The air in the workshop hung thick with the smell of burnt rubber and anticipation. My apprentice, fresh-faced and eager, hovered nearby as I unboxed the Carrera GO!!! Mario Kart 8 set. He’d been bugging me for weeks to help him build a slot car track. Seems even a wizened old hobbyist like myself can get a bit of the kid left inside stirred up by a brightly colored, video-game-themed setup.

Right away, you notice the vibrant graphics. Mario and Luigi, plastered onto their karts, are instantly recognizable, perfectly capturing the chaotic energy of the game. The track itself – a deceptively simple figure-eight – is designed to maximize fun. You wouldn’t believe the hours I’ve spent on track design, trying to find that sweet spot between challenging layouts and accessibility. The Carrera GO!!! hits the mark. It’s a great introductory experience. The smaller 1:43 scale of the cars means the track footprint is manageable, even for a smaller space. Plus, unlike some of the larger scale sets (looking at you, 1:24 scale!), these cars aren’t going to demand a dedicated room just to play.

Now, let’s talk performance. The speed controllers are a definite improvement over some older Carrera offerings. More sensitive throttle control is always welcome, allowing a finer touch on the curves. This is crucial. Precision is king in this hobby. The ability to regulate speed, especially on the hairpin turns, can make or break a lap time. And that, my friends, is what it’s all about: pushing the limits, finding the perfect racing line, and the sweet thrill of victory.

One thing I’ve noticed, and this is a minor quibble, the track connections themselves can sometimes be a little finicky. They’re fine when you’re building, but they can come loose during especially aggressive racing. Nothing a little careful placement and a close eye can’t fix. If things start to disconnect, just re-seat them – it’s the equivalent of a pit stop in the real world.

Speaking of pit stops, some might argue Scalextric is better for serious racing, with their higher build quality. However, the Mario Kart branding and overall ease of setup make the Carrera GO!!! a clear winner for families or casual racers. It just screams fun, even if you are a serious slot car nut.

So, who is this set for? If you have a child who’s clamoring to get into slot cars (and, let’s be honest, who wouldn’t be excited about Mario and Luigi duking it out on a track?) or if you’re a nostalgic gamer looking for a new hobby, this is your starting point. The Carrera GO!!! Mario Kart 8 set is a fantastic gateway into the world of slot cars. Go ahead, order it. You won’t regret it. Just be prepared to fight over the controller.