Huge Mario Kart 8 feature update and patch coming on August 27th
Nintendo has announced that Mario Kart 8 will be receiving a huge feature update later this month alongside the Mercedes DLC. So far the update has only been confirmed for Japan on August 27th but it makes sense that all regions would receive the update at the same time.
The update will add a map display to the TV screen, a long requested and missing feature of the game. The three Mercedes DLC cars, the GLA, W25 Silver Arrow and 300 SL Roadster will also make their arrival.
Stat fans are in for a treat with a new Records screen coming, it will list the total coins you’ve collected, online win-loss record, character selection rates and much more.
More changes include ‘Next Race’ being the default menu selection following a Grand Prix race. You can store your last used Kart customisation and also now edit other players Mario Kart TV highlights for yourself.
And it wouldn’t be a patch from Nintendo (or anyone) without some sweet sweet stability. Unfortunately a competent battle mode is still nowhere to be seen.
What do you think of these updates, which new feature sounds the best and have you been desperately wanting any of them? Let us know in the comments below.
Complete changelog:
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- Adds the ability to access the in-game shop and download three free Mercedes-Benz cars: Mercedes-Benz GLA, 300 SL Roadster, and Silver Arrow
- Adds the ability to display the course map on the TV screen during races
- Adds “Play Stats” option to the main menu, allowing users to see gameplay statistics such as total number of coins collected, win-loss record in online play, and more
- Adds the ability to change options of others’ Mario Kart TV downloaded highlight reels, such as changing the focus to a new character or event
- Changes the default menu option after each race to “Next Race”, followed by “Watch Highlight Reel”
- Improves the vehicle selection process and saves the most recent vehicle customisation settings that were selected, even if the Wii U console is powered down between play sessions
- Improves stability of connection in online play to enhance the user experience
- Increases the maximum attainable Player Rating and Battle Rating from 9999 to 99999
- Introduces additional enhancements to improve the user’s experience and enjoyment
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The stats screen is a great addition and defaulting to next race is a must-have UX improvement.
Freakin great. A map on the main screen is sorely missed. Now they need to add 5 player, a speedo, and I’m happy. More stats are always good. Lap and course completion times would be even better.
STATS!! at last. I’ve really missed them.
Does the patch need to go through classification process? Need to know whether to expect a 12 month delay in Australia…
The patch has received an R18+ classification for “References to sexual violence” as drivers can be rammed without consent. For some reason, the classification board viewed this as a sex act.
Map – check! Stats – Check!
Still dreaming of 2 screen multiplayer.
And by extension – a gamepad rear vision mirror!
Speedo and timer would be good, I’d also like to be able to post an miiverse image in the chat before the race!
Some of this should have been released with the game.
I would love to see horizontal split screen for 2 players, like in MK Wii. 5 player local matches also seem like a missed opportunity with the Gamepad, but I’m happy they’re making next race defult (highlights reel really was a silly choice in the opinion of me and my friends) and a map would be very handy. It’s great that Nintendo’s using the potential for updates over the internet to fix and add features to their games!
Glad they’re updating the game, but they need to change a few more things imo:
Items – Stop giving people single green shells near last, stop giving second place 3 red shells, etc etc.
Mario Kart TV – Let me spectate from behind the racer on command (like when you spectate in multiplayer), sometimes the forced camera angles are just bad. Maybe toggle through different camera angles? Also, getting to choose the thumbnail for highlights would be nice, and being able to save more than 6 of them.
Battle Mode – Give us some courses meant for Battle Mode, not re-purposed race tracks where it takes forever to find someone.
Options – Ability to adjust sound levels.
Probably more, but those are some of the major ones I can think of.