650 Target locations getting special Mario Kart 8 Deluxe makeovers

Wa-hoo! Mario Kart 8 for Nintendo Switch launches April 28, and we’re juuuust a little excited. While our fave mustachioed plumbers gear up, we’re over here dodging banana peels and flying turtle shells, and racing red carts up and down the aisles to bring you some extra-special fun—only at Target. Starting today, 650+ stores across the country are going into full game-on mode, with larger-than-life Mario action.

Target has been guests’ go-to Nintendo destination for 30+ years. From scooping up the 1985 original NES to scoping out this spring’s highly-coveted Nintendo Switch, Target is often fans’ first stop before hitting start on a gaming adventure. So, we’re out to make the shopping experience just as fun!

“Experience counts—it’s what keeps guests coming in and coming back to our stores,” says Scott Nygaard, senior vice president, Merchandising, Target. “So we’re delivering the fun like only Target can, giving generations of Mario fans a shopping trip they won’t soon forget.”

The fun begins just outside the entrance. Those big red bollards (designed to stop stray cars) are transformed, with Mario and Luigi themselves welcoming you to the store. Bonus fact: This isn’t the first time the bollards have had a makeover—In 2011, we painted beach balls as part of a summer campaign, and last year we created Pokémon balls.)

Walking through Target doors always brings a little rush, but this time you’re crossing a starting line! As you walk through, motion sensors fire up flashing lights and play Mario’s catchy theme song.

Always dreamed of driving a real-life Mario kart? Here’s your chance, sort of! We’ve decked out a handful of “Super Target Karts,” featuring Mario, Luigi and Princess Peach. So go ahead, leave Bowser in the dust as you do your Target run—and keep your eyes peeled, because we have an assortment of Mario and Nintendo-related products set around the store. Bonus fact: This is the first time Target’s ever decorated our carts.

Want to get in on the in-store fun? Hurry in to Target in the next few weeks before it’s game over on this limited-time experience. And be sure to visit Target.com to pre-order your copy of Mario Kart 8 for Nintendo Switch.

One final bonus fact: If you’re still trying to get your hands on Nintendo Switch, keep checking your local Target store! We’re working hard with Nintendo to keep these crazy-popular consoles flowing in to Target stores throughout the year.