Mario Kart 8 Software Update Will Unlock amiibo Functionality With Themed Mii Racing Suits

Well, that's that. Mario Kart is pretty much turning into 'Nintendo Kart'.

That's not a bad thing though.

Seems like a fairly safe way to utilize Amiibo, but it does sound cool nonetheless.

OHHH NICE

That's... actually pretty cool.

I'm more excited about this than the amiibo functionality in Smash.

....Please tell me the Amiibos will be used for more than just Mii outfits. >_>

@Tsurii897 I thing an amiibo will have 2 functions; one for the game it's from (for now only Smash Bros. amiibo exist), and a little side function for other games (like this costume thing in Mario Kart 8).

It's kind of lame but whatever. If it was something more it would force people to get all the amiibos which Nintendo said they didn't want to do.

@iAlias It's definitely welcome, but I don't think they had Amiibo in mind yet when they released MK8. I think future games built with them in mind will keep functionality along the lines of Smash.

Although, Nintendo is great when it comes to added functionality patches (Pikmin 3 stylus, NSMBU Pro Controller, etc) so I wouldn't be surprised if this was just the tip of the iceberg...

Nintendo took the page down.

Fortunately, I took a screenshot.

What a lame and pointless use for Amiibo. Unless it's a character that isn't playable in the actual game, there's no reason to use the costumes. In other words, why use a Mario costume when I can just play as Mario?

I think its a neat way to extend amiibo functionality beyond the characters that are in the game.

Jeez, they're actually keepin this up... but I suspect that it's gonna be the same recycled hat selection as in Smash.

@blackbox64 It actually is, since this game is still officially titled Mario Kart8, which is completely thrown out of the window for some quick cash-in.
This wouldn't be nearly as bad if they announced those kinds of plans from the beginning, or simply called it "Nintendo Kart" right away - then I would've known beforehand not to get it...

Bring on Kooper or Dry Bones Amiibo!!

@Bolt_Strike
I agree for characters that are available in the game. But having a Samus-outfit would be pretty nice IMO, since she is not available as a character.

@SanderEvers Complete nonsense. Smash Bros. doesn't relate to any specific IP, it's a standalone title - and the Smash universe contains every Nintendo IP. But Mario Kart isn't Mario Kart with stuff from other games that aren't part of the MARIO series, otherwise the name "Mario Kart" is intentionally misleading.

Thats it. The Fox amiibo is back on my must-buy-now list!

My guess is that, like Smash, it's going to be Mii hats and costumes. Nintendo is trying to do as little as possible to make Amiibo a thing. It's like someone said, "Amiibo has to be out by Christmas so make it do something!". They should have developed a Skylanders/Disney Infinity ripoff game to go with them.

@Kaze_Memaryu If you don't get Amiibos or DLC, it's still Mario Kart.

Finally an incentive to use the Mii character in MK8 besides a stamp.

Not mindblowing of course, but I appreciate it.

I think it is cool that Nintendo is letting us use Amiibo in Mario Kart 8 at all! They don't have to. Those complaining should lighten up and just enjoy the things we get instead of dreading and worrying about the things we don't. You're getting 16 new track along with some new characters.

Cool little bonus, on top of the figurines looking awesome on their own! Still wish one of these updates would have Arena Battles...

Awesome that amiibo support is confirmed at launch. Maybe they'll add support for other figures as time passes.

I call the link costume.

I kind of like it. Implementing Amiibo into a game in a way that is a bonus if you have it yet not forcing you to get one if you don't.
I wonder what other features they're holding back.

@jariw No, it's not. Skipping the DLC doesn't remove the content, it's still visible in online modes, which means I'm effectively locked out of online modes for not wanting to support this. The whole "don't get the DLC" excuse is bull, anyway.

Okay, it's not mind blowing, but it does show how the Amiibo can be used in different ways aside from a CPU character that learns. It bodes well for what will be in Cpt Toad and Yoshi WW, plus more in the future.

I was just going to get DK, but now I feel I could invest in the whole lot.

