Mario Kart returns to the television in May in full, crisp HD glory in Mario Kart 8 on the Wii U, with enough new editions and old staples for fans of the series to drool over.

Mashable got hands on time with Mario Kart 8, and got to see how the improved graphics and new features fit together. Here's what got us most excited:

1. Piranha plants and boomerangs will make other drivers cry

Since playing Mario Kart is all about ruining your friends' perfect run with a well-placed item, it's good to know there are new ways to do that in this game. Nintendo has introduced a biting Piranha Plant, which will attack objects and other players as the driver holds it. Each time it bites, it also produces a small speed boost.

There's also the Boomerang Flower, which gives players three looping shots to stun other drivers in their path.

2. Rainbow Roaaaaaad!

The classic track from Mario Kart 64 that caused so much pain is back in beautiful HD. Mario Kart 8 includes 16 new courses, and 16 remixed classics. Others fans will recognize include "Toad's Turnpike", originally in Mario Kart 64 and "Moo Moo Meadows" from Mario Kart Wii.

3. Spin, flip and fly with anti-gravity

The anti-gravity elements of Mario Kart 8 have been touted as early as last year's E3, but Nintendo revealed some of their more aggressive angles during the demo. Some ramps in the track give spin boosts, which players can use to collide with others and knock them off their game. On later courses, hover zones can also offer shortcuts and speed boosts to players who know to look for them.

4. Share successes with Mario Kart TV

Mario Kart 8 features full online play for up to 12 players, as well as the local options. If you want to show off your best matches you can share them via Mario Kart TV, which hooks into the Wii U's social network Miiverse.

5. All the classic Mario Kart racers

Nintendo revealed last month that all of Bowser's children — the eight Koopalings — are playable characters in Mario Kart 8. Joining them are returning favorites Lakatu, Shy Guy and Metal Mario. Each character has a cadre of cars and bikes to choose from to customize handling, and players can even choose the glider that pops out on aerial sections.

Players can choose from a variety of control options, including the Wii U pro controller, the Wii remote and wheel, or a Wii remote and nunchuck. The Wii U GamePad can also be used for off-TV play.

Mario Kart 8 is out May 30 for Wii U for $59.99.

BONUS: Watch our 'Mario Kart 8' hands-on from 2013's E3

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