Hints & Cheats for Mario Kart Wii

Unlocking Karts, Motorbikes and Characters

• There are no cheat codes that can unlock all the hidden karts, motorbikes and characters. Instead, you will need to complete the cup circuits at all of the difficulty levels, attaining first place to unlock all the vehicle options. Some characters can be unlocked by completing the time trials and beating the Expert Staff Ghost Data times.

Boost at Race Start

• One of the oldest tricks in the Mario Kart book is the boost start. By pressing the accelerate button just as the countdown timer shows "2" disappearing, you will start the race with an extra speed boost.

Boost Recovery

• If you are hit by an object, spin out of control or fall from the course, you can get an extra boost of speed at recovery if you press the accelerate button at the very moment your vehicle regains control. In the instance of being hit by an object, this is the moment when you stop spinning and face the forward direction, and in the instance of falling from the course, this is the moment that your vehicle is placed on the track.

Dodge Shells

• If you have a banana peel or a shell, dropping the object and holding it behind you will protect you from being hit by a red or green shell shot from behind. Simply hold down and press the fire object button to hold an object behind you. Continue to hold down so that the banana peel or shell hovers behind your vehicle. Alternatively, if you have a three-shell-ring object, you can deploy this weapon to circle your vehicle, thus protecting you from attack.

Dodge Blue Shells

• The mushroom speed boost object is the best way to avoid being struck by a blue shell. Simply wait for the blue shell to approach and utilize the mushroom speed boost a moment before impact. You will speed ahead of the blue shell thus preventing any damage.