Owners of Mario Kart Live: Home Circuit will be able to replace some of the game's accessories free online. In particular, anyone with access to a printer will be able to replace gates, which the game needs to function.
One of the month's biggest releases, Mario Kart Live: Home Circuit, is the latest installment of Nintendo's beloved racing series. Although Mario Kart is no stranger to experimental releases like Mario Kart Arcade GP VR, Mario Kart Live: Home Circuit may be the most unusual yet. Using augmented-reality technology, players build real-life courses with cardboard gates and remotely control a Mario or Luigi toy car to negotiate those courses. A camera on the car sends a close-up view of the action to the Nintendo Switch, superimposing virtual competitors and obstacles.
Given that players build courses with specially-marked cardboard gates, losing the gates would make the game unplayable. Plus, as cats seem to despise the latest Mario Kart, this is more likely than some might think. Thankfully, Nintendo has made the patterns on the gates available to print online. In addition to the gates, players can print out directional signs, if they wish to indicate track direction more clearly. The package includes two, but especially creative tracks may require more.
Players should note that the replacement parts still come with a mild inconvenience. Namely, the gate patterns need to be mounted on makeshift gates, which players will need to design. Mario Kart fans are extremely creative, even adding tracks into other franchises like Zelda, but the most devoted fan may just not have the materials they need. Unfortunately, given on-going social distancing concerns, trips to a craft store may not be realistic, leaving fans without a way to rebuild any broken gates.
To be fair, Nintendo has been clear about the prerequisites needed for a fun experience with Home Circuit. For example, Nintendo has recommended minimum room dimensions for the game. Since Nintendo has done its part to be responsible, players should as well. This means they need to protect the gates as they would any other video game peripheral. After all, if players can't protect the gates, they likely cannot protect the toy car—and the car is much more difficult to replace.
The release of Mario Kart Live: Home Circuit comes during a busy time for the franchise. The mobile game Mario Kart Tour is currently celebrating the first anniversary of its release, and is continually adding all kinds of new characters and courses. Even several years after its release, Mario Kart 8 Deluxe hosted a major tournament this month. Finally, a Mario Kart ride will be one of the star attractions at Universal Studios Japan's upcoming Super Nintendo Land expansion.
Mario Kart Live: Home Circuit is available now for the Nintendo Switch.
Source: Nintendo Life