Mario Kart 64 Collectible Trading Cards

Package

Mario Kart 64 Collectible Trading Cards is a series of collectible cards released by Nintendo Power in 1997. 64 cards were available in total. Each card features artwork of either a character, course, item, or "Super Secret" appearing in Mario Kart 64. The back of each card also features a description (referred to as "Power Tips") about the character, course, item, or "Super Secret" shown on the front end. Additionally, three of the cards simply feature pieces of promotional artwork for Mario Kart 64 on their front ends. The cards were exclusive to Kmart.

Cards

#	Front	Back	Name	Power Tips
1			Mario	Mario is often heralded as the "King of Video Game Characters." But he takes it all in stride and seems unaffected by the adulation of his millions of fans. He's got his work cut out for him in Mario Kart 64, though. He and his red kart are classified as "middleweight." The plumber-turned-kart racer shows aptitude in all driving categories ― acceleration, cornering, top speed and impact stability. An experienced kart racer should be able to do quite well with Mario in the Mario Grand Prix.
2			Donkey Kong	Since his very first video game appearance, Donkey Kong has always been viewed somewhat as a renegade - an outsider, if you will. That's certainly not the case in Mario Kart 64. Donkey Kong, a confirmed heavyweight, has the power and stamina to make it all the way to the trophy presentation ceremonies in front of Princess Toadstool's castle. His tremendous strength allows him to fend off rival karters as they bump and crash their way around the tracks and battle arenas. We hear that Donkey Kong is very good at dropping bananas, too. It figures.
3			Toad	An interesting little fellow, Toad exemplifies honor and valor as he, the smallest kart driver, attempts to speed his way to the winner's circle. Obviously falling into the "lightweight" category, Toad balances his lack of girth by being able to accelerate quickly and hold corners very well. Since he is the "Mushroom Retainer to the Princess," Toad has learned how to get the most out of the supercharged power that the Mushroom items provide. He needs to be particularly aware of other, larger kart racers when battling for position on the courses.
4			Bowser	The King of the Koopas sets the standard for "heavyweights" in Mario Kart 64. He barely fits into his kart. Rumor has it that he ordered the Koopalings to modify his kart for him to fit. This is an obvious infraction of the rules, but the only other racer to say anything about it has been Mario. It seems like they still aren't getting along. Don't mess with Bowser when trying to battle for position. He'll usually win. Bowser's acceleration is very slow compared to other racers, but his top speed is very good. This tradeoff can play to your advantage on tracks with long straightaways.
5			Luigi	For some strange reason, Luigi can't seem to escape the shadow of his heroic brother, Mario. That may change in Mario Kart 64. Luigi and his mean green middleweight machine have the very same abilities as his brother. Maybe it's time for Luigi to step to the forefront and grab the video game stardom that has escaped him for so long. Some of the other kart racers think Luigi is a little reckless with his driving, but we know better. He just wants you to think that way so you'll stay away from him.
6			Peach	When it comes to racing competition, the petite, lightweight Princess Toadstool has never been one to step aside and "let the men handle it." She's been racing karts for as long as any of the other racers have. And while she's no match in a battle for position with the likes of Bowser or Wario, her kart possesses great acceleration and cornering abilities. The Princess is in her "zone" when she's out in front leading the pack. However, if she has to make up ground and weave her way up through the pack, things tend to get difficult.
7			Yoshi	The tame, loving and extremely docile Yoshi tosses aside all of those pretenses when he straps himself into his kart. If Yoshi gets in front of the pack, he'll be tough to catch because he has great acceleration and incredible cornering prowess. The goofy look that Yoshi carries on his face at all times belies the heart of a raging tiger and the mentality of a true champion. Technically a "lightweight," Yoshi appears to be a bit heavier than Toad and Peach and can carry a bit more momentum through the corners.
8			Wario	Apparently always mad at the world, the heavyweight Wario has fabulous top speed capabilities, but is slow off the line. Wario could benefit from an "attitude adjustment," but the only drivers capable of bouncing him around are Bowser and Donkey Kong. Since Bowser kind of likes Wario and Donkey Kong doesn't "do" confrontations, Wario will probably continue with his wicked ways. This might be just the hint you need when you select Wario to be your kart racer of choice.
