Mario Kart 8 Deluxe Has Been Updated To Version 2.2.1, Here Are The Full Patch Notes

"Fixed issue where, when playing in London Loop, player is carried in by Lakitu after falling off of course and they were not returned to the appropriate location."

Does anyone know if this was a helpful glitch, as in it would carry you further ahead in the map, or a harmful one, as in you'd be placed much further behind where you went off course?

@Nua It was hilariously notorious in online matches as players were able to skip a long enough portion of the track to take 5-6 seconds off their time each lap lol. xD

@Anti-Matter nah, dlc improved it, we also had custom items added as well, woooo blue shells only!!!

@Anti-Matter How does adding content to the game ruin it? The DLC is coming regardless of whether it's out now or not, there's no downside because it's 48 new tracks for a reasonable price

@RogueSpyke @sullivans2004
There are some things that doesn't sit right for me looking at the treatment of DLC again for Mario Kart 8 Deluxe.
1. Why have to relive the hype of Mario Kart 8 Deluxe again with additional DLC ?
Are the peoples started to not get hyped with that game anymore so Nintendo intentionally drop the DLC after 5 years of Mario Kart 8 Deluxe launch to distract the peoples to talk about Mario Kart 8 Deluxe ?
2. Why we don't get all the DLC stuffs at once after paid for $ 25 and we have to wait until next year for all the stuffs obtained ?
This is the business practice that I don't like from customer point of view.
3. And what is the point to have this game in physical release when all the additional DLC stuffs will not included in one cartridge, to think this game fate in the future after the server get closed ?

Even the DLC is worthy by $ 25 for 48 additional tracks, but the way of Nintendo to handle this game with that treatment, it makes me disappointed.
I felt something not right from recent Nintendo 1st party games release since Shuntaro Furukawa became CEO.

@Anti-Matter
1.) Because it's still the best-selling Mario Kart game and from a business standpoint it makes more sense to add a sequel's worth of DLC to not split the audience with a sequel
2.) Because development likely started in 2020 and developing a sequel's worth of tracks takes time. It's not simple to make tracks for a game and they're tying it to Mario Kart Tour, which is splitting the development a bit to keep both games in line with each other
3.) That is quite literally how every physical game with DLC works. While I agree the server issue is something to consider, this is how games have operated for years and if you didn't have this problem with Mario Kart 8 originally (which got DLC), then you have no reason to have it again with Deluxe.

@Anti-Matter

Mario Kart 8 is nearly 9 years old as it were released in early 2014, and there is nothing wrong with adding 48 new tracks for a decent price.

Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays, everyone who reads this!

@h15c0r3r Thanks!

@KalamStrifeVII Merry Christmas to you as well kind stranger!

@RogueSpyke @Anti-Matter
You're both missing the main point of the DLC and its incredibly drawn out release schedule: they wanted something to hook people into the Expansion Pass, and what easier way to go about it than piggybacking off of a 9 year old game with tracks ported from their smartphone app. It's only $25 if you're smart enough to buy it outright, it's around $100 if you're someone who thought it was "free" with their crummy overpriced service and likely way over $100 because after two years a lot of people will forget to unsubscribe and will end up paying who knows how much more long after they've stopped playing it and the 3 or 4 N64 games that they tried for 20 minutes because they forgot they actually suck.

@Anti-Matter Yeah, you are right. DLC may seem nice, but it is the reason why we don't have MK9 right now. Why make another game when MK8 + the DLC sells like a new one?

@Ventilator they should make a new one instead of selling us old crap. this DLC should have been out a year after MK8 deluxe.

You guys crack me up. Loads of extra tracks in the best cart game and you still moan. They won't release a new mario kart until the new console is released in 2024 so just enjoy the ride.

"Fixed issue where, when playing in London Loop, player is carried in by Lakitu after falling off of course and they were not returned to the appropriate location."

He dropped me off in Croydon last time I played. Nightmare.

@USWITCH64 https://nl.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mario_Kart look at the releases, you crack me up.

@Anti-Matter I believe you're wrong on pretty much all your points except one.

More content for a game that has sold almost 50 million units, is a good thing for players. I'd also argue that value for money isn't that bad either.
25 Usd/euro for the pass, or included in the NSO EXP, is especially good value IF you have the family pass.
Could've been more interesting if it had more system / customization updates. Recent item options were a welcome surprise I'd like to see more of.

