How's this for counter-programming? As Sony and Microsoft prepare for a war fought over teraflops and with superfast SSDs, Nintendo's weapon of choice this Christmas is nothing more complex than a remote control car, neatly folded cardboard and a camera that's probably been ripped straight from the Nokia that got you through your university years. It is peak Nintendo.
Mario Kart Live Home Circuit is indeed a brilliantly Nintendo thing, a piece of inspired lateral thinking built around a moment of pure delight. It's also, as is Nintendo's way, technically limited, frequently frustrating and a touch on the expensive side. As per so many other Nintendo experiences, that magic makes suffering through those shortcomings just about worthwhile.
In Mario Kart Live Home Circuit, that moment of delight is a Lilliputian tour of your living room, seen from the viewpoint of a small, speeding remote controlled car. Setting it up is surprisingly simple; just grab the 1.1GB download from the eShop, boot up the software and then scan a QR code on your Switch's screen using the car's camera and you're good to go (maybe give the living room a good sweep too, and whatever you do don't go underneath the sofa because my mop can't reach there and I assure you it's disgusting).