Mario Kart online system
Nintendo of Europe has put up some information and screens detailing how the online aspects of Mario Kart Wii work.
You can go online through the Wi-Fi connection either on your own, or with a friend playing on the same console. You have three main options:
- Worldwide - Battle random players anywhere in the world.
- Continental - Go against players in your region (may be better for lag).
- Friends - Race only against people you know.
Once connected you'll either join an existing race, or join a group of people who are also looking. Up to 12 players can take part in a race.
To add a friend to your list you'll first need to swap Friend Codes. Once in the Friends section you can either create a new room or join one already made. You'll be able to chat, but sadly only using predefined phrases, not free text chat like was previously thought. The room's host chooses the race settings, the track is decided by player votes, then off you go.
Mario Kart Wii also has its own channel that you can install. This allows you to check up on certain things without needing to insert the game disc.
The Ranking option lets you view each track's stats and how you stack up against friends or worldwide players. You can also download ghost racers to play against, either of the very best players or those slightly faster than you, allowing you to improve slowly.
Competitions are another aspect of this channel. Nintendo will invite players to race on a regular basis.
Release dates for Mario Kart Wii are summarized below:
- Japan: April 10, 2008
- Europe: April 11, 2008
- US: April 28, 2008
Posts
Smash Brother X
Ummmm, don't we the US, usually get games sooner than Europe?
PHiRE
Usually, not always.
Rozz
The online functions are looking good, other than no voice-chat.
k4m1l
Since we get it last, I guess I'll wait for mario kart while playing brawl.
SuperMatt
It's because we get smash bros.
Step
I wants it so bad! Almost willing to pull a Cartman and put myself in some type of hibernation/ timejump until the day comes.
w*ll
Yeah finally! Europe gets a game first, viva mario-kart wii.
BrAwL
I'm not the biggest Mario Kart fan but this is by far the best online.
ToTaLgAmEr
That's weird that europe gets it before NA and even weirder that japan and europe's release dates are so close to each other.
Nintendo4ever
Yes, more and more games get to EU sooner (luckily, I'm from EU).
happy
Damn. Anywhere in the world? If this is lag free then it'll be freaking incredible! I just got DBZBT3 and my excitement over finding an opponent online was killed by the unbelievable lag.
i need a wiieww
That's two games that have been released in europe before the US- Wii fit and mario kart.
WiiNinja
Sweet. Another Wi-Fi game most people will get. And it's coming out April. Man, I love Wii.
NintendoRulZ
Guilty, Nintendo is guilty about brawl.
Jamie
Finally us europeans are getting something first! Ya can't complain really since you get Brawl so much earlier than us.
Diddy Kong Lover
This must be to make up for Americans getting Brawl before EU. Still why can't it at least be a week after Europe?
insultman911
It's fair for Japan to get it first because they're the ones who actually make and program the game. It's fair for Europe to get it second after Japan because brawl is going to come later for them and Europe is closer to Japan. USA gets it last because of the shipping, it's going to take a while.
Tennindo
True. Remember Nintendo DS. It came out in the US before Japan. But this won't happen for Mario Kart. The US are last this time.
Crimson Fang
Hey Wii's World, host a tournament! No really, and a Brawl one too.
XxYoshixX
Darn you europe.
n0vaflar3
I think we should get it first, I can't wait for this game. I'd probably die, but the nice Nintendo people FINALLY decided to stop delaying Brawl.
FredTheRed
The US are getting brawl before us- we haven't even been set a date for brawl yet! It's only fair.
Pikachu92
It seems to be a trend lately that Europe is getting Mario Kart games for the home consoles before the US. Still, looks good though.
mr guy
Woot europe getting a good game first yay.
Wii-4-Mii
It's so good EU is getting this only one day after Japan!
Nintendoof
Cool.
Epsilon
Meh, I'm more excited for that Dairantou Sumashi Burozasu Ekusu that's supposed to be coming out soon or whatever.
davyt0247
Looks like I have a longer wait than I thought I did. Oh well.
Psilocybin
I am the ultimate SNES mario kart master, I can't WAIT for this!