Mario Kart 8 Release Date Rumors: Wii U Racing Wheel Pre-Orders Available at GameStop Locations (PHOTO, VIDEO)
The Wii U Racing Wheel for Mario Kart 8 is now available for pre-order at GameStop locations just a few months before launch date.
The $9.99 wheel was intially not available in the U.S., but was recently rolled out as a global promotion.
Called the "PowerA" accessory, it encases the Wii Remote in the middle of it. The controller wheel looks just like a race car wheel and is white to match the consoles and its controllers.
Get Our Latest News for FREE
The new racing wheel, while almost identical in size and shape, actually features some artwork on it. The Mario Kart 8 logo along with a picture of the plumber in his car are on the wheel. See a picture comparison of the old and new here and here.
Mario Kart 8 limited addition bundles are coming to the U.K. in two different versions, Standard Edition and Limited Edition.
The Standard Edition will come with the game and a Bullet Bill shirt along with a Mario-themed keychain for 49.99 pounds. The Limited Edition will include the aforementioned items plus a Blue Spiny Shell statue for 59.99 pounds. The Blue Shell is infamous for seeking out the first place racer and hunting him down; hitting with a massive burst. These bundles will be released alongside the game on May 30.
According to Polygon, the bundles can be pre-ordered on the Nintendo U.K. Store and stores that are participating in the promotion. If the game has already been ordered by a customer they now have the option to upgrade to the Limited Edition.
In other news for the game, Polygon reported that the 1992 SNES' Super Mario Kart will be heading to the Wii U Virtual Console on March 27. It can be purchased through the Wii U eShop, and if purchased along with Mario Kart 8 in the eShop, the classic game will be just 5.49 pounds.
So far there is no official word on any of these promotions being available anywhere else in the world.
The game's Wii U pre-orders have already sold out on Amazon after the release date announcement of May 30. The game's Amazon page hits viewers with a message that reads, "Sign up to be notified when this item becomes available," see it here.
At last month's Nintendo Direct, Iwata revealed a new trailer for Mario Kart 8 that showcased gameplay and stunning graphics.
The trailer also showed off some of the new vehicles in the game such as UFO's, ATV buggies, motorcycles, and more as the races now cover ground, air, and sea much like it did in N64 title Diddy Kong Racing.
Watch the trailer for the game below:
