Nintendo has announced the release date for Mario Kart 8’s first DLC.  On November 18th, gamers will be able to step behind the wheel as Link, Cat Peach, and Tanooki Mario. In addition to the new racers, eight new tracks will debut in the game.  These new tracks cover a wide range of Nintendo classics from The Legend of Zelda to Excitebike.  The DLC will also bring new karts to race in, alongside the new characters and tracks.

With the new content, comes a mandatory update for it to work.  Players will need to upgrade to Mario Kart 8 Version 3.0.  The upgrade grants the ability to use amiibo figures to unlock special suits for Miis.

The DLC pack will be available for purchase for $7.99 via the eShop.  A second DLC pack is slated for release in May of next year.

My Opinion:  

Nintendo has a long history of great games from which to draw from for DLC.  I like the fact they are pulling from some of their lesser known series like Excitebike to bring new content to Mario Kart 8.  For me, the DLC purchase is worth it alone for the eight new tracks included in the update.

Darius Purse is an Associate Writer at MONG and if you want to talk Games, TV, or MMA feel free to follow him on Twitter.