Nintendo of Europe just put out a press release announcing a free update to Mario Kart 8 scheduled for August 27. The press release is technically for Europe, but since August 27 marks the 22nd anniversary of the Mario Kart series, it would make sense for Nintendo of America to release the update here on the same day.
So, what does this update add to Nintendo's nearly three-million-strong racer? Well, Mercedes-Benz DLC, of course! But we aren't just getting the promised GLA vehicle — the 300 SL Roadster and the Silver Arrow are coming along for the ride, too! There will also be a "Mercedes Cup" online tournament that runs through September 23 for everyone who obtains the DLC.
Other changes to the game include the option to display the course map on the TV rather than on the GamePad; a stats menu that lists total accumulated coins, online win-loss records, and so on; the ability to alter other players' highlights reels; and a change to the post-race menu so that "Next Race" is the first item on the list rather than "Watch Highlight Reel." There will also be stability improvements to the online component, and the game will now remember the most recent customized kart settings.
Good things all around, but I'm still waiting on an update that adds actual arenas to Battle Mode! Feel free to read the full press release below.
6th August 2014 – For the first time ever, Nintendo’s Mario Kart series will be powered by some real-world horsepower. A software update on 27th August to Mario Kart 8 for Wii U will deliver a variety of new features for players, most notably the ability to download three free Mercedes-Benz cars that players can race in the game: the modern Mercedes-Benz GLA, the 300 SL Roadster from the 1950s and the legendary Silver Arrow of the 1930s.
The GLA model comes with special wheel options, while players can customise all three new karts with various wheels and gliders in the game. The new content arrives on the 22nd anniversary of the Japanese launch of the original Mario Kart game, Super Mario Kart, which launched on 27th August, 1992, for Super Nintendo.
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.
The Mario Kart 8 software update will also add a variety of new features designed to enhance the racing experience for everyone. These include:
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.
Via: GoNintendo
