Today, Nintendo published its financial reports for the second q??uarter of the fiscal year, and it's full of surprises regarding the sales numbers of both the company's software and hardware, with The Legend of Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom being one of the biggest standouts.

The latest entry in The Legend of Zelda series, Echoes of Wisdom, was one of the company's best-selling titles, with more than 2.58 million units sold from its release date, September 26, to the end of the quarter a mere five days later. This means that Nintendo managed to sell almost 30 million units in less than a week, which is quite impressive for a new 2D Legend of Zelda title that's not a remake of an older game.

Other notorious examples of Nintendo releases that sold remarkably well in the past few months include the Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door remaster, which, with 1.94 million units sold, already matched and surpassed the sales of the original GameCube release. Luigi's Mansion 2 HD also did quite well, with 1.57 million units, but the undisputed king of the Nintendo Switch catalog still is Mario Kart 8 Deluxe, since Nintendo sold 2.31 million units within this fiscal year, and it remains a?s the best-selling ga?me in the entire console.

The Nintendo Switch has seen better days (But it's okay)

On the other hand, the shifting trends also show some surprising information regarding their recent sales. For starters, the Nintendo Switch itself had a significant decreas?e of 31.0% in yearly hardware sales, and a 27.6% decrease in the software equivalent.

This makes a lot of sense when you think about it. After all, the Switch has been out for over seven years, and Nint??endo has already stated that it plans to release its successor within this fiscal year. Most people who wanted to buy a Switch most likely already have one, and?? those few who still don't have may prefer to wait f?or its successor.

After all, most successful video game consoles sell fewer units around the time the company's next system is about to launch, so these numbers are not worrying at all. Nintendo still managed to sell 6.84 million Switch units in this fiscal year, meaning that the? console has achieved 146.04 million unit?s sold in to date. It seems it's Zelda to the rescue once again because Nintendo specifically noted that the Hyrule Edition of the Switch Lite released in September resulted?? in a significant increment in hardware sales? during the second quarter.

Digital software did a lot better, though

The financial report also disclosed that while digital sales of games decreased by 26.5% during the first half of the fiscal year, the overall digital software sales of the Switch proportionally increased by 6.1 percentage points, up to 56.3%. According to Nintendo, there's a good reason as to why this happened: fewer people bought DLC and add-on content. This makes a lot of sense, seeing as some of the most popular DLC packs in the console, like Pokemon Scarlet & Violet's The Hidden Treasure of Area Zero or Mario Kart 8 Deluxe's Booster Course Pass, came out in 2023.

Nintendo also revealed that an increase in download-only games and stable sales of its Nintendo Switch Online service caused the proportion of its digital sales to increase on a yearly basis. This means that the company's new online service, which not only lets players connect to each other to play online but also gives them access to an extensive catalog of classic NES, SNES, Nintendo 64, Sega Genesis, Game Boy and Game Boy Advance games, has been working very efficiently. So, it shouldn't be a surprise that Nintendo recently confirmed that it plans to carry the service onto the Switch's successo??r.

The inevitable impact of the Super Mario Bros. Movie

To no one's surprise, The Super Mario Bros Movie (which became one of the highest-grossing animated films of all time) energized its video game sales. It didn't specify which games sold better because of this movie, but it likely affected titles in the Mario series, especially those the company released in 2023, like Super Mario Bros. Wonder and the Super Mario RPG remake.

This means that the sequel will likely do the same, especially considering that ??it w??ill premiere in 2026, ??when the Switch's successor will already be available fo??r purchase worldwide.

The post Nintendo revea?ls The Legend of Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom sold 2.58 million units in less than a week and more in fina??ncial report appeared first on Destructoid.

The best Switch multiplayer games excel at bringing friends and family together of all gaming backgrounds. Whether you're competing for glory in Super Smash Bros. Ultimate or making jokes in any given Jackbox Party Pack, there are a lot of Switch multiplayer games to play. Here are?? the best Switch multiplayer games on the Switch: jus?t keep in mind a few of them require a Switch Online subscription!

13. Animal Crossing: New Horizons

It's super satisfying to show your accomplished settlement in Animal Crossing: New Horizons. You can show off the designs of your village, the lovely villagers you hav?e, and how immaculately themed each room is. It's also a relaxing way to hang out with friends as you clean up the island and fish with them. Some have even been married in the game during?? the COVID pandemic. This is a game that came just at the right time as it cooled down many gamers in a stressful situation. However, it's still fun to this day.

12. Rocket League

Football + cars is a simple concept but works incredibly well. Now available as a free-to-play title, you can use fast cars to shoot balls or stop a shot from getting in the net. There are also a ton of adjustments you can make to the car like the patterns, flag, body shape, and paint of your vehicle to make it stand out among the crowd. There are micro-transaction elements to be aware of, but you don't need to spend a penny to enjoy the intense sports action of Rocket League. 

11. Minecraft

There's a reason why Minecraft is so popular, despite the many popular content creators still making videos about it more than a decade later. Building a home or even a grand statue with your pals is a wonderful premise. You can also adventure through caves, get precious resources, and then escape the various scary enemies who stand in your path. The Creeper will get you eventually. It's also a relaxing game to partake with a calming soundtrack and strangely ??blocky, yet gorgeous views of the world around you.

10. Runbow

Runbow is a hidden gem to the nth degree.

This party-platforming hybrid has you trying to survive quick platforming levels that constantly fluctuate. Nine players compete to be the first one to the flag at the end, and the wild colorful visuals truly pull you into the game. In fact, the platforms camouflage and blend with the constantly switching colors and disappear, adding an extra amount of challenge. While playing Runbow at an Extra Life event, I was shocked to pass through a tough section, getting so m?uch fun from the chaotic nature of the game. This is a surprisingly entertaining Switch multiplayer game that you should pick up.

9. Nintendo Switch Sports

Nintendo Switch Sports does what it says on the tin. Like Wii Sports, you get a bunch of entertaining physical recreation activities to play. The Joy-Con does a great job of replicating the Wii remote, but unlike Wii Sports, this game supports online play, adding more replayability. You ca??n compete?? to be the very best and unlock new costumes for your characters along the way.

You can play Badminton, Golf, Soccer (football), Volleyball, Bowling, and one of my personal favourites Chambara. Read our review of the game if you aren't sold yet!

8. Ultimate Chicken Horse

I've never laughed so hard at a game than Ultimate Chicken Horse. The goal is simple: You need to head to ?the exit of the level. However?, with each passing turn, you place obstacles in the way.

The action gets chaotic as rotating spikes are stuck to honey and pucks fly towards you at lightning speed. The fun revolves around the idea of making the level as difficult as possible for your rivals, but at the sam??e time, easy enough to finish the stage. It can get so intense that your jaw drops.

7. Splatoon 3

One of the best Switch multiplayer games is Splatoon 3. The goal is to cover each area with as much ink as possible. If your tea?m expands its ink more than the other, you win. That's it! Kinda.

You're using all manner of different weapons like a bow and arrow, a paint roller, and even katanas to win. The clothes you unlock throughout the game give you different abilities as well. The concept is simple, but Nintendo's maps and unique take on a third-person shooter with ink-splitting makes Splatoon 3 stand out. The co-op-focused Salmon Run is engrossing as well. "You jump into a match, ink some turf, kill some enemies, see who wins in dramatic fashion (sigh or cheer), and repeat," said Chris Carter in his Destructoid review. "It’s a loop t??hat works even better than before because of all the aforementioned wrinkles in the formula, with some gameplay smoothing as well."

6. Jackbox Party Packs

The Jackbox Party Packs are perfect for friends and family. The games are relatively easy to understand, and the only controller you need is your phone (or another device that has internet and browser access). You'll be surviving in Trivia Murder Party by answering out-of-the-box questions, trying to come up with the funniest one-liners in Quiplash, and even trying to get the most dates amongst yourselves in Monster Seeking Monster. 

Jackbox Games has so much creativity within its game design, and its Party Packs will help create memorab?le experiences for everyone in your immediate vicinity??.

5. Mario Party Superstars

While the Jackbox Party Packs can create memorable experiences, Mario Party Superstars might be infamous for your friendships. The board game-like title has you competing to get the most stars. You're exploring the ??board, finishing entertaining mini-games for coins, and then by the end of the game, you'll be ranked by the number of stars and coins you own.

It gets really competitive too, as you can steal coins and stars from other players. If you've played a Mario Party game before, you may recogni??ze some of the boards Mario, Luigi, and the like play on. Memorable mini-games also return to the classic series like Mushroom Mix-Up and Bumper Balls.

4. Fortnite

This may get a lot of flak, but Fortnite is an absolute blast. This battle royale has impeccable controls, a stunning Unreal Engine 5-powered world, and extremely cool weapons that are added each season. It's constantly being updated, adding new surprising gameplay elements. Teaming up with friends, completing missions, and then winning the match is so much fun within Fortnite. The game is far more accessible now for those who don't want to build; there's a zero-build option that?? is solely focused on shooting and world exploration.

It's also wild to see Kratos, Master Chief, Goku, and Spider-Man all at the same party. With Fortnite, anything can happen. You don't want to miss out.

3. Super Mario 3D World + Bowser's Fury

Excellent game design? Check. Fun four-player multiplayer? Check. Gorgeous visuals? Check. Super Mario 3D World + Bowser's Fury is th??e full package. This previous Wii U exclusive excels on Switch with the addition of faster movement speed and the add??ition of online play. The music is also stellar from the start, especially for the introductory world of Super Bell Hill. I still listen to covers of that track regularly!

The cat forms in 3D World also let you crawl up walls, adding momentum to the already stellar Mario ??platforming format. It's one of the best multiplayer Switch games you can play on the hybrid?? system.

2. Super Smash Bros. Ultimate

Super Smash Bros. Ultimate is an incredible achievement. The character list is huge with heroes and villains from all over gaming history. Third-party characters like Final Fantasy's Cloud, Metal Gear Solid's Snake, and Castlevania's Simon Belmont fight ??against the likes of Ma??rio, Link, and Fox in epic battles.

Tallying up your opponent's health meter to high percentages with your arsenal of attacks and then launching them into the stratosphere is super fulfilling. There's a Super Smash Bros. Ultimate competitive scene for a reason as many love? the simple, but ?deep combat of the game.

1. Mario Kart 8 Deluxe

The best Switch multiplayer game is undoubtedly Mario Kart 8 Deluxe. The tracks are absolutely stunning with plenty of detail and gorgeous artistic visuals. Driving in Mario Kart 8 Deluxe feels perfect as y??ou drift around corners and get a successful boost.

Additionally, the music keeps up the exciting tone with a big orchestra performing the score. This is a game you can set up in a living room, and four people will quickly grab a controller and play. It's simplicity at its?? best. Hopefully, you can avoid that annoying blue shell!

The post Top 13 best multiplayer games on Nintendo Switch appeared first on Destructoid.

Nintendo has finally announced when Wave 6 �the last wave �of the Booster Course Pass DLC is going to hit. It will drop November 9, 2023.

We’ve also got a solid list of all the t?racks that are to be included in this final wave:

Acorn Cup

• Tour Rome Avanti (Tour)
• DK Mountain (GameCube)
• Daisy Circuit (Wii)
• Piranha Plant Cove

Spiny Cup

• Madrid Drive (Tour)
• Rosalina’s Ice World (3DS)
• Bowser Castle 3 (SNES)
• Rainbow Road (Wii)

That’s a pretty good list. DK Mountain was the indisputable best course from Mario Kart Double Dash. Perhaps the best in the entire Mario Kart series. With Bowser Castle 3, I always like to see Mode7 tracks get a glow-up. Then, finally, I always love torturing my family using Rain??bow Road. It’s nice to have another rock to throw.

Beyond that, we’re also getting some new racers that were previously announced. Diddy Kong and Funky Kong will be joining the DK Crew (Hungh!). Making their debut in the Mario Kart series is also the fan favorite Peachette, and Pauline, who I’m constantly explaining what game?? she’s from to my family.

Also, there are 16 new Mii costumes added to the mix, including one based on Daisy which can be unlocked by scanning her Amiibo. Finally, they’re implementing a music player so that you can listen to your favorite tracks from your favorite tracks without it being overlaid with “Yahaa! Waheeey! Wahwahwahwah!�/p>

All of this gets released as part of Wave 6 of the Booster Course Pass DLC on November 9, 2023. Just in time for the sacred holiday of? Black?? Friday.

The post The Mario K??art 8 Booster Course Wave 6 is out November 9 appeared first on Destructoid.

Nintendo has announced three upcoming Nintendo Switch bu?ndles featuring Mario Kart 8 Deluxe and Animal Crossing: New Horizons. All three are set to go on sale on October 6 from select retailers. 

The first bundle is a Nintendo Swi?tch console with blue and red J?oy-Cons, a digital download of Mario Kart 8 Deluxe, and a three-month su??bscription to Nintendo Switch Online. The MSRP for this bu??ndle is $299.99, the price of a Switch on its own. The bundle does not include the Booster Course Pass DLC.

[caption id="attachment_402143" align="aligncenter" width="640"] Image via Nintendo[/caption]

The other t??wo bundles are handheld-only Nintendo Switch Lite consoles paired with a digital download of Animal Crossing: New Horizons. These new Switch Lites feature the classic turquoise and pink colors with a special leaf design on the back. The turquoise version (Timmy & Tommy’s Aloha Edition) will be sold exclusively at Walmart ?while the pi??nk (Isabelle’s Aloha Edition) will be found at Target.

Both have an MSRP of $199.99, the same as a ??Switch Lite console by itself. These bundles do not include the Happy Home Paradise DLC or Nintendo Switch Online, which you will need to purchase separately in order to enjoy online featur????es.

[caption id="attachment_402141" align="aligncenter" width="640"] Images via Nintendo[/caption]

The Mario Kart 8 Deluxe bundle is a yearly tradition at this point. Variations of this bundle hav??e gone on sale practically ?every holiday season since the game’s debut on the Switch. Still, Mario Kart is a classic, and Mario Kart 8 Deluxe is arguably the best entry in the series. The Booster Course?? Pass DLC adds 40 new tracks to the game, as well as a handful of exclusive characters. The DLC can be purchased separately for $24.99 or included with a Nintendo Switch Onlin?e + Expansion Pass subscription for $49.99/year. Note that this?? is the higher subscription tier for Nintendo Switch Online, not the base tier included in the bundl??e.

