Tools for this page
Print

Mario Kart Wii

  • Is it age appropriate?

    About our ratings

    Flash is loading. If this text does not disappear you need to install the latest flash version
    Not age appropriate for kids under 4, age appropriate for kids over 6; suggested age 6.

  • Is it any good?

    4.0
  • Common Sense says

    Fun family-friendly game that's hard to put down.

Why We Rated This on for Ages 6 and Up

The good stuff

  • Educational value:

    Not an issue.
  • Messages:

    Not an issue.

What to watch out for

  • Violence & scariness:

    Mild cartoon violence, including shooting items at rival racers.
  • Sexy stuff:

    Not an issue.
  • Language:

    Not an issue.
  • Consumerism:

    This is part of the Mario brand of video games from Nintendo.
  • Drinking, drugs, & smoking:

    Not an issue.

What Parents Need to Know

This review of Mario Kart Wii was written by Marc Saltzman

Parents need to know that this game is perfectly suitable for players of all ages. The ESRB warning of "comic mischief" relates to the combative nature of the arcade race, where players can shoot turtle shells at other go-karts to trip them up or when giant hammers flatten riders on their way to the finish line. The game can be played with up to 12 players online, but Common Sense Media doesn't recommend unsupervised online gaming for anyone under age 12.

Families Can Talk About

Talk to your kids about the media in their life. We have more tools and tips that can help
  • Families can talk about how the two new key features –- wireless, motion-sensing control (including the free wheel) and online multiplayer support for 12 gamers -– helps separate this sequel from the past Mario Kart games. Is this enough to move this franchise forward or is it more of the same but with a couple of extra bells and whistles? Also, is it possible for a game to live up to its tremendous hype?
Did this review help you decide?

OK for Your Kids to Play?

Do you play it? Review It!

More on Mario Kart Wii

What’s the Story?

Nintendo Wii gamers with the need for speed won't be disappointed with the much-hyped MARIO KART WII, an incredibly fun and accessible cartoon racing game for kids and kids-at-heart. As with past games in the series, players first choose a familiar Nintendo character – such as Baby Mario, Luigi, Donkey Kong, Princess Peach, Yoshi, Toad, or even your own custom-made Mii character – before hopping into a kart car or motorcycle to enter a wild race. The goal of each match is to reach the finish line through speed and cunning use of weapons such as dropping bananas on the track to slip up opponents trailing behind or turning into a rocket for a temporary speed burst.

Mario Kart Wii ships with the small Wii Wheel, which houses the wireless and motion-sensing Wii Remote (sold seperately), so you simply hold this circular controller like a steering wheel to navigate corners while the button can be used to initiate your power-up (such as a weapon). Shake the wheel while you're in the air for a special mid-air move. Players can also choose from three other controller setups, but the wheel is the most intuitive.

Is It Any Good?

Not only can gamers play against savvy computer-controlled opponents or with up to three others on the same television, but for the first time in the series, you can also log onto the Internet via the free Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection and engage in multiplayer games and tournaments for up to 12 players. The end result is a highly enjoyable game for both seasoned fans of the franchise and first-time players. The cartoon arcade action and the fast-paced racing combine to make for a thrilling solo diversion or head-to-head competition that's as easy to pick up as it is hard to put down.

Publisher’s Details

Developer: Nintendo
Released on: 04/27/2008, Price: $49.99, not online enabled
ESRB Rating: E for Comic Mischief

Want more? Get Common Sense recommendations delivered to your inbox.

Our Members Say

Do you play it? Review It!

What did you think about Mario Kart Wii?

or

to post a review

See all 78 member reviews

Most Recent Reviews

  1. Kid Reviewer Age 10
    I rate this title on for age 5 and give it 5.0
    • My highlights are:
    • Educational
    • Positive messages
    • Good role models
    • Safety isn't an issue
    • Easy to play

    M.K.I.P Mario Kart Is Perfect!!

