Mario Kart 8: Link Joins the Roster in November DLC

Tomorrow, Mario Kart 8 owners will receive a free update that adds three Mercedes-branded vehicles along with some tweaks and feature changes. But that's only the beginning — Nintendo has big plans to continue supporting the critically acclaimed Wii U racer at least through May 2015. It seems that Nintendo's UK store has spilled the beans regarding a couple of new content packs, bringing new karts, tracks, and characters such as Link from the Zelda series.

That's right! This November, Nintendo plans to bring the Hyrulean elf into the world of upside-down kart racing. Also along for the ride are Tanooki Mario from Super Mario 3 and Cat Peach from Super Mario 3D World. There will also be four new karts, including the Blue Falcon from F-Zero, as well as two new cups with four courses each, including Wario’s Gold Mine from Mario Kart Wii, an F-Zero track, an Excitebike track, and at least one Zelda track.

Then in May of next year, a second pack will be released, welcoming Dry Bowser from New Super Mario Bros. as well as Isabelle and the Villager from Animal Crossing: New Leaf. This too will introduce four new karts and eight new courses, including an Animal Crossing course — that's 16 tracks across both packs, increasing the base game's track count by 50%. And for acquiring both packs, you'll gain access to eight different-colored Yoshis and eight different-colored Shy Guys.

Unlike the Mercedes DLC, these won't be free — the UK store lists the first one at £7 (over $11). The US prices might be a little bit lower, as is typically the case. Mario Kart 8 for Wii U is currently available, and you'll be able to download the Zelda pack this November.