---
title: "Play Mario Kart en Route to Your Destination Thanks to Google Maps"
description: "Google is celebrating 'Mario Day' by enhancing your navigation experience with some Mario Kart action."
date: "2018-03-11"
modified: "2018-03-11"
authors:
  - name: "Jerry Perez"
    job_title: "Deputy Editor"
    link: "https://www.thedrive.com/authors/jerry-perez"
url: "https://www.thedrive.com/news/19133/play-mario-kart-en-route-to-your-destination-thanks-to-google-maps"
categories:
  - "News"
tags:
  - "Google"
  - "Google maps"
  - "Mario Kart"
  - "navigation apps"
  - "News"
  - "Nintendo"
  - "Video Games"
---

# Play Mario Kart en Route to Your Destination Thanks to Google Maps

![](<https://www.thedrive.com/wp-content/uploads/images-by-url-td/content/2018/03/screen-shot-2018-03-11-at-12-06-42-am.png>)
*\<em\>www.thedrive.com</em>*

Google Maps users will be able to transform themselves into the world's most famous go-kart-driving plumber this week, courtesy of the internet giant and Nintendo. Yes, you read that right. For a limited time, your navigation arrow on Google Maps can be replaced (if you opt-in) by Mario's character from [Mario Kart](<https://www.thedrive.com/article/8533/you-can-use-your-chevy-volt-to-play-mario-kart>).

The cool marketing stunt was rolled out just in time to celebrate Mario Day, which happens on March 10. Why March 10? Because abbreviated, March 10 is Mar10, as in Mar-io. [Google Maps](<https://www.thedrive.com/tech/18445/people-want-more-cameras-in-their-cars-says-google>) regulars will notice that upon entering a destination address and beginning road navigation, a pop up will appear and ask if you want to partake in Mario time. And seriously, why wouldn't you?

![message-editor%2F1520744710421-img\_8798.png](<https://www.thedrive.com/wp-content/uploads/message-editor/1520744710421-img_8798.png>)
*DrivesWGirls*

![message-editor%2F1520744727180-img\_8797.png](<https://www.thedrive.com/wp-content/uploads/message-editor/1520744727180-img_8797.png>)
*DrivesWGirls*

The rest is business as usual, with Mario's trusty [animated go-kart](<https://www.thedrive.com/article/12783/top-10-racing-games-of-all-time>) taking the place of the blue navigational arrow and guiding you through your journey. The animated graphic is actually quite detailed and stunning to look at. Fortunately, nearby road-ragers cannot shoot turtle shells at you or leave banana peels along your path. *Bummer, I know.*

Sadly, all good things must come to an end, as Mario's appearance on Google Maps is for a limited time only. Expect the trusty [blue arrow](<https://www.thedrive.com/article/16862/in-car-navigation-needs-an-avoid-traffic-feature>) to become the norm, once again, after the weeklong Mario celebration is over. Enjoy!

## Author
Jerry is responsible for upholding The Drive's ethos as an audience-first, enthusiast-driven car blog that serves up industry-leading news, reviews, culture, and motorsport coverage. Overseeing a staff of writers and editors from his home base in Indianapolis, he helps curate the site's daily rundown, as well as its medium- and long-term content strategies. Jerry joined The Drive in 2018 as a writer and worked as news editor and managing editor before becoming the deputy in 2023. As a lifelong car enthusiast and racing fan, Jerry believes that all cars are cool, but the people behind the machines are even cooler. This belief often gives The Drive a slightly different focus from most other car sites, where we explore the humanity behind the machines. When he's not obsessing over the day's biggest stories or hanging out at a race track, Jerry can be found behind the wheel of a car, most likely sharing a laugh with his teenage son or daughter.

### Author social links  
[Instagram](<https://www.instagram.com/drive_jerry/>)