Mario Kart 7

Kart-racing fans have something to look forward to this December, with the release of Mario Kart 7 on the Nintendo 3DS. The latest installment of the beloved series is more than a 3D retread, adding flight and undersea action to the chaotic races.

Nintendo just announced the North American release date for the game: It's coming December 4. The company also released a new trailer for the game, which you can see below. It highlights some of the game's new mechanics, including customizable karts that can take to the skies with glider wings or chug along the ocean floor via a propeller. There is a disturbing lack of Wario in the trailer, but we'll chalk that up to a video editor's error. It's inconceivable that someone would purposefully think footage of Princess Peach in sixth place is more compelling than watching the greatest competitor in the history of the Mario Kart series.

At any rate, it's going to be a crowded holiday season, but this is shaping up to be a game that deserves a spot on your stack.

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