Carrera Nintendo Mario Kart Wii

Don't be put off by all the one-star reviews complaining about cars flying off the track. It happens at first all right, but you just need some patience to learn how to drive them properly - i.e. use the boost for the loop, slow down on the bends, etc., rather than just pressing down the button to go fast as possible all the time. Our seven-year-old had it mastered within 30 minutes of play and we've had several epic races since then. Would agree with another suggestion further down though, to not bother with the cardboard on outside of the track - it's purely decorative rather than functional, and really just flops around a bit. Removing it makes no difference whatsoever to play. Overall, a great toy, if you've just got the patience to take 30 minutes to learn how ... MoreDon't be put off by all the one-star reviews complaining about cars flying off the track. It happens at first all right, but you just need some patience to learn how to drive them properly - i.e. use the boost for the loop, slow down on the bends, etc., rather than just pressing down the button to go fast as possible all the time. Our seven-year-old had it mastered within 30 minutes of play and we've had several epic races since then. Would agree with another suggestion further down though, to not bother with the cardboard on outside of the track - it's purely decorative rather than functional, and really just flops around a bit. Removing it makes no difference whatsoever to play. Overall, a great toy, if you've just got the patience to take 30 minutes to learn how to use it properly!

As another reviewer has said, once you learn the technique it's easy and so much fun.My 5 and 10 year were pro's by day 2. You adjust the speed accordingly, boost around the loop, then ease off around bends. It really is a great set. I grew up with a scalectrix, and we had same issues with cars flying off track due to bad driving!Love how it counts laps as you race. This was the favourite present, finally my two kids can play together! Looking forward to extending the track and adding new cars.

This isn't an instant gratification toy. You have to learn how to slow down for the bend, speed up for the loop, and slow down again for the next turn. Just like in a real F1 race there's a risk you'll lose out if you get it wrong. Children will go back and try it again until they get it right, but they need the right attitude from their driving coach. Keep persevering. When they can complete laps they'll have a new challenge to go for records. Or race each other. They'll learn the value of practice, hand eye coordination, concentration, and the basic fundamentals of motor racing. My 3 year old nephew (Mario) is getting past the loop now with his mother (Luigi) learning fast as well! I know he'll play this for years. I was delighted with the quality of the track for ... MoreThis isn't an instant gratification toy. You have to learn how to slow down for the bend, speed up for the loop, and slow down again for the next turn. Just like in a real F1 race there's a risk you'll lose out if you get it wrong. Children will go back and try it again until they get it right, but they need the right attitude from their driving coach. Keep persevering. When they can complete laps they'll have a new challenge to go for records. Or race each other. They'll learn the value of practice, hand eye coordination, concentration, and the basic fundamentals of motor racing. My 3 year old nephew (Mario) is getting past the loop now with his mother (Luigi) learning fast as well! I know he'll play this for years. I was delighted with the quality of the track for the price, the electrical connections are solid and come with spares. The crash barriers aren't functional so best to get rid for me since there's a baby around and that's where the small pieces are. For the price a track of this quality along with official Nintendo branding is a pretty great deal.