Mario Kart's Free Cab Rides Today!

Because Mario Kart Wii is launching next week, the folks at Nintendo have decided to treat "unsuspecting NewYorkers" with free cab rides in Midtown at 8 a.m. -10 a.m. and 12 p.m.-2 p.m. A costumed Mario will literally be hailing cabs for commuters at the Midtown Sheraton at 817 7th Avenue between 52nd and 53rd Streets.

As Joystiq pointed out, "just because the cab driver looks like Mario doesn't mean he's part of the deal. Make sure to double check that before you try to walk away from a large, mustachioed man without paying your fare."

Also, Jason Priestley will be appearing at the Nintendo World store on Saturday, to try out the Wii Wheel.

Original photograph from Triborough on Flickr