- Hints and Tips

Mario Kart Wii Guide - Hints and Tips

- Boost Start
At the start of a race, press and hold the accelerator just as the 2 starts to disappear to get a boost right out of the gate.

Here.

- Slipstreaming / Drafting
Slipstream isn't new, but it has been made way easier. This is actually used by professional racers. Basically, when a car is moving, it displaces the air in front of it, creating an area of low pressure behind it. This low pressure area means less air resistance and faster top speeds. Just get in line behind another cart and stay there till the boost kicks in.

Get in line...

...start the stream...

...and boost!

Rush right past them!

- Wheelies
This can only be done on a motorcycle. When going in a straight line, press the trick button. Your front tire will lift up and you'll get a short burst of speed. However, your tire will remain up for around 4 seconds, meaning you cant steer during that time and are very susceptible to being bumped. DON'T try this with the Wii Wheel. Just don't do it.

- Boosting on recovery
If you fall off the track, Lakitu will put you back on. If you press the accelerate button just as your tires touch the ground, you'll get a boots.

- Dragging items
Dragging items has been a part of the Mario Kart series for as long as I can remember. For any item that permits, press and hold the use button. The item will appear behind you and drag behind your cart. What this does it two fold: 1) it opens up your inventory so you can hold another item. 2) it protects you from incoming shells.

Uh Oh...

Ah ha!

Haha!

- Throwing items
I've never found much of a use for this in a race, but you can throw certain items forward instead of dropping them back. Can come in handy in Battle Mode.

- Looking Backward
Looking backward can be helpful if you are trying to hit an opponent behind you, or if you hear a shell coming. It can also prove invaluable during Battles. Just don't lose track of what's in front of you.

I see you.