Mario Kart Feature Launches In Google Maps For 1 Week As Part Of 'mario Day' Celebrations

Let's-a go! Although it can be unwise to play Mario Kart in the real world, fans now have an opportunity for the next-best thing. Starting on Saturday, Mario and his go-kart are navigating Google Maps users to their destinations for one week.

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The promotion celebrates Mario Day, March 10 ("MAR10," get it?).



A small Question Block icon appears next to the navigation start button in the Google Maps smartphone app. When users tap the icon, the app asks people if they want to navigate as Mario. Instead of the usual blue dot, Mario appears to guide users along their routes.

Other Mario Day events include a discount on Super Mario Run, a Mario event in Animal Crossing: Pocket Camp, new rewards for My Nintendo members, and a takeover on Play Nintendo

The Google Maps campaign may also relate to the recently announced Mario Kart Tour smartphone game that is slated to launch "in the fiscal year ending in March 2019." The Mario Kart 8 Deluxe game launched for the Nintendo Switch last April.

Nintendo's relationship with Google Maps dates back to at least 2014, when a "Pokémon Challenge" game was available in the service for April Fool's Day. The Legend of Zelda's Link also appeared in Google Maps in 2016.