MarioKart for 3DS Plays on Land, Sea, and Air!

Ever since the days of the SNES, the Mario Kart series has been one of Nintendo’s staple franchises. With the advent of the 3DS, that hasn’t changed, but what has, is how you’ll be racing. Not only will you be immersed in glass-free 3D environments, first the first time ever, you and your favorite Mario franchise character will be racing on the track, underwater, and getting some serious airtime!

With the addition of the hanglider, Mario Kart for the 3DS adds another layer of strategy in your racing. As shown in the trailer below, it seems you can take multiple paths, depending on if you prefer to take to the air, or even go underwater! For the first time, entering the water doesn’t necessarily impede your progress! Another new addition is the ability to customize certain aspects of your Kart. Check it out:

Now, it difficult to tell how the game will actually play, but judging by the above video, the actual racing seems more in line with Mario Kart DS as opposed to Mario Kart Wii, which is fine by me. There is some track re-use from MK DS and Wii as well. Mario Kart 3DS is due this Holiday season. Til then, drool over these screen shots.