Driver Virus

Driver Virus
Japanese Driver Virus icon from the Item Selector.
Information
Description	Contactable virus that makes karts slow down.
First Appearance	Mario Kart Arcade GP (2005)
Most Recent Appearance	Mario Kart Arcade GP DX (2013)

The Driver Virus (ハンドルウイルス) is a little blue, infectious Special Item first appearing in Mario Kart Arcade GP and returning after a nine year hiatus in Mario Kart Arcade GP DX. Based off the blue virus "Chill" from the Dr. Mario series, this virus inflicts a disorienting control upon its victim.

In its first incarnation, the Driver Virus is a drop-only Item, but it switches to a throw-able Special Item in Mario Kart Arcade GP DX.

Usage

Offense

Mario Kart Arcade GP

Waluigi suffering from the blue shadow virus... Star Wars fans will get this.

To use the Driver Virus in the first Mario Kart Arcade game, simply press the Item button. Your chosen racer will drop the virus right behind your kart, affecting anybody who dares tailgate you with a faulty steering wheel. The effect lasts for about 10 seconds (as long as they don't past the virus)

Mario Kart Arcade GP DX

In Mario Kart Arcade GP DX, the Driver Virus now is a throwing Item. Because of this, it can be a lot more effective in gaining a place or two in a race. After the targeting cursor has locked on to an opponent, hitting the Item button will send the virus, which has the same effects as it did in the previous game.

Protection

The Driver Virus acts a lot like the Thunder Cloud before it strikes... the virus can be passed onto another by ramming into them, thereby transferring the despicable disease away from you and toward another person. An invincibility Item will also do the trick, but these are usually in short supply.

Trivia!

• Mario Kart Arcade GP's Driver Virus icon has crazy, spinning eyes, but the newer has standard, non-crazed eyes and holds a custom purple Wii Wheel.
  • However, the old picture of the Driver Virus was used for the new variant of the Item, the Dizziness Virus. Smart and conservative.
• The Japanese name for this Item translates to "handoru uirusu," the Handle Virus.

Gallery

Metal Mario with a Driver Virus at hand.

...wasting a Driver's Virus... dang it, Metal Mario!

The old Mario Kart Arcade GP Driver Virus, with hypnotic eyes.

A purple Mario Kart Wii Wii Wheel is held by the new virus.

The "New!" Driver Virus being selected from the menu.