Highlights
- Nintendo’s recent Direct showcased exciting announcements for fans, including new games and remasters of beloved titles, with a heavy focus on Mario titles.
- Mario Kart 8 Deluxe, one of Nintendo’s best-selling games on Switch, is getting an update in the holiday season.
- The final DLC wave for Mario Kart 8 Deluxe introduces four new playable characters and several new tracks, although an exact release date hasn’t been revealed yet.
The Nintendo Direct on September 14 was a noteworthy day for fans of Nintendo as the company debuted several exciting announcements. This included an assortment of new games, remakes, and remasters of beloved titles from the past. The presentation was heavily centered on Mario titles, and fans of Mario Kart 8 Deluxe should be happy to hear that an update for Mario Kart 8 releases in the holiday season.
It’s no secret that the most recent console installment of the Mario Kart franchise, Mario Kart 8 Deluxe, is quite popular. Mario Kart 8 Deluxe is one of the Nintendo’s best-selling games on the Switch. The unique mechanics and smooth gameplay have certainly contributed to this, but it’s the friendliness towards competitive and casual players alike that solidifies its iconic status. Though Mario Kart 8 Deluxe‘s sixth wave of DLC has been confirmed to be the last, there should be plenty to look forward to.
Mario Kart 8’s Final Wave Is Catering to As Many People As Possible
The latest trailer makes it seem like Nintendo is attempting to accommodate everyone. Since Nintendo had originally implied there were only two open slots left, the player base was divided on who would appear. However, four new playable characters were announced for Mario Kart 8 Deluxe, two of which include Diddy Kong and Funky Kong, who haven’t been seen in any of the mainline titles since Mario Kart Wii in 2008. Pauline and Peachette are also going to be part of the Booster Course Pack, which means that a good amount of the favored characters are on the way. It seems that the roster will need to be rearranged based on the fact that there will actually be four new characters rather than two. How this might happen is still to be seen. Additionally, the retro Daisy Circuit track from Mario Kart Wii will be making its return.
The trailer for the final wave was just over a minute, so while a lot of ground was covered there is still some uncertainty surrounding it. Every wave prior to this one has included eight courses, which leaves seven unaccounted for at this point in time. There have been theories that one of the next tracks will be Dino Dino Jungle from Mario Kart: Double Dash!! while others are hoping for DK Mountain. Furthermore, it seems some people are crossing their fingers for more Kart components, although
Those who are actively subscribed to the Nintendo Switch Online and Expansion Pack experience will get access to the Booster Course Pack automatically. If players are only looking to get the DLC, it can be bought for $24.99 on the Nintendo eShop. Further details of what exactly players should expect from the final wave are likely going to be revealed as the launch date draws nearer.
Unfortunately, an exact release date doesn’t appear to have been established. The trailer simply noted that Wave 6 will be “available this holiday” which most are guessing means sometime between Thanksgiving and Christmas. Since new Mario Kart 8 Deluxe DLC packs are typically released every three to four months of the year, a December release date makes the most sense. After all, the third wave became available on December 7, 2022. At the very least, Nintendo sites suggest that the DLC will release by the end of the year, so fans don’t have too much waiting to do.
Mario Kart 8 Deluxe is available now for Switch.