Animal Crossing: New Horizons took the world by storm during the COVID-19 pandemic, and still has a dedicated player base. If you’d like to try escaping to your very own island town with cute animal neighbors, maybe this is the game for you. The Happy Home Paradise DLC can be purchased for an additional $24.99 if you want access to additiona?l furniture options.

Switch vs. Switch Lite

The Switch Lite is compatible with the vast majority of the Switch library with very fe??w exceptions. Opting for the cheaper, handheld-only Switch Lite won’t significantly limit the other games you can play. It just means you won’t be able to connect to a TV and certain motion controls might no?t work.

The post New Swi??tch hardware bundles are on ??the way ahead of the holiday season appeared first on Destructoid.

Starring Kamek

It's interesting to see how public perception of the Mario Kart 8 Deluxe Booster Course Pass has changed since we've actually gotten our hands on the tracks. Before the first wave hit the Switch, there seemed to be a lot of animosity toward the DLC. People were mad that it wasn't a new game or that the added tracks didn't have the same vivid art direction as those native to Deluxe.

Yet here we are on Wave 5 and all that negativity is gone. I'm not seeing it on the socials as much as I used to. And while that might be because my main social is being driven into the ground by a butter-bodied billionaire who names his kids like they're fan-fiction Star Trek characters, I'd like to think that people are realizing more Mario Kart is always good and just having fun with it.

Which is why it's good Nintendo didn't start this DLC campaign with the tracks of Wave 5. Because overa?ll, this set's?? pretty mid.

[caption id="attachment_392198" align="alignnone" width="640"] Screenshot by Destructoid[/caption]

Mario Kart 8 Deluxe Booster Course Pass Wave 5 (Switch)
Developer: Nintendo
Publisher: Nintendo
Released: July 11, 2023
MSRP: $24.99 (or part of Nintendo Switch Online Expansion Pack)

I know not every Mario Kart track is a masterpiece. With the Booster Course Pass adding 48 tracks to the game, we were bound to get some? duds in there. But there is something about this wave that just didn't click with me. Even with a brand-new track in the mix, I'm not sure the Feather Cup and Cherry Cup hit on all cylinders as they should as the penultimate wave of the DLC. Neverthe??less, like the other waves in the Booster Course Pass, I am ready to rank and review these eight tracks.

To see our rankings of the previous waves, click one of the following links: Wave 1, Wave 2, Wave 3, Wave 4.

[caption id="attachment_392199" align="alignnone" width="640"] Screenshot by Destructoid[/caption]

8. Moonview Highway (MKWii)

There was very little question in ??my mind where Moonview Highway would rank on this list once Nintendo revealed it would be part of Wave 5.

Yes, aesthetically it looks nice. Your trip around this traffic track alternates between a serene moonlit highway and a pulsing, neon city. However, I considered the track's layout boring on the Wii a?nd it's no different here. Despite the presence of other cars and bob-omb mobiles on the highway, it's far too simple ?of a design. The track layout ensures you never have to use the brake, even when you're playing in 200cc.

It still looks nice, but there is a far better late-night city course that could have been added in its place. Or heck, even T?oad's Factory as that one has?? yet to appear as a retro track.

[caption id="attachment_392196" align="alignnone" width="640"] Screenshot by Destructoid[/caption]

7. Los Angeles Laps (MKT)

Of all the tracks added from Mario Kart Tour, this is the first one where I've actually been able to point out the city's landmarks by memory. I spent a couple of years living around Los Angeles, so when I drove through Rodeo Drive, the Santa Monica Pier, Dodger Stadium, the oil fields of C??ulver City, and Venice Beach, all those memories came rushing back in.

Unfortunately, just because it was a tour of my past doesn't mean it's that great of a track. It suffices in turning Los Angeles and the surrounding area into a Mario Kart track.? But as somebody once lived in the city, it's missing the one thing I most associate with LA: traffic. If any city that should become a traffic track, it should be LA.

[caption id="attachment_392194" align="alignnone" width="640"] Screenshot by Destructoid[/caption]

6. Daisy Cruiser (MK:DD)

It feels weird to put? Daisy Cruiser this low on the list as I have a lot of great memories of this track back on the GameCube. It's s??till a great concept, but I don't necessarily agree with all the changes that have been made to it.

The original Daisy Cruiser was a rather restrictive experience. At the starting gate, you could only go right and you had to drift around the pool on the top deck (or ??master the sliver shortcut on the right-hand side of it). In the dining hall section, the tables in the dining hall were massive and numerous, and the Item Boxes would roll independently of the tables.

Since it appeared in Mario Kart 7, a lot of those designs have changed. You can now drive through the pool, and the tables in the dining hall are smaller. I appreciate the changes made to the lowest deck, transforming it from an empty shipping ?container compartment into an aquarium. Still, I think Nintendo made too many changes that make th??e course less interesting than when it first debuted. Even the addition of toobin' Goombas in this iteration of the track can't lift it up. Also, I miss the clouds with smiley faces.

[caption id="attachment_392193" align="alignnone" width="640"] Screenshot by Destructoid[/caption]

5. Sunset Wilds (MK:SC)

If there is one thing that sells me on Sunset Wilds, it's the soundtrack to the course. The music here is absolutely alive with a 90s western-comedy vibe (think City Slickers) that I can't get enough of. The course itself has a nice layout with mud traps to slow you down, but where the heck is the sunset? How do you have a course called Sunset Wilds and not include a sunset? For Pete's sake, there was a sunset in the Game Boy Advance and Mario Kart Tour versions of this track.

I hope this is just an unfortunate oversight on the par?t of the developers and the sunset gets patched in, because it really does add to the ambiance of this American Southwest-themed track.

[caption id="attachment_392191" align="alignnone" width="640"] Screenshot by Destructoid[/caption]

4. Athens Dash (MKT)

Mario Kart Tour added Athens Dash during the Spring Tour that ran between April and May of this year. The Tour version of the track has two routes tied to it, both of which are combined here with a third route for this intro course to the Feature Cup. There is a lot of verticality here as the track takes racers around the Acropolis, Parthenon, and Hadrian's ?Arch. Like with Bangkok Rush, the landmarks of Athens Dash aren't condensed. A tremendous number of columns stand in your way, making this one of the trickier tracks of Wave 5.

I don't think there's anything particularly special about this track, but as someone who loves antiquitie?s, I appreciate its inclusion. Once this one hits online, I have to imagine it'll be a tremendous pain as heavier racers can easily knock you into those columns and pillars that'll bring you to a halt.

[caption id="attachment_392197" align="alignnone" width="640"] Screenshot by Destructoid[/caption]

3. Vancouver Velocity (MKT)

Vancouver Velocity almost got me to reinstall Mario Kart Tour before I realized what a bad idea that was.

As a big fan of the Winter Olympics, I felt eager to see its design knowing the city's Olympic anniversary heavily influenced the track. The Olympic Cauldron is one of the first notable objects from t??he city you'll see, and it looks spectacular with the aurora borealis in winter aesthetics. Flat background forest aside, Vancouver Velocity looks wonderful. The track takes you ??to enough locations that it feels like a complete trip rather than a brief visit.

I'm not sure if a trip through Massey Tunnel was necessary, or the two trips to the ice rink. I still enjoyed this track, though like most other courses in this wave, it remains okay at best. The addition of an anti-gravity section to the Capilano Bridge is a nice touch and arguably the best use of the feature in all the Tour tracks of this wave.

[caption id="attachment_392200" align="alignnone" width="640"] Screenshot by Destructoid[/caption]

2. Squeaky Clean Sprint (MK8DBCP)

The first time I drove through Squeaky Clean Sprint, I didn't really care for it. I thought it was too basic in design and the concept didn't ??really wow me. In the first draft of this list, I had it all the way down at #7.

But as I replayed all the tracks throughout the weekend, it really started to grow on me. Aesthetically, Squeaky Clean Sprint has a lot going for it. It presents a world where Nintendo realizes the full potential of merchandising possibilities it has with its Super Mario IP. This giant bathroom (or regular-sized bathroom and all the racers are shrunk down to the size of Hot Wheels) is brimming with so many cute little design choices implementing elements from the Super Mario series that i??t looks like the type of bathroom I would have wanted when I was 10. And the track really does take the concept and run with it. I par??ticularly like the bath balls in the tub that fizz up to give you extra air but also bounce if you run into them. There are also a few good shortcuts and alternate routes to use.

It's a fine layout. Overall, I'd rank it between Sky-High Sundae from Wave 2 and Yoshi'??s Island from Wave 4.

[caption id="attachment_392192" align="alignnone" width="640"] Screenshot by Destructoid[/caption]

1. Koopa Cape (MKWii)

Mario Kart Wii is arguably the most maligned entry in the franchise by long-time fans of the series. Yet it has great tracks, several of which have already appeared in the Mario Kart 8 Deluxe Booster Course Pass. Koopa Cape is another solid course from that entry, boasting a running river that tests your handling aroun?d corners, a drop that goes straight down like a roller coaster, and an underwater section that's improved here with the addition of anti-gravity.

In truth, I haven't really thought about Koopa Cape all that much (and yes I do spend an inordinate amount of time thinking about Mario Kart tracks) likely because I confuse it with Rock Rock Mountain. But I'll do a better job of remembering this track now thanks to how insane it is at 200cc. I play all the tracks in all the different modes when doing these reviews and I cannot stress enough the bonkers nature of Koopa Cape when going that fast. It is the best test of your brakin?g skills in Wave 5 and I cannot wait to take this online to see how oth??er players adjust to its speed.

Of all eight courses, I only really like Koopa Cape and Squeaky Clean Sprint. Everything else is just okay or mediocre, which is why I'm arguing this is the weakest wave of ?the Booster Course Pass so far. If there's one element keeping me from scoring it any lower, it's the addition of three new racers: Kamek, Wiggler, and Petey Piranha. Wiggler is a great addition with the way he turns red when an item hits him, but I spent most of my time karting as Kamek. As a medium-weight-class racer, he's right in my wheelhouse.

With this, we have just one wave of tracks to come. That's eight more chances for some of the best tracks in series history to still make an appearance. If they don't, I can always take solace in the fact that Mario Kart 9 is probably on the horizon at this poin??t for whatever the successor to the Switch will be.

_{[This review is based on a retail version of the DLC purchased by the reviewer.]}

The post Mario Kart 8 Deluxe Booster ?Course Pass Wave 5 reviewed and ranke??d appeared first on Destructoid.

Starring Birdo

The DLC for Mario Kart 8 Deluxe really hits its stride with Wave 3, dropping the best cour??ses we’d seen in the Booster Course Pass. From the brilliantly simple reinvention of Boo Lake to the charming Christmas-themed jaunt that is Merry Mountain, it was going to be tough to surpass what Nintendo brought players in that wave.

Depending on wh?o yo??u ask, Booster Course Wave 4 might actually be the best set of tracks yet.

[caption id="attachment_368373" align="alignnone" width="640"] Screenshot by Destructoid[/caption]

Mario Kart 8 Deluxe Booster Course Pass Wave 4 (Switch)
Developer: Nintendo
Publisher: Nintendo
Released: March 9, 2023
MSRP: $24.99 (or part of Nintendo Switch Online Expansion Pack)

With a brand new track inspired by one of Nintendo’s most cherished franchises, Wave 4 has several stand-outs in its collection, including two beautiful tracks from Mario Kart Tour and a Mario Kart DS charmer I’d honestly forgotten all about. So, as I have done with Waves 1, 2, and 3, I’m reviewing and ranking each track from the fourth wave of Mario Kart 8 DLC, covering the Fruit Cup and the Boomerang Cup. And because she’s finally making her debut in Deluxe, this review will be all about Birdo.

[caption id="attachment_368377" align="alignnone" width="640"] Screenshot by Destructoid[/caption]

8. Amsterdam Drift (MKT)

We’re starting off with a cheery track set in the Red Light District-less city of Amsterdam from Mario Kart Tour. As we’ve seen with most of the other tracks based on real cities of the world, Amsterdam Drift combines three different versions of the track from the mobile app into its three-lap race. One quick drive around the track will show you this course contains almost everything we stereotypically associate with Amsterdam, including tulips, windmills, and canals, the latter of which make up a huge chunk of the second lap of this race. All-in-all, Amsterdam Drift is a fine, if unexceptional track. It’s certainly better than a couple of other Tour tracks that have made the jump to Mario Kart 8 Deluxe, especially at higher speeds, but there?? are superio??r ones to be found in Wave 4.

[caption id="attachment_368379" align="alignnone" width="640"] Screenshot by Destructoid[/caption]

7. Riverside Park (MK:SC)

There are probably better tracks from Mario Kart: Super Circuit to choose from than Riverside Park, but I have to hand it to the developers for the wonderful job they did with its conversion to 3D. This brief jungle course has plenty of tight turns and l?ittle jumps to contend with, but the big feature of the track comes at the end with a huge 360-degree turn up a mountain and out a waterfall.

On the GBA, this was a flat and not-too-special turn. In revisiting it, the developers have transformed this final turn into an excel?lent set-piece that really lets the track stand on its own. Still, Lakeside Park would have been the better of the two to bring to the Booster Course Pass. Fingers crossed it shows up in one of the final two waves.

[caption id="attachment_368375" align="alignnone" width="640"] Screenshot by Destructoid[/caption]

6. Bangkok Rush (MKT)

Bangkok Rush is a wonderful addition from Mario Kart Tour that offers up some of the most challenging turns I’ve seen yet in this DLC collection. Like all of the city courses, it offers up some charming recreations of real locations from Bangkok, including the famous Chao Phraya River and ??a Talat Rotfai.

The way the developers have incorporated these features into the race is brilliant, but what’s absolutely stunning about this track is how it gives players so many different routes they can take. Each lap will let players go high or stay low in certain sections, and there are benefits to both. Staying low gives you a lot more space to work with, but going high might help you win the race if you can maste??r those corners and tight corridors. This track will be an absolute blast online and I can’t wait to see how players find the best route through it.

