Nintendo going all-out for the Mario Kart 8 launch

With Nintendo Wii U sales flagging, the Japanese publisher is pulling out all the stops to make sure that the Mario Kart 8 launch boosts console sales as much as possible.

Anyone who buys Mario Kart 8 before July 31 via retail or the eShop, gets another Wii U eShop game for free, from a selection that includes New Super Mario Bros. U, Pikmin 3, The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker HD and Wii Party U .

And an official Mario Kart 8 bundle will also be available next month, featuring a Wii U Deluxe system, Mario Kart 8 , a Wii Wheel accessory and a Wii Remote Plus controller. The bundle will cost $329.99.

The above Nintendo Direct also launched today, detailing much new information about the game, such as new items and the Mario Kart TV highlights recording functionality. Mario Kart 8 is due to launch on May 30.