We were excited when Nintendo announced the wheel that will accompany the Mario Kart so naturally we are over the moon when they announced the game at the E3 press conference. It's a shame that the game won't be available till 2008, because we are die-hard fans can't wait that long. But they say patience pays so till then lets just go over what goodies the game holds for us. If the plans work out, then you will be actually racing opponents on your big TV online in less than five months; rumors put it to early January next year but Europe could see a Christmas 2007 release.

To give a feel of what the game will actually be like, we have recreated what Computer and Video Games has pre-viewed.

- The trees lining Mario Circuit here actually wiggle from side to side and the waterfall in Yoshi Falls looks amazing.

- The characters' heads actually turn to look at the vehicles they've just sent flying.

- You can race 12 friends online.

- YouTube is going to be filled with videos of people finding evermore ingenious and unplanned routes over, around and through different bits of scenery.

- The tracks are choc-a-block with Nintendo references, such as these NES-sprite lamppost placards (with 'MARIO KART' written like the Nintendo logo). The pipe work of Wario Mines makes us wish we could leap out the kart and explore... even if ducking down the green chimneys would get you a singed 'ass' if the smoke's anything to go by.

- There will be plenty of stunts to stun us.