The weak N64 hardware is to blame for the blue tank: Mario karts maybe the most annoying item only exists because the console was too lame

The legendary blue tank experienced its birth on the Nintendo 64. But there was no fun nor mother or mother of the idea. Image source: Pixabay

Rumms! You were still at the top, the field behind you and the finish line in sight. But now several whizzes past you. Who does not know it - the feeling after the blue tank in Mario Kart has turned down on you again? It is the ultimate weapon, which causes a stir from the rear seats in the driver field.

But the origin of the controversial item has not only to do with excitement in the race.We briefly explain to you why the blue tank made it into the series with the version of the fun racer for the Nintendo 64.

Tension guarantee and walking stick for the weak CPU

In an older conversation with KotakuHideki Konno, boss behind the development of Super Mario Kart and Mario Kart 64, explains how the blue tank was created.

With every race, the primary goal was:All players should be able to ride as long as possible or it should never be clear at an early stage that the leading person is gaining. The simplest method to prevent this was the following:

All participants are kept artificially close together. This is called rubber banding and works like a rubber band. Those who roll around the top are getting the strongest boost or the best items. The latter have certainly observed in the current Mario Kart yourself.

The version for the Nintendo 64 also relied on strong scratch banding, but the field sometimes drew apart very far. Anyone who put around in the last round had hardly any chances of becoming the first - despite aids.

In addition to the lack of tension, this led to another problem: the developers were afraid that the Nintendo 64 processor could go to their knees if too large parts of the route had to be depicted at once.

The blue tank as a hardware savior

To meet both problems in one fell swoop, they invented the blue tank. On the one hand, it ensured that even hung players had chances for victory until the end, and on the other hand it was ensured so far that the field of the travelers remained closer.

More about Mario Kart on GamePro

For some fans, the blue tank is not a reason for fear. They are already threatening to complain if Nintendo dares again, if Nintendo dares.

Have you played Mario Kart on the Nintendo 64 or maybe it even gambles at the moment? Would you miss the blue tank if he should fly out of the game at some point? Write us your thoughts and opinion in the comment section!