Mario Kart Wii set for Q1 2008 release

Latest instalment in the kart racing series to come bundled with a Wii Racing Wheel peripheral.

Today Nintendo of America president Reggie Fils-Aime announced that a new Mario Kart title will be released for the Wii in the first quarter of 2008.

The game will be the first online-enabled home console Mario Kart and promises to bring gamers of all skill levels together on an even playing field, with numerous control options for the experienced and novice gamer.

Reggie also announced that the game will ship with the Wii Wheel, a new steering wheel peripheral which, based on initial impressions, appears to be nothing more than a wheel shell in which the Wii-mote can be inserted - very similar to the Ubisoft wheel peripheral that shipped with 4x4 Monster trucks for Wii.

Expect lots more info over the coming days.