"Mario Kart 8": Can A Pretty Game Save Wii U? (Video)

Wii it or won't it?

That's the question that's now seemingly saddled with every new Nintendo first-party release over the possibility of a saving grace for the ever-ailing Wii U. Next up on the circuit is the gorgeous-looking Mario Kart 8, which has maybe (just maybe) a possibility of turning the tide for Nintendo's not-quite-next-gen console even more than Super Mario 3D World or Donkey Kong's new installmentTropical Freeze might have.

In terms of local multiplayer fun on the Nintendo console of the moment, it's always (arguably) come down to the quality of Mario Kart and Smash Bros., and if you want the traditionalist (read: whimsically entertaining) goods, Mario Kart 8 looks like it has a good dose of Nintendo's trademark kiddie charm. From the looks of the trailer, it's also maybe the best looking Wii U game to date – it'll be great for Wii U owners, but will a mix of old and new tracks and ideas be enough to get more people to buy a new console?

Whatever the outcome, the game comes out next month, and it's sure to be a blast for whoever does pick up. If that's enough for Nintendo to gain a windfall remains to be seen.

[Via Youtube]