Mario Kart 8 is closing in on a decade. It has outlasted its original hardware in more than one way. And has possibly grown beyond what could even be conservatively referred to as a “full game + DLC.” Sure, it still simply goes by Mario Kart 8, but a game doesn’t stick around the sales charts for this long without evolving.
With this month’s addition of Wave 4 courses came a surprise roster expansion and a lowkey-but-important update in the form of software version 2.3. According to the patch notes, Nintendo “fixed the performance of some characters and vehicle customizations.” That one bullet point is proving to be a bigger deal in the MK8 community than the new courses or ability to drive as Birdo. It’s shaking up tier lists and prompting fans to try out a new meta, or maybe even just enjoy mixing up who they race as.
Skilled players have long enjoyed a slight edge by maining an extra-heavy driver, using small wheels, and sticking to just one or two choice vehicles. A few weeks ago, if you were to jump on to a worldwide versus lobby, you could count on racing against a gang of Waluigis on Wigglers, fitted with roller wheels. Maybe you were one of them!
Now? Not so much. Logging in as I draft this, the Wiggler is still getting a lot of love, but it’s great seeing more variety on the grid.
What about you? Is this new gameplay balance getting you to kick the tires on something other than that dusty Bitty Buggy? What about Birdo and the promise of an expanded roster? Tell us about your new main or meta down in the comments or over at our Discord!
Featured Image: A. Millard via Nintendo
Nintendo Pow Block
Nintendo Pow Block is Boss Rush Media and The Boss Rush Network’s Nintendo podcast. Each week, Edward, Corey, and their friends from around the internet come together to talk about the week in Nintendo, including news, rumors, new games, questions, and the fan-favorite Snacktendo segment. Check out Nintendo Pow Block Live on Twitch every Monday night at 8:30PM Eastern / 5:30PM Pacific or on Podcast Services and YouTube Wednesday mornings at 7AM. If you enjoy the show, consider leaving us a five-star rating on iTunes and Spotify. Thanks for listening to Nintendo Pow Block!
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