Mario Kart DLC Release Date and New Tracks Revealed

We knew that Mario Kart 8's first round of DLC would be coming in November, but now we have a firm date: November 13.

The DLC includes adds three new racers to the roster...well, one new racer (Link) plus a cat costume for Princess Peach and Tanooki costume for Mario. Two new carts: F-Zero's Blue Falcon, and an Epona-themed bike. And eight new tracks, which were revealed during today's Nintendo Direct presentation. Recognizable tracks include:

• Mute City (with the original music)
• Excitbike-themed track
• Hyrule Castle-themed track
• Rainbow Road

Nintendo also unveiled how Amiibo, Nintendo's entry to NFC-powered collectibles, will work with the game. Each Amiibo you sync will unlock a costume for your Mii racer. The full roster of usable Amiibo are:

• Mario
• Luigi
• Link
• Princess Peach
• Yoshi
• Donkey Kong
• Captain Falcon
• Kirby
• Samus
• Fox McCloud

So far two DLC packs have been announced for $8 each, or $12 if you buy them together. The next round of DLC, the Animal Crossing pack, launches next May and includes the Villager, Isabelle, and Dry Bowser, in addition to more currently unrevealed content.