You may brag to your friends occasionally that you’ve played every Mario Kart ever. Little due even many fans know, that there have been two arcade machines released in the franchise, unique from the mainline console games.
Mario Kart Arcade GP DX is the third in the arcade series, developed by Namco Bandai. You’ll find there’s far more packed into these machines than the standard Mario Kart formula, with Mario Kart 7‘s underwater driving and gliding, a Double Dash-style co-op mode, and even online functionality with an “Alter-Ego” mode, which creates ghosts of other past racers.
It can also take a personal photo of your face to display as you play, and includes Namco’s character Don-chan (protagonist from the rhythm action Taiko no Tatsujin series) as well as his very own themed track.
There has been no announcement regarding a US or European release, and arcades are fading each day. That said, the previous Arcade GPs made it out of Japan, so it’s very likely that you can get your hands on one at some point.
[Source: Official Nintendo Magazine UK]
