The first major set of Mario Kart 8 DLC has launched this morning. If you are itching to extend the life of the Wii U racer, go download it right now.
As part of this 1 GB download, you'll receive three new characters: Tanooki Mario, Cat Peach, and special guest Link from The Legend of Zelda. You'll also get four new rides: F-Zero's Blue Falcon, the Zelda-themed Master Cycle, Mario Kart DS' B Dasher, and the jeep-like Tanooki Kart. As for new courses, you'll get Yoshi Circuit, Excitebike Arena, Dragon Driftway, and Mute City in the Egg Cup; and Wario's Gold Mine, SNES Rainbow Road, Ice Ice Outpost, and Hyrule Circuit in the Triforce Cup.
As we have previously noted, when going online, you'll only be able to race on the DLC tracks with others who have also downloaded the new content. For the new drivers and karts, however, you'll be able to see other people using them even if you yourself did not purchase the pack.
The first Mario Kart 8 add-on costs $7.99. You can buy a two-pack for $11.99 that will allow you download the second set once it becomes available in May 2015.