Ever wanted to drive a real-life Mario Kart? Well now you can (that is, if you’re child-size)

By Trevor Dermody February 22, 2014

ever wanted drive real life mario kart well now can youre child size ride on — Image used with permission by copyright holder

Anyone who owned a Nintendo 64 can tell you that if they had three wishes from a genie, the first would be to own a real-life Nintendo Mario Kart.

Without you ever needing to find a lucky monkey paw, Jakks Pacific has answered this wish by producing a battery-powered, child-size Mario Kart in conjunction with Nintendo.

Although the ride on doesn’t allow you star quality powers, nor the ability to shoot empty Koopa shells at rivals, the kart is powered by a six-volt battery and comes with all of the sounds included on the Mario Kart 7 video game kart.

Jakks Pacific Mario Kart — Image used with permission by copyright holder

The kart offers the ability to switch between on- and off-road tires. Regrettably, the kart is not a toy for adults. I’m sure, however, some parents will try to take it for a spin – I know I would, if I could get my hands on one.

The bad news doesn’t end there, I am afraid. The Jakks Pacific Mario Kart is only going to be available in the United Kingdom, with the official release in June.

It looks like this summer I may have to take a trip for some afternoon tea and a couple laps around the track in this awesome electric runabout. The Brits seem to have all of the fun with their little tikes’ cruisers, with this kart being a wise addition to any garage already housing a mini DB-5.

Topics

Former Digital Trends Contributor

Mobile

The 6 best car phone holders in 2024

Belkin BoostCharge Magnetic Wireless Car Charger with an iPhone 14 Pro.

Belkin BoostCharge Magnetic Wireless Car Charger Andy Boxall / Digital Trends

Installing a car phone mount in your vehicle is the best way to make sure that you have easy access to your smartphone when behind the wheel. While you shouldn't be using your phone while driving, having it mounted on your windshield, dashboard, vent, or anywhere else will let you take a quick glance when you're using a navigation app, or to change your playlist when you stop for a traffic light, for example. Instead of having to pick up your device, it will be easier and faster to get these done while it's on a car phone mount for less time of having your eyes off the road.

Cars

Should you buy a used EV? Maybe, but it’s complicated

Electric cars are slowly but surely getting cheaper. Over the past year or so, Ford and Tesla have been discounting their most popular electric cars while other brands, like Rivian, are laying the groundwork for all-new cheaper models.

But you'd still be hard-pressed to call electric cars cheap, and buying a completely new car in the first place is a hurdle in and of itself for many potential buyers. According to Statista, used car sales represented around 74% of all car sales in 2022, and while this figure is likely to change as electric cars get cheaper, the fact remains that most car buyers would prefer to save cash and buy used rather than buy something new.
Buying a new car ain't what it used to be
Buying a car with an electric powertrain doesn't necessarily need to be all that different from buying an internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicle. But there's a little more to it than that.

Cars

Rivian R2 vs. Ford Mustang Mach-E: Will the R2 be a better buy?

Side of the Rivian R2

The Rivian R2 has finally been announced, and it could end up being the go-to EV for drivers who want a decently affordable electric car with a rugged look and feel. But when it finally launches to the public, it won't be the only option in its price range -- the Ford Mustang Mach-E could be one of its main competitors.

The Mustang Mach-E may not be quite as rugged-feeling as the Rivian R2, but it does have a lot going for it -- like an increasingly low price, sleek design, and comfortable interior. Is one of these EVs better than the other? We put the two head-to-head to find out.
Design
The first thing to note about the two cars is their design, as they’re pretty different. The Rivian R2 is built to be a little more rugged and outdoorsy, while the Mach-E instead has a sleeker and sportier look to it. Both cars look stylish and modern.