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Mario Kart 8 brought the decades old series back to form in eye-popping HD, making the crushing kart combat feel new all over again on the Wii U. The anti-gravity racing, expanded roster, and online component helped keep the series current, but Nintendo wasn't finished when the game shipped in May 2014. Following Mario Kart 8's first DLC roll-out last year, the second pack is revving its engine for an early release on April 23. And its not just showing off either, because there's something serious under this hood: a new 200cc mode, more brutal and challenging than any mode that's come before. If the thought of hairpin turns and crazy speeds in 150cc haunt your dreams, 200cc will probably give you night terrors, and it's going to be awesome. That's not all the DLC has to offer though, and several new characters, costumes, and courses will be showing up as well. Want the who, what, and when of the Mario Kart 8 DLC? Well then, start your engines!
Animal Crossing joins the fun in May
The next big update will add even more sugary sweetness to Mario Kart, a feat some thought impossible. The Villager will hop onto the Mario Kart race track with a custom vehicle, accompanied by his ever-present adviser Isabelle, who seems to have been hiding a secret love of racing under her town management expertise. They'll bring along four new vehicles and eight new courses, including an idyllic Animal Crossing stage complete with changing seasons. Or at least it will be idyllic until engines start roaring.
The Amiibos are coming
Nintendo is getting into the toy market hardcore with the launch of Amiibos this fall. The first dozen figures include Mario, Link, Samus Aran, Kirby, Fox, Donkey Kong, Pikachu, Peach, Marth, Yoshi, Villager, and Wii Fit Trainer, which will also unlock costumes in Mario Kart 8. In addition, amiibos for Mega Man, Pac-Man, Sonic, Toad, Wario, Villager, Rosalina, Bowser and Olimar will similarly be available as costumes with the release of the game's second DLC pack.
Link is burning rubber all across Hyrule
Link may be the Hero of Hyrule, but outside of trading punches in Super Smash Bros., the elfin lad has stayed pretty separate from Mario and friends. That changes in the November's DLC, as Link will be available as a downloadable racer with a matching bike. You haven't lived until you've seen the wonderfully ridiculous visual of Link on a motorcycle.
It's hard to complain about more Mario and Peach
Link isn't the only racer joining the fray November 13. He's joined by Tanooki Mario and Cat Peach, costumed variants from Mario's most recent games. To date, these characters are now the fourth versions of the duo, joining their standard, baby, and metal variants of the popular racers. It almost feels like overkill, but that melts away when you see the two in their adorable furry ensembles. only with a cuddly twist that longtime fans should love.
Mute City is alive and well in Mario Kart 8
F-Zero fans have been waiting for almost a decade for a new entry in the series, and Mario Kart 8's similar anti-gravity action is a reminder to some on what they've been missing. Perhaps Nintendo has started listening to those fans, because the November 13 DLC includes a Mute City track that's really incredible. There's not only a jazzy variation on the soundtrack, but it also moves at a breakneck speed that F-Zero fans will love.
Excitebike really mixes things up
Beyond Hyrule and Mute City, Mario Kart 8 already has a gorgeous collection of new and old tracks, and both DLC packs will ultimately add 16 new tracks to the game, starting with the Triforce Cup and Egg Cup coming in November. Of special note is a track that remakes the NES classic Excitebike. And the course takes its 8-bit roots seriously, from the steep slant of the dirt ramps to the chiptune soundtrack to the random changes of the track's layout.