Drip feeding it over almost two years is bad, though.

@6969sixnine6969

Makes business sense to wait with a new Mario kart until a major hardware upgrade. Also makes sense if design is hindered by tech.
It's hard to say how a Mario kart 9 would fit into the Switch portfolio right now, closing in on the end of its life, considering MK tends to be evergreen tittles that sell well through an entire console lifespan.

MK9 has to be absolutely incredible to outdo MK8.

I see how it made sense from the biz perspective to pass on a unique Mario Kart for the Switch. I wish instead of mostly recycled content, they at least made sure that it got 16 unique tracks to the system. That said, I am moderately enjoying the expansion pack. Well worth $25. Part of me is glad they have spread out the release, part of me wishes they released all at once or sped up release schedule….I will probably be glad this time next year when we get the final pack.

@SpaceboyScreams I disagree, the point of the DLC was to preserve Mario Kart Tour's content. Mario Kart Tour is a mobile game which means sometime in the future the game will be shutdown completely and you'll never be able to play it ever again (like what's already happened with Miitomo, Dr. Mario World and Dragalia Lost).

A big waste for all those tracks to disappear forever so add it to the current game as DLC. At that point you may as well make MK8 Deluxe essentially a "Mario Kart Ultimate" where "Everywhere is here" thanks to DLC and take MK9 in a very different direction when it arrives (like how Forza Horizon is very different from Forza Motorsport).

Definitely think DLC was the better option.

Considering how people treated Splatoon 3 versus Splatoon 2, it's probably best they didn't do a Mario Kart 9, either. I imagine it's difficult to come up with some radical new idea that would make a Mario Kart on the same system be able to stand out. Visually you couldn't expect something that looks that much better. Mechanically they're sitting in a very good spot. Gimmicks that are worthwhile are tough with the solid/safe ones with the anti-grav parts and such.

A new game would also risk the issue any game does after a long supported one - fewer courses. Courses do take time to create. A new game in the series would likely regress to the standard framework of 8 at its initial launch: 32 courses only. Eventually, more releases as DLC, but it's a lot less bang for our buck initially. This is an easier pill to swallow at least on a new system when it's our only access to MK, or it has some kind of hardware or gimmick that really elevates it to make it worthwhile. So I'm happy with this strategy for supporting 8 for the rest of this gen, it plays fun.

Besides, we got MK Live and MK Tour. Two brand new games that separated themselves with either their gimmicks and what they released on. Either could have been branded as '9', or rather 9 could have leaned into either of their gimmicks. I'm glad MK9 isn't a Switch game, adopting things like Tour's battle pass style gameplay.

I'm sure they'll make 9 next gen. I think it'll be an uphill battle for it, as it tries to prove itself. I'm sure they have some nifty idea that'll make it stand out, hopefully beyond graphics (cause we're just at a point where it's hard to make newer entries look much better than 8. 8 is so colorful and fun). Maybe they lean into weather gimmicks, more open stages, new types of vehicles, some kind of new mode... there's options. Yet options I think are valid to wait a gen to try and tackle; and let 8 be our main title for a generation, with more courses than ever before.

@ketrac exactly, business sense. Not consumer friendly, thats nintendo. God i hate being a Nintendo fan.

"Fixed issue where, when playing in London Loop, player is carried in by Lakitu after falling off of course and they were not returned to the appropriate location."

(note: a suggestion of a different (or alternate) version of this part of this article)

Fixed issue in which Lakitu could carry a character controlled by at least one player to an inappropriate location if the character were to fall from the course of a race immediately before then.

@Anti-Matter
1. Why MK8D DLC? There won't be a new MK before the next console. Rightfully so, because this one sells so well, and they'd waste the next console's system seller and hype. At the same time: MK8D alone has a gigantic install base (>50m people that are fans) hungry for new content - eager customers for the DLC. I know I am.
2. Why the stepped release instead of at once? Because they'll keep the game alive for much longer. 48 new tracks at once would still only generate buzz for a few weeks. I'm happy that there will be something new every few months. 48 is too much to process and appreciate.
3. Well that's just how time and logic work. The new tracks don't even all exist yet, how were Nintendo going to pack them onto the cartridge, let alone in 2017? Yeah they could have made it a "complete edition" re-release, but this is fine as well, and allows them to program the courses over a longer period.