[caption id="attachment_368374" align="alignnone" width="640"] Screenshot by Destructoid[/caption]

5. DK Summit (MKWii)

To many, DK Summit is one of the stand-out tracks from Mario Kart Wii. This reimagining of Double Dash’s DK Mountain as a downhill slalom sends racers careening down a snowy snowboard course complete with halfpipes, moguls, and other skiers to get in your way. It’s an absolute blast on 200cc, and it would likely be ranked higher here if my brain would j?ust stop comparing it to Mount Wario, which takes the downhill ski concept and runs with it to places this track never could.

Still, I appreciate the changes the developers have made to the track, including reducing the width of it in many spots, because, like a lot of the tracks from Mario Kart Wii, the original was way too wide. That said, I do wish the snow in the final section would have kept its original size because now it's too easy for players to ski??p using the halfpipe altogether.

[caption id="attachment_368382" align="alignnone" width="640"] Screenshot by Destructoid[/caption]

4. Mario Circuit (MKDS)

Are there other tracks from Mario Kart DS I would rather have seen in this wave? Of cour?se. We still donâ€??™t have Airship Fortress or Delfino Square. But prior to racing through this in Wave 4, I had completely forgotten what Mario Circuit looked like in that game. It’s a highly forgettable track, which is why I’m so impressed with the glow-up it’s received with its appearance in the Booster Course Pass.

The best features of the track are still here, namely the fireball-spitting piranha plants, but an entire section of this course has been reimagined as a serene forest. It’s truly stunning to race through this track, and I love the addition of the sleeping Wiggler that wakes up and starts stomping around on the final lap. Maybe I’m being a bit too generous with this placement, but there is someth??ing so relaxing about this track that I can’t help but love it.

[caption id="attachment_368376" align="alignnone" width="640"] Screenshot by Destructoid[/caption]

3. Singapore Speedway (MKT)

Singapore Speedway is the opposite of relaxing. This is a full-throttle race with an incredible sense of verticality that’ll have players gliding across the neon-lit cityscape. Like with Bangkok Rush, t??he way the track incorporates the sights of the city into the race is stunning. In the first lap, you’ll go flying to the top of?? the Marina Bay Sands resort and race in its rooftop pool.

The second lap includes a stunning and drift-friendly drive through a glowing Chinatown while the final lap sends racers careening on the city’s Gardens by the Bay. I would have ranked this track a spot higher, but the final lap does go on a bit longer than it should with a second trip to Chinatown. But beyond that, this is one of the best Mario Kart Tour tracks to make the jump to Mario Kart 8 Deluxe.

[caption id="attachment_368381" align="alignnone" width="640"] Screenshot by Destructoid[/caption]

2. Waluigi Stadium (MK:DD)

Like with Mario Circuit, there are other tracks I would have rather seen from Mario Kart: Double Dash in this wave of DLC, including the outstanding Wario Colosseum or Mushroom City. But that doesn’t mean I’m not excited to see Waluigi Stadium back on my television screen. In fact, the changes made to the course improve it over its previous appearances in Double Dash and as a classic track in Mario Kart Wii. Waluigi’s Stadium has seen some much-needed renovations and the new nighttime setting is exactly what this course needs. The addition of two raised sections, one at the end of the halfpipe and one right befor??e the final jump of the course, creates new opportunities for players to take the lead in the extremel?y tight races. It’s a solid addition, and I’m happy we didn’t have to wait for this one to show up in Mario Kart Tour before it was added here.

[caption id="attachment_368378" align="alignnone" width="640"] Screenshot by Destructoid[/caption]

1. Yoshi’s Island (MK8DBCP)

Surprised? You shouldn’t be. It’s not every track that receives its own article written by Chris Carter. But when a track is this good, it deserves to be celebrated as much as possible. Yoshi’s Island is easily the best track we’ve seen in the Mario Kart 8 Deluxe Booster Course Pass. It is a brilliant reimagining of Super Mario World 2: Yoshi’s Island as a Mario Kart track, and the way the developers have incorporated so many things from that game and its sub-series sequels into the race should be celebrated??. In fact, my jaw dropped for a good 45 seconds the first time I realized I could trigger the secret red path at the end of the track and jump through the flower ring. It’s a brilliant design with so many wonderful small features that I can’t help but love it. In both design and personality, Yo?shi’s Island is a winner.

And hey, if we can get a track based on this Mario spin-off, maybe we can get a track based on one of the Wario titles. I mean, could you imagine Warioware or Wario Land: Shake It! as a Mario Kart track?

_{[This review is based on a retail version of the DLC purchased by the reviewer.]}

The post Mario Kart 8 Deluxe Booster Course Pass Wave 4 reviewed and r?anked appeared first on Destructoid.

Also they "improved the performance of some characters and vehicle customizations"

Mario Kart 8 Deluxe just got its fourth wave of DL?C this we?ek, and with it, patch notes! Don't worry, they're mostly good news.

In addition to adding support for the DLC, there's also a series of general improvements, as well as myriad issues that have been fix??ed. Thankfully, unlike many other first part Nintendo patch notes, those fixes are descriptive! If you've been having problems with items (like the Boo and lightning glitches), you're in luck. As for the general patch smoothing, there's "improved performance" of select characters and vehicle parts, and you can now utilize the rear view mirror in more cases (includi??????????????????????????ng spinning, crashing, and when you're morphing into a Bullet Bill).

I also really want to try this now:

"Made it so, when jumpin??g from a Whomp in Tour Berlin Byways, karts can leap over the fence."

You could say I'm into this patch.

Mario Kart 8 Deluxe continues to get better

As we saw in a semi-recent update, players now have the ability to individually toggle items ??on and off. It's something that would have saved a lot of living room and dorm f??ights, that's for sure!

That, combined with all of the aforementioned bug fixes and smoothing, is great news for folks who are still playing Mario Kart 8 Deluxe, and plan to play it for years to come. This lengthy support period (on top of a prior release foundation) has basically become the Super Smash Bros. Ultimate of kart racers.

Mario Kart 8 Deluxe Version 2.3.0 patch notes - Released March 8, 2023 (Full patch notes)

Support for DLC

• Now supports paid DLC: Mario Kart 8 Deluxe â€?Booster Course Pass, Wave 4 (two cups, eight courses, and one character, Birdo).

General

• Improved the performance of some characters and vehicle customizations.
• Made it so that the player can see the rear view mirror when spinning, crashing, or changed into Bullet Bill.
• Made it so, if the player uses a Super Star or Boo at the same time that they are hit by Lightning, their kart will not crash or become small.
• Made it so, when jumping from a Whomp in Tour Berlin Byways, karts can leap over the fence.
• Added Golden Mushroom to Custom Items in Renegade Roundup.
• Added “Booster Course Passâ€?button to main menu. If a player does not have the Booster Course Pass, a link to the Nintendo eShop will be displayed.

Fixed Issues

• Fixed an issue where, when the player’s kart became small after being hit by lightning, it would slip into the ground.
• Fixed an issue where, when the player’s kart ran into a wall, they would be carried over by Lakitu even though they had not left the course.
• Fixed an issue where the player character would not be able to hit an opponent with a red shell when that opponent was jumping on a half-pipe.
• Fixed an issue where the player character could not drift after jumping and landing in a half pipe.
• Fixed an issue so that the player can use another item other than Boo right after using Boo.
• Fixed an issue where the player could not throw a Boomerang after catching it and it entered the second item slot.
• Fixed an issue where, when a player character hit the Blooper in an opponent’s Crazy 8, they would have ink squirted on them even though they are using the Super Star.
• Fixed an issue where, when the player stops looking at the rear view mirror, the ink would disappear momentarily even though they had Blooper ink on them.
• Fixed an issue where, when player is hit with a red shell at the same time as changing into Bullet Bill, they would go off the course.
• Fixed an issue where, at the escalator in Wii Coconut Mall, there would be a communication error when a character could not move forward.
• Fixed an issue when changed into Bullet Bill in N64 Dry Dry Desert, where the character would slip into the ground.
• Fixed an issue where the character would get stuck on the bridge posts right before and after the starting line in Tour London Loop.
• Fixed an issue where, on wavy floors in 3DS Rainbow Road, the character could be pushed way off the course.

Undocumented changes in Mario Kart 8 Deluxe Wave 4

[Update: Reddit user Meester_Tweester uncovered all of the undocumented changes to racers and karts, which is quite the extensive list. You can find a full link to? the a??lterations below! And with that, the patch notes are fully complete.]

//www.reddit.com/r/marioka?rt/c??omments/11mki0n/mk8dx_version_230_all_balance_changes/

The post The Mario K??art 8 Deluxe Wave 4 patch note??s address a lot of bugs (Update) appeared first on Destructoid.

Yoshi's Island is a new favorite of mine

Okay, so I have to admit this upfront: I adore the Yoshi's Island series. Destructoid legend Jordan Devore and I would discuss this franchise constantly, and nearly every conversation ended in: "yeah, it's real good." It's just a natural conclusion. Well, Mario Kart 8 Deluxe just dropped a track tailor-made for us in Yoshi's Isl??and, part of the newest Wave 4 DLC. Here's why it's so great.

[gallery link="file" columns="2" size="large" ids="?367888,367889"]

The layout is breezy and unique without being too much

Some Mario Kart tracks can employ a semi-convoluted track layout, which doesn't always gel with the folks who pick up and play with ?me casually. But so far, Yoshi's Island has been a big hit with pretty much everyone. I've raced with.

The track itself is fairly straightforward, with a main road to follow that doesn't deviate too much from the gold standard. But the combination of (tempered) land, sea, and air bits are balanced well, including a few really cute Easter eggs (like creating platforms from Question Mark Clouds). Like the Zelda map before it, there's also a bit of enemy variety spri??nkled throughout?? the track too.

//www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q0g6GNlI06k

The music rocks

The original Yoshi's Island soundtrack (dating all the way back to the SNES) absolutely ruled, and is still living in my head rent-free today. But to hear a classic tune remixed like this in 2023 in what I can only describe as "Yoshi by way of Toy Story," is incredible. Literally as ??soon as I heard it, I perked up an??d laughed.

You can listen to it yourself above via the SoljaDr??eams24 YouTube channel. I dare you to not smile once while it's playing!

[gallery size="large" ids="367890,367891,367892"]

The theming is nostalgic without being cloying

What really ties everything ?together is the theming.

Nintendo typically goes all-out for the "brand new" tracks, as they don't really reinvent the wheel on the majority of the returning courses. But with Yoshi's Island, they can really stretch their legs creatively; drawing from the subseries' decades-old history to give us a loving, but not overdone homage. And with how cutesy this universe is, it would be really easy to overdo it. Imagine if they opted to have a baby version of a popular chara??cter constantly crying throughout it. No thanks!

Anyway, consider this your PSA if?? you already h?ave access to the Booster Course Pass. Give it a shot!

The post The new Mari??o Kart 8 Deluxe DLC track?? is an absolute banger appeared first on Destructoid.

Based on the new character select screen after the latest update

Mario Kart 8 Deluxe Booster ?Course Pass Wave 4 (read: more DLC tracks and Birdo) dropped this week, and with it, plenty of speculation and intri?gue.

After booting the update up and navigating through the menus to try out the new tracks, I noticed something odd: there's five "?" spots on the character select screen that didn't appear before! This is in addition to Birdo,?? who made their debut in Wave 4.

Interestingly, instead of rearranging the character select screen, Birdo appears in a brand new column, with five more slots below them denoted ??by a "?" With the Mario universe as vast as it is at this point, the realm of speculation is probably limitless, as any character, no matter how small (Goombas!) could show up. Note that there are two more waves to go until these five slots are potentially filled; and of course, this might not be the definitive end of all DLC for the game.

Who could the Mario Kart 8 Deluxe DLC characters be?

Just based on a few racer?s that have appeared in other games,?? there's a short list:

• Funky Kong (Mario Kart Wii/Tour)
• Diddy Kong (Double Dash/Wii/Tour)
• Honey Queen (Mario Kart 7)
• Wiggler (Mario Kart 7)
• Petey Piranha (Double Dash/Tour)

This list also isn't exhaustive, and Nintendo could surprise us with out-of-left-field characters like they did with the Animal Crossing Villager and Link from the Zelda series. I can also see Pauline making it in by the end, especially given her appearance in Mario Golf: Super Rush. The sky ??is the limit when you're a character factory like Ninten??do!

[caption id="attachment_367818" align="alignnone" width="640"] Screenshot by Destructoid[/caption]

Check out our extensive review coverage of all of the Mario Kart 8 Deluxe wave so far:

• Wave 1
• Wave 2
• Wave 3

The post Mario Kart 8 Deluxe seemingly will g??et five new DLC characters appeared first on Destructoid.

The Wave 4 release date is locked in for March 9, 2023

A new tweet from Nintendo this morning confirmed what we've all been waiting for: a date for Wave 4 of the Mario Kart 8 Deluxe pass. As a refresh, this multi-wave DLC release will consist of si??x waves in total, and the first wave dropped in March of 2022. Yep, we're coming up on?? a full year into this DLC plan, and I have to say, it's been going great so far.

Here are all of the tracks confirmed for Wave 4 of the Mario Kart 8 Deluxe Booster Course Pass (as well as Birdo, who is a medium weight class racer):

• Tour Singapore Speedway (Mario Kart Tour)
• Tour Bangkok Rush (Mario Kart Tour)
• Wii DK Summit (Mario Kart Wii)
• Tour Amsterdam Drift (Mario Kart Tour)
• GBA Riverside Park (Mario Kart: Super Circuit)
• DS Mario Circuit (Mario Kart DS)
• GCN Waluigi Stadium (Mario Kart: Double Dash)
• Yoshi's Island (New)

Although I really dig the fresh whiff of nostalgia some of these returning tracks are wafting in, I have to say, I really love that we're able to play some of the better Mario Kart Tour tracks without having to actually play Mario Kart Tour on mobile. Get my drift? The new tracks are icing on the cake too, and I launch right into those immed??iately.

All of the above Wave 4 tracks will drop on March 9, next week. Expe?ct impressions shortly afterward! As a reminder, the Booster Course Pass (all six waves, which includes 48 courses) is $24.99, or included with the Nintendo Switch Online Expansion Pack.

