Nintendo may be exploring quite a lot of paid DLC options, but it still gives us some free treats - the upcoming 200cc update for Mario Kart 8 is a good example. Revealed during Nintendo Direct, it'll arrive on 23rd April and bring a whole new level of speed to the terrific kart racer.
The reveal video showed it off quite nicely, but Nintendo UK has released a couple of videos that directly show how the increased speed changes up gameplay. In one there's a side-by-side comparison with 150cc in Dolphin Shoals, and in the other there's a tricky run through Grumble Volcano. They both show how new shortcuts will open up, but also emphasize that we may need to actually use the brake button occasionally.
You can check them out below - are you looking forward to 200cc races?
Comments (62)
Now i wish i actually had a wii U lol.
The way that this was showcased on Nintendo Direct yesterday made it feel like it was an April Fools' Day joke. I was laughing hard! That's when I found out that it was real...
Now that's what I call blast processing.
@ShanaUnite You still don't have one? There's plenty of great games on the Wii U.
This is going to be insane. I can't wait.
I can't wait for this! But I still bet that I'll never use the brake button lol. I'm sure I can master the drifting in this.
This is going to make races incredibly slow, due to my being constantly hitting every single wall and obstacle on the tracks lol
If they'd decrease the AI's luck with items, then this new update would be even better. Although I am worried about flying off the track a bit more...
I actually did fairly well getting 3 stars for 150cc, but this is going to take some real practice for me.
INSANE! and i'm already terrible at 150cc ugh!
Bring this to Mario Kart 7 and we're talking!
Did they add a brake button?
Have there been any other worthwhile free additions to the game with the patches?
I have wanted 200cc since the original Super Mario Kart. OMG, Nintendo, you are absolutely spoiling me with all that is Mario Kart 8. Kudos, kudos, kudos
@DarthNocturnal I'm definitely going to flying off the track like mad, Lakitu is going to working overtime for sure.
I hope the blue shell will fly faster too, lol.
So it now plays as fast as SUper Mario Kart on 150cc feels.
Nice.
Serious game changer. Gonna dust off my copy of MK8 for this.
@ShanaUnite better late to the party than never showing up at all.
Here's a small tip for 200cc (and in general). Tap the brake button repeatedly while drifting to take turns tighter. Don't tap the brake too much or you might stop drifting completely.
Well... time to sharpen up our sniping skills, Battle Mode will be HECTIC
So that's what they made that button for...
I'm going to be horrible at this.....the side by side looks insane......
It's official: MK is now FZero
To beat F-Zero...one must become F-Zero.
So looking forward to this. I personally found the sense of speed at 150cc good in MK8, so I can only imagine what 200cc will feel like.
And for all those asking for it to be brought to MK7 - that boat sailed ages ago, so if you want to join the rest of us on the Good Ship Speedy Mario, you better buy a Wii U...
@MeloMan And don't get me even started on those slow red shells. lol
I really hope 200cc is available online, even if it's friends only since that is some F-Zero speed right there.
Wow! That is fast!
@Iggly It is. I'm quite excited to check this out.
@Iggly The Direct already confirmed 200cc will be available both local and online.
I wonder if this proves the rumoured CPU speed up that came out a while back.
Makes me want to play the game again even though, for whatever reason, I just didn't get into it the first time around. I mean it's all well made enough but something about it just didn't feel particularly engaging or compelling enough to hook me. To be fair, I've never really been hooked by any of the previous Mario Kart games either (actually; I think I recall playing the first one on SNES quite a lot but none since then). I've always been far more of an F-Zero fan personally. The added speed looks cool though.
@WaveBoy
For whatever it is worth, you rarely see Blue Shells in MK8. I've played multiple play sessions and never seen one. You do see them, they are just a lot more rare in MK8 than previous entries (for better and worse).
@WaveBoy YOu can actually outrun a Blue Shell if you have a mushroom and you time a boost just right. I did it accidentally once and I've only been able to pull it off a couple more times since then, but it is possible.
I am super excited about this. Gives me a good reason to return to Mario Kart 8 and sink a good chunk of time into single player again.
@Grumblevolcano Oh okay, I wasn't too sure since I didn't hear them say it when I first saw the direct so thanks for the clarification.
@SuperWiiU what u mean add a brake button? theres a brake button
It makes it feel like a whole new game. I can't wait.
Whelp, oughta be ideal for that F-Zero track.
Looking forward this! I'll also get the DLC. I a going to have much fun zooming around the track at lightning speeds.
I'm too excited!
Maybe if we're really good, we'll be able to outrun the Blue Spiney!
This update, the dlc, and my sonic amiibo wilk make April 23 a busy say, gonna play as my mii in a sanic costume
This update, the dlc, and my sonic amiibo wilk make April 23 a busy say, gonna play as my mii in a sanic costume
This update, the dlc, and my sonic amiibo wilk make April 23 a busy say, gonna play as my mii in a sanic costume
@minotaurgamer no, MK8 will need a 1000 cc made to become FZero.
The amount of shortcuts that can now be used on each course will make this game super crazy, especially online!
Now if 7 could have this along with DLC...yes people still like portable Mario Kart Nintendo.
Nobody did this yet? Fine I will:
Ludicrous speed: GO!
@SavoirFaire Classic Space Balls.
Mario Kart 8 goes full plaid on April 23rd!

Looks like braking if finally going to be usefull. I saw someone braking on the direct before making a sharp turn.
I can't wait for 200cc on the F Zero course.
Well I'm going to be flying off rainbow road a lot more. this should bode well for gamer day at my house.
This is going to be awesome! I have been playing smash bros only lately... I should switch between this and smash bros, my two favorite games.
New life. I would pay for this
That's a disproportionate jump in speed from 150- 200cc, surely? The jump from 100 to150cc didn't feel nearly as big! Not a complaint, just an observation.
Make it for MK 7!!!!!
You got Boost Power!
That 2nd video really showcases how difficult this will be at first.. Love it!
is 200cc gonna be available online?
My bodywork is... NOT ready.
The speed of 200cc in MK8 changed my mind about how strong the console is.
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