (featuring checkered wrist strap!) and the Mario Kart DS game ready for some hot WiFi action. It will be hitting the shelves on or around November 28, everyone's favorite Black Fri...err weekend. Nintendo is also giving special flame stickers for all of your DS decoration needs. Suck on it, NASCAR!

Mario Kart DS bundle coming? [Kotaku]