//twitter.com/NintendoAmerica/status/16312?93723693789184

Check out our extensive review coverage of all of the Mario Kart 8 Deluxe wave so far:

• Wave 1
• Wave 2
• Wave 3

The post Surprise! Mario K??art 8 Deluxe Wave 4 is out n?ext week appeared first on Destructoid.

The money makers

Video games are a pretty darn profitable industry. As it turns out, a lot of people are willing to pay a lot of money to press little buttons. But only a select few button-pressing facilitators can claim to have made the most money. And only an even more select few can cla??im to actually be good.

High sales don't always translate into high quality. That's not a secret �there's a reason the fine folks at the British Film Institute don't factor box office take into the Sight & Sound poll (I like Avengers: Endgame, but it's not standing side-by-side with 2001: A Space Odyssey). Still, the Top 10 best-selling games in history have tur?ned a lot of copies, and there's got to be som?e reason they connect with so many players.

So let's look at that Top 10 list and see which of these games are worth playing, and which are collecting dust on many millions of shelves. Before we get started, I'd like to clarify �there are a lot of different metrics by which one can measure the "best-selling games of all time," but for the purposes of this ranking, I'll be borrowing IGN's rigorously maintained top 10 list and backlinking to original sources.

[caption id="attachment_358334" align="alignnone" width="640"] Image via Blizzard Entertainment[/caption]

10. Overwatch

Per Bloomberg, Blizzard Entertainment's hero shooter Overwatch sold somewhere around 50 million units during its time on the market. By IGN's estimation, that makes it the seventh highest-selling game of all time. It's also tough to recommend, given that you can't actually play ?it right now?.

Overwatch might be a little higher on this list if it was still playable. Unfortunately, it's been replaced by a free-to-play sequel, Overwatch 2. While the second game isn't dramatically different from the first, most of the changes made to the formula have made the game less entertaining. Pay-to-win battle pass progression, heroes locked behind heavy grinding, a team comp overhaul that feels more like a downgrade, making Overwatch 2, in its current state, less than pleasant.

[caption id="attachment_358335" align="alignnone" width="640"] Image via KRAFTON, Inc.[/caption]

9. PlayerUnknown's Battlegrounds

According to The Verge, PUBG sold about 75 million units before going free-to-play, making it the fifth best-selling game ever. There's a good reason for that: when it came out, PUBG was a bit of a revelation. There had been battle royale mods and modes for various other games before, but a game designed from the ground up with 100-person death matches in mind was an uncommon sight. And PUBG was a solid first foray into a budding genre.

In 2023, you can't toss a twig without hitting a battle royale. They aren't all as good as PUBG, but, well, free-to-play PUBG isn't quite as good as 2017 PUBG either. If you really want to play a battle royale game, you're pretty spoiled for choice, and while PUBG isn't the worst option, it is a bit stale.

[caption id="attachment_358336" align="alignnone" width="640"] Image via Rockstar Games[/caption]

8. Grand Theft Auto V

Publisher Take-Two Interactive says Grand Theft Auto V has sold more than 170 million copies as of September 2022. That's a pretty hefty figure, one that makes it the third third-highest seller in the medium. To be completely fair, though, it's not like GTA fans are spoiled for choice. There hasn't been a fully new GTA game in nearly a decade, and Rockstar just keeps porting GTA V.

The game is solid! It's a Grand Theft Auto game. It's a pretty incremental series, and the incremental improvements made in V are good. The writing is decent (if a little cynical for my taste), the open world is fairly compelling, and the primal joy of ramming cars into civilians has remained potent for many years. But, well... it's not really special at this point. Once again, we've seen an awful lot of great open-world games in the last nine years, and GTA V is getting a little long in the tooth.

Let's ??hope the next game is worth the long, long wait.

[caption id="attachment_358337" align="alignnone" width="640"] Image via Nintendo[/caption]

7. Pokémon Red/Green(/Yellow/Blue)

The Computer Entertainment Supplier's Association (CESA), a Japanese publication that tracks the games industry, claims that the four original releases of the first Pokémon generation have sold somewhere around 45 million units, and Nintendo says we can add 1.5 million units to that figure for the 3DS re-releases. That makes the original Pokémon the ninth highest-selling game i?n history (even if i?t had to be four games to earn that spot).

I think most video game fans have at least a small soft spot for Pokémon, and the first generation is undeniably lovable. There are better JRPGs out there �hell, there are better Pokémon games out there �but you can't discoun?t the raw charm of the classics.

[caption id="attachment_358338" align="alignnone" width="640"] Image via Nintendo[/caption]

6. Super Mario Bros.

Turning once more to CESA's 2021 White Papers, Super Mario Bros. has reportedly sold?? around 48 million units across various platforms. That makes it the eighth best-selling game of all time. It's an undeniable platforming classic, genre-defining title that somehow still feels fresh.

When a game has been so foundational to a genre, going back to it can feel like visiting a museum �it's interesting, sure, but there's other, more fun stuff you could do. That's not the case with Super Mario Bros. The game may have laid the ??groundwork for 2D?? platformers to come, but it also mastered its own mechanics, with level layouts that are still fun and clever nearly 40 years later.

[caption id="attachment_358339" align="alignnone" width="640"] Image via Nintendo[/caption]

5. Wii Sports

Wii Sports was bundled with the Nintendo Wii at launch in all territories except Japan, which certainly helps its incredible Nintendo-reported 82.9 million unit sales. That figure makes it the fourth highest-selling game of all time. Honestly, though, I have a feeling that even without the pack-in numbers, Wii Sports could've made this list.

There's simply no better proof-of-concept for the Wii than Wii Sports. Every included sport demonstrates a different use for the Wiimote, and while no other game really found the same level of versatility in the device, Wii Sports was a shining reminder of what motion controls could be. It was the perfect pack-in game,?? yes, but it was also an excellent ??game in its own right.

[caption id="attachment_358340" align="alignnone" width="640"] Image via Microsoft[/caption]

4. Minecraft

The first time I played Minecraft, I probably wouldn't have guessed that it was fated to become the second highest-selling game of all time. And yet, according to Microsoft, this unassuming survival sandbox turned proto-Metaverse has sold a staggering 238 million units.

In some ways, calling Minecraft one video game is a little unfair. In addition to having nearly two dozen editions across different platforms, it's also more of? a host for games than anything else. The single-player survival mode is still a lot of fun, and creative mode is a good way to bang out some architectural concepts, but multipl?ayer servers and mods are where the real party is at.

There are so many different things that can be done with the foundations of Minecraft, ?and that adaptability is? the game's greatest strength.

[caption id="attachment_358341" align="alignnone" width="640"] Image via Nintendo[/caption]

3. Mario Kart 8

Nintendo's financial reports put Mario Kart 8, across its ??two editions, at about 57 million units sold, making it the sixth highest-selling game of all time. It seems pretty staggering that a Wii U game, of all things, could climb so high in the rankings, but I guess that's the power of the Nintendo Switch port.

Mario Kart rules. It's a simple fact of life that everyone on earth likes playing Mario Kart, and Mario Kart 8 Deluxe is probab??ly the best entry in the franchise, period. That's really a?ll there is to say.

[caption id="attachment_358342" align="alignnone" width="640"] Image via Rockstar Games[/caption]

2. Red Dead Redemption 2

According to Take-Two Interacti??ve's August 2022 financial ??report, Red Dead Redemption 2 has sold over 45 million units (not counting individual copies of Red Dead Online). That makes it the 10th hig?hest-selling game of all time, but it's number two in the quality ranking?s.

Red Dead Redemption 2 can be slow, monotonous, and long, even by AAA game standards. But that meditative quiet is in service of one of the best narratives in high-budget gaming history. Red Dead Redemption 2 is ponderous? and quiet, which has left it saddled with the descriptor of "boring" by folks who prefer their action a little hotter and heavier. Regardless?, it's an uncommonly thoughtful game in a field often dominated by bright lights and flashing colors.

[caption id="attachment_358343" align="alignnone" width="640"] Image via The Tetris Company[/caption]

1. Tetris

Sometimes bright lights and flashing colors are good. Quickly, throw a stick somewhere in your room. Good money says you just hit a copy of Tetris. According to The Tetris Company, somewhere in the area of 520 million copies of Tetris have been sold, making it the? highest-selling video game in histo?ry. It might also be the single best video game in history.

Tetris is one of those concepts that just works. Trying to fit things together in a tight space is satisfying on a primal level, and Tetris is a masterful piece of design work. It's almost silly to praise Tetris. Because everyone already knows it's great. Because everyone has alread??y bought it.

The post The top 10 best-selling video game ti???tles of all time, ranked by quality appeared first on Destructoid.

Looking in the rearview mirror

This year, Mario Kart hit one of those milestones that just doesn't seem right. Have we really been slinging shells between go-karts for 30 years? As it turns out, we have (at least "we" have in the broader cultural sense �I am a few years younger than Mario Kart).

For the last 30 years, it's been seemingly impossible to unseat Mario Kart as the multiplayer game of choice for many. It doesn't have the thriving competitive scene of your average fighting game, but if you put 10 people from any walk of life in a room and ask what game they want to play, nine of them will say Mario Kart. One asshole will say Towerfall, and that asshole is me, but?? that's not relevant.

Where we've been

It's often been said that your favorite Mario Kart is either the first one you played or the newest one. Because of the iterative nature of the series, the latest title is usually "the best," but it's hard to shake off nostalgia. Sure enough, I've always been very fond of Mario Kart Wii. I played ?it when I was young, and because my famil??y did the same thing everyone else did and refused to buy a Wii U, I kept playing it right up until the Switch arrived.

The motion controls, the little plastic wheel, the fact that it was on the Wii and therefore accessible at all my friends' houses �Mario Kart Wii had it all. It remains one of three or four video games t?hat my mom earnestly enjo??ys, and for that, I must give it high marks.

During the wait between Wii and Mario Kart 8 Deluxe, I dabbled in some other Mario Karts. I got a Game Boy Advance after I got a Wii (my choice, I was a weird kid), so I played a good bit of Mario Kart: Super Circuit on my own. As the only person who still had a GBA in a post-DS world, I gained a healthy appreciation for single-player Mario Kart, which I carry with me to this day. I eventually snagged a 2DS and played a good bit of Mario Kart 7 there - that game is lovely, but, in true Mario Kart fashion, it's basi?cally a lesser version of the next entry, which makes it mostly unnecessary to return to.

I've dabbled in the other Mario Kart games, but I wasn't around to play them when people actually cared about them, so I can't say too much about that experience. I quite like Mario Kart: Double Dash, I kind of hate Super, and I am utterly neutral on Mario Kart 64.

Where we're heading

Naturally, Mario Kart shows no sign of slowing down. Mario Kart 8 Deluxe is the best-selling Nintendo Switch game by a pretty dramatic margin, and the ridiculously expensive peripheral-based spinoff Mario Kart Live: Home Circuit is somehow in the top 100. Mario Kart 8 Deluxe continues to receive DLC tracks, and the mobile game Mario Kart Tour has been active and relatively ??successful for a few years now.

I still play Mario Kart 8 Deluxe whenever I get the chance, and I dabble in Mario Kart Wii when I'm at my family's house (they're purists). I wouldn't say Mario Kart is a favorite franchise of mine, but it's pretty undeniable that it brings folks t??ogethe??r.

It'll take some time, I expect, for Nintendo to bless us with another full-fledged Mario Kart entry. Thankfully, it's still pretty easy to get a group together to play Mario Kart 8 Deluxe, and the Switch's handheld nature makes it easy to nurture my love for single-player Mario Kart, so I'm alright for now.

We'd love to hear about your history with Mario Kart �what's your favorite entry? Does the age-old first-game/newest-game doctrine hold true for you? Do you ever play the game on your own, or is it strictly a multiplayer experience for you? Fill those comments with Mario Kart stories, if you'd be so kind.

The post As the franchise hits 30, everyone’s got some Mario Kart memories appeared first on Destructoid.

Happy holidays, everyone

It's almost always difficult to dole ou?t seasonal video game recommendations, and never is that challenge more apparent than now, at the beginning of the holiday season. We're only a few days out from Hanukkah, which means the holidays are here in full force. But with so few festive video games in existence, it's hard to figure out what, exactly, to play with hot cocoa in hand.

Luckily for you, I've got ten solid candidates for your playing pleasure over the next couple of weeks. I've tried ?my best to include something for everyone here, whether you're home for the holidays or stuck someplace you'd rather not be.

Let me make two things clear: For one, I'm only focusing on games that are readily accessible in 2022. Wii Sports is obviously the best holiday game, but, unfortunately, it is disqualified from this list (and Nintendo Switch Sports is not quite a worthy successor). Sorry, bowling stans. I'm also not simply compiling a list of Christmas-themed games or games with Christmas levels. While I would love to put Kingdom Hearts 2 on this list for its excellent Nightmare Before Christmas world, that game doesn't feel very holiday-ish to me. There are some Christmas-themed games here, but there are also games that simply feel like they belong in the holiday lineup. It's all about vibes. With that in mind, let's dive into the ten best? game?s to play during the holiday season.

1. RuneScape

The holiday season can be a lonely time for many, so it's natural to want to find an online community of some sort. While my personal favorite MMO is Final Fantasy XIV, I think Final Fantasy will get its due on this list. Instead, I'd like to point to a particularly nice little title: RuneScape.

RuneScape is one of those rare MMOs where the community is generally friendly and inviting, and the game itself is downright charming. If you're like me and the falling snow outside always makes you a little nostalgic, then Old School RuneScape, an early-0?0s time capsule, is an even better option.

2. Spider-Man: Miles Morales

The older Spider-Man is taking a well-earned working vacation, and he's left the new guy in charge... just in time for Christmas. Yes, Spider-Man: Miles Morales is, indeed, one of the few proper Christmas games out there, and exploring a thoroughly winterized take on the gorgeously realized Manhattan of 2018's Marvel's Spider-Man is an absolute treat.

At its core, this game isn't all that different f??r??om the 2018 title, but the 2018 title is great, so that's just fine. Swinging and flipping around Harlem is a blast, and there are plenty of engaging side quests that make this a perfect game to burrow into.

