Mario Kart Hot Wheels Series Announced at SDCC 2018, Launching Summer 2019
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Published on: July 19, 2018
Description
At San Diego Comic-Con 2018, Mattel officially revealed an exciting new collaboration with Nintendo: the Mario Kart Hot Wheels series.
This highly anticipated collection brings together the iconic characters and vehicles from Nintendo’s celebrated racing franchise, Mario Kart, as detailed at the convention’s exhibit.
Scheduled for release in summer 2019, the Mario Kart Hot Wheels toys are set to hit store shelves in June with a suggested retail price of $4.99 per vehicle, according to reporting from Mashable.com.
The Mario Kart Hot Wheels collection will feature eight distinct characters from the Super Mario universe, each depicted in their signature kart design.
The initial lineup includes fan-favorites: Mario, Luigi, Princess Peach, Yoshi, Bowser, Toad, Wario, and Rosalina.
Each figure and vehicle is crafted with the attention to detail for which Mattel’s Hot Wheels brand is known, making them a standout addition for both collectors and fans of the Mario Kart franchise.
This release marks a fresh chapter in the partnership between Nintendo and Mattel, following their previous 2016 collaboration, which saw the launch of a Super Mario-themed Hot Wheels line.
By expanding the collaboration to encompass the high-octane world of Mario Kart, Nintendo continues to grow its presence in the collectible toy market.
The announcement at SDCC 2018 underscores Nintendo’s ongoing commitment to extending its gaming brands beyond digital platforms, such as the Nintendo Switch and eShop, offering new ways for fans to engage with its most beloved franchises.
The Mario Kart Hot Wheels series is designed to capture the vibrant energy and competitive spirit of the original video game, making it suitable for both long-time players and younger audiences discovering the series for the first time.
Mattel representatives at San Diego Comic-Con emphasized the goal of delivering authentic designs that celebrate the legacy of Mario Kart, ensuring each toy reflects the dynamic personalities and karts recognizable to millions of fans worldwide.
Retailing individually at $4.99, the toys are accessible for collectors and children alike, potentially driving strong sales upon release.
With Mario Kart’s enduring popularity—bolstered by Mario Kart 8 Deluxe’s record-breaking sales on the Nintendo Switch—this crossover is poised to become one of 2019’s standout merchandise launches for both Mattel and Nintendo.
The Mario Kart Hot Wheels lineup will be available at major retailers starting June 2019, providing another touchpoint for fans to experience Nintendo’s characters in a new and tangible form.
As Nintendo continues to seek innovative partnerships and expand its franchise offerings beyond games, collaborations like this remain a testament to the universal appeal of brand icons like Mario and his friends.
