Mario Kart 8 Announced for Wii U, Releasing in Spring 2014

Mario Kart 8 was recently revealed on the E3 edition of Nintendo Direct, which showcased some new environments and tracks, along with transforming karts. Yes, that’s right. The karts now take on hover-like abilities when they meet with different terrain a la Sonic and All-Stars Racing Transformed.

There are also hang-gliders deployed when karts ride off a steep drop cliff, presumably to help maneuver to far distances. The signature drifting and Turbo Pads of the games is still present and we get a glimpse at new tracks like Music Park. Some of the tracks seemingly twist upside down and loop-di-loop.

There’s even some tracks which include a giant skyscraper that you seemingly drive up on and then drive down. It’s a little disorienting but otherwise, it’s Mario Kart, and looks pretty good.

Mario Kart 8 will be releasing on the Wii U in Spring 2014. Considering the lack of first party titles right now, that’s a little far off, Nintendo. Stay tuned for more.