Huh, look at these! My middle school self would be freaking out right now. Not only has Nintendo revealed a Limited Edition of Mario Kart 8 complete with a mounted Blue Shell, but pre-orders will be gifted with rad Mushroom Kindom-themed key chains! I can’t wait to clip them to my backpack.
Unfortunately, there’s a bit of a catch . As of right now, the Limited Edition has only been announced for Europe. On track for a May 30th release, the set will come with the aforementioned “Blue Shell Collector’s Item,” as well as three unique key rings — a Golden Dash Mushroom, a Red Shell, and a Bullet Bill. I have to say, Bill does not look happy (though I can’t recall when he ever did).
Mario Kart 8 itself is slated for an identical May 30th release date in the US and Canada, so theoretically Nintendo shouldn’t have reason not to share the Limited Edition wealth. It wouldn’t be unheard of if they don’t, though — I never got my Link Between Worlds musical chest, and I’m still not happy about it.
All we can do for now is hope the Limited Edition is eventually brought to North America, though frankly, I’m not really sure why I want it so bad; Blue Shells are pretty much the bane of my existence. Even so, collectibles are collectibles, and these will make fine additions to any Mario Kart fan’s promotional collection.
