Unlike PlayStation and Xbox consoles where it isn’t too common to find paid DLC released for a game, the Wii U isn’t known for games which additional DLC released for them post-launch.
Nintendo have however announced that they will be releasing a set of three new “Mercedes-Benz” cars for Mario Kart 8 from August 27th, 2014. These three free cars will be open for any character in the game: the modern Mercedes-Benz GLA, the 300 SL Roadster from the 50s and the Silver Arrow from the 30s. Honestly I will be sticking with the Super Mario inspired karts included with the game, but each to their own.
The GLA model comes with special wheel options, while players can customise all three new karts with various wheels and gliders in the game. Between 27th August and 23rd September, Nintendo and Mercedes-Benz will also host an online worldwide “Mercedes Cup” tournament. All competitors need is a Wii U console, Mario Kart 8, a broadband Internet connection and the Mercedes-Benz karts. Access to the “Mercedes Cup” in the game can be found in the online tournament section.
More importantly for those who don’t care about promotional vehicles karts for cars you might never be able to afford, Nintendo have also confirmed that they will be releasing a new update for Mario Kart 8 simultaneously with the update. This update will bring a wealth of new features including:
- Drivers will now have the option to display the course map on the TV screen during races.
- Users will be able to check out statistics such as their total number of coins accumulated, win-loss record from online play, and their most frequently selected character overall.
- Users will be able to change options of others’ Mario Kart TV downloaded highlight reels, such as changing the focus to a new character or event.
- The order of the menu after each race will be changed to “Next Race”, followed by “Watch Highlight Reel”.
- The game will remember the most recent customised kart settings that were selected, even if the Wii U system is powered down.
- Improvements to stability of connection in online play to enhance the user experience.
Aside from the switching the position of “Next Race” and “Watch Highlight Reel” options post-race, there seems to be a nice collection of new features available to players.