@blackbox64 that was the case when they announced the DLC back in August.

@SanderEvers What it needs is rebalancing like they are trying to do for Smash Bros not gimmicks. (i.e firehop for inside drift bikes).

@Kaze_Memaryu How do you know how online will work for non-DLC players? The DLC isn't available yet, and AFAIK Nintendo hasn't made any announcements of the implementation?

Starting to really dislike the amiibo concept if this is all it does.

@SanderEvers There is no point having that kind of content locked away by amiibo's and even in Smash they are useless.

@Jazzer94: I rather have Amiibo's purpose be "useless" since I have no interest in buying them.

Isnt the idea of x-game support that you can use your amiibo in other games? Unlocking a costume, whether you have a level 1 or level 50 amiibo is hardly using your amiibo or x-game play. It is something, but not worth buying or owning an amiibo for.

@Ryno So would I but I still like to be able to get said content regardless without having to buy them.

@SanderEvers I know the limitations that is why I've been saying they are practically useless and every thing shown so far hasn't changed my opinion.

A great way to give this game years of life.

Nice!

I wonder if the Captain Falcon Amiibo will be compatible?

Imagine your Mii dressed as Captain Falcon and driving the DLC Blue Falcon Kart?

It makes me wonder if using a costume will alter the miis statistics- If wearing a Donkey Kong suit, does it make you heavier? Now if that's included it'll be interesting for the racing itself. Makes you think...

Any news on the DLC release date? I can't wait til tomorrow

DLC release plz.

Not when smash comes out. As I will be playing that instead :L

I honestly couldn't care less about the Miis. I'll give my Mii a nice Yoshi outfit and race once with him but other than that I don't care one bit, especially if the Miis keep sounding like they're on helium. I just want the DLC to come out- which will likely be on the 13th too.

Interesting...

......Kinda cool, I guess. Would've preferred this is Captain Toad instead.

Well, another -better than nothing- situation. Not the most meaningful use, and certainly not the most creative. I hope this will only mark the beginning of an ongoing effort to bring some actual game-related use to these toys.
If this is just meant to be a cashcow for Nintendo with it's younger demographic, that's fine by me, too, but it won't be my cash ^^

@Worthy
http://nintendonews.com/2014/11/mario-kart-8-amiibo-november-13/
Looks to be compatible.

It's smart of them to have Amiibo functionality on 2 games right off the bat with more to come. They haven't told us everything we can do with Amiibos in MK8 so the costumes could simply be a way to add a little something extra to the game besides what you can do with the actual amiibo character that's in the game. I guess we'll find out more very soon. After the direct I hope there's a SSB Wii U demo - after all the 3DS got one before release.

Don't expect amiibos to have game-breaking functionalities or advantages in Smash or MK8. It will be unfair to those who won't use one. So yes, don't expect something compelling enough in-game to make you buy one. It's for those who like the side-functionality or "bonus features" it offers and at the same time who likes the figurines for their collection.

Why do Skylanders figurines sells? Because the game is heavily dependent on the figurines to unlock contents. That's why I expect Nintendo to make a Skylanders-like game (free or not) that will rely heavily on the amiibos to unlock contents to give you whiners reason to justify your purchases.

Whatever it takes to remove the ugly helmet for Mii characters.

I'm glad Nintendo is finding subtle ways to use amiibo in it's titles, rather than altering the game in some way.

@Tsurii897 That's probably due to them wanting to keep the Amiibos as optional items. We'd probably see a lot more raging right now if they were required to get additional game content.

@BensonUii That might work with a Nintendo Land sequel if they do one.

@ rjejr It sounds like Amiibos have more storage space for games that they were created to support and a more limited space for other games as stated by @SanderEvers.

@unrandomsam I don't see anything wrong with them doing both. Then again, Mario Kart is probably not taken seriously enough (at least not on Smash Bros level) to warrant balance patches. Also, I thought you hated Mario Kart 8, so I'm not sure why you care in this case, especially in regards to balancing.

Fun stuff.

