Official information has been released regarding the North American version of Mario Kart Wii, straight from Nintendo.

Format: Wii™
Launch Date: 04/27/08
ESRB: E (Everyone): Comic Mischief
Game Type: Kart Racing
Accessories: Wii Wheel™ (included)
Players: 1-4 locally or up to 12 on Nintendo® Wi-Fi Connection with up to 2 players locally
Developer: Nintendo

KEY INFORMATION
The worldwide race is on with a whole new set of tricks, tracks and ways to play.

The Wii Wheel transforms the Wii Remote™ controller into a steering wheel that feels natural in anyone's hands, while the Wii Remote and Nunchuk™ controller offer a classic control style for the Mario Kart veteran. In either configuration, players can perform speed-boosting tricks with a shake of the Wii Remote.

Players can race as their favorite Nintendo character, or even as themselves! Mario Kart Wii lets players race with their personalized Mii™ characters. And racers will see other Mii characters they have created cheering from the sidelines on some race courses.

Players can compete with up to three friends in their living room. Or challenge up to 11 opponents via Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection in the biggest Mario Kart race yet. All tracks and modes of play are available via Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection, and players can visit the Mario Kart Channel to compete in tournaments, check rankings, see when their friends are playing and download ghost data.

Cruise new tracks and arenas or tour classic courses from Super Mario Kart™, Mario Kart® 64, Mario Kart®: Super Circuit™, Mario Kart®: Double Dash!!™ and Mario Kart® DS. Tired of riding on four wheels? Bust out one of the new motorbikes for special tricks and techniques.