9			Mario	Not surprisingly, Mario's home track is Mario Raceway. Mario has been known to cut more than a couple of corners on the track that he's most familiar with. Using proper mini-turbo techniques combined with a prudent use of Mushroom power, you should have no problems keeping up with the pack and leading them all to the finish line.
10			Donkey Kong	If there's a rule, Donkey Kong will break it. He's never been the type to "stay within the lines." It's a good thing there aren't too many rules in Mario Kart 64! The big ape displays an aptitude for finding shortcuts, especially on his home course, DK's Jungle Park. When you launch off the booster jump, aim your kart to the left to cut off some distance. Just don't go too far to the left or you'll end up soaking in the river.
11			Toad	Apparently, Toad feels right at home weaving through dangerous traffic. He gets in a lot of practice dodging vehicles many times his size on his home track, Toad's Turnpike. If it wasn't for the traffic, this course would be pretty boring. The key to turning in a fast time here is to get in as many mini-turbos per corner as you can. The traffic makes each corner different, and different for each lap, too.
12			Bowser	Mean-spirited. Look it up in the dictionary and you'll see a picture of Bowser. Really. But that's the way he likes it and that's the attitude he took when he designed his home track, Bowser's Castle. Several 90-degree corners can leave you bouncing off the walls. That is, if you make it through the Thwomps. The key to this course is to avoid the obstacles by setting up for the corners properly.
13			Luigi	Luigi is a racing purist. We can see that in the design of his home track, Luigi Raceway. Nothing's hidden, the corners are not difficult and nothing jumps out at you. It boils down to pure racing prowess when you throw your kart around the two long, banked turns at either end of the track. Power slide out of the tunnel and nail a mini-turbo to help propel you up the incline and into the turn.
14			Peach	Don't let a foofy dress and a jewel-encrusted crown fool you. The Princess has come to race with the big boys. Anyone who calls the Royal Raceway their home track has got to mean business. Three grueling laps of racing around the variety of corners on this track is enough to test the skills of any kart competitor, The booster jump is amazing!
15			Yoshi	Yoshi knows all of the many possible routes to take to get to the finish line on his home track, Yoshi Valley. He'll be quick to let you know that the shortest distance through the "maze" is to go left, then right, then left again. He won't be so quick to let you know his secret shortcut, though. Look for a place where two "bends" in the track are fairly close together. Slide and jump from one to the other.
16			Wario	Don't get too squirrely when going over the many whoop-de-doos in Wario Stadium. It's easy to drift to the sides of the track and into the walls. Precious time will be lost each time you contact a wall. Wario seems not to worry too much about it, though. His aggressive (and reckless) driving style dictates that he might lose it often on this course, but he somehow manages to keep it together.
17			Lightning Attack!	When you activate a Lightning Bolt, the power unleashed transforms all other karts and their drivers into miniature versions of themselves with tiny voices and mini kart noises, to boot! You'll zip along while other karts will be slowed by their relative size. You can also easily smash the little karts by running over them. A favorite Lightning Bolt tactic is to activate it when other karts are rounding corners or when they are heading for a long gap. They won't be able to clear the gap since their speed is reduced!
18			Racing Battle!	One of the principal tactics in Mario Kart 64 is to gain position and pass your opponents by bumping into them and causing them to spin out of control. The heavier karts have the most stability and can "dish it out and take it, too." However, smaller karts can gain the advantage if you employ proper cornering techniques and a liberal use of the R Button. When you press the R Button, your kart will hop. Try hopping up on other karts when you are in a battle for position.
19			Look Out!	There are so many hazards and obstacles to watch out for as you race along the tracks in Mario Kart 64 that we can't list them all. The train crossings in Kalimari Desert are just some of the tricky spots. If you have a Mushroom, you may want to activate it to speed you over the train tracks before you get smashed by the speeding locomotive. Use your brakes to slow down or stop your kart if you can't make it through before the train arrives. By the way, be sure to laugh as other karts slam into the train.
20			Bananas	A staple of kart racers everywhere, Bananas come in two forms, single peels and Banana Bunches. If a kart runs over a banana peel, it spins wildly out of control. Drop them in places where you think other karts will travel, but remember, it may still be there for the next lap ... waiting for you! A favorite tactic for dropping a bunch of Bananas is to drop them in rapid succession when cutting across the track, thereby leaving a peel in practically every possible path.
