We store cookies, you can get more info from our privacy policy.

Link, Animal Crossing Coming to Mario Kart 8 in DLC Packs (UPDATE)

by Curtis Bonds - August 26, 2014, 7:53 pm EDT
Total comments: 31 Source: Nintendo's Online Store (UK)

16 new courses are also coming our way.

Two new packs of DLC are coming to Mario Kart 8, as announced by Nintendo of Europe's official online store. Both packs will include three new characters, four new karts, and eight new courses.

So far, Nintendo has only revealed a few details about each pack, but we do know that the first one, which will be available this November, will include Tanooki Mario, Cat Peach, and Link from the Legend of Zelda series. The second pack, due out May 2015, will include Dry Bowser, as well as the Villager and Isabelle from Animal Crossing: New Leaf. If you buy both packs, you will also get an assortment of alternate colors for Yoshi and Shy Guy.

Nintendo didn't go into specifics of the track listing, but we do know that Wario's Gold Mine will be returning from Mario Kart Wii, and there will be new courses based on F-Zero and Animal Crossing.

UPDATE: You can pre-purchase both DLC packs starting tomorrow for $7.99 each, or $11.99 for the bundle. Once purchased, you will be able to play as the multi-colored Yoshi and Shy Guys immediately.

Images

Talkback

Manthony ChopkinsAugust 26, 2014

I was hoping for this! The new content looks great. The Link inclusion is a total surprise. I didn't realize they were willing to go outside the mushroom kingdom for new characters.

KhushrenadaAugust 26, 2014

Testing the waters for Smash Kart maybe?

Nile Boogie ReturnsAugust 26, 2014

Link Amiibo in Mario Kart? Yes, yes it is!

Retro DeckadesAugust 26, 2014

This is great news! I'd love to see some new courses, including redone retro tracks. The addition of more characters is also a nice bonus, especially those outside of the Mushroom Kingdom. Bring on Nintendo Kart.

KhushrenadaAugust 26, 2014

Surprised they aren't doing more Donkey Kong elements as that has been the series that has been most closely related in the past to the Mario Kart Universe having had some slight cross-over in it. I'd also think the Kirby universe would blend in a bit better than Zelda or AC but I'm pretty pumped about it in any case.

the asylumAugust 26, 2014

I swear to Tezcatlipoca if Captain Falcon makes an appearance and it's marketed as new F-Zero, I'll swing from the ceiling.

Ian SaneAugust 26, 2014

If Nintendo is going to make SSB Kart then they should make SSB Kart.  Putting it in DLC is much less visible to the public and diminishes the marketing impact.  They'll probably make it very noticeable in the eShop at first but are you trying to sell this to existing Wii U owners or potential new customers?  SSB Kart has been the no-brainer idea to shake up Mario Kart for years and they're going to piss away the concept in DLC?  Maybe they'll release a retail GOTY editions that plays up the SSB Kart elements though this assumes anyone working at Nintendo knows what a GOTY edition is.

SorenAugust 26, 2014

Quote from: Ian

Maybe they'll release a retail GOTY editions that plays up the SSB Kart elements though this assumes anyone working at Nintendo knows what a GOTY edition is.

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/6/6b/Nintendo_Selects_logo.png

daverhodusAugust 26, 2014

There's an Excitebike track as well.

BlackNMild2k1August 26, 2014

Quote from: Khushrenada

Testing the waters for Smash Kart maybe?

Super Smash Kart is happening!!!

next is Mushroom Kingdom Hearts.... in 2031

yoshi1001August 26, 2014

Quote from: daverhodus

There's an Excitebike track as well.

Mario Kart 64 had one of those, but for some reason it was called Wario Stadium.


I do wonder how this will work with online play. There are a few possibilities:


-The DLC tracks can't be used online (unlikely)
-The DLC tracks can only be used online if everyone in the match has them (possible)
-The DLC tracks can be used online, but can't be selected by players who don't own them. In other words, they wouldn't be available as a choice or come up from random select, but you could still end up racing on them if someone else selected them. This could be a great marketing ploy to get people to buy the tracks.

BlackNMild2k1August 26, 2014

"what fucking track is this!!! I don't have this track!! hold on... this ain't fair!!"

I have one question. Are they free? because that would be the best marketing ploy for me to turn MK8 back on.... it's been awhile.

nickmitchAugust 26, 2014

I think I saw somewhere that they were like $4, maybe?

Scatt-ManAugust 26, 2014

I love that Luigi's death stare is in most of those shots.

Quote from: nickmitch

I think I saw somewhere that they were like $4, maybe?

NOA just did a PR for it.
- Goes on sale TOMORROW (after the update, presumably)
- $7.99 for one, $11.99 for both (US, probably add a buck in Canada)
- Immediately unlock the Yoshi/Shy Guy color variants once you buy both

WahAugust 26, 2014

Holy fiddlesticks!
Link in Mariokart?
Wow, just wow...