Hard to please everyone, but I think Mii costumes is a nice way to balance out the problem of trying to make every amiibo add something meaningful to the game. Chances are in MK new complete characters would still land in very similar categories to the other characters anyway, but this way, it's kind of novel. Plus depending on how it's done it's potentially more fun to see family/friends in these themed suits than just one look for the character.

No one should be discouraged about how it is being used in Mario Kart 8 either. I see this as a big experiment. I'm guessing Nintendo will try something different in every game for awhile to see what customers like the most.

I'm actually really happy about this.

I intended to buy some amiibos day one, but not Smash U since I'm going to be busy with OR/AS for awhile. Now I know I can at least try them out once I get them. Definitely getting Peach first (even though she is one of the worst looking.) I'll probably get Link too if he works with Hyrule Warriors on day one. If not either Wii Fit Trainer or Samus.

While it would have been better if this didn't get out until tomorrow I can't complain with finally knowing what they do outside of Smash. If this is only a small amount of info from the Direct tomorrow I'm sure we're in for a real treat.

Nintendo rarely releases toys that complements their first party titles. For that reason alone, I'm personally buying them all. "Gotta buy em all". If they end up flopping on this venture, atleast I'll have them as collectibles. The additional functionality on the announced games be it limited or what not is just bonus contents for me. It's all gravy.

Fox McCloud, checking in. If you pre-order Super Smash Bros Wii U on Toys 'r Us' website you can get an Amiibo for free (both have to be added to the cart for the promo to work). Pretty sweet deal.

CAPTAIN FALCON!!!!!

I'm getting a Kirby amiibo, so woo-hoo! It probably won't drive me (pun not intended) to pick Miis over Green Shy Guy or Orange Yoshi (my MK8 mains ) but it's a neat little extra and so cool to have these out-of-franchise characters in Mario Kart in some way! And here I thought the Smash amiibo wouldn't be getting anything in MK8 unless they were already racers, haha
I personally don't see why so many are complaining; what did everyone expect, that they'd bring the whole Smash roster and make them full Mario Kart racers? If these amiibo unlocked major features in the game, there'd probably be complaining that Nintendo is "forcing them to buy all of these overpriced amiibo," no doubt. People need to chill, y'know? I'm personally getting this amiibo more for the figures honestly, in a way. Many of the Smash characters that will be getting figures are from franchises with NO merchandise whatsoever, so the Smash functionality, and this MK8 bonus, are just neat little extras. Personally I like the way Nintendo is going about Amiibo, although I do agree many's idea of a Disney Infinity or Skylander's esque Amiibo hub game would be amazing

I hope they surprise us tomorrow with the DLC. That would be cool.

@Tsurii897 I feel like Nintendo is probably working on something really cool and interesting for the Amiibo. I predict them having something to show us around next yeas e3? Hope so!

@Kaze_Memaryu Man, why is it wrong to add other IPs to the game? I mean, I understand that this is turning into 'Nintendo Kart' and is 'running away' from the Mario Universe... But what's the deal? Lots of fans (me included) love the new stuff. It was not released beforehand because it was developed post launch. Why wouldn't you buy the game because of this mix with other Nintendo games? All your Mario Kart love is there anyway.. The 32 tracks, and huge load of Mario Universe characters. What's the reason for being mad at the DLC and the Amiibo costumes? It's your choice not to use the new stuff, you'll only have to put up with people using this.Would you not buy one of Wii U's greatest games just out of rage against people using Link, Animal Crossing, and Mii Costumes? Sorry if I'm rude, but in my opinion that sounds completely absurd.

...That's lame.

Huh. Not what I was expecting, but okay. Hoping that the Ness Amiibo ends up adding a costume.

When Rosalina & Luma's Amiibo comes out, I'm guessing it'll add Luma next to Rosalina like in Mario Kart Wii.

I would have picked up a few Amiibo's for Mario Kart 8, but after seeing this the Amiibo's are still total useless to me. What Nintendo should do is just release Mii DLC Costumes that you could purchase in the Mii Maker instead and you could use the Mii costume's you purchase in every game that uses Mii's in them instead of having to have useless toy's around everywhere.

