Hasta La Ideas

Just in case you were living under a rock, Nintendo dropped the big news yesterday: the Switch 2 is officially on its way (yes we got Switch 2 before we got GTA 6). While the console itself is grabbing headlines for its revamped design and rumored features, the real buzz in some corners is all about a foldable steering wheel. Yes, you read that right—a foldable steering wheel from accessory maker Nacon. And it’s aimed squarely at Mario Kart fans who want to take their races beyond thumbstick twiddling.

The wheel itself is a clever piece of kit. It’s small enough to sit on a desk, thanks to suction cups that hold it in place during the most intense karting battles. Pop in the Switch 2’s Joy-Cons, and you’ve got yourself a racing setup that looks like a miniature version of the high-end wheels PC gamers use for their intricate simulator rigs. It doesn’t come with fancy extras like force feedback (what do you expect for thirty bucks?), but the design makes it feel a lot less like a toy and more like a playful nod to serious hardware. Oh, and it folds up neatly, so no worries about it hogging your workspace.

Designer: Nacon

Mario Kart is clearly the muse for this little gadget, and it makes sense. The next chapter in the franchise was teased during the Switch 2 announcement, although Nintendo kept the details frustratingly vague. But if you’ve spent countless hours lobbing green shells at your friends in Mario Kart 8 Deluxe, this steering wheel is practically calling your name. It’s not trying to reinvent the racing wheel; it’s more about making the experience of drifting around corners feel a bit more natural—and fun.

Of course, Nacon hasn’t stopped at the wheel. The company’s been readying an entire suite of accessories for the Switch 2, from the usual suspects like cases and chargers to smaller steering wheels designed to slip over individual Joy-Cons. But this foldable wheel has clearly stolen the spotlight. At $30, it feels like the kind of peripheral you don’t need but definitely want, especially if you’re planning to sink hours into Mario Kart’s famously chaotic multiplayer.

The timing of Nacon’s announcement is also worth noting. The Switch 2 accessories scene has been heating up for months, even before Nintendo officially unveiled the console. Companies like Dbrand and Genki have been rolling out screen protectors, silicone wraps, and other essentials for a while now, and smaller accessory makers have jumped in, too. But Nacon’s gear stands out because it feels more intentional. This isn’t just about slapping the Switch 2 logo on existing products; it’s about leaning into what makes the console—and its games—special.

There’s still no word on when the steering wheel or any of Nacon’s other accessories will actually ship. Preorders haven’t gone live, and Nintendo hasn’t locked down a specific release date for the Switch 2 itself. But with the hype building, it’s safe to say the wait won’t be too long. Whether this wheel ends up as a staple for Mario Kart fans or just a quirky addition to the Switch 2 ecosystem, it’s the kind of product that gets people talking—and maybe a little nostalgic for the days of clunky plastic peripherals that made gaming just a bit more physical.

If nothing else, this steering wheel gives you a reason to rethink your desk setup. A compact, foldable, Mario Kart-ready wheel isn’t the most essential thing to own, but it might be the most fun you’ll have with thirty dollars. And hey, at least it folds up when you’re done throwing bananas at your rivals. Who needs force feedback when you’ve got a blue shell in your corner?

The post Is This $30 Foldable Racing Wheel the Best Way to Play Mario Kart on Switch 2? first appeared on Yanko Design.