
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 blossoms begin blooming in Japan with record-early starts for sakura season
Japanese onsen egg maker from 100-yen store Daiso needs to be on your shopping list
When will the cherry blossoms reach full bloom in Japan this year?[Forecast]
Expo 2025 mascot Myaku-Myaku to release tastefully erotic photo book
Studio Ghibli director Hayao Miyazaki releases new artworks, still wants to make movies
Universal Studios’ Sailor Moon theme park attraction is finally coming to America
Japan’s budget chain restaurant Saizeriya might just be the perfect first date location
The town with Japan’s best castle also has one of Japan’s best breakfasts. Here’s where to eat it
A look back on 40 years of Japanese schools banning stuff
Peko-chan Milky Time Cafe opens in Chiba and we go to check out all of the pastries and merch
Train station platform ramen store closes its doors on half a century of history in Tokyo
Studio Ghibli releases Catbus pullback keychain that runs like the anime character
Studio Ghibli adds new Mother’s Day gift sets to its anime collection in Japan
Virtual idol Hatsune Miku redesigned with look that adds new elements and brings back old ones
The next time you’re feeling stressed out, you could relax on a Pokémon Psyduck chair from Japan
Komachi Shokudo: Japanese mum’s-style cooking for breakfast, lunch and dinner in Tokyo
Starbucks Japan opens new cafe and art gallery in top Tokyo tourist neighbourhood
Starbucks Japan releases new My Fruit³ Frappuccino at only 34 stores around the country
The top 10 graduation songs in Japan as chosen by current Japanese high school students
7-Eleven Japan’s giant fried chicken skewer would be too big to eat, so it’s really for cuddling
Starbucks Japan unveils new sakura cherry blossom collection for hanami season 2026
The 10 most annoying things foreign tourists do on Japanese trains, according to locals
Starbucks Japan releases new sakura goods and drinkware for cherry blossom season 2026
Nine great places to see spring flowers in Japan, as chosen by travelers (with almost no sakura)
Naruto and Converse team up for new line of shinobi sneakers[Photos]
Starbucks Japan releases first-ever Hinamatsuri Girls’ Day Frappuccino
Japan’s cherry blossom season predicted to start earlier than we’d thought, especially in Tokyo
Starbucks Japan releases a new Cream Puff Frappuccino for a limited time
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
Starbucks Japan releases new drinkware and goods for Valentine’s Day
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
Japan’s newest Shinkansen has no seats…or passengers [Video]
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
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】