More Mario Kart!

More Mario Kart!

Hot Wheels - Mattel

Mattel has cranked out several more waves of Mario Kart Hot Wheels since my initial review.  They haven't quite hit the whole racer roster yet, but if it did stop here, I'm glad we got Donkey Kong, Wario, Waluigi, Toad, and Koopa Trooper joining the fray.

While the standard karts get a pass for repeating molds, the biggest disappointment in this set is seeing Waluigi in the Badwagon.  So many other kart options, and they go with one that is so specifically Bowser.  I guess I should just be happy no one is on a motorcycle.  No bikes in Mario KART!!!  Toad's Sneeker is the most unique in the set, but im partial to Koopa Trooper in his Circuit Special.  If you have the need for speed, KT never lets you down!

There are a few Yoshi color variants out there (a black one is part of a multi-pack of cars I already have...lame), and I passed on Tanooki Suit Mario...but I'm calling this done until I see some Shy Guy love.  Well, maybe Birdo...and Bowser Jr...a box set of Koopa Kids would be nice...Anyway, these have started showing up at Walmarts recently.  No more Target exclusives!  Yay!  Target needs blue-shelled in the worst way!

Mario Kart Hot Wheels - Part 1

Mario Kart

Mario Kart

Hot Wheels - Mattel

Sure, they may be a lil over-sized, but these new Karts from Mattel fit with my 1:64 movie and TV car collection better than any other offerings out there.  Plus, they roll very nicely and look sweet! 

Die-cast metal carts with a nicely sculpted plastic figurine in the driver's seat.  Bowser is probably my favorite, not just because of his bulk, but the spikes on his shell are a separate, under laid piece.  They have a flexible, rubbery feel to them.  

The only complaint I have with these is that Luigi needed his death stare.  That, and we're missing some key characters in this lineup.  All the main cast is here, except for Donkey Kong and Toad.  Hopefully there will be a second wave with these, Koopa Troopa, Shy Guy, and Wario.

Oh, and I am thankful that no spot in this wave was given to a motorcycle.  It's "Mario KART", dammit!  

8-bit Donkey Kong, Mario, and Bowser

8-bit Donkey Kong, Mario, and Bowser

World of Nintendo - Jakks Pacific

Walgreens exclusive 2-packs

Finally Jumpman and original, mane-less Bowser are here to join Jakks Pacific's World of Nintendo lineup!  The downside is you have to pay twice as much for them, as they come in 2-packs with some previous offerings.  Seriously?  We couldn't get the same, flat 8-bit characters in another pose at least?  DK in profile or holding a barrel over his head?  

Eh, at least the diorama package presentation is nice.  And, at this point, you would probably be paying more than $10 for a single-packed Bowser alone.  If you're a fan of the retro look, and don't mind the more "display over play" approach to the 2.5 inch line, then don't pass these by.   They make great little desk ornaments.  The DK/Jumpman set is hitting Walgreens now, so happy hunting!