Mario Kart 7 is the latest instalment in the cult karting series from Nintendo - and the first in 3D. This title also combines tried-and-tested action with completely new possibilities: During big jumps, for example, the kart transforms into a kind of gliding kite that allows you to float over the track. Mario Kart fans can also race underwater across the seabed for the first time. Those who master the new driving techniques perfectly will also discover shortcuts time and again and overtake their fellow players at the last second on the home straight.

Fans of raccoon power will be pleased to know that they can also don the Tanooki suit in Mario Kart 7. It gives you both offensive and defensive powers: with the raccoon tail, you can sweep your rivals off the track and at the same time fend off the projectiles that your opponents throw at you.

Incidentally, players can customise their racing vehicles themselves. This not only allows them to show style, but may also give them a decisive advantage over the competition. For example, certain tyres are better suited to bumpy cross-country tracks, others to the smooth asphalt of inner-city racetracks.

In terms of original courses, the game features everything that makes a kart driver's heart beat faster: from winding mountain tracks to dusty desert tracks and urban street canyons. Nintendo fans will recognise the fantastic landscapes of Wuhu Island as well as the jungle from Donkey Kong Country Returns.

The game's staff is also a successful mix of familiar and new Nintendo characters: Mario and Bowser are just as much a part of the fast-paced action as Metal Mario and Lakitu. If you like, you can of course also mingle with the Nintendo characters with your own Mii character.

And because a kart race with friends is even more fun, Mario Kart 7 also offers various multiplayer options. Nintendo 3DS fans can compete in thrilling races in two different ways: either offline via their console's wireless communication or online via a broadband Internet connection.

More technology, even more fun! For long jumps, the new karts unfold wings so that they float to the finish line in the fastest possible way. A propeller rotates under water, making it easier to drive over the seabed. This makes even more crazy actions possible.

Beautiful, fast - or nasty? You decide the appearance of your kart! Thanks to the many tuning options, you can choose wider tyres, for example, to make the kart more off-road capable. Or you can opt for smaller tyres because they accelerate faster on the tarmac. The bodywork and glider can also be customised. You decide!

It goes without saying that the entire Mushroom Kingdom is on its tyres at such a major event! That's why you'll encounter many familiar faces. Fans of Super Mario 64 will certainly remember Metal Mario! But new characters won't want to miss out on this event either. For example, Lakitu is a playable character for the first time! Play along! Even with your Mii character if you like.

Curves, straights, sensations! On 16 brand-new racetracks as well as popular tracks from previous titles in the series, you can enjoy maximum driving fun. Tricky hill climbs, tricky city circuits, wild desert tracks - it's all there. There are even detours to Wuhu Island and the jungle of Donkey Kong Country Returns. For the first time, the action is not only on land, but also in the air and in the water. In combination with 3D, this also provides space for breathtaking flying manoeuvres and underwater expeditions.

There's plenty to discover! In contrast to the old race tracks, where several laps were completed, some of the new courses are so long that you only have to complete one lap. Provided you make it to the finish despite the many challenges!

Get behind the wheel! How is up to you. Thanks to the motion sensors on the Nintendo 3DS, you can also steer your kart with full physical effort. You then experience the race from the cockpit perspective and steer by tilting your Nintendo 3DS.

Features:

• Keep your eyes open! Be surprised by new items such as the fire flower. Use it to throw fireballs forwards or backwards and heat up your opponents.
• Brand new race tracks take you on tricky mountain rides, tricky city courses and wild desert tracks - there are even detours to Wuhu Island and the jungle of Donkey Kong Country Returns.
• Play with your favourite character from the Mushroom Kingdom or with your Mii character.
• Thanks to the many tuning options, you can, for example, choose wider tyres to make the kart more off-road capable. Or you can opt for smaller tyres because they accelerate faster on the tarmac.
• Race in local mode or online via a broadband internet connection