21			Boo	This Boo is your buddy! When you activate this item, you will gain temporary invincibility and you can also "steal" an item from another racer, providing that another racer has an Item. In 2-, 3- or 4-player modes, don't activate the Boo Item until you see another racer's Item that you'd like to have for your very own.
22			Fake Item	This one will make you pull your hair out! A Fake Item looks exactly like a real Item Box except the question mark is upside-down. They are very difficult to tell apart ... until it's too late! Drop Fake Items amongst other Item Boxes, but remember where you dropped it. Other racers are sure to feel the effects of your explosive surprise!
23			Green Shells	A single Green Shell can be launched to the front or to the rear of your kart. They travel in a straight line until they hit something. The other version of the Green Shell item, the Triple Green Shells, will encircle your kart, waiting for you to release them one at a time. While you have them onboard, the shells will protect you from attacks from other karts and can fend off the effects of dropped items like Bananas.
24			Red Shells	Red Shells appear in the same forms as Green Shells: singles and triples, but they are much more deadly! When launched, a Red Shell will home in on the kart in front of you. A Red Shell can also take out a dangerous item placed on the track in front of you. Try not to fire off a Red Shell when you are negotiating tight turns because a course obstacle, like a guardrail, can deflect the shell and render it useless.
25			Spiny Shell	It's blue, it's got spikes and it's deadly! The Spiny Shell doesn't show up too often for you, especially if you're racing well. When activated, the Spiny Shell will take off in search of the kart that's leading the race. It'll take out other karts, too, if they happen to be in its path. Don't release the Spiny Shell if you are in first place-you'll take yourself out!
26			Super Star	All things are possible when you have the power of the Super Star on your side. When you activate the Super Star, you will be invincible from all attacks, including a Lightning Bolt strike. Drive through obstacles and plow right through other karts. Likewise, if you see that another kart has activated a Super Star, stay away!
27			Lightning Bolt	When you have the Lightning Bolt in your possession, you have supreme power! If you activate it, bolts of lightning will strike all other racers, causing them to shrink to less than half their original size. Their speed is affected in the same way - they slow way down. Try to run over the other karts when they're small. This will put them out of commission for a period of time. If you are shrunk by this type of attack, try to stay out of the most commonly traveled path. The kart that activated the Lightning Bolt will likely be approaching from the rear.
28			Mushrooms	Mushroom Items come in three varieties: singles, triples and Super Mushrooms. When you activate a Mushroom, it gives your kart a serious burst of power. That translates into a burst of acceleration. Many race tracks have shortcuts that a boost from a Mushroom can help you take without losing any speed. The golden Super Mushroom can be used over and over until it disappears. Keep pressing the Z Button to activate it.
29			Luigi Raceway	Luigi's home course is probably the easiest track to get around. The long, sweeping turns give you plenty of opportunities to get in several mini-turbos. The tunnel is a good place to drop items in because there is limited lateral movement. A Green Shell bouncing around in the tunnel can spell disaster for an unsuspecting racer.
30			Moo Moo Farm	Welcome to the farm! Blast your way around the dusty dirt track as the cows graze in the pasture, oblivious to the frenzy being created on the track. Every corner of Moo Moo Farm presents a good opportunity for you to launch into a mini-turbo-inducing power slide. Watch out for the moles around a few of the corners. They jump up out of their holes and will try to knock you out of commission.
31			Koopa Troopa Beach	Power sliding around the sandy shoreline of Koopa Troopa Beach is a favorite pastime for the kart racers. Two great shortcuts exist here. If you have a Mushroom, you may want to try taking the shortcut through the cave. And the ramp is the only way in. The other shortcut isn't so obvious, but it can save you precious seconds. There's a sandbar out in the lagoon. Race around to the right of the big arch to find it.
32			Kalimari Desert	Heated conditions exist in the section of the Mushroom Kingdom known as Kalimari Desert. The long and somewhat uneventful track has a few key points of interest. They are the railroad crossings where a fully loaded locomotive crosses the track with curious regularity. When approaching the crossings, be on the lookout for the train and slow down if you think you won't make it through the crossing in time.
