Yesterday Mario Kart 8’s offline functionality was impacted so Nintendo could issue an update that brought several improvements for the game. The update also brought new DLC that is currently available for free, as well as plans for future DLC and its price. So far we know that two DLC packs are coming for Mario Kart 8 and Nintendo is giving you the chance to get both for a pretty low price.
Both packs will retail for $7.99 when they’re released separately, but you can pre-order both packs now, only pay $11.99 for both, and immediately get eight new skins for Yoshi and Shy Guy. That’s a pretty great steal, so what’s in the packs?
Mario Kart 8 DLC – Pack 1
The first DLC pack will be released November of this year and will feature three new characters, four new vehicles, and 8 new tracks. The new characters introduced are Link, Tanooki Mario, and Cat Peach. While Tanooki Mario and Cat Peach are skins of characters already in the game, it’s nice to see Link finally joining the racers. The Blue Falcon was identified as one of the new vehicles, while we’re sure Nintendo plans on saving the other three for a pretty big surprise.
Mario Kart 8 DLC – Pack 2
The second DLC pack for the game won’t be released until May 2015. It features an Animal Crossing theme, with two of the three new characters being from Animal Crossing: New Leaf. Just like with the upcoming Link DLC that will be released in November, this pack also features three characters, four vehicles, and eight tracks. Dry Bowser is also back, so for fans of the heavy weight division, the king of the heavyweights will return next year.
The fact that Nintendo is re-introducing characters that were cut from previous Mario Kart games gives good hope to those who had their characters cut from the initial offering in this game. While on a certain level it does suck to have to pay for extra characters as DLC, there’s absolutely no reason why you shouldn’t buy the DLC together to take advantage of the special offer. Nintendo is doing DLC right by offering a ton of content for a pretty small price.
With these two packs outlined, what pack do you want to see next? Perhaps a Metroid pack? A Donkey Kong pack that sees the return of Funky Kong? Let us know in the comments!
