Last month Nintendo announced several Mario-themed games for the Mario 35th Anniversary, including Mario Kart Live: Home Circuit. This week Nintendo released a five-minute overview trailer explaining how the unique AR game plays (above), along with a developer interview with Velan Studios (below).
Mario Kart Live: Home Circuit is a Switch game that includes a toy kart with an AR camera, using your living room as the race track. A 10×12 room is recommended, though tracks can be created in all shapes and sizes using the four included gates.
The AR camera adds AI racers, pickup items, and sets the theme of the track, including Boo Fortress and Ember Island. Twenty-four grand prix races are available from 50cc to 200cc, as you race against Bowser and the Koopa Kids. Coins can be redeemed for rewards like outfits and karts. Time Trials features an opponent-less race against time, while you can make your own course designs in Custom mode.
For younger or newer drivers, Smart Steering can be turned on to keep the kart within the track, even without steering.
Mario Kart Live: Home Circuit supports up to four local players, but each player will need their own Switch, kart, and game.
“Get your engines revved up for Mario Kart Live: Home Circuit, which launches just in time for the holidays,” said Nick Chavez, Nintendo of America’s Senior VP. “Whether you’ve always dreamed of turning your living room into Rainbow Road or want to prove once and for all that you’re the fastest racer among your friends and family, we hope this new Mario Kart experience brings smiles to people of all ages.”
Mario Kart Live: Home Circuit launches October 16 on Switch, with a Mario Set and Luigi Set ($99). Each set includes downloadable game software, four gates, two arrow signboards, and a USB charging cable. The game is rated E for Everyone.
