Nintendo’s business is in dire straights, and has been for three consecutive years. Perhaps that’s why the company let Mercedes-Benz sponsor three new cars into its cartoonish racing game for the Wii U, in the form of a free downloadable content (DLC) package set to release at the end of the month.
The company originally announced just one Mercedes-branded kart for Mario Kart 8 — the Mercedes-Benz GLA — but Nintendo has since added two new models to the game: the W25 Silver Arrow and the 300 SL Roadster, according to Kotaku’s Luke Plunkett.
According to Nintendo, the cars’ colors will change depending on the characters you use. For example, Peach would drive a red GLA, whereas Toad would drive a dark blue model.
Compared with the candy-colored karts of Mario Kart past, the Mercedes-Benz cars don’t look cartoonish at all, and seem a bit out of place. Hopefully this isn’t the start of a new trend for Mario Kart, where automakers can pay money to get their latest cars in Nintendo’s beloved racing franchise.
Though the DLC is free, this injection of realistic-looking cars is a bit jarring. But you be the judge: Check out Nintendo’s promotional video of the Mercedes karts and let us know your thoughts in the comments section.
Super Mercedes Brothers! Mario teams up with Benz for new ad, game content 【Video】
Nintendo power: Mercedes-Benz Japan sees influx of customers following Super Mario commercial
Nintendo Shutting Down Real World Mario Kart Fraud
Nintendo wins 50-million yen lawsuit against operator of Tokyo “real-life Mario Kart” company
12-year-old foreign tourist missing in Japan, police asking for help finding her [Video]
Study finds hundreds of people in Indonesia legally named after Naruto, Inuyasha, other anime stars
Teen girl in Japan refuses to be victim, personally escorts train pervert to police for arrest
The Japanese city where ordering grilled chicken doesn’t guarantee you’ll actually get chicken
Japanese airlines set to cut fuel surcharges for international flights in September and October
Google’s first Google Store outside the U.S. is now open in Tokyo
Delta Airlines adds first nonstop flight between Japan’s Narita Airport and U.S. in seven years
Ride a tram that survived the atomic bombing of Hiroshima on a new limited-time history tour
Watch a sumo bout inside Tokyo Tower, at a new restaurant endorsed by two yokozuna
Hello Kitty x Godzilla Happy Meals are coming to McDonald’s, but not in Japan [Video]
Japanese toilet aims to attract foreign tourists but not everybody is happy about it
New Japanese vending machine at Shinkansen station sells cups of ice on platform
Japan’s new beer glass is designed to force you to drink…water [Video]
Studio Ghibli adds new Jiji’s baby plush toy to its anime merchandise range in Japan
End of a manga era as Weekly Shonen Jump’s circulation drops under one million
Anime fan in Japan arrested for ordering and cancelling over 4.3 billion yen in anime merch
Beautiful Totoro bonsai figure needs no watering, makes soothing rain showers whenever you want
This beautiful rural Japan river is a great alternative to touristy summer retreats [Photos]
Beautiful off-the-beaten-path spot near samurai castle in rural Japan looks like a Monet painting
Tokyo subway installing new ticket gates that don’t accept payment through Suica or other IC cards
Japan now has human refrigerators inspired by Japanese vending machines
Hatsune Miku collaborates with Hokusai’s art in new Vocaloid ukiyo-e illustration series [Pics]
New Shinkansen luggage drop-off system begins in Japan, making train travel even easier
Studio Ghibli releases anime T-shirts that pay homage to one of Hayao Miyazaki’s most personal films
Air-conditioned dress shirts arrive in Japan to save working professionals from sweltering heat
Japanese Shinkansen becomes an overnight hotel for three nights this summer
Pokémon Center Online designates first Pokémon items that will require Japanese ID card to buy
99-year-old woman rescued while attempting to climb Mt. Fuji
Japan announces sudden 400-percent increase in visa fees for foreigners entering the country
Japan’s human washing machines will go on sale to general public, demos to be held in Tokyo
Studio Ghibli has a new anime out, and there’s only one place in the world where you can see it
Starbucks Japan releases new drinkware and goods for Valentine’s Day
Starbucks Japan releases new sakura goods and drinkware for cherry blossom season 2026
Japan’s newest Shinkansen has no seats…or passengers [Video]
Japanese ninja certification exam attracts 131 candidates from Japan and abroad
Salomon releases Japan-exclusive Mt. Fuji hiking gear that doubles as an amazing souvenir
Put sesame oil in your coffee? Japanese maker says it’s the best way to start your day【Taste test】
Nintendo taxis?! Peruvian cabs outfitted with Mario Kart 8 setups for rear passengers to play
Nintendo takes “real-life Mario Kart” company to court for the second time and wins yet again
Super Federo? Those goofy Mercedes x Mario ads may have had some unexpected celebrity cameos
Tokyo’s new “real-life Mario Karts” make it ridiculously clear they’re unrelated to Nintendo
Trial begins in the case of Mario Kart v. Mari Car
Nintendo announces its next mobile app release: Mario Kart Tour!
Nintendo’s Mario Maker lets you do exactly what it promises 【E3】
Sega throws ‘90s-era jabs at Nintendo in new video for latest Sonic game【Video】
First look at Universal Studios’ Mario Kart ride, Super Nintendo World’s opening date revealed【Vid】
Keep running right with new line of Super Mario Bros-themed sneakers from Converse
Uno Mario Kart is ready to take the action from the track to the cards with cool crossover rule
Mario Kart Live: Home Circuit: Is it as cool as it looks in the trailer?【Review】
Luigi’s ‘death stare’ makes it into Japanese Mario Kart 8 commercial
Japanese gamers share their most memorable Mario Kart moments
Rumors of real-life Mario Kart attraction to open at Super Nintendo World
Burn Rubber with Competition-Spec Mario Kart Erasers