3. Phoenix Wright: Ace Attorney

Another rare game with some bona fide Christmas action is Phoenix Wright: Ace Attorney. I will forever associate this game with the holidays simply because I got it as a Christmas ??pre?sent in middle school, but the final case in the game is a genuine Christmas story! It's also very good.

Murder mysteries have always been a perfect winter excursion, and the Ace Attorney series has some of the most engaging murder mysteries in video game history. Weeding out the killer from an ensemble of well-realized characters is an absolute delight. This first game in the series is great, but if it leaves you wanting more, you can always do what I do at least once a year and play all five of its sequels in quick succession immediately afterwards. The two newly-localized spinoffs, released as The Great Ace Attorney Chronicles, also have some winter-set cases, so you should probably give those a shot, too. Oh, and Ghost Trick, while you're at it.

4. Cave Story

Something about Cave Story will always scream "holidays" to me. Maybe it's the cozy sprite art, or the sense of wondrous exploration. Maybe it's the adorable bunny-like Mimiga and the sense of community in their little village. Maybe it's the holiday overlay t??he game receives ??every year. Maybe it's just because one of the main characters is named "Santa."

Whatever the case, Cave Story is an excellent way to spend a few cool winter evenings. There's also a free-to-play side story, Cave Story's Secret Santa, that is explicitly about Christmas, which is nea??t. As a side note, I've found a healthy handful of Christmas games for this list and absolutely no games centered on the other winter holida??ys. Curious.

5. Christmas Massacre

I know the holidays are usually a time for cheer and high spirits, but I'm also a horror fan, so I know people who enjoy horror do not rest for the month of December. So once you're done watching Black Christmas and Krampus (and Adult Swim Yule Log, a new but worthy addition to the canon), why not try out Christmas Massacre?

Puppet Combo, the one-man army behind a wave of VHS-inspired low-poly horror games, delivered a very Puppet Combo-ish Christmas present with this title. If the idea of a serial killer dressed as Santa Claus appeals to you, you'll probably get som?ething out of this one.

6. Final Fantasy IX

A lot of people find themselves with a bit of extra free time on their hands right about now. School breaks are beginning, folks are taking time off from work, and things are winding down before they get hectic all over again. What to do with all that space in your sc??hedule? Why not tuck into a big old JRPG?

Realistically, any Final Fantasy game could fill this space. Final Fantasy VI and VII are two of the greatest JRPGs ever made, so if you haven't already, you really should give those a shot. I'm currently in the midst of a Final Fantasy XIII replay (and I'm gonna finish it this time, I swear). If RuneScape wasn't your speed and you still need an MMO, XIV is great. But for my money, if you want a game that feels like it was made to be played with a blanket and a warm drink, Final Fantasy IX is the game for you.

7. Mario Kart 8 Deluxe

It's not always easy to get the whole family onboard with a video game. When I'm at my folks' place, it can be tough to convince anyone to buckle down and play somethin??g together - video games just aren't their speed.

You know what everyone can agree on, though? Mario Kart. It is an indisputable fact of life that everyone loves Mario Kart. Your mom loves Mario Kart, and your grandma does, too. Your cousins? Huge Luigi-heads. Anyone who's coming to visit will be happy to play Mario Kart. That's just reality.

8. The Last of Us

I know The Last of Us doesn't exactly mesh well with "Feliz Navidad," but I still think now's a good time to give it a shot. At its core, The Last of Us is a game about a cynical, lonely old man learning to accept love and family into his heart. That is, to be clear, the exact same story as Charles Dickens' A Christmas Carol.

I'm only half-joking with this one. Obviously, The Last of Us is neither whimsical nor cheery. Still, it's th?e kind of non-traditional family narrative that I get a craving for right around this time every year. Plus, you're probably going to want a refresher before the HBO show next month.

9. Super Mario 3D World

Yeah, I put two Mario games on the list. Sue me. Super Mario 3D World is one of those games that just makes you feel like a kid again. It's not too big, it's not overly dema??nding, and it's just a dang good time. The unparalleled warmth of a bite-sized Mario running through bite-sized levels is exactly enoug??h to ward off that pesky winter chill.

10. Clubhouse Games: 51 Worldwide Classics

When you've exhausted every track in Mario Kart 8 Deluxe but you still want something to play with your gaming-repulsed family, it's probably time to turn to Clubhouse Games: 51 Worldwide Classics. This collection of games (mostly board? and card games, some faux sports) is the perfect remedy for a tired holiday gathering.

Every game in Clubhouse Games is simple enough that everyone at your party will be able to understand it. In fact, they probably already know the rules to a lot of these titles. Quite frankly, if your family is like mine, you're going to be spending a lot of time playing board games anyways. Why not play them in this extremely charming and polished package? It's even got bowling! And it almost feels like Wii Sports bowling!

The post 10 best games to play this holiday season appeared first on Destructoid.

Starring Isabelle

The third time really is the charm for the Mario Kart 8 Deluxe Booster Course Pass. After two perfectly fine, if not wildly amazing, track packs, Nintendo has managed to put together a wave of DLC that is eight tracks, zero skips, swear to God. Not only are these top-tier tracks from Mario Kart's past and present, but this is the first time the developers have really tried to lean into the gameplay innovations of Mario Kart 8, i.e., the anti-gravity mechanic. In revisiting these tracks, the developers have deftly added this feature where they can, even if it's just for a moment. None of the tracks here follow the footsteps of Wave 2's Sky-High Sundae, which was entirely anti-grav, but that's okay. Because what'??s here is fantast??ic and setting a high bar for the three remaining waves.

Mario Kart 8 Deluxe Booster Course Pass Wave 3 (Switch)
Developer: Nintendo
Publisher: Nintendo
Released: December 7, 2022
MSRP: $24.99 (or part of Nintendo Switch Online Expansion Pack)

As I have previously done with Waves 1 and 2, I've spent the past few days playing through?? the new collection of tracks for a ranking and review. Any thoughts of this being an easy list to make went right out the door when I realized the Rock Cup and Moon Cup are both bangers. It wasn't too difficult for me to pick the #1 track of this Wave, but figuring out which track bel?onged at the bottom was far more difficult. That is, until I tested them all out in the Time Trials.

8. London Loop (MKT)

One complaint that is lobbied at all the Mario Kart Tour city tracks that have found their way into the Booster Course Pass is that they're too flat. And that's not exactly a surprise. The real cities these tracks are apeing their scenery from aren't necessarily known for their extreme hills and slopes. There's a reason cities exist where they do in the world and the flatness of the land is a big part of it (unless you're Seattle or San Francisco). But flatness isn't London Loop's biggest sin. In fact, the first few times I played it, I didn't think there was anything wrong with it. The city is gorgeous and overflowing with familiar sights, from Tower Bridge to London Eye to Parliament. But when I took it into the Time Trials, I realized this track is way too long. Like the other city tracks pulled from Tour, London Loop combines three different routes from that game into one track. And as much as I love that concept?? and how the course is designed to get you to see everything the developers have shoved into this city, it feels like it goes on forever.

7. Rainbow Road  (MK7)

Where do we stand on the "one big track" design concept? I know when Mario Kart 7 debuted, a lot of people didn't really care for them. And to their credit, Maka Wuhu and Wuhu Loop weren't exactly engaging tracks. But I absolutely dug Rainbow Road in that game, and I think the track is even better here. Seeing this course on my Switch OLED screen really highlights the incredible design concept of racing around the solar system. The asteroid you land on is now an anti-gravity section, and taking this course into 200cc mode is a real test of your braking capabilities, particularly when you're on the rings of Saturn. It's just an all-around great track and arguably the best execution of the single-lap track concept...behind the three from Mario Kart 8 Deluxe that are much better.

6. Berlin Byways (MKT)

Berlin Byways is such an intricate track that it arguably could have been listed at the top of this list. Not only is it a wonderful tour of Berlin, with Whomps making up part of the Berlin Wall, but for the first time in any of these city courses, it's a traffic track. As I wrote in my review of Wave 1, there is nothing I enjoy more than a good Mario Kart traffic track, and Berlin Byways is a remarkable one in its own right. Not only do you race with traffic, something that is quite tough when driving at 200cc, but you're also forced to drive into oncoming traffic in the second and third laps. That section of the track is incredibly fun when racing against other players, but it's far too short to achieve its full potential. Still, there are so many other small tidbits about Berlin Byways that place it above and beyond the rest of the cities we've raced through, whether it's the inexplicable subway car you can drive through or the brief split path at Schiller Monument. It'll be interesting to see if any of Mario Kart Tour's other city ??tracks will be able to top this one.

5. Rock Rock Mountain (MK7)

Rock Rock Mountain is an unquestionable top-tier course from Mario Kart 7. Surely, that is why it was one of the first classic tracks to be introduced in Mario Kart Tour when it debuted during the inaugural New York Tour back in 2019. As a brilliant showcase of MK7's glider mechanic, this is one of those great course designs that really get the most of the developer's ideas and ambition. And with its introduction to Mario Kart 8 Deluxe, an anti-gravity section has been added to the slope climb in the final stretch of the track that helps it feel more in place with the design philosophy of this game. It may be a little addition, but it makes the difference and really highlights how tracks in previous Waves could have used the same extra bit of attention before making their debut in MK8D.

4. Maple Treeway (MKWii)

Going into Wave 3, I thought Maple Treeway would be the clear winner. After all, it's one of my favorite tracks from Mario Kart Wii, and seeing its pumpkin spice-infused color palette always brings warmth to my heart. It's still an amazing track, one that makes the most of its design concept as you race around the winding branches of autumn trees and knock your opponents into the wigglers that'll give them a good stomp. The only reason it's not any higher here is, well, I miss that bouncing net from the original version. I get that Mario Kart Wii didn't have gliders and those were a pretty prominent part of Mario Kart 7, but sometimes the original de??sign is still the best, and this is one track where ?I think that's the case.

3. Peach Gardens (MKDS)

Before the arrival of Mario Kart 8, I long held the opinion that Mario Kart DS was the best game in the series. Not just for that single-player mission mode that I deeply miss, but the game had arguably the best tracks the series had ever seen. And Peach Gardens is a big reason why I held that opinion for so long. A beautiful race through the back of Peach's castle, this was a great track back on the DS that has taken a cue from Mario Kart Tour with its appearance in the Booster Course Pass. The first two laps of Peach Gardens happen as you remember them, making your way around that giant square track with Chain Chomps patrolling its grounds. The final lap adds an extra section that hasn't been there before, taking you to the left side of the castle and then sending you back down the track in the opposite direction. It's an excellent way to freshen up this 17-year-old track and something Nintendo should consider doing to other retro tracks in future Mario Kart games.

2. Merry Mountain (MKT)

The first time I raced through Merry Mountain, I thought, "Wow, that was pretty short." The second time I raced through it, I thought, "It's still short, but those turns near the top of the mountain are pretty devilish." I've now raced the track about 28 times, and while its brevity is too damn short for its own good, it's a brilliant track with a sense of verticality that is missing in most of the other DLC tracks. It's also arguably the most beautiful track of the Booster Course Pass so far. The lighting and textures here are a step above everything else we've seen from the DLC, and the sleigh train that circles the track dropping coins i?s a lovely touch with its whole Christmas theme. As for the track design itself, it's an exceptional race up and down a mountain with an anti-gravity section that makes perfect sense and plenty of opportunities for little boosts that can come back to bite you if you're not careful about i??t. Let me just say Slipstreaming is not your friend for parts of this track. I absolutely adore Merry Mountain, and I hope Nintendo continues to explore more holiday-themed tracks in the future.

1. Boo Lake (MK:SC)

Boo Lake might be something of a controversial choice for the #1 spot on this list, but I think this is a phenomenal track. When it comes to bringing in courses from Super Mario Kart or Mario Kart: Super Circuit to Mario Kart Tour and the Booster Course Pass, the developers have generally gone about it in two different ways: completely remake the track with a 3D design (Sky Garden) or keep it as flat as it's always been (Mario Circuit 4). Boo Lake splits the difference, creating a track that starts flat before breaking it up and taking the racers underwater. It's a stellar compromise between the two design ideas, and with the entire underwater section being anti-gravity, this course feels right at home with the original tracks of Mario Kart 8 Deluxe. Also?, it's just nice to finally see the lake at Boo Lake, considering the GBA couldn't actually render it.

_{[This review is based on a retail version of the DLC purchased by the reviewer.]}

The post M?ario Kart 8 Deluxe B??ooster Course Pass Wave 3 reviewed and ranked appeared first on Destructoid.

YOU get a Blue Shell, and YOU get a Blue Shell...

If the Blue Shell is the bane of your existence, then your world is about to get a little more chaotic, as Nintendo has released a brand new update for its long-life racer Mario Kart 8 Deluxe, which allows players to customize the exact items r??eceived w?hen driving over item boxes!

The "Custom Item" feature allows players to pick and choose from the list of buffs, debuffs, and weapons available from Mario Kart 8 Deluxe's iconic arsenal. So you can receive a Red Shell every t??ime, or you could ban Red Shells entirely. Not enough Banana Skins? Give them to EVERYBODY! Or, if you want to put your karting ?skills to the ultimate test, turn off items entirely, and may the best Power Slider win.

//www.youtube.com/watch?v=2iaCRaF8ET8

Of course, this new feature is not available in all modes, so don't expect to jump into Online Vs. with a fistful of Lightning Bolts. But, for offline multiplayer races, battle modes, and the like, you and your fellow racers can now choose exactly which items will or will not appear on your next run around Rainbow Road. The Custom Item feature sounds pretty neat and I kinda wish it had been utilized in every single Mario Kart release.

In addition to the new feature, today's update sees the arrival of Booster Course Pass Wave 3. As previously noted, this particular round of DLC includes eight classic tracks rolling out across two cups. For a full list of the newly featured raceways, check out our previous report or the trailer above. 2023 will?? see the arrival of three further Booster Course packs, ultimately building to a grand total of almost 50 additional courses.

Mario Kart 8 Deluxe is available now on Nintendo Switch.

The post Blue Shells for Everybody! Mario Kart 8 D??eluxe offe??rs custom item selection appeared first on Destructoid.

