To Nintendo Stans

Man, MARIO KART LIVE: HOME CIRCUIT is the type of game that brings together all the amazing things I loved about gaming and toys as a kid. It’s a mixed-reality racing game that uses physical radio-controlled cars in your house that respond to how the player controls the car in the game. This game is another great example of why Nintendo has continued to be one of the leaders in the space—it never shies away from ambitious experiences that push the boundaries of what we think is possible when it comes to video games.

Mario Kart Live bridges the gap between the virtual world and the real world. You can either race as Mario or Luigi. The live feed from the remote controlled car to your Switch is nearly seamless. Bumping into the gates that define the boundaries of the track presented some hiccups, but overall, the experience is solid. 

There are also the issues of space and floor type. The ideal conditions for play are an open area with hardwood floors, but there is some fun in trying to think of cool tracks in your cluttered home. That said, it does become a bit stale after a few hours. The cost of the game and cart will run you $100, so it’s hard to pitch it for the casual gamer, but I’d argue it’s a must-have for Nintendo stans.

—Royce Reeves-Darby, Creative Exec