Mario Kart 8 did not invent small cars ripping across spirals and loops. For generations Mattel and their long worbly orange strips of plastic have entertained kids with high speed Hot Wheels crashes. The two worlds are on a collision course, as Mario Kart-themed Hot Wheels should be rolling into stores next year.
Mattel brought the set of licensed toys to this year’s San Diego Comic-Con, on display for visitors to get a gander. A first look at the collection reveals a wide selection of Kart cast, including Mario, Luigi, Princess Peach, Bowser, Toad, Yoshi, Wario, and even Rosalina. So far Donkey Kong is absent, perhaps stuck in one of Hasbro’s infamous barrels.
Hopefully there are more characters to arrive. After the Super Smash Bros. Ultimate upset, it’d be awful for Waluigi to get left out again. But for now, there will be special Hot Wheels tracks inspired by the various courses from the Mario Kart games.
Each car will set you back $4.99, but they won’t be careening into stores until June 2019. Hopefully by then Mattel finds a place for Donkey Kong and Waluigi, or even some of the Mario crew that doesn’t ever get their fair due. Boo likes to drive, too! If Grandpa Munster gets a toy car then Boo should get a toy car too.
