
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.






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
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
Bandai Namco announces plans to open virtual reality experience center
Cherry blossom forecasts map shows Japan’s OTHER sakura season is starting right now
How to make a lucky sushi roll with KFC fried chicken skin【SoraKitchen】
Japanese job-quitting service contacted by other job-quitting service because employee wants to quit
Smartphone app finds empty restroom stalls in Tokyo subway station, makes pooing easier than ever
Brand-new Pokémon manhole covers have Sandshrew welcoming you to an often forgotten part of Japan
Hen na Hotel Haneda: What it’s really like to stay at Tokyo’s “Weird Hotel” with dinosaur robots
Play with fire at an old-fashioned “irori” hearth restaurant
What is Teru Teru Bozu? The tragic history behind the Japanese fine weather doll
Ghost in the Sheel goes traditional with Japanese porcelain Tachikoma robots, only 50 to be made
Japan’s job-quitting service gets four new customers on first day of work
Yokai are descending upon Tokyo this spring in the latest immersive art experience
Japan’s Naruto theme park now offering real-world version of Minato’s kunai ninja weapon
Japan has a new bar just for people thinking about quitting their jobs, and the drinks are free
New Studio Ghibli stamps leave an impression on your stationery…and your heart
Japan cherry blossom forecast update moves up sakura dates for many parts of the country
Archfiend Hello Kitty appears as Sanrio launches new team-up with Yu-Gi-Oh【Pics】
Studio Ghibli turns My Neighbour Totoro characters into bag charms for everyday adventures
If you haven’t tried an antenna shop in Japan, you’re missing out
Studio Ghibli releases Spirited Away bags in Japan, based on a mysterious festival
Morning-after pill finally available in Japan without a prescription, must be taken at pharmacy
Starbucks Japan releases new drinkware and goods for Valentine’s Day
Japan releases first official sakura cherry blossom forecast for 2026
10 times to avoid traveling in Japan in 2026
Starbucks Japan releases new Frappuccino and latte for Valentine’s Day
Our 52-year-old pole dancing reporter shares his tips for achieving your New Year’s exercise goal
China’s don’t-go-to-Japan warning looks to be affecting tourist crowds on Miyajima
Studio Ghibli releases new “komorebi” plush toys from Princess Mononoke and Spirited Away
Ramen restaurant’s English menu prices are nearly double its Japanese ones, denies discriminating
Survey asks foreign tourists what bothered them in Japan, more than half gave same answer
Japan’s human washing machines will go on sale to general public, demos to be held in Tokyo
We deeply regret going into this tunnel on our walk in the mountains of Japan
Studio Ghibli releases Kodama forest spirits from Princess Mononoke to light up your home
Major Japanese hotel chain says reservations via overseas booking sites may not be valid
Put sesame oil in your coffee? Japanese maker says it’s the best way to start your day【Taste test】
No more using real katana for tourism activities, Japan’s National Police Agency says
Starbucks Japan reveals new sakura drinkware collection, inspired by evening cherry blossoms
Updated cherry blossom forecast shows extra-long sakura season for Japan this year
Dragon Quest virtual reality attraction opens in Tokyo, and we join the adventure
Most realistic Dragon Ball kamehameha simulator ever ready to go at VR Zone Shinjuku
PlayStation VR user finds, shares ways of peeping at panties in schoolgirl tutor game【Video】
Gamers can become Pac-Man with new VR attraction in Tokyo【Video】
Leave a Reply