Update: (Aug 8, 6PM EST) The Mercedes-Benz vehicles and "Mercedes Cup" event have been confirmed by Nintendo in a press release on their website. This article has been updated to reflect the North American content.
Ever feel like Mario Kart just isn't realistic enough? Sure, there's more than a little fantasy involved in a game where your competition is a talking mushroom in a speedy little racing kart that is also a hovercraft, but where is the corporate sponsorship goshdarnit?
Well, the wait is over will be over on August 27 for players of Mario Kart 8 on the Nintendo Wii U console. Mercedes-Benz is partnering with the House of Super Mario to bring a free downloadable content (DLC) pack, consisting of three Mercedes-Benz vehicles: the 2015 GLA, 1934 W 25 Silver Arrow, and 1957 300 SL Roadster. The DLC will be bundled with a game update that adds a raft of player-requested features and improves online stability.
August 27 also marks the kick-off of the Mercedes Cup event, which is slated to run for four weeks, ending on September 23. Gamers will be competing online using the three Mercedes-Benz vehicles, and can upload their highlight reels to Mario Kart TV.
This most recent collaboration comes after the appearance of the iconic plumber in a 30-second spot for the GLA crossover. Such cross-promotion between automotive firms and media franchises is nothing new in Japan, which also saw the Final Fantasy prelude featured in a commercial for the Toyota Aqua (Prius c in North America); but with the debut of Mercedes-Benz vehicles in Mario Kart, are the doors now opened for others to follow?
Press release: Nintendo adds three Mercedes-Benz cars and updates to Mario Kart 8, Nintendo of America
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