Mario Kart 8: New Characters And Tracks Announced [VIDEO]

We’re inching closer to Mario Kart 8’s May release, but we still don’t know everything about Nintendo’s newest installment in the Mario Kart franchise. We do know more about the character lineup, item additions, and track selections, thanks to a series of new screenshots released by Nintendo along with a trailer.

The old favorites you’d expect are back, of course. But they’re supported by some carryovers introduced in Mario Kart 7 (Metal Mario, Shy Guy) and the Koopalings (Iggy, Lemmy, Ludwig, Larry, Morton, Roy, and Wendy in the order Mario defeats them in the main games). Nintendo hasn’t yet confirmed personal Miis will be playable, ala Mario Kart Wii.

Keeping with Nintendo tradition, Mario Kart 8 will feature a host of new tracks like Dolphin Shoals and Sunshine Airport; but remade retro tracks will also make an appearance -- a redone version of Nintendo 64’s Rainbow Road is featured in one of the screenshots. The track’s surface seems a likely nod to the original Rainbow Road from the very first Mario Kart, on the SNES (Super Nintendo Entertainment System).

Check out Nintendo’s trailer below.