
Warm up those throwing arms, because it’ll take more than a button tap to chuck those Koopa shells.
For some time now, video game developer Bandai Namco has been giving us tiny bits of information about its soon-to-open Tokyo virtual reality complex, called VR Zone Shinjuku. Last month, we found out that one of the VR games at the facility will allow players to experience the world of anime Evangelion, but that’s not the only high-profile collaboration Bandai Namco has up its sleeve, since another of the attractions at VR Zone Shinjuku will be a virtual reality Mario Kart game.
While Nintendo usually flies solo in handling its intellectual properties, the Kyoto-based company has teamed up with Bandai Namco before, as in the jointly-developed Pokémon fighting game Pokkén Tournament. Bandai Namco has previously produced three arcade versions of Mario Kart, the most recent having been released in 2013, and now it’s ready to rev its digital engines again with the four-player Mario Kart Arcade Grand Prix VR.
As shown in the preview video, players control the car itself as they did in the non-VR arcade Mario Karts, sitting in frames with a steering wheel, accelerator, and brake pedal. But the head-mounted display and first-person-perspective graphics aren’t the only things that make the new game special. Before the race starts, players strap motion sensors to their wrists, which allow them to make throwing motions to fling weapons, such as Mario Kart’s iconic Koopa shells, at their rivals.
The beginning of the video also shows off the launch sequence and battle from the Evangelion: The Throne of Souls game, which includes seat-rumbling effects for extra dramatic effect.
The video also reveals that VR Zone Shinjuku will begin taking ticket reservations on June 16, ahead of its grand opening on July 14.
Related: VR Zone Shinjuku
Source: Jin, Engadget (1, 2)
Top image: VR Zone Shinjuku
Insert images: YouTube/876TV
Follow Casey on Twitter, where Namco, Bandai, Nintendo, and the Sega-backed Evangelion all living happily under the same roof, in any capacity, blows his 1990s gamer mind.






Evangelion virtual reality game in Tokyo will let fans live the dream of piloting an Eva Unit
Soon, you’ll be able to play Pac-Man in virtual reality for just a couple of bucks
Trying Virtual Reality for the first time at Bandai Namco’s VR Experience in Odaiba, Tokyo
Take on Godzilla yourself in virtual reality at new attractions in Osaka and Tokyo
Most realistic Dragon Ball kamehameha simulator ever ready to go at VR Zone Shinjuku
Cup Noodle releases cold-water instant ramen in Japan, but can it really be made with just cold water?
Japanese convenience store releases Japanese convenience store-flavor fried chicken
Studio Ghibli releases anime T-shirts that pay homage to one of Hayao Miyazaki’s most personal films
Hatsune Miku collaborates with Hokusai’s art in new Vocaloid ukiyo-e illustration series [Pics]
Japan’s “edible fireworks” wagashi sweets return, but only for a limited time [Photos]
Giant Snorlax, other snoozing Pokémon appear in Yokohama for Pokémon Sleeping Faces Research [Pics]
Japan now has human refrigerators inspired by Japanese vending machines
Family Mart’s new Tokyo flagship convenience store doesn’t feel convenient, but is that a problem?
Sanrio eco-friendly plushies are here for the earth-conscious lovers of all things kawaii
Japan’s popular curry chain Cocoichi has an elusive delivery-only noodle menu
Cup Noodle unveils first-ever cold-water instant ramen in Japan
Starbucks Japan releases new Discovery Series collection celebrating local regions and traditions
Teen girl in Japan refuses to be victim, personally escorts train pervert to police for arrest
Is Japan’s tourism boom slowing down? Foreign visitor numbers fall for first time in five years
Evangelion beautifully reimagined as iconic classical Japanese folding screen art series [Photos]
Japan announces sudden 400-percent increase in visa fees for foreigners entering the country
Studio Ghibli has a new anime out, and there’s only one place in the world where you can see it
Salomon releases Japan-exclusive Mt. Fuji hiking gear that doubles as an amazing souvenir
Japan triples departure tax, foreign tourists and locals now must pay more to leave country
Japan launches first overnight Shinkansen bullet train between Tokyo and Osaka this summer
Japanese ninja certification exam attracts 131 candidates from Japan and abroad
Family Mart opens new “Famima” flagship store in Tokyo that’s like a tourist attraction
Japan’s human washing machines will go on sale to general public, demos to be held in Tokyo
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]
Put sesame oil in your coffee? Japanese maker says it’s the best way to start your day【Taste test】
Japan reportedly adding Japanese language skill requirement to most common foreigner work visa
Dragon Quest virtual reality attraction opens in Tokyo, and we join the adventure
Bandai Namco announces plans to open virtual reality experience center
PlayStation VR user finds, shares ways of peeping at panties in schoolgirl tutor game【Video】
Mario Kart Arcade Grand Prix DX screeching into game centres across Japan this month
Giant 1,431-square meter arcade and bar opening in downtown Tokyo from Bandai Namco
Gamers can become Pac-Man with new VR attraction in Tokyo【Video】
VR Zelda: Breath of the Wild, Super Mario Odyssey modes coming, for free, from Nintendo
New Tekken 7 Video Reveals Miguel as Playable Character
Sega throws ‘90s-era jabs at Nintendo in new video for latest Sonic game【Video】
New smartphone Tamagotchi promises to take a dump on your living room floor in preview video