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With over 37 million copies of the game sold, Mario Kart Wii is the second best-selling Wii game (after Wii Sports) and the best-selling Super Mario game for the Wii console. This channel uses 74 to 88 blocks (depending on the game's region), but unlike the game data, players can copy the channel onto their SD cards. The game also includes its own Wii Channel, called the Mario Kart Channel, which allows players to play in special tournaments and trade their racing profile with other players around the world. This makes it the only game in the Mario Kart series where data cannot be transferred between consoles.
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Also, the game data cannot be copied onto another Wii. This game requires 23 blocks of storage on the player's Wii system to save game data. Additional game modes are also present such as the traditional Grand Prix, Versus, Battle, and Time Trial modes. A Wii Wheel is included in most Mario Kart Wii packages, though the game is still compatible with other controllers such as a regular Wii Remote held sideways, the Wii Remote and Nunchuk, the Nintendo GameCube controller, and the Classic Controller and Classic Controller Pro. The game takes advantage of features unique to the Wii, most notably its motion control capabilities.
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Several new key elements introduced to Mario Kart Wii include increasing the number of racers to 12 racers from 8 racers from previous entries in the series, as well as introducing a new type of vehicle to the franchise: bikes.
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As with most racing games, the overarching goal is to place first among other competitors, achieved through the usage of item-based weaponry common to the series and taking the fastest routes to secure the lead.
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Mario Kart Wii retains the traditional premise of the franchise, with players selecting Super Mario franchise characters to use as drivers alongside themed vehicles. Mario Kart Wii is a multiplayer-oriented racing game from the Mario Kart series for the Wii, developed by Nintendo EAD.
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