KARTING COMBOS

Characters are divided into weight classes, and each has different stats. Bowser is the heaviest, for instance, and has the best top speed and worst acceleration. The baby characters are the opposite. Mario and Luigi are smack bang in the middle! Your vehicle also makes a big difference so hit the 'Y' button to see your stats!

THE FASTEST START

Want to boost off the start line at the beginning of each race? You need to press and hold accelerate during Lakitu’s countdown. When? Just after the number two pops up on screen, when the second orange light is completely filled in. Hit and hold accelerate and you’ll get the best possible start. Here we go!

PERFECT POWERSLIDING

Sliding sideways around corners is a tonne of fun and builds up boost, letting you take a tight line then zoom away at top speed! The longer you powerslide, the more boost you’ll get, with the kart’s tyre sparks going from blue to orange to rainbow! Be sure to steer while sliding to adjust your angle as well.

GOODBYE BLUEY

There’s nothing worse than the dreaded blue shell when you’re in first place, but thankfully, there are ways to defend against it! Super Horns can actually destroy a blue shell when it’s above you, and if you use a mushroom to boost just as it’s dropping down, you’ll dodge the destruction! The Boo power-up works too!

GIVE ‘EM SHELL

Got a power-up trailing behind your kart? It might be best to leave it there, as shells and other items can block incoming attacks! And when you DO want to unleash? Tilt down to shoot backwards or up to fling things like banana peels ahead. You can even aim with the right stick and shoot to the side.

JUST A SIMPLE TRICK

Quickfire tips! Always trick off jumps by tapping ZR! You’ll get a speed boost when you land. Press left or right and you’ll trick in that direction, letting you reposition. The more coins you have, the faster your kart goes, maxing out at 20. Lastly! Turn smart steering off – it’s as much a handicap as a help.