SorenAugust 26, 2014

Quote from: Shaymin

- $7.99 for one, $11.99 for both (US, probably add a buck in Canada)
- Immediately unlock the Yoshi/Shy Guy color variants once you buy both

Those prices are insanely good. I hate the thought of paying for something I'm not going to get to play for 9 months but $4 dollars isn't as bad. I guess.


That and getting to pick a new color for Shy Guys.

NeoStar9XAugust 26, 2014

The pricing for this is insanely good. Instant buy when I can tomorrow.

Triforce HermitAugust 26, 2014

Amazing news. But the Animal Crossing pack in May? Why?

marvel_moviefan_2012August 26, 2014

Doesn't Sega already have an All Star racing game?  seems to me like Nintendo won't do one out of spite not to be seen as copying Sega. It would be cool though, something original for a change, assuming the game play is not just Mario Kart with more characters and tracks.

Quote from: Triforce

Amazing news. But the Animal Crossing pack in May? Why?

"Celebrate the 1 year anniversary of Mario Kart 8 with new tracks!"

Luigi DudeAugust 26, 2014

Quote from: Shaymin

Quote from: Triforce

Amazing news. But the Animal Crossing pack in May? Why?

"Celebrate the 1 year anniversary of Mario Kart 8 with new tracks!"

Well it's not like these tracks are going to make themselves.  People have to remember the main game that took 2.5 years to make had 32 tracks.  Both DLC packs combined is going to add 16 more in just one year, which is half of what the main game already had.  So it's about 6-7 months to make 8 tracks it seems, which is still pretty good speed for these.  If these tracks came out any faster I'd be worried over their quality, since I'd hope they take the time to make sure they're the same quality as the main game and not just some rushed DLC shit like some other companies handle their DLC content.

AdrockAugust 27, 2014

As someone who has never purchased DLC, I like what Nintendo did here. If this was Super Smash Kart from the beginning, the DLC would feel less special. It'd be getting more of the same thing, which is fine, but it has been far easier to pass on in other games. Having the DLC extend beyond what is normally expected in a Mario Kart game (e.g. Link) holds far more appeal. It isn't the deciding factor, but it's certainly appreciated.

The amount of content on top of the cost makes this a really easy choice. Unless Super Smash Bros. for 3DS has DLC available sooner, Mario Kart 8 will be the first game that convinces me to finally pay for DLC.

Bring back Baby Park. Please and thank you.

Leo13August 27, 2014

Yes I'd love baby park. Probably my all time favorite track.

CericAugust 27, 2014

While I am disappointed that this is not Double Dash Mode, :P,  I think this is the best case scenario for us pricing wise. 8 Bucks at the highest for 1 of the packs.  I think the general consensus was that $1 a track was more than fair. 

It looks like these tracks will be fully integrated into the game, unlike say Theaterythm.  They have there own cups and I be very surprised as such that they wouldn't also be available online even without the DLC.  I'm sure someone will have to at least have it.

The extra Characters and Vehicles are just gravy and really show Nintendo making a Holistic DLC.  Something that completes itself and enhances all facets.  The only thing really missing is something new for Battle Mode.  Which one of them if memory serves could use the new tracks straight up.

I don't think Smash Kart would really be a good title for Nintendo.  This is the better approach and they'll probably have a new version of Mario Kart in a bundle initially w/ the DLC and then a Nintendo Select version probably around holiday 2015 with all of it.

Retro DeckadesAugust 27, 2014

I already pre-ordered my DLC. First time ever doing that. First time ever paying for DLC, actually.


I think this is a great value. At $12 for 16 tracks, you are essentially getting another 1/2 of the game. That's less than 1/4 of the game's original retail price, and less than $1 per track. If anyone who enjoys playing Mario Kart 8 is planning on buying this DLC, they'd be insane not to pre-order both packs for the discount price.

Leo13August 27, 2014

I've also never paid for DLC before it comes out, but here I'm wondering if the $12 deal is only for those that but now cause if so I guess I better pay now to save money

Quote from: Retro

I already pre-ordered my DLC. First time ever doing that. First time ever paying for DLC, actually.


I think this is a great value. At $12 for 16 tracks, you are essentially getting another 1/2 of the game. That's less than 1/4 of the game's original retail price, and less than $1 per track. If anyone who enjoys playing Mario Kart 8 is planning on buying this DLC, they'd be insane not to pre-order both packs for the discount price.

Mop it upAugust 27, 2014

Oh no, it's Smash Kart! I didn't want this to happen, but I'm sure most people will be happy with it.

I'm still going to get it for the new tracks though, but I hope there's more where this came from and that it's more Mario stuff.

AdrockAugust 27, 2014

Pre-ordered. I want those tracks.

Also, I found out I got two $5 eshop credits from the Digital Deluxe Promotion because Pikmin 3 and Earthbound counted. In a way, the DLC cost me less than $3. Today was a good day.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t7z192I-mQM

ArbokAugust 30, 2014

I wish all DLC was like this. The combo of the price and size of the content makes you feel like the game is rewarding you for purchasing, rather than nickle and dimming you.

Was a day one pre-order for me.

StratosAugust 30, 2014

Baby Park or bust!

Got a news tip? Send it in!
Advertisement
Advertisement