Blue Shell Blues

Nintendo has announced the contents of the next set of raceways headed to Mario Kart 8 Deluxe �The Booster Course Set 3 pack will launch on Nintendo Switch on December 7, bringing with it two new cups packed with familiar fan-favorite tracks pulled fro?m the genre-defini?ng kart racer.

//www.youtube.com/watch?v=2iaCRaF8ET8

The Mario Kart 8 Deluxe Booster Course Set 3 DLC contains the following items

Rock Cup

• Tour London Loop â€?"Gobsmack your rivals as you drift around familiar landmarks and into first place in this England-inspired course originating from the mobile game Mario Kart Tour."
• GBA Boo Lake â€?"Get your feet wet on this spooky, Boo filled track set on a haunted lake in this course that originated in Mario Kart: Super Circuit!"
• 3DS Rock Rock Mountain â€?"Careful, sharp turns and bouncing boulders abound on this high-altitude course. Here’s a mountaineering tip: Ramp over a warp pipe to put some wind in your sails!"
• Wii Maple Treeway â€?"Leap through the fall foliage and race across massive trees on this course from Mario Kart Wii â€?just don’t disturb the Wigglers enjoying an autumnal stroll!"

Moon Cup

• Tour Berlin Byways â€?"Watch out for falling Whomps and Thwomps as you make your way around the stunning sights in this course that originated in Mario Kart Tour."
• DS Peach Gardens â€?"Chirping birds, bopping Chain Chomps and fields of flowers flourish on this course set in the vast gardens of Peach’s castle from Mario Kart DS! Can you spot all the familiar topiaries?"
• Merry Mountain â€?"Hit the halfpipe and bank up the snowy hills on this charmingly festive course from Mario Kart Tour that features massive candy canes and wrapped gifts galore. And â€?is that a flying sleigh train?"
• 3DS Rainbow Road â€?"Look up in the sky â€?it’s â€?Mario! Rainbow Road winds and twists around multiple planetoids on this celestial course that originated in Mario Kart 7 on Nintendo 3DS."

The Mario Kart 8 Deluxe Booster Course Pass is available now for around $25 USD and locks in players for all six sets, for a grand total of 48 new tracks �all pulled from a wide variety of releases including the original Super Mario Kart, Mario Kart 64, Mario Kart Double Dash, Mario Kart Wii, and even handheld entries such as Mario Kart DS, Mario Kart 7, and mobile title Mario Kart Tour.

The post Mario Kart 8 Deluxe Booster Course 3 DLC launches ne??xt mont??h appeared first on Destructoid.

Tear up the gardens this holiday

Mario Kart 8 Deluxe is getting more new tracks this holiday season. Wave 3 of the Mario Kart 8 Deluxe Booster Course Pass arrives this holiday.

The lineup for this third wave has eight tracks, including Merry Mountain from Mario Kart Tour and Peach Gardens from Mario Kart DS.

//www.youtube.com/watch?v=ELh7AB_xC6A

The post Mario Kart 8 Delu??xe gets Peach Gar??dens and more in Wave 3 this holiday appeared first on Destructoid.

Starring Wendy O. Koopa

When Nintendo said the Mario Kart 8 Deluxe Booster Course Pass would last until the end of 2023, it meant it. It's been nearly five months since the first wave of DLC was released, and? while I've enjoyed the time I've spent driving through the likes of Coconut Mall and Ninja Hideaway, I'm ready for something new. With the r??elease of Wave 2 of the Booster Course Pass, new is exactly what we're getting.

Mario Kart 8 Deluxe Booster Course Pass Wave 2 (Switch)
Developer: Nintendo
Publisher: Nintendo
Released: August 4, 2022
MSRP: $24.99 (or part of Nintendo Switch Online Expansion Pack)

One of the courses featured in the Turnip Cup and Propeller Cup is new to the Mario Kart franchise, making its debut here before it pops up in Mario Kart Tour. I like the idea of Booster Course Pass players getting early access to these new tracks �because lord knows I'm never going back to MKT. But these tracks have their work cut out fo?r them if they want to stand out from some of these returning classics.

Just as I did with the first wave of DLC, I've ranked the e??igh??t tracks of Wave 2 below. Unlike last time, this ranking wasn't so cut and dry.

8. Mario Circuit 3 (SMK)

Don't take this track's placement at the bottom of this ranking as a sign that I don't like it. I adore Mario Circuit 3 and have since first playing it back in 1992 in Super Mario Kart. That 180º turn at the center of the track was always a great test of my ability to hop around corners. It's far more devilish than the on?e in ??Mario Circuit 4, which featured a much wider driving area that greatly reduced the challenge of such a turn.

While the transition to 3D racing hasn't been kind to the difficulty of this track, Mario Kart 8 Deluxe's addition of Ultra Mini-Turbos and 200cc help make this track relevant and a joy to play. Sure, it's still as flat as it was back on the SNES, but when you add in those speeds and drift mechanics into a track th?at is this tightly compact, it's able to hark back to its original difficulty.

Would I have loved to see it given a more complete makeover? Sure, I ??want that for all of the SNES courses. But it doesn't need it because Mario Circuit 3's layout still works today, 30 years after it first debuted.

7. Kalamari Desert (MK64)

Like with most of the tracks from Mario Kart 64, Kalamari Desert is far more enjoyable as a returning retro course in subsequent Mario Kart games than it was back on the Nintendo 64. The N64 version of this track was just too wide and too slow to really be that enjoyable. The course has drastically improved over the years with each iteration. Its addition to Mario Kart 8 Deluxe comes by way of Mario Kart Tour, where a version of the ??course known as Kalamari Desert 2 has you driving on the train tracks for the second and third laps.

Back in the N64 version, the train tracks acted as a possible shortcut if you had some booster items at the ready. Here, they're mandatory as you have to make your way through that tunnel, potentially playing chicken with the train. It's just a smart revision of this track that, coupled with its wonderful music and dusk-soaked sky, make this the best version of Kalamari Desert that Mario Kart has ever seen.

6. Snow Land (MK:SC)

Much like Wave 1's Sky Garden, Snow Land is another track from the oft-forgotten Mario Kart: Super Circuit that's been given a full 3D makeover in Mario Kart Tour. Super Circuit has already seen some of its best tracks remade in 3D with Mario Circuit appearing in Mario Kart 8 and Cheese Land and Ribbon Road being added in as DLC. So I guess it's time we g??et some of the ??less-than-great tracks from the game.

Snow Land is a perfectly fine 3D update of the Game Boy Advance track with tight corners, sliding penguins, and a few smart shortcuts. It's certainly bea??utiful to look at, but it's also rather flat. The entire track is basically o?ne long road of ice with no little bumps or snow piles to contend with. The penguins are also a bit too small for the width of the 180º turn they appear on.

Still, as a short track, it's exceptionally fun to play at high speeds. Because of its diminutive length, the track is a bit of a battleground when you enter those final few turns. It's a great drive on 150cc, Mirror, and 200cc, so I can't wait to see how the Mario Kart community takes to it when it finally hits the o??nline mode.

5. New York Minute (MKT)

New York Minute was one of the first tracks revealed for Mario Kart Tour. It represented a massive change in direction for the franchise with Mario and his karting crew visiting versions of real cities for the first time. In my review of Mario Kart Tour, I noted the layout and design of the original tracks such as New York Minute would probably be better suited for a Mario Kart game with proper controls.

Surprise, surprise, that is exactly the case here. New York Minute's appearance in Wave 2 is a great showcase of the course's design. The track combines three different versions of New York Minute from Mario Kart Tour that take players on an incredibly quick tour of NYC. You'll drive ?through the park, down Broadway, into Times Square, and under the Empire State Buildi?ng.

What I love about this track in Mario Kart 8 Deluxe is it is a great test of your drifting capabilities. There are so many opportunities to hit those Ultra-Mini Turbos, and when you take to the track in 200cc, it can be a real nail-biter. There are a few designs I don't care for here, including the stationary taxi cabs in the final stretch, but overall, it's another example of why all original tracks from Mario Kart Tour need to find their way into a proper Mario Kart title.

4. Sky-High Sundae (MKT)

Speaking of original tracks from Mario Kart Tour, Sky-High Sundae is technically making its debut in Wave 2 before it launches for mobile on August 9th. In the reveal trailer for Wave 2, much ado was made about the fact this track would be completely anti-gravity. None of the tracks from the first Wave contained any anti-gravity portions, so for this entire track to be anti-grav is kind of a big deal. Or it would be if it wasn't so obvious that anti-gravity was tacked onto a track that, in Tour, doesn't feature the gimmick.

Still, it's nice to have anti-gravity represented in at least one of these DLC tracks. And there is a benefit to having anti-gravity with all the little boosts you can get when hitting other drivers or the poles of the staircase handrail in the first turn of the track. It's a little disappointing that Sky-High Sundae is just a long oval, but the developers did manage to squeeze a lot of different track features into the short course. There are two huge drifting turns, a quick gliding sequence, and a portion of the track that honestly feels like it dropped out of Fall Guys.

Sky-High Sundae is bright and colorful, reminding me of the Coney Island minigame from Mario Party 5 meets Super Mario Galaxy 2's Rocky Road. I just wish the track wasn't so floaty or that the final section of the course, where ??you're driving on ice cube trays, was a bit more inventive.

3. Sydney Sprint (MKT)

Sydney Sprint might be the best "real-world" city course from Mario Kart Tour to appear in Mario Kart 8 Deluxe. Not only is it a long race, which has been something of an issue with these original tracks, but it features great implementation of Sydney Australia's different dynamic features into the track design and not just the scenery. Case in point, a long portion of this course is inspired ??by the Bay Run Sydney, a waterfront walking and biking course that creates great opportunities for drifting and mini-boosts here. You also drive into the Sydney Opera House, through a Toad-ified version of Luna Park, a?nd across the Sydney Harbor Bridge where Toads and Yoshi throw coins onto the track from the Tangara trains.

Like with New York Minute, Sydney Sprint combines multiple versions of the track from Mario Kart Tour into a single race. Unlike New York Minute, Sydney Sprint might have the best music we'll see from any Booster Course Pass. Seriously, take a listen to this. That ??saxophonist understood t??he assignment. Be sure to listen to that link before Nintendo hits the video with a copyright claim.

2. Waluigi Pinball (MKDS)

Waluigi Pinball is one of the all-time great tracks from a game that is full of all-time great tracks. There really isn't much to say about it that hasn't already been said over the past 15 years. The track is still a smartly designed course with blistering turns and a lot of risk/rewa?rd opportunities. I don't?? think Waluigi Pinball needs any alterations to its track design, but it could use some changes to the section where the pinballs are bumping against the bumpers. It's too predictable, and while other players will make this section hell for you, it would have been nice if the developers had changed up how the pinballs act in this final section.

Otherwise, it's still one of the best courses Mario Kart has ever seen and I'm keeping my fingers crossed that several other tracks from Mario Kart DS will appear ??in later waves of the Booster Course Pass.

1. Mushroom Gorge (MKWii)

I didn't realize how much I loved Mushroom Gorge until I played it in Mario Kart 8 Deluxe. The original version back on Mario Kart Wii was a fine adaptation of the Super Mario franchise's signature toadstools. The bouncy red toadstools certainly gave players a lot of opportunities to pull off trick jumps, which was then a new feature of the franchise. But ?the toadstools also slowed down the pace of the race, and their haphazard placement in the cave section of the track was not very intuitive.

The track has appeared in a few games since its debut, and each time, the developers have made changes to the layout. The toadstool shortcut at the very beginning of the race disappeared for a few iterations while the placement and design of the toadstools in the cave have changed over time. Mushroom Gorge in Mario Kart 8 Deluxe al?ters the design even further, combining all of these different track layouts into what I can only imagine is the best version of Mushroom Gorge we've ever seen.

This is a phenomenal track now. Not only does it move far faster than it has in the past, but, like Kalamari Desert, this is the most beautiful this track has ever been. In fact, and I know this is going to be controversial, I'm glad this course was not remade using the art direction of the native MK8D courses. I really think the Mario Kart Tour style of graphics fits this course to a T.

All-in-all, I think this is a stronger selection of tracks for the Booster Course Pass than we saw in Wave 1. There isn't a single dud here and no track has seen changes that take alter how they play in a negative way. As good as these courses are, it's not an exciting grouping as the Turnip Cup or Propeller Cup lack that one knockout course that is the clear standout of the bunch. But considering some of the best Mario Kart tracks are already in MK8 Deluxe, I think I'll be satisfied if al??l future waves of the Booster Cou??rse Pass are able to meet the standard set here.

_{[This review is based on a retail version of the DLC purchased by the reviewer.]}

The post Mario Kart 8 Deluxe Booster Course P??ass Wave 2 reviewed and ranked appeared first on Destructoid.

The cars were weirdly static before this update

Nintendo is revisiting an absurd amount of classic tracks in Mario Kart 8 Deluxe with the Booster Course Pass, and while most of the attention is fixated on the just-released second wave of DLC, there's one small but appreciated change that's worth noting. Now, in the ??final stretch of Coconut Mall, the Shy Guys don't just sit there in their cars.

??The developers shared a short clip of the new Shy Guy a??ntics.

//twitter.com/NintendoAmerica/stat?us/155519194895636889??7

Granted, in the original Mario Kart Wii version of Coconut Mall, the obstacles were deadlier �the cars drove back and forth and were harder to avoid. Tha??t isn't the case here?.

This Coconut Mall fix is more of a middle ground for Mario Kart 8 Deluxe players.

The Shy Guys are less static than before (excluding the Time Trial mode, as pic?tured above), but they are??n't too annoying, either. Before, they felt lifeless in a kind of jarring way, and people definitely noticed that something felt off near the finish line. So it's good to see Nintendo go back and improve things, even if it's a small detail in the grand scheme.

After you're done playing the Turnip and Propellor Cups in Wave 2 of the Mario Kart 8 Deluxe Booster Course Pass, maybe circle back for a match on Coconut?? Mall. I'm exc??ited to hop online tonight, especially for the all-new track, Sky-High Sundae.

At this point, kind of against all odds, I feel like I've g??otten good mileage out of the Nintendo ?Switch Online + Expansion Pass.

