Some hot and heavy rumors coming from the N-Europe compound this morning starting with a juicy one concerning Mario Kart appearing at E3 this year. E3 is set to kickoff this week and while we already know Smash Bros Brawl will not be shown there, N-Europe is reporting they have word that Mario Kart may make a surprise appearance. Not only that, but Mario Kart is expected to launch in Europe around the same time Smash Bros Brawl is launching here in the US, giving both parties something to be excited (or to complain) about. Here’s a quote from N-Gamer:

Mario Kart for the Wii will be a “replacement” for Super Smash Bros. Brawl in Europe, which will sadly miss Europe this year, and it will be out early 2008 instead. However, this also means that the US will not see Mario Kart until early 2008, and they will be getting Smash Bros. Brawl in 2007. This means that Nintendo fans in both Europe and the US will have something to moan about (they’ll have something to be glad about, too….but there will probably be more moaning).

It would be great to see Mario Kart for the Wii this week at E3 and hopefully, the game will have online multiplayer, but let’s not hold our breaths. I’d be happy with a great version of the game for the system with no tacked on Wii Remote controls please. I am sure given Nintendo’s history with the Mario Kart franchise, whatever may come will be good stuff.