The Mario Kart Rainbow Road Hot Wheels set that was unexpectedly listed on Amazon a few days ago is apparently the result of a listing error. The set, based on Mario Kart's iconic Rainbow Road track, won't be available to pre-order until later on this year, according to a statement from Hot Wheels manufacturer Mattel.
Nintendo's ever-popular kart racer title is only a year away from its 30th anniversary, which began with the release of Super Mario Kart for SNES in 1992. The franchise's latest main iteration Mario Kart 8 Deluxe has been the most popular entry yet, with Japanese magazine Famitsu listing it as one of the best-selling Switch Games in Japan.
The Nintendo-licensed Hot Wheels set mysteriously appeared on Amazon earlier this week, without any sort of press release, public announcement, product video, or any of the usual fanfare a collaboration such as this would warrant. Before the listing was changed to "currently unavailable," the set was revealed to cost $119.99, with a release date of May 29.
The Rainbow Road track includes the die-cast versions of Mario and King Boo in their respective karts and features reconfigurability from an S-curve track into a straight line. The official statement from Mattel states that due to the erroneous listing, those who purchased the set via pre-sale can receive a full refund through Amazon.
Although the statement also says that the Hot Wheels Mario Kart Rainbow Road track set will be available for purchase "this summer," no specific date has been given. While still a ways away, this isn't the first time a physical version of Rainbow Road from Mario Kart has existed. One dedicated fan created a 3D-printed Rainbow Road track for Mario Kart Live: Home Circuit. The novel title, which combines real-life RC karts with augmented reality, is able to recreate various elements usually seen in-game in the series. This fan took it a step further for their version, which featured 4,400 interlocking tiles to successfully replicate the pixel-esque SNES version of the colorful racetrack.
While Mario Kart may be crossing into the physical realm as of late, Hot Wheels is doing just the opposite. The company recently announced its new video game Hot Wheels Unleashed with a trailer. Given Mattel and Nintendo's current relationship, it doesn't seem too farfetched to think that some Mario Kart-themed content may make its way over to the new racing game, or vice versa.
While the one physical form of Mario Kart won't be available until later this year, another is set to open tomorrow. Universal Studios Japan's Super Nintendo World is set to finally open on March 18, which features various rides, activities, and food inspired by Nintendo IP. While most fans won't be able to travel to Japan anytime soon, there is a full video of Mario Kart: Koopa's Challenge, the cutting-edge ride that serves as the main attraction to the new Nintendo theme park.
Source: IGN