Nintendo Super Mario Kart SNES Game Manual

1. Introduction to Super Mario Kart

Super Mario Kart is a go-kart racing game released for the Super Nintendo Entertainment System (SNES). It features characters from the Super Mario universe, including Mario, Luigi, King Koopa, Toadstool, and Donkey Kong Jr., competing in races across various tracks. This title introduced the Mario Kart series, combining strategic item usage with racing elements.

Players can collect power-ups such as mushrooms for speed boosts, or deploy items like Koopa shells and banana peels to affect opponents. The game includes a Battle Mode for two players, utilizing a split-screen view. Super Mario Kart employs Mode 7 graphics to create its racing environments.

Image: Super Mario Kart game cartridge and its original packaging for the Super Nintendo Entertainment System.

2. Setup Instructions

1. Connect Your SNES Console: Ensure your Super Nintendo Entertainment System (SNES) console is properly connected to your television and power source. Refer to your SNES console's manual for detailed connection instructions if needed.
2. Insert the Game Cartridge: Gently insert the Super Mario Kart game cartridge into the cartridge slot on your SNES console. Ensure it is fully seated.
3. Connect Controllers: Plug your SNES controllers into the controller ports on the front of the console.
4. Power On: Turn on your television and select the correct input source. Then, power on your SNES console. The Super Mario Kart title screen should appear.
5. Start Game: Press the START button on your controller to begin the game.

3. Operating Instructions

3.1. Basic Controls

• Directional Pad (D-Pad): Steer your kart left or right.
• A Button: Accelerate.
• B Button: Brake/Reverse.
• Y Button: Use item.
• L/R Buttons: Hop/Drift (useful for tight turns).
• START Button: Pause game/Access menu.

3.2. Game Modes

• Mario Kart GP: Compete in a series of races across different cups (Mushroom Cup, Flower Cup, Star Cup, Special Cup) to earn points and win the championship. Available in 50cc, 100cc, and 150cc classes, affecting kart speed and difficulty.
• Time Trial: Race against the clock on any track to set the fastest lap times.
• Match Race: A head-to-head race against another player or a computer-controlled opponent.
• Battle Mode: A two-player mode where players try to pop each other's balloons using items. The last player with balloons remaining wins.

3.3. Characters

Choose from eight iconic characters, each with unique handling characteristics:

• Mario
• Luigi
• Princess Peach
• Yoshi
• Toad
• Koopa Troopa
• Donkey Kong Jr.
• Bowser

3.4. Items and Power-ups

Collect item boxes on the track to receive various power-ups that can help you or hinder your opponents:

• Mushroom: Provides a temporary speed boost.
• Green Shell: Fires straight forward or backward, bouncing off walls.
• Red Shell: Homing missile that targets the kart in front of you.
• Banana Peel: Can be dropped behind your kart or thrown forward to make opponents spin out.
• Star: Grants temporary invincibility and increased speed.
• Feather: Allows for a high jump, useful for shortcuts or avoiding obstacles.
• Lightning Bolt: Shrinks all opponents, making them slower and vulnerable.
• Ghost: Steals an item from an opponent and makes you temporarily invisible.

4. Maintenance and Care

• Cartridge Storage: Store the game cartridge in its original case or a protective sleeve when not in use to prevent dust and damage.
• Cleaning Contacts: If the game does not start, gently clean the gold connector pins on the bottom of the cartridge with a cotton swab lightly dampened with isopropyl alcohol. Allow to dry completely before reinserting.
• Avoid Extreme Conditions: Do not expose the cartridge to extreme temperatures, direct sunlight, or moisture.
• Handle with Care: Avoid dropping the cartridge or applying excessive force when inserting or removing it from the console.

5. Troubleshooting

• Game Not Starting/Black Screen:
  • Ensure the cartridge is fully and correctly inserted into the SNES console.
  • Clean the cartridge's connector pins as described in the Maintenance section.
  • Verify that your SNES console is properly connected to the TV and power, and that the TV is on the correct input.
• Controller Not Responding:
  • Check that the controller is securely plugged into the console.
  • Try a different controller if available to rule out a faulty controller.
• Graphics Glitches/Sound Issues:
  • Remove and reinsert the cartridge.
  • Clean the cartridge pins.
  • Ensure all cables (AV, power) are securely connected.

6. Product Specifications

7. Warranty and Support

For information regarding warranty, repairs, or technical support for your Super Mario Kart game or Super Nintendo Entertainment System, please contact Nintendo Customer Support directly.

You can find contact information and support resources on the official Nintendo website: www.nintendo.com/support/.

Please note that for vintage products like the Super Nintendo Entertainment System and its games, specific warranty terms may vary or be expired. However, Nintendo's support resources can still provide valuable assistance for common issues.