I think this is pretty cool. Cause you know what ? I just can't stand the way my Mii looks like in MK8, with this HORRIBLE helmet.
Maybe now I'll finally enjoy playing Kart with my Mii. In a Samus costume, or with the Luigi green hat. Or with Fox's outfit ! Arf, now I hesitate again.

@Bobobiwan What they should do is let you remove your Mii's Helmet if you don't want one on your Mii character, because that is the dumbest thing Nintendo has ever put in a Mario Kart game. None of the other MK games has ever had a helmet and none of the other Nintendo Characters wear helmets in MK8.

I wonder if in fact the helmet is still present irrelevant of whether you're using an amiibo outfit or not.

Meh, at least we won't have to wear those awful helmets anymore.

Hate to say it, as I'd really love to get all the Amiibo figurines, but if that's all the functionality that will be used in MK8, then I definitely won't be getting Amiibos. If they release MK8 Amiibos in the future, then I still won't be getting them as I don't like the idea of a Mario being available for Smash, and a different Mario available for MK8.

So, I hope the Direct brings better news than what appears to be the case at this stage.

I think we can expect a new F-Zero game, by the look of it.

They just need to create a disney infinity-like game and I may consider Amiibo figures but as of now their functions are really terrible.

@Kaze_Memaryu I don't really see the issue with other IPs in Mario Kart. It's still Mario Kart, Link or not. Personally, as soon as Pink Gold Peach became a thing I knew that it was time for them to expand beyond Mario/DK.

@Tulio517 It's pretty much my purist speaking out. These universes are separate for a reason: their general focus and presentation heavily differs, and have no actual compatibility.
So Link is just getting forced in there for the hell of it, and to grab some quick cash. But he simply doesn't belong in the Mario universe, he's got more important stuff to do, as him wearing his hero tunic proves, so having a sword-wielding hero in the cartoonish Mario universe is just too much of a clash, and completely illogical.
The joke is, if Link actually brought anything unique to the gameplay, I wouldn't even mind him, but he's just bait. Nintendo could've given each character a unique ability, which would also clear my issues with characters sharing weight classes: there's only the cosmetical point behind the characters.

@jariw How else is it supposed to work? It's the same as every other piece of DLC in online/multiplayer: an update implements ALL DLC content so you don't get an error if someone else uses it, you're just paying for the permission to use it yourself. And that means the update is mandatory, essentially forcing me to get it or say goodbye to all online functions.

@IceClimbers No, Link is a full-on contradiction of the Mario universe, because that'd mean Mario and Zelda games share one universe, which is proven impossible, since not a single game of either series had areas reminiscient of each other.
Just look at the things you encounter in a Zelda game: do you really consider Hyrule, a place full of very dangerous monsters, a viable ground for a kart race?

@DiscoGentleman Captain Toad Treasure Tracker compatability, just sayin'

Also, man, well that's just lame...

So does the Kirby costume let your Mii race in the nude?

@Kaze_Memaryu I get your point... Just don't really see much of an issue. Mario Kart doesn't really make much sense in itself. Bowser kidnaps Peach, Mario saves her, but all of a sudden everybody forgets their differences and go karting? And Link is the contradiction? It just doesn't matter if Link doesn't belong in the Mario universe. It may be an attemp to make quick cash, but as long as the fans approve everybody wins. Mario and Sonic don't belong together at all, especially not in the Olympics, but see what it turned out to be... I say keep the fan service. But I do understand you better now.

Nice, & more importantly, as of now, trivial to gameplay. Nintendo is smart for making them optional; essentially it is being different from the competition, & more importantly it is not necessary in addition to purchasing a game, just to play the game; this would be a plus, I think for parents, since they do not need to buy them.

I've already pre-ordered Link, & I'm looking to have my favorites; I'm hoping Rosalina will be added, & despite licensing, Mega Man too! Awesome!

