Get ready to whip Bowser into shape - the Tanooki power-up is back!

6th October, 2011 – Mario is back and ready to take over your Nintendo 3DS this Christmas. Mario stars in not one but two exciting new Nintendo 3DS games when SUPER MARIO 3D LAND and Mario Kart 7 launch across Europe on November 18th and December 2nd respectively. Both games are exclusive to Nintendo 3DS and both feature classic Mario action including a return of the classic Tanooki power-up.

SUPER MARIO 3D LAND features a unique mix of classic and brand new Mario gameplay. Princess Peach is in trouble once again; Bowser has kidnapped her and there is only one man who can save the day.

SUPER MARIO 3D LAND mixes traditional elements of side-scrolling Mario titles like Super Mario Bros. 3 (NES) and New Super Mario Bros. (Nintendo DS), with newer 3D platforming action as seen in 3D Mario titles such as Super Mario Galaxy (Wii). SUPER MARIO 3D LAND offers gameplay that every Mario player can easily get into as well as challenges for the biggest Mario experts. Can you make it to the Goal Pole in one piece?

Get ready to master a mixture of new and classic abilities on your quest through the Mushroom Kingdom, as the fan-favourite Tanooki Suit returns in SUPER MARIO 3D LAND. By collecting a brown Super Leaf, Mario slips into his cute and furry Tanooki Suit, which gives him the ability to glide in mid-air as well as perform a tail attack. You will also have fun mastering many other abilities, from the Propeller Box which makes Mario fly high in the air to the Fire Flower that allows Mario to throw fireballs at enemies. 

Look out for special binoculars placed in certain stages and use them to shift perspective to first person: steering the view using motion controls, you can scout ahead in stages to spot enemies, obstacles and hidden options.

Mario Kart 7 is the latest instalment in the fan-favourite Mario Kart franchise and brings exciting 3D kart action to the palm of your hand. Drivers can explore all-new competitive kart possibilities, on big jumps your kart will deploy a Glider to let you fly over the track, and you can now speed over the sea floor as you continue your race underwater. Mastering these abilities will allow you to find shortcuts and beat your opponents to the finish line.

Classic items return and some new power-ups appear for the first time in Mario Kart 7. Fans of the Tanooki power-up will be glad to hear that the Super Leaf makes an appearance in this latest instalment giving you both offensive and defensive abilities. Use your Tanooki tail to both protect you from incoming shells and to whip opponents off the track.

Show off your style by customising your vehicle to give you a competitive advantage on the track. For example, some tyres will help you to drive off-road when the course gets rough while other tyres help you on the smoother city circuits.

All the classic Mushroom Kingdom characters return along with some new characters like Metal Mario and Lakitu, but if you would like to jump into the fun, then why not race as your Mii character? Challenge your friends in local wireless matches or online over a wireless Internet connection while you try to master the new courses. Share Ghost Data with people you encounter via StreetPass and register those you meet to challenge them online. You can also download Ghost Data from across the world via SpotPass to test your global karting skills.

There is a course suited to every driving style, from wild rides over mountain roads to city streets and dusty deserts. Fans might recognise new courses set on Wuhu Island and in the jungles from Donkey Kong Country Returns.

For more information about the games, visit our gamepages for SUPER MARIO 3D LAND and Mario Kart 7!

SUPER MARIO 3D LAND and Mario Kart 7 will be available exclusively for Nintendo 3DS across Europe from November 18th and December 2nd respectively.