Back in 2014, Google teamed up with Nintendo to hide Pokemon across Maps. It was surprisingly fun, paving the way for Pokemon GO. Now, the two companies are working together again to transform your turn-by-turn driving directions into a little homage to Mario Kart.
Graphic: Google
The latest Google Maps Easter egg is set to roll out just in time for Mario Day, which is apparently March 10. (Get it? MAR10? We sigh.) For a week starting this Saturday you can replace your usual location icon in Maps with an image of Mario riding a go kart – red homing shells not included.
To summon the mustachioed plumber, make sure your Maps app is updated. Pull up driving directions like you normally would and look for a suspicious-looking yellow question mark block to the left of the regular Start button. Tap it, and off you “a-go” with the image of a cartoon plumber on a kart instead of an arrow in a circle.
If it doesn’t show up for you, don’t fret – it will be rolling out globally over the day.
I have a feeling this little trick may have something to do with the upcoming smartphone game Mario Kart Tour, which is set to come out anytime between April 2018 and March 2019. Until then, this cross-branded Easter egg will have to do.
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