The only thing Nintendo can do to please both crowds is release a set of Amiibo that have optional use, & another set entirely that are required for gameplay. I like them as collectables for myself, & for resale. These will be a dream come true, since resellers will be too greedy, & I can easily undercut them, & get a sale.

Im not buying into this amiibo business sorry Nintendo not my style. Maybe as a collectable for the limited edition pieces you come out with but that's all.

@Kaze_Memaryu then why is Diddy Kong the one character that people miss the most?

hmmm maybe...

This is great! I'll do anything to get my Mii's out of those goofy helmets!!!!!

Nice! I can't wait to see all the amiibo outfits. Looks like I have a reason to buy Pikachu and Fox again

@MadAdam81 No idea, I haven't really noticed too many people doing that. But I don't really understand what that has to do with my argument, anyway.

@Kaze_Memaryu They could, for example, have dummy replacement visuals for DLC vehicles/characters (these might be clones) and just don't show Amiibo costumes?

Why should people buy Amiibos if they don't get anything significant in the game for doing so?

@Bass_X0 Why do people buy toys?

I still think there might be more functionality for the Kart specific characters.Remember this image that was shown the other day.Maybe this is just an another use they'll have so that the Amiibo that have no chance of getting their own title can still be used outside of Smash?

Guess we'll find out today.

As long as i can't lower the voice of my Mii in Mario Kart i wouldn't even use a DK, Ganondorf or Bowser costume.

@OorWullie Captain Falcon costume for Link in Hyrule Warriors confirmed!

Why is there such animosity to the "Amiibo". They are cool figurines that may have some interesting content (Smash) or costumes (Mario Kart). To me, the collectable pays for itself, but if you are upset about the "locked content" then purchase an Amiibo like any other DLC. And for the Mario Kart argument about it now being Nintendo Kart. Donkey Kong has been in it from the start. He is not a Mario character. Lets just take a deep breath.

@Grumblevolcano That would be awesome.Wii Fit Trainer and Villager not so much.

@jariw You don't honestly believe Nintendo is gonna pass up a xhance to show off DLC characters? They want as many people as possible to buy the DLC, so of course they're letting everyone know it exists whenever possible, especially during online races.

@oreqano Of course DK is a Mario character. Donkey Kong on NES as well as the Mario Vs. Donkey Kong games are proof enough. It's just that he was directed into a separate franchise that highlights him as a main character instead of an antagoinst.

@Grumblevolcano Wait, for LINK?! He SO doesn't have the body for the glorious Falcon suit! Volga might be the only one with the right build at all (though some fanart of Shia in skintight stuff might suggest she fits the bill, as well).

It's greaat to see that various amiibos will work with multiple titles. I also hapoe that for Smash Bros. the same amiibos will work with both 3DS and Wii U versions in a way that you can carry your amiibos state and progress between both games.

@Kaze_Memaryu You pretend that these type of guest appearances never happen elsewhere. If you don't like it, just sell your copy and move on.

@Kaze_Memaryu Regarding the Falcon costume for Link,it was in reply to my comment.Maybe if you weren't getting your knickers in a twist all the time you might have seen the humour in it.

I love this idea! I adored the Mii outfits in Nintendo Land so the chance to use those and others outside of those games as well as some new ones is excellent news to me!

@Kaze_Memaryu Donkey Kong never appeared in a "Mario" titled game before Super Mario Kart. Jumpman (Mario) did appear in Donkey Kong games though.

I just can't wait for everything, it's new stuff to do and use in mario kart 8 and by March the game will have a total of 48 playable tracks!!!. Local multiplayer on Thursday nights with my friends is gonna be great. Can't wait to see what other tracks get announced in the future.

Haha, some people on this thread sound like they need a new toy to play with.

l completely missed this cool news yesterday... Another great function of amiibo and another reason to purchase ya favourite one. Hope they come out like the costumes on mario golf, they would look perfect on a mk8 Mii.

@OorWullie Nah, I got the joke. I wasn clumsily trying to get in on the joke, that's all. ^_^

@WaLzgi I never said anything like that. And I've never liked unfitting cameos, regardless of who did it when and where.