    I love mario kart in fact IM A PRO AT IT!! i used to stink now im always winning!! it rules sooo much!!! i just adore it alot!!! its very fun!! i love to race my friends and everything!! i only hav 3 more characters to unlock!!! its super simple once u get the hang of it!!

  2. Teen Reviewer Age 13
    I rate this title on for age 8 and give it 5.0
    • My highlights are:
    • Safety isn't an issue
    • Easy to play

    Great Game!! Five Stars!

    I love this game.

  3. Teen Reviewer Age 14
    I rate this title on for age 8 and give it 3.0

    Good for friends, Not so good alone.

    First off this game is pretty hard, The cars are hard to control and can get boring if playing alone. Playing with a group of friends is very good but you still have handling problems. You get banana skins dropped so you slip all over the place. Its a laugh at times, You have to have multiple wheels and controllers if you all want to play. And there are only 2 players, Split screen confuses me often. Its a really good game and family friendly.

  4. I rate this title on for age 6 and give it 3.0
    • My concerns are:
    • Excessive violence
    • My highlights are:
    • Easy to play

    fine

    fine game

  5. Kid Reviewer Age 11
    I rate this title on for age 2 and give it 5.0
    • My highlights are:
    • Educational
    • Positive messages
    • Good role models
    • Safety isn't an issue
    • Easy to play

    The best if your age 2-200 (impossible)

    Everyone must have heard of this game it is absaloutely brillient!!!!!!!! and if you havent buy it WHOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

More Great Stuff For Your Kids

  • Most Popular This Week

    Percy Jackson Fever

    Percy Jackson Fever

    Read the book before you see the movie!

  • Tech Tip

    What parents need to know.YouTube and Your Kid

    What parents need to know.

  • Must See TV

    Life Unexpected

    Life Unexpected

    Teen-themed family drama is edgy but earnest.

  • Issue Spotlight

    The 10 Most Violent Video Games (And 10 Alternatives)

    The 10 Most Violent Video Games (And 10 Alternatives)

    Our video game experts weigh in.

  • Download This

    Pickin' & Grinnin': Great Folk Songs for Kids

    Pickin' & Grinnin': Great Folk Songs for Kids

    Fantastic folk favorites perfect for family road trips.

Give Us a Minute, Get a Lot of Common Sense!
  • Age-appropriate best bets for your kids
  • Weekly email alert with the latest picks, reviews & advice
  • Post your own reviews and share them with friends

This will never be displayed to others.
Your email will never be displayed to others.
Your password should be 6-10 characters long.
A screen name protects your privacy
To post a review or comment you must become a Common Sense Member. It's easy!

Set-up your account
This will never be displayed to others.
Your email will never be displayed to others.
Your password should be 6-10 characters long.

Choose a screen name
It will appear when you post your own reviews and recommendations.
A screen name protects your privacy

Tell us your children's ages
You'll see the movies, games, books, shows, music, and sites our editors select just for them. As your children get older, our picks will grow with them!Why we ask for this
We never display your children's names, (or nicknames) to anyone, but you. Providing your children's ages allows us to personalize information on our site, so you get better information, faster.
is
until
(optional)
is
until
is
until
is
until
is
until
is
until
Add another child

We can make Common Sense just right for you. With a little info about you and your family, you'll get the most out of our site.

Set-up your account
This will never be displayed to others.
Your email will never be displayed to others.
Your password should be 6-10 characters long.

Tell us your children's ages
You'll see the movies, games, books, shows, music, and sites our editors select just for them. As your children get older, our picks will grow with them!
Why we ask for this
We never display your children's names, (or nicknames) to anyone, but you. Providing your children's ages allows us to personalize information on our site, so you get better information, faster.
is
until
is
until
is
until
is
until
is
until
is
until
Add another child

Choose a screen name
It will appear when you post your own reviews and recommendations
A screen name protects your privacy
Register to add this school to your profile. You'll be able to see and share reviews from parents, teachers, and kids at your child's school.
I'm already a Common Sense member.
Kids under 13 must use a screen name