@Anti-Matter If they release it all at one time people will talk about for a few weeks then forget, but release it over a longer period people will keep talking for awhile and keep the game alive

@jaybird0922 @NintendoWife
You know what?
Despite I have Mario Kart 8 Deluxe but I rarely to play the game once I have played more than 60 hours before Nintendo announced new DLC.
I have pretty low hype in racing games so I tend to play other games that I have never played before or playing games with genre I have strong interest like farming sim style games or life sim games.
I know the new DLC looks interesting but my hype with Mario Kart 8 Deluxe has been eclipsed by other games on PS4 that currently I'm playing. The new DLC treatment just made me less impressed to get into Mario Kart 8 Deluxe again as my interest with Mario franchise also pretty low to compare with other franchises that have higher interest.
Guess I'm the oddball here.

@Anti-Matter Yeah but I mean - that's totally okay Then it's just not for you. The way you describe it I doubt Nintendo could have changed your mind at all. You're done with the game, fair enough.

@6969sixnine6969 Great job on ignoring other factors.

They’re making other games. It’s a good time to be a Nintendo fan, if you love new stuff.
There’s never ever been more or better content on a Nintendo console than on Switch.

At least base your criticism on something real, like their terrible online system, cash grab amiiboo plastic crap, and treatment of classic catalogue.

It would also be fine if you simply said «I really really want a new Mario kart, more than anything else». I look forward to the next gen of Mario kart too.

@ketrac okay something real: how about how most of the switch shop is garbage? what about the amazing features of the superior consoles that are left out (being able to buy old game digitally instead of ***** renting them)? what about the disrespectfull way of treating the sports games (compared to wii and gamecube era)? Not to mention all the countless incidents of destroying fan projects.

There are a lot of thinks to like about Nintento games, mainly that there is no real compitiion for stuff like zelda and mario, but Nintendo is at its worst right now. They have never been more anti-nintendo-fan than today. thats why i dislike people who still pretend nothing is wrong. Have a nice day

@Anti-Matter Not to be cruel or anything but you should go outside, get some fresh air, ya know?
Just saying cuz that was an essay you wrote in that paragraph then, jeezzzz!! 🤣🤣

@Dar14c88 If that’s the case, then why do people compete for the fastest times in 8 Deluxe?
Also “ If you want to play MK then MKWii CTGP or MK7 CTGP7”, damn, you’re really neglecting DS huh?

If we are not going to get MK 9 yet, this is a great option to keep the fun going on an amazing foundation of a game.

It gives me hope that the next one could be a standout that isn't afraid to take some risks.

What I really want is a complete Diddy Kong Racing experience.

Probably wouldn't go over too well making it into an adventure with unlocking over time, but that was so fun. It would be great to at least have some more interesting modes like the old SEGA All-Stars Racing transformed. Another fun part of DKR was the flying and hovercrafts. And while I'm dreaming, we might as well add jet ski karts that play like Wave Race.

Mario Kart to the Nines!

@sullivans2004 Welcome to Nintendo Life comments. We write essays here. Anti-Matter is not the only one.

@6969sixnine6969

"what about the amazing features of the superior consoles that are left out (being able to buy old game digitally instead of ***** renting them)?"

"*****"?

"Fixed issue where, when playing in London Loop, player is carried in by Lakitu after falling off of course and they were not returned to the appropriate location."

Really, you'd think Lakitu would brush up on the Knowledge beforehand.

...or would that mean every time he picked you up, he'd voice his opinions on who is ruining the Mushroom Kingdom, and how throwing a Spiny at them is the only language they understand?

@6969sixnine6969 Well. Switch is nothing more than a portable Wii U, so there is no way to upgrade Mario Kart on Switch.
Switch also only have 3.GB RAM at most.
That's why Mario Kart 9 is pointless on Switch as it would only be MK 8 all over again for 60-70 bucks.

The DLC could have been released years ago of course or be included in Deluxe at Switch launch.

@TowaHerschel7 After the 3DS days of being able to skip an entire lap, saving 5-6 seconds isn't as much as I was expecting, lol. Thanks for the reply, I haven't been able to play the DLC since the first wave dropped.

@Grumblevolcano you think all the execs sat around a table thinking "how can we preserve these levels" and not "how can we make money"? Seems a bit naive, but I hope you're right and that they add all the Animal Crossing mobile furniture to New Horizons 6 years from now.