@Kaze_Memaryu Super Mario Bros.
Super Smash Bros.

@Noonch You are wrong.They don't hide meaningful stuff behind a paywall by choice, which is a GOOD thing. The in-game features are a bonus for people who want to buy the figurines as collectables or toys. And despite the fact that we are talking here about a game, that was released before amiibos even have been announced, it would have been way less work for them to just lock 10 characters or so in Smash than that what they are actually doing with them. It's baffling that they are constantly being called out for being consumer-friendly. If Nintendo was more like Activision amiibos only would have more value in-game, because they would lock things out. Please tell me how that would be a good thing? Don't see a reason for you personally to buy them? Don't. It's that easy.

@Kaze_Memaryu This is like someone complaining about a new dish on the menu of his favourite restaurant, because he know he doesn't like it. I don't see how optional DLC and amiibo functionality (that you don't have to buy/ use), change your game unless you actually do buy/ use them (in which case you made that decision).

And believe it or not- there are many fans of the series who asked about Nintendo Kart for years.

@Mus1cLov3r Non-indicative. Mugen Souls and Dark Souls aren't connected, either.

@scamander You don't get it - and you don't need to. Just note that your metaphor describes an entirely different matter. It would be more fitting to imagine a vegan restaurant suddenly serving bacon and eggs. It doesn't belong there, period, even if non-vegans who frequent the restaurant like it.
Also, I wouldn't mind a Nintendo Kart game, but this simply isn't Nintendo Kart. And it's actually confusing why Nintendo hasn't done this yet.

But, you wanna know the crowning of this bad joke? I said the same things I stated here in an article about the idea of expanding Mario Kart to Nintendo Kart, and quite a few people agreed with me, though they didn't dismiss the idea entirely (and I agreed that certain similarly cartoonish Nintendo creation certainly would fit right in). But now that it's official, it's suddenly supposed to be the greatest idea Nintendo had this year.

This is a bad amiibo idea imo...

@Kaze_Memaryu Link has made previous appearances in Mario games, and Animal Crossing has appeared in WarioWare. - So now you can accept the two real appearances into your head canon and move on with more important complaining with the perfect justification (via Animal Crossing being connected to that world) why people are cosplaying while racing.

@Twilord Which Mario game did Link ever star in? I can't recall any such appearances, so by all means, enlighten me. Also, WarioWare is a comedic game about developing games, nothing about it can be accounted for anything. Otherwise, I could move Mario into the God of War canon by making a minigame about it in D.I.Y.

@Kaze_Memaryu @Twilord Link and Mario HAS made a bunch of cameos in a couple of their games, 3d Land, Ocarina of time, ESPECIALLY Links Awakening and 3d World.

@Captain_Toad OoT was one of my fave cameos! so random! Also I think it teaches kids to vandalize....shifty eyes

@Captain_Toad Whoa, whoa, whoa! Are you talking about the 8-bit Link in SM3DW?! Like, are you really counting a picture of Link, made of glowing tiles, a valid connection?! Oh god, the reasoning is getting more desparate by the minute. That'd effectively connect GTA and Zelda, as well (Triforce on top of a bridge). And they all would suddenly be connected to Guacamelee, as well!
Also, Link's Awakening had, what, a chain chomp? I wasn't aware of that being an actual character. I guess the definition of "character" diminishes at a faster pace than expected...

For general refrence, learn the difference between easter-egg (imagery or parts of one medium briefly appearing in another one, often well-hidden, and with no impact whatsoever, other than quick amusement) and cameo (guest appearance of a character from one medium within another, often taking part in the mediums' progression, or at least being acknowledged as part of the medium).

@scamander So I suppose you have some strong feelings about this Amiibo thing. I'm just saying they're scrambling to justify their existence. I'll probably pick up a few just as overpriced figures to have around. Obviously it's not going to be a huge thing for Nintendo outside of the fanboys who own WiiU right now. The big test will be when it hits 3DS.