The post Mario Kart 8 Deluxe updated Coconut Mall so the Shy Guys don’t sit still appeared first on Destructoid.

Both are around until roughly the first week in September

Xenoblade Chronicles 3 and Mario Kart Switch icons are at the forefront of the Switch Online app this month: and they're available now.

The Xenoblade Chronicles 3 icons will come in waves, and currently feature main protagonists Noah, Mio, Riku, and several side characters [heroes]. Wave 1 is available until August 4 at 5:59PM PT, and the entire line will cycle out on September 1 at 6PM PT.

As for Mario Kart Switch icons, you can find creations centered around booster course [season] pass waves 1 and 2 now, through September 5 at 6PM PT. Animal Crossing September birthday characters are part of the rollout?? too, and run t?hrough September 5 at 6PM PT.

As a reminder, if you want physical rewards, you can find our full Platinum Point guide here, which has been updated with details on weekly missions: bookmark it for when you need quick points for a reward. A handful of points is incredibly easy to get, as that’s basically just 15 minutes with Super Mario Run, or a quick sign-on to the 3DS or Wii U 3Shop. Also rememb?er that any shipments are bundled together, so you can pay a flat rate ??for multiple items instead of paying it each time. Just know that items go out of stock on My Nintendo frequently, and some are never restocked.

Xenoblade Chronicles 3 and Mario Kart Switch icons gallery:

[gallery link="file" ids="337622,337623"]

The post Mario Kart 8 and Xenoblade Chronicles 3 Swi?tch icons are out for a limited time appeared first on Destructoid.

There's a lot of stuff to get to!

It's almost impossible to narrow down a top five list of most iconic Mario Kart tracks �but this Mario Kart 8 Deluxe ??track list is? doing a good job of showing us what's missing.

Crafted by Azer_FR over on reddit, the list breaks down multiple games, and lists tracks that have and have not appeared in Deluxe. There's even denotations for tracks that have been reused, or have never appeared again in any future game (and thus would be more ideal for preservation in Deluxe).

It's interesting seeing everything broken down game by game. It feels like there should be more Super Mario Kart/SNES tracks in Deluxe, but there's only three! Nintendo better pump those numbers up eventually. I always had a feeling that Mario Kart Tour was super represented, bu??t seeing it on paper is something else.

Beyond that, everything seems to be pretty well spread out across the rest of the series. Maybe we could use some more Double Dash (especially since it has some unique tracks that haven't seen the light o??f day again)? But other than that, Nintendo has given each game a decent amount of represen??tation.

As a note, the red exclamation mark (!) icon denotes tracks that were just recently confirmed to be part of "Wave 2" of the Booster Course [Season] Pass. We have four more waves to get to by the end of 2023, so there's plenty on the way.

Mario Kart 8 Deluxe track list (including what hasn't made it in yet):

The post A Mario Kart 8 Deluxe community member made a handy list of every past Mario Kart track that is and isn’t in Deluxe yet appeared first on Destructoid.

Here's a full track list

The Mario Kart 8 Deluxe season pass wave 2 DLC finally has a date: Nintendo has just revealed that it will be out on August 4. You can find the full track list and trailer below! Nintendo has also updated their database site to include info on wave 2.

As a reminder, we covered wave 1 already, and there's more on the way. The pass will contain 48 courses overall, and there's six waves in total. Nintendo isn't giving us a date for wave 3 yet, but reiterates that "everything will be out by the end of 2023." You can access it via buying the Booster Course Pass on its o??wn, or through an Expansion Pack membership.

//www.youtube.com/watch?v=xBly7QHQkYA

Mario Kart 8 Deluxe season pass wave 2 DLC full track list:

• Turnip Cup
  • Tour New York Minute â€?Zip past towering skyscrapers and enjoy a scenic drive through the park in this Big Apple-inspired course originating from the mobile game Mario Kart Tour.
  • SNES Mario Circuit 3 â€?Drift your way around tight corners and avoid the Warp Pipes in this classic course that originated in Super Mario Kart on Super NES.
  • N64 Kalimari Desert â€?This desert race features frequent run-ins with an old-fashioned steam locomotive that crosses the course â€?be careful not to cause any delays!
  • DS Waluigi Pinball â€?Launch, bump and weave across this course themed after a giant pinball table, complete with colorful lights and sounds. Just try not to tilt!

• Propeller Cup
  • Tour Sydney Sprint â€?Soak up the sunshine as you soar above the bay and cruise around the sights in this course that originated in Mario Kart Tour.
  • GBA Snow Land â€?Try not to slip and slide on this wintry course from Mario Kart: Super Circuit. Just remember: Cooler heads will prevail.
  • Wii Mushroom Gorge â€?This course features an underground cavern, deep chasms and giant mushrooms to spring off of â€?make sure you land safely!
  • Sky-High Sundae â€?The competition may heat up, but that doesn’t mean you can’t chill out in this sweet race, which is filled with larger-than-life desserts at nearly every turn. Prove you’re number one under the sun(dae) in this debut course!

Here is what's left of the Mario Kart 8 Deluxe Booster Course Pass:

The post Finally! Mario Kart 8 Deluxe season pass w??????????????????????????ave 2 DLC is out ?on August 4 appeared first on Destructoid.

April 29-May 1

The April 2022 Mario Kart 8 open tournament is being held this coming weekend on Switch, with the ability t?o earn My Ninte?ndo Gold Points in the process.

Nintendo periodically runs these little contests to spur interest in Mario Kart 8 Deluxe, and there's another one ready to go for April. It takes place this weekend on April 29, 30, and May 1, from 12PM PT to 6PM PT on each day. Here ??are the full instructions:

"To enter, you must participate in the Tournament in the Mario Kart 8 Deluxe game during the Tournament Period. To access the Tournament, select the following, in order, within the Mario Kart 8 Deluxe game: Online Play, Tournaments, Search by Code. Enter the following code [below] to enter the in-game tournament.�/p>

Each day, the top eight players will win 2500 My Nintendo Gold Points that will be deposited into their account. That's essentially $25 in moon bucks that you can use directly on the eShop: if you haven't used Gold Points in a while, Nintendo has a handy explainer on their site.

You can find the tournament IDs for each day below, and you can enter all three or any combination of t??hem.

Mario Kart 8 open April 2022 tournament IDs:

• Tournament Day 1 ID: 2347-7093-0219
• Tournament Day 2 ID: 3799-9451-1915
• Tournament Day 3 ID: 3059-0632-6059

The post There’s an online Mario Kart 8 open tournament this weekend appeared first on Destructoid.

It'll softlock your kart if you aren't careful

If you haven't encountered the Mario Kart 8 Deluxe Ninja Hideaway glitch, consider yourself lucky. To everyone else who had it happen to them while their spouse/friend/sibling? was laughing at them, as they were unable to actually finish the race: my co??ndolences.

As shown by the Gaming Reinvented YouTube channel below [thanks Nintendo Life], the Ninja Hideaway glitch is actually fairly easy to replicate. Very early on in the track you'll come across a boost ramp: going off it? and landing on the wooden platform above the track will glitch your kart.

This effectively "softlocks" your kart, meaning you will need to eventually lose the race, or quit the game manually to proceed. It differs from a hardlock in that it doesn't actively brick/crash your game, but it's annoying nonetheless. Note that this happens more often in higher cc matches, as your speed isn't always s?wift enough to carry your kart over the boost ramp and into the glitch spot.

Other YouTubers have been slowly finding more glitches related to Ni??nja Hideaway, so it seems like a bugged track in general. Keep that in mind if you're running a local tournament, or want to compete online! Hopefully Nintendo can address it soo?n enough.

The Mario Kart 8 Deluxe Ninja Hideaway glitch:

//www.youtube.com/watch?v=bHgsA5jDt5M

The post PSA:? The Mario Kart 8 Deluxe DLC Ninja Hideaway track has a noticeable glitch appeared first on Destructoid.

If one player in an online lobby owns the Booster Course Pass, everyone else is covered

It's worth stressing again, just in case you missed hearing it, that you don't strictly need to cough up $25 to play the Booster Course Pass levels in Mario Kart 8 Deluxe's online multiplayer. If you’re facing random online players in Worldwide, Regional, or Tournaments and someone’s got the DLC, the just-released Wave ?1 levels can show up in the rotation.

Assuming the folks in the lobby vote accordingly, you're good to go. And this only-one-owner rule also goes for Friends, Wireless Play, and LAN Play if any of those are more your speed. Nintendo confirmed this in the Ver. 2.0.0 patch notes, if you're curious.

That said, as demonstrated in this wonderfully painful clip from Reddit user IceBre4th, it's tough to reach a consensus with other Mario Kart-loving strangers. No matter the odds, the course selection RNG is going to do its ??wacky thing. If you've got any superstitions about its sentience or intentions, well, they're probably true. Ninja Hideaway is? a blast!

//www.reddit.com/r/mariokar?t/comments/tjtlie/me_finally_im_going_to_play_the_dlc_on_glob?al/

Hey, maybe someone is just really into Yoshi Circuit. They can't be swayed.

//www.reddit.com/r/mariokart/comments/tjx?6yq/yoshi_circuit_best_track/

Or maybe they've a??lready had their fill of t?hese (mostly) basic tracks after going all-in.

The Booster Course Pass levels can appear in Mario Kart 8 Deluxe’s multiplayer rotation ??as long as "at least one of the players you are matched with online has access to the [DLC]," as Ni?ntendo puts it. Basically, they aren't splitting us up. That said �and this will likely go for future Booster Course waves as well �the timing isn't day-and-date.

In the case of the Wave 1 tracks (Toad Circuit, Choco Mountain, Sky Garden, Tokyo Blur, Shroom Ridge, Paris Promenade, Coconut Mall, and Ninja Hideaway), they weren't available in Mario Kart 8 Deluxe's online pool until March 21 �so, a bit after the March 18 launch. If you?? hopped online on day one and were confused, that's what happened.

For my part as a silly N64 fan, I have access to the?? DLC as a Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pass subscriber, but otherwise, I probably would've paid $25 for a standalone Booster Course Pass purchase down the road. I don't feel like the value is here yet (not that I'd expect it to be so soon out of the gate), but with 48 total Booster courses joining the game, I'm sure it'll get there. For the time being, mooch away as needed.

Wave 1 courses have shown up more often than not in my sessions, and �so far so good �other players have tended to vote for fresh tracks over old favorites. We’ll see how long that lasts. CJ has a good breakdown of the eight additions and how they stack up.

It's going to be wild to hop back into Mario Kart 8 Deluxe in 2023 and have this huge pool of courses ready to go. I'm curious how the dust will settle, and which tracks will get the most votes in online lobbies. The sheer chaos of online Mario Kart helps keep these levels fresh??. Playing against low-level AI is fine, but real human jerks bring out the bes?t in them.

The post Mario Kart 8 Deluxe’s Wave 1 DLC is in the online rotation, so mooch away appeared first on Destructoid.

Starring Waluigi

After years of rumors that Nintendo was ready to drop ?a proper sequel to Mario Kart 8 Deluxe on Switch owners, we found out in February that wouldn’t be the case. While I have no?? doubt the next prope??r entry in the Mario Kart franchise is already in the works, we’re all going to have to make do with the next best thing: DLC. Rather than potentially splitting up its player base, Nintendo is keeping its best-selling racer relevant, adding 48 remastered tracks throughout 2022 and 2023 as part of the "Booster Course Pass."

Mario Kart 8 Deluxe Booster Course Pass Wave 1 (Switch)
Developer: Nintendo
Publisher: Nintendo
Released: March 18, 2022
MSRP: $24.99 (or part of Nintendo Switch Online Expansion Pack)

The first batch of tracks released as part of Booster Course Pass Wave 1 gives us a good look at what should and shouldn’t be ex??pected from these remastered legacy courses. The eight tracks that are part of the Golden Dash Cup and Lucky Cat Cup have certainly received a glo??w-up from their series debuts.

They're clean, bright, and charming. They're also pretty simple, and as has been pointed out repeatedly across social media, these tracks do not feature the outstanding art direction found in the rest of Mario Kart 8. That textured style that has made MK8 the best looking kart racer since 2014 is absent as these DLC tracks appear t?o be modeled after their look in Mario Kart Tour.

That’s obviously going t??o be a big point of contention,?? but if you're looking for somebody to drop the hammer on "Nintendo's lazy ways," I am not the guy to do it. I don't really mind the look of these tracks. In fact, I think one or two of them are actually quite beautiful.

A far larger concern for me is ?none ?of these tracks implement Mario Kart 8’s signature anti-g??ravity mechanic. There is no wall-riding here, even though some courses could benefit from it in a few sections. And t?he reason for that, if I were to guess, is that Mario Kart Tour doesn’t have anti-gravity sections, and it really seems a?s though these tracks are meant to be shared between the two games. All but two trac??ks in Booster Course Pass Wave 1 have already appeared in Tour, and any significant track changes that were made for the ?mobile title are presen?t here as well.

There is always the possibility that could change as w??e get more waves of DLC. For now, we just have Wave 1, which not only brings back one of my most-played tracks from Mario Karts past but also makes a great case ??for introducing those Tour-exclusive courses to N?intendo’s flagship racer. Of course, some of the included tracks are better than others, which is why I’ve gone ahead and ranked each of them below.

8. Toad Circuit (MK7)

It’s hard to get too excited about what is essentially the tutorial ?track from eve??ry Mario Kart game. The first course of every game’s Mushroom Cup is there not real?ly to challenge or trick players with its desi??gn but rather to introduce them to the different mechanics of the game. For Mario Kart 7, for example, it had to introduce players to the new glid?er mechanic in the safest way possible. Enter Toad Circuit, an extremely simple track with a few turns players can use to?? get familiarized with the drifting mechanic and a long straightaway that gains glider ramps on the second lap.

This course wasn’t all that exciting back on the 3DS and it sure as hel?l hasn’t gotten better with age. In all hon??esty, it's kind of a waste of space.

7. Choco Mountain (MK64)

I’m sure some people will consider it sacrilegious for me to ??list a classic from Mario Kart 64 so low on the list, but what might have been hectic and nail-biting back on the Ninte?ndo 64 is pretty rote on Switch. Choco Mountain carries over some of the track changes that were made in Tour, including the addition of an unnecessary glider section, but it doesn’t find a way to amp up the suspense of driving along a dangerous mountain path with falling boul?ders. Even on 200cc. This might be the only track in Wave 1 I actually prefer in its ?original game.

