In exactly one week, Nintendo's Mario Kart Wii with Racing Wheel will storm stores and provide the first online racing experience the series has seen.

Up to 12 players can play online, two coming from the same console. Single-console races can feature up to 4 players ala previous Mario Kart games like Super Mario Kart, Mario Kart 64, Mario Kart: Super Circuit, Mario Kart: Double Dash!! and Mario Kart DS.

Unlike previous Mario Kart games, the new Wii entry will allow players to import and use their Mii characters in races. Other Wii's on their console will even be seen cheering from the sidelines.

Check out these new in-game screenshots and a few character renders, including a great shot at one of the motorbikes featured in the game -- another first for the series. The final countdown is on.

game details

Mario Kart Wii Nintendo's classic racing franchise goes online. It launches with the Wii Wheel(TM) (name not final), a steering wheel housing for the Wii Remote that lets veterans and newcomers compete together.