Originally published on metropolis.co.jp on July 2010

Takara Tomy’s Choro-Q—those squat toy cars known to Americans of a certain age as Penny Racers—have been immortalized in countless video games in the past. Quid pro quo, the latest addition to the range looks to Nintendo World for inspiration. The “Choro-Q Hybrid! Mario Kart Wii Series” features dinky renditions of Mario, Yoshi, Luigi et al., the former two also being available in a set that includes a pair of controllers and a variety of track markers. Perhaps neatest of all, they’ve even managed to incorporate the power-up items from the game itself, allowing you to foil your opponent with virtual banana skins and turtle shells.

Mario Kart Wii Choro-Q Hybrid set, ¥5,460; individual cars ¥2,730 (with controller). Available from major toy stores.