33			Toad's Turnpike	Not only will you be dodging other karts in this long road race, you'll have to contend with many cars and trucks that are traveling in the same direction. In the "Extra" race mode, the cars and trucks will be coming AT you! All Item Boxes are located at the sides of the roadway. Learn their positions and be prepared to make some hasty lane changes when you approach them. A racer with better handling characteristics will probably fare better on this course.
34			Frappe Snowland	Brrr! Snowy conditions make for interesting racing. There are lots of short turns on this course, so plan your lines and execute your mini-turbos quickly. The friendly-looking snowmen that dot the course in various locations are not friendly at all. Avoid them at all costs because they will explode if you hit them. Drop items within the high walls near the end of the course or in the open "maze" of snowmen.
35			Choco Mountain	You've got no time to stop and take a bite of the chocolaty terrain. This track is fast! Many of the corners are tight, but there are a couple of long, sweeping turns to mix things up for you. Make sure that you are headed straight ahead when you go over the jumps. You don't want to end up hitting the hillside when you land because it will usually stop you dead in your tracks. Watch out for falling boulders, too!
36			Mario Raceway	Classic course design is evident at Mario Raceway. Clever use of mini-turbos and Mushroom power will net you incredibly quick times. Try to get a mini-turbo through every corner, no matter how short it is. If you have a Mushroom, cut through the sandy corner just before the green tube. And, if timed properly, you can power slide between the big mushroom and the retaining wall to clip a few seconds off your time.
37			Wario Stadium	Inspired by stadium supercross racing, Wario Stadium features a dirt track that keeps doubling back on itself. There's a lot of distance packed into a small area. Power sliding to get mini-turbos is crucial here. You should be able to get at least one on almost every corner. You need to have your speed near maximum if you are going to make it over the long jump. If you don't, you'll fall down to the track beneath you and you'll have to make your way around to the jump again.
38			Sherbet Land	This track's name is a little misleading. There's certainly no ice cream here. And who's got time to stop, anyway? You'll be too busy dodging all the pesky penguins. They're not out to do you any harm. They're just being playful. Upon entering the expansive part of the ice cave, you should be power sliding all the way through the circling penguins. You can cut several of the sharp corners on this track by hopping over the cracks in the ice.
39			Royal Raceway	This track is serious fun! Banked corners, off-camber turns, long straights and a giant jump (with boosters!) punctuate this very interesting course. Make sure you are headed straight when you launch off the giant booster jump so you will land on the track. Landing on the hillside won't do you any good! The second corner from the finish line is a tricky, tight, off-camber bend in the road that can throw you into the pond if you're not properly set up for it.
40			Bowser's Castle	Amazingly massive obstacles like nasty Thwomps and solid stone walls are what make the track through Bowser's Castle the pain that it is. But you didn't think that anything Bowser created would be easy, did you? No way! Becoming proficient at racing around this course takes a lot of practice. Don't try to squeeze through the Thwomps. Sweep around outside of them and set yourself up for the upcoming corner.
41			DK's Jungle Park	A giant booster jump over the river is the biggest highlight of Donkey Kong's home turf, Jungle Park. When you cross the narrow rope bridge, set yourself up for a mini-turbo as you enter the cave. And then immediately go into another power slide in the opposite direction for a shortcut. You should be to the point where the mini-turbo will kick in to boost you up and out of the cave. Don't veer off the track. You'll get nailed with spiked coconuts!
42			Yoshi Valley	The shortest route through the maze of possible directions to take on the Yoshi Valley course is also the route with the most obstacles. If you make contact with the spiny critters, your kart will spin out of control. Be thankful that certain sections of the track are roped off to prevent you from plunging into the ravines. Unfortunately, many sections are not roped off. The track gets really narrow and you have to be in total control through these sections. Avoid the big egg at all costs. It'll flatten you!
43			Banshee Boardwalk	Scared? You will be if you try to make it around this elevated track with the pedal to the metal. The boardwalk is very narrow in many places and there's often no guardrail to keep you from making a big splash in the watery depths below. As you enter the ghost house, be prepared to take a hit from the bats that come flying at you. Only experienced kart fanatics will be able to employ the mini-turbo technique with success here.
44			Rainbow Road	In a word: long. In two words: very long. Rainbow Road provides an endurance test that will last a couple of minutes longer than any other race. Use mini-turbos anywhere you can, especially on the long, spiraling corners. While there is a guardrail in place along the entire course, it is possible to fly off the track and into the abyss if you jump at the right spot. This point might lead you to the discovery of how you can shave about 30 seconds off of each lap!
45			Big Donut	The Big Donut features the simplest layout of any of the Battle Mode Arenas. The only real danger here, besides opponents who are trying to nail you with shells and whatnot, is falling off the course into the central lava pit. Ouch! You'll lose one of your balloons if you go into the lava. Pay close attention to the arena map to see where your opponents are. Use the four raised block formations to help play a game of "hide and seek." You can often gain an advantageous position and attack a rival from behind.
46			Block Fort	If another kart competitor is on your tail in the Block Fort Battle Mode Arena, it's usually fairly easy to lose them. There are many ramps and bridges to cross. You can almost immediately go from the top level to the bottom because there are no barriers or walls to stop you from doing so. This is also a hazard because if you're trailing another kart and make a wrong turn, you'll have to pick up the trail again.
47			Double Deck	Keeping track of your opponents' positions will require you to use the on-screen arena map when battling it out on the Double Deck arena. The raised walls and ramps make it difficult to see where your opponents have gone. Don't worry about any on-track dangers. There aren't any. The only thing to watch out for is projectiles launched by your opponents. Remember to keep an eye out for Fake Items.
48			Skyscraper	The layout of the Skyscraper Battle Mode Arena is rather simple, but it's the most dangerous of the four arenas. It's very easy to fall into the openings and plummet all the way to the bottom of the building. Not only will you lose precious time and allow your opponents to home in on other karts, you'll lose one of your balloons. With four karts battling it out at once, the action is fast and furious on this rooftop arena.
49			Mario Raceway (NW)	When you cross the start/finish line, you should be starting a power slide to be able to get in several mini-turbos around the first few corners.
50			Mario Raceway (NE)	Try to power slide between the big mushroom and the end of the retaining wall as a way to take a shortcut through the hairpin corner.
51			Mario Raceway (SE)	If you have a Mushroom available, use it to cut through the last section of sand. Start to power slide while in the sand to launch into a mini-turbo before reaching the tube.
52			Mario Raceway (SW)	Upon exiting the tube, begin to power slide so the resulting mini-turbo will propel you through the last corner and through the start/finish line.
53			Yoshi Valley (NW)	Try to slide and make a shortcut jump where the two track sections are closest. It's a tricky move to pull off, but it will cut several seconds off your lap time.
54			Yoshi Valley (NE)	The shortest distance through the "maze" is to go left, right, then left. It's not necessarily the safest way to go, though, because of the spiny critters littering this route.
55			Yoshi Valley (SE)	Use the power of a Mushroom or at least two mini-turbos to boost you out of the maze valley and back up to the start/finish line.
56			Yoshi Valley (SW)	Just as soon as the big, spinning egg comes into view, study it's[sic] motion to see which side of the bridge it will be on when you arrive there.
57			Wario Stadium (NW)	Try jumping left over the barrier when you go over the whoop-de-doos to take a serious shortcut. It's not easy, but it can be done.
58			Wario Stadium (NE)	Set up as wide as you can when you take the last tight corner on this course. Otherwise, you may have to slow down or you'll hit the wall and lose speed.
59			Wario Stadium (SE)	If you don't have enough speed to make it over the long jump, don't try it! It's actually better to turn around and make another run at it.
60			Wario Stadium (SW)	The long, sweeping turns in this section of the track present excellent opportunities to launch into several mini-turbos per corner.
61			Bowser's Castle (NW)	Cut through the grass with the help of a Mushroom and a mini-turbo to slice off some time. Set up wide for the upcoming pack of Thwomps.
62			Bowser's Castle (NE)	Practice mini-turbos around all corners in this section of the track. Its very difficult and practicing will be a necessity if you want to win consistently.
63			Bowser's Castle (SE)	At full speed, it's all but impossible to not hit the wall around this circular turn. Use the brakes or hop around the turn to try to stay off the wall.
64			Bowser's Castle (SW)	Immediately after landing over the last lava moat, begin power sliding to give yourself a mini-turbo burst to the start/finish line.