Nintendo has released a trailer for its newest addition to theMario Kartseries,Mario Kart Live: Home Circuit. The soon-to-be released title forSuper Mario’s 35th anniversarytakes advantage of augmented reality (AR) features, and allows players to transform their homes into a racetrack.
Veterans of the series are familiar with its weapons and courses, butfans have never had the chance to simultaneously engage in real-worldMario Kartraces as they play the game.Mario Kart Live: Home Circuitpromises that exact opportunity, and invites players to create courses like Rainbow Road using their actual surroundings.
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Each copy ofHome Circuitwill include a real-life Mario or Luigidriving a kart, which can be controlled remotely through a Nintendo Switch. The game will also include several small supplemental props, such as arches for the Karts to race through. When playing the game, players will see the physical toy’s live point of view, as each figure comes equipped with a small camera.
With the included props, players can design the framework of their own courses, which the game complements using virtual obstacles and visual elements. Some dedicated fans may be disappointed byanother game releasing beforeMario Kart 9, but this is new and interesting territory forMario Kart. As per the trailer, it seems players will be able to rearrange the four included arches to manipulate the general shape and progression of the racetrack, which means stage layout possibilities are practically endless.
One key strategy to succeed inMario Kartgames has always been understanding its tracks. Knowing when to expect a sharp turn, or where to find a hidden shortcut, can make all the difference in a tight race. With the option to alter racetracks on the fly, this idea has been almost entirely upended. There may be some degree of predictability to these racetracks, as “custom” stages are rarely 100 percent custom, butmemorizing a toughMario Kartstage’s progressionprobably won’t be as much of a concern in this title.
This shake-up is certainly welcome in theMario Kartfamily, especially by fans who were left wanting a bit more fromNintendo’s recent mobile endeavorMario Kart Tour.With a rapidly approaching release date, it may be a good new multiplayer game for those who are growing a bit weary of titles likeAnimal Crossing: New Horizons.
Mario Kart Live: Home Circuitwill be available for purchase on October 16, exclusively for Nintendo Switch.