6. Sky Garden (MK:SC)

Sky Garden is an interesting case. The track just recently debuted? in Mario Kart Tour and, unlike the Super Mario Kart tracks?? that have been brought over to the gacha racer, it received a significant visual upgrade. It’s not the same flat track in the clouds it once was. The course has some elevation to it, with a few little shortcuts that can give you the advantage if you play your cards right. It may not be as dynamic of a remake as we saw with Mario Kart 8’s R?ib?bon Road and Cheese Land, but it’s certainly more interesting and thoughtful than what Tour did with Super Circuit’s Bowser’s Castle tracks. 

5. Tokyo Blur (MKT)

A few years ago, I lamented the fact that all of the great little o?riginal creations found in Animal Crossing: Pocket Camp seemed destined to die with the mobile game as Nintendo wasn't interested in transporting ?them to its console brethren. The same fate could have befallen Mario Kart Tour’s exclusive tracks as well, but thankfully, that’s not t??he case. Wave 1 of the Booster Course Pass includes three Tour origina??ls, which not only give console players a chance to see what the?y’ve been missing but also give Tour fans a chance to experience these tracks with proper controls. Tokyo Blur, which condenses Godzilla’s favorite stomping grounds into a bright and beautiful bite-sized course, actually combines three? different versions of the Tour track into one race.

As with many of the Tour originals, Tokyo Blur’s design allows for multiple routes depending on which version of the race you’re partic??ipating in. In the Booster Course Pass, Tokyo Blur, Tokyo Blur 2, and Tokyo Blur 3 routes each make an appearance as individual laps of the race. So you’re never taking the same route twice. It’s a neat gimmick that shows you everything the developers managed to create for this track, but boy is it a short race.

4. Shroom Ridge (MKDS)

You know, I am a sucker for a good traffic track. Whether it’s Toad’s Turnpike, Mushro?om City, or Moonview Highway, I love the chaos that comes with dodging cars while dodging green shells and banana peels. Shroom Ridge isn’t exactly the best example of a traffic track, but when you’re playing it on 200cc, it can be pure pandemonium. And when there is absolute chaos on the track, that’s when Mario Kart is at its best.

3. Paris Promenade (MKT)

Like with Tokyo Blur??, Paris Promenade combines multiple versions of the track from Mario Kart Tour into a single race. Unlike with Tokyo Blur, there is really only one route here. The first two laps follow the course design of Paris Promenade and Paris Promenade 3 which takes you around the Arc de Triomphe, over the Jardins du Trocadéro, under the Eiffel Tower, and by the Luxor Obelisk. For the final lap, you do it all in reverse. Carefully placed barriers guide you back down the track, potentially running into any sl?owpokes struggling at the rear.

That’s one of the things I love about Nintendo’s design philosophy ??wit??h Mario Kart Tour and it’s something I hope it?? carries into the inevitable ninth entry in the series. Plus, this is easily the most beautiful track of Wave 1.

2. Coconut Mall (MKWii)

When it was released, I think Mario Kart Wii took a lot of flack for its course design and just how wide it made everything to accommodate motion controls. A lot of that flack was well earned, but I do?? think several of t??he courses found within the game are all-time greats. Grumble Volcano already received an HD makeover in Mario Kart 8, so it’s only fair that MK Wii’s best track, Coconut Mall, gets one as well. The course now sports a positively radiant American Southwest color palette, which certainly beats the original’s faded pastel look. Some parts of the track have been tweaked from the original version, but overall, it’s still the same, amazing course that I played ad nauseam back on the Wii. And how about that music?!

1. Ninja Hideaway (MKT)

Ninja Hideaway is a track that has me asking, “How the hell does this work on mobile?�An absolute masterclass in stacked track design, the Wario-themed course features multiple levels for drive??rs to choose from as they work their way through a ninja Shy Guy-infested dojo. You can stay on the bottom floor or work your way up to the rafters above looking for the best route that’ll give you the edge over your competitors. It wasn’t until my seventh race around the track that I found a brilliantly placed shortcut, and I know it's going to take me another several dozen playthroughs until I find the ideal route. Ninja Hideaway is easily the be?st track included in Booster Course Pass Wave 1, and arguably one of the better tracks available in Mario Kart 8 Deluxe.

Overall, I think these eight tracks are really effective in preparing players for what to expect with the Booster Course Pass. Some are old favorites, others are finally getting a cha??nce to be played the proper way. They may not feature the same radiant art style as Mario Kart 8 Deluxe’s core tracklist, but they look go??od. And some, dare I say, even look g??reat.

If none of these tracks really tickle your fancy, you’re pro?bably better off just waiting for the next proper entry in the Mario Kart series. For me, I’m cautious but optimistic the rest of the Booster Course Pass will be worth the ??$25 entry fee once all is said and done. ?Obviously, there are some great tracks included already with Wave 1, but if Toad Circuit's inclusion is any indication, I shouldn't completely dismiss the possibility of some stinkers getting through too.

_{[This review is based on a retail version of the DLC purchased by the reviewer.]}

The post Mario? Kart 8 Deluxe Booster Course Pass Wave 1 r?eviewed and ranked appeared first on Destructoid.

This week's sale spans physical and digital games

It's not March 10 yet, but MAR10 Day �at least, the commercial aspect of this gaming holiday �is already in effect. Nintendo is hosting deals on several high-profile Nintendo Switch games, including Mario Kart 8 Deluxe and Super Mario 3D World + Bowser's Fury.

While the prices are about what you'd expect from Nintendo (and might be a tough sell if you're a mostly digital player), it's worth noting that the MAR10 Day Sale includes physical copies, too. Retailers like Amazon, GameStop, Best Buy, and Target are participating.

Here's a quick round-up of physical Switch deals:

• Mario Kart 8 Deluxe ($39.99)
• Super Mario 3D World + Bowser's Fury ($39.99)
• Luigi's Mansion 3 ($39.99)
• New Super Mario Bros. U Deluxe ($39.99)
• Super Mario Maker 2 ($39.99)
• Yoshi's Crafted World ($39.99)
• Mario Tennis Aces ($39.99)
• Mario + Rabbids Kingdom Battle ($18.99)
• Mario & Sonic at the Olympic Games Tokyo 2020 ($38.28)
• Mario Golf: Super Rush ($49.94)

The pricing varies from retailer to retailer, and the Nintendo eShop is kind of doing its own thing, as usual. On that note, the digital copy of Mario + Rabbids Kingdom Battle is down to $9.99, and you can snatch up the Multiplayer Pack for Luigi's Mansion 3 at a slight discount �it's $6.99 right now. Poke around and consult Deku Deals for a price check, if needed.

[caption id="attachment_311320" align="alignnone" width="1300"] _{I can just *hear* this screenshot.}[/caption]

Running down the list, I'd say that Mario Kart 8 Deluxe and Bowser's Fury are the main draws this time around... if you need 'em. MK8 is, well, eternal �and there are a ton of tracks on the way this year (and into next!) with the Booster Course Pass. Bowser's Fury rules as a smaller-scale yet fresh take on a Mario platformer that has just enough meat on its bones to feel substantial. The music's great, too. It's a proof-of-concept, but a really fun proof-of-concept �and you're getting Super Mario 3D World in the same package.

Nintendo's MAR10 Day Sale runs until 11:59 p.m. Pacific on March 13.

Yeah, Luigi's pissed.

The post Nintendo’s MAR10 Day Sale is live and it’s a good time to grab Mario Kart 8 Deluxe or Bowser’s Fury appeared first on Destructoid.

Mario Kart DS had some absolute gems

Leading up to yesterday's Nintendo Direct, there were a lot of rumors across the internet that Nintendo would be revealing Mario Kart 9 in some form or another for a 2022 or 2023 release. With Mario Kart 8 Deluxe still selling like hotcakes, it arguably made more sense (at least to me) to release more tracks as DLC for it rather than potentially split your player base with a new entry on Switch. As we learned yesterday with the announcement of the Booster Course Pass, Nintendo chose the latter option. In all honesty, I'm just surprised it took this long given how successful MK8 Deluxe has been.

For $25, we'll be getting 48 beautifully remastered tracks from the franchise's past. These tracks will be grouped into cups consisting of four ra??ces each, and each wave of the DLC will come with two cups. The DLC starts dropping on March 18 with the first two cups:

• Golden Dash Cup
  • Paris Promenade (Mario Kart Tour)
  • Toad Circuit (Mario Kart 7)
  • Choco Mountain (Mario Kart 64)
  • Coconut Mall (Mario Kart Wii)
• Lucky Cat Cup
  • Tokyo Blur (Mario Kart Tour)
  • Shroom Ridge (Mario Kart 7)
  • Sky Garden (Mario Kart: Super Circuit)
  • Ninja Hideaway (Mario Kart Tour)

8 Tracks Down, 40 Left to Go

The appearance of so many Mario Kart Tour tracks makes me happy because, despite my overall feelings of animosity toward that game, I did enjoy the design of all the original tracks created for it. Now, with the Booster Course Pass, I'll be able to enjoy them in a Mario Kart title I actually like to play. Fingers crossed Merry Mountain and New York Minute make the cut of the final 40 tracks.

Speaking of those remaining 40 tracks, there are a lot of great courses from Mario Kart history that deserve a spot in this DLC. Mario Kart DS in particular has some absolute, all-time greats, including Peach Gardens, Airship Fortress, Waluigi Pinball, and Delfino Square (which would work perfectly in parts for Mario Kart 8 Deluxe's wall-riding mechanic).

That said, there are also many tracks from the original Mario Kart and Mario Kart: Super Circuit to could be wonderful when given a makeover in the Mario Kart 8 engine. I mean, just look at what they did with Cheese Land, Ribbon Road, and Mario Circuit. Mario Circuit 4 from the original SNES game has never appeared as a classic track outside of Super Circuit, so it is ripe for a 3D-HD remake here.

With that in mind, I want to know which classic Mario Kart track do you think is most deserving of a spot in the Booster Course Pass. For me, it's Lakeside Park from Mario Kart: Super Circuit. I just love how the developers have transitioned these old, flat courses into fully 3D marvels, and with this track's erupting volcano and falling lava boulders, I think it could make one hell of a course in Mario Kart 8 Deluxe. That's my pick, what's yours?

The post Which classic Mario Kart track do ??you want to see return in the Booster? Course Pass? appeared first on Destructoid.

Nintendo kicks off the year with some big surprises

Today's Nintendo Direct has concluded, and dang, that was a pretty good Direct. From known upcoming ??games to complet?e left-field reveals, it felt like it flew by at a blistering pace.

The company has become quite good at pulling a few surprises out for every stream, but usually a few items leak out ahead of time. There were certainly rumors around this one, same as any other, but the lineup is honestly still baffling to look at. Live A Live, Chrono Cross, Front Mission; heck, even a Wii Sports follow-up! And some ??of the best meme fuel in town thanks to Kirby's new Mouthful Mod?e.

//twitter.com/Kekeflipnote/status/14915396688??89968651

With all that in mind, let's run down the quick list of what? got shown tod??ay.

Nintendo Direct February 2022 news recap

• Fire Emblem Warriors is back, and with a Three Houses setting in a new version called Three Hopes. It arrives on June 24, 2022.
• If you wanted more tactics than Warriors, Advance Wars 1+2: Re-Boot Camp arrives on April 8, 2022.
• The infinite void of No Man's Sky comes to Nintendo Switch this summer.
• Soccer is back in style for Mario sports spin-offs when Mario Strikers: Battle League hits the net on June 10.
• No firm date yet for Splatoon 3, but we did get a Summer 2022 window alongside a new trailer for this game's take on the co-op Salmon Run mode.
• The first two Front Mission games are getting remade. Giant robots? Tactics? I'm in. The first one's out this summer.
• Disney Speedstorm arrives this summer for Nintendo Switch, putting beloved Disney characters behind the wheel of their very own karts. Surely no other kart racer will show up in this Direct to steal Elsa's thunder.
• A few ports are in store: Star Wars: The Force Unleashed is coming to Nintendo Switch on April 20,  Assassin's Creed: The Ezio Collection hits the Switch on Feb. 17, and mobile suits roll out when SD Gundam Battle Alliance hits Switch later this year.
• Chrono Cross is alive and well in 2022, and it's coming to the Nintendo Switch on April 7.

//www.youtube.com/watch?v=_B-qk4_V2jY&t=40s

• Kirby shows off his, uh, "Mouthful Mode" that he'll get in Kirby and the Forgotten Land. The internet will never be the same. That's still set for March 25.
• MLB The Show cover star Shohei Ohtani showed up to spotlight this year's iteration, which is coming to the Switch.
• A few game collections are on the way. We already knew about Kingdom Hearts, but Klonoa and Portal are also getting Switch collections.
• Live A Live is finally coming to North America on July 22. Seriously, I'm still shocked this is happening.
• Wii Sports is back to break more televisions with Nintendo Switch Sports on April 29. There are even some more sports packed in with this version, like Soccer and Badminton.

//www.youtube.com/watch?v=TZ16-1YIRAc&t=50s

• The latest Taiko no Tatsujin game, Rhythm Festival, is coming to Switch this year. It has "Megalovania" from Undertale in it, so that's pretty rad.
• Triangle Strategy has a Prologue demo out today, and it will let you carry save data over into the full game.
• The Delicious Last Course of Cuphead hits Switch on June 30.
• Metroid Dread is getting two new difficulty modes, Dread and Rookie, later today. A Boss Rush mode is coming April.
• Both EarthBound and EarthBound: Beginnings are coming to th??e Nintendo Switch Online service today. Mother 3 hold-outs are still suffering.
• Next up is a sizzle reel of upcoming Switch games. Zombie Army 4: Dead War arrives April 26, GetsuFumaDen: Undying Moon is out today, the Demon Slayer game arrives June 10, Lego Brawls is coming in June, and Two Point Campus hits on May 17.

//www.youtube.com/watch?v=1uZDbDoDAq4

• Mario Kart 8 