With the impending release of Mario Kart Wii (less than a month to go!), more and more information is slowly trickling out about the game. Kotaku has the latest fact sheet for Mario Kart, and it’s bad news for anyone planning on using Gamecube or Classic controllers for the racing game. But if you’ve already shelled out $14.99 for a second racing wheel, the news couldn’t be better!

As it turns out, although Gamecube and Classic controllers will be compatible with Mario Kart Wii, their functions will be more limited. More specifically, certain moves or maneuvers will not be possible when using these controllers. I’m sure that’s very disappointing for anyone who wasn’t planning to use the Wii remote or remote and nunchuk configuration.



Honestly, though, I’m not too upset by this news. As Coop pointed out before, Nintendo should not be making it acceptable for games to allow last generation controllers to be used with their games, as the Wii’s control scheme was supposed to be its biggest draw back when it first launched. This may just be a marketing ploy to get more gamers to buy the optional racing wheel, or it may be Nintendo taking a stand and staying true to their original plan and making the remote and nunchuk an important part of the Wii experience.

The full Mario Kart fact sheet can be found below.

Mario Kart® Wii

Format: Wii™
Launch Date: 04/27/08
ESRB: E (Everyone): Comic Mischief
Game Type: Kart Racing
Accessories: Wii Wheel™ (included)
Players: 1-4 locally or up to 12 on Nintendo® Wi-Fi Connection with up to 2 players locally
Developer: Nintendo

KEY INFORMATION
The worldwide race is on with a whole new set of tricks, tracks and ways to play.

* The Wii Wheel transforms the Wii Remote™ controller into a steering wheel that feels natural in anyone's hands, while the Wii Remote and Nunchuk™ controller offer a classic control style for the Mario Kart veteran. In either configuration, players can perform speed-boosting tricks with a shake of the Wii Remote.
* Players can race as their favorite Nintendo character, or even as themselves! Mario Kart Wii lets players race with their personalized Mii™ characters. And racers will see other Mii characters they have created cheering from the sidelines on some race courses.
* Players can compete with up to three friends in their living room. Or challenge up to 11 opponents via Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection in the biggest Mario Kart race yet. All tracks and modes of play are available via Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection, and players can visit the Mario Kart Channel to compete in tournaments, check rankings, see when their friends are playing and download ghost data.
* Cruise new tracks and arenas or tour classic courses from Super Mario Kart™, Mario Kart® 64, Mario Kart®: Super Circuit™, Mario Kart®: Double Dash!!™ and Mario Kart® DS. Tired of riding on four wheels? Bust out one of the new motorbikes for special tricks and techniques.


Game storyline: Drawing on courses and battle arenas from every game in the series - not to mention tons of new ones - the true king of the Mushroom Kingdom racing circuits will finally be crowned.

How to progress through the game: Place first in Grand Prix circuits or clear skill-based missions to open up increasingly difficult and thrilling circuits. Players can have multiplayer races on any open courses or battle in arenas.

Characters: Nintendo favorites Mario™, Luigi™, Peach™, Yoshi®, Donkey Kong®, Wario™, Bowser™ and Toad™, plus a host of new faces-including your own! Get into the game and put your Mii™ character behind the wheel.

Special powers/weapons/moves/features: Whether racing around an obstacle-filled track or battling in an arena, drifting and tossing items are the keys to Mario Kart success. Players can shake the Wii Remote while launching off a ramp to pull off a trick that will temporarily boost their speed. When riding a bike, players can gain additional speed by flicking the Wii Remote up and popping a wheelie.

Control: Mario Kart Wii is compatible with four different control schemes, so players can customize how they want to play:

* Wii Remote Controller (with or without Wii Wheel): Steer by tilting the Wii Remote left and right. Or snap the Wii Remote into the Wii Wheel to transform it into a steering wheel for an intuitive, motion-based control scheme.
* Nunchuk Controller: Steer with the Control Stick on the Nunchuk and use the Wii Remote to accelerate, perform tricks and drift.
* Classic Controller: Mario Kart veterans can let their thumbs do the driving with the Classic Controller. However, players cannot perform certain moves with this control scheme.
* Nintendo GameCube™ Controller: Experienced Mario Kart fans may also enjoy this familiar scheme, although some maneuvers cannot be performed.

Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection: There are two options for races and battles over Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection: up to 12 people via Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection or up to 10 people via Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection with two people playing locally.

Related Articles:

Gamecube Controllers on the Wii: Good or Bad? 

Wii Wheel: $14.99

Mario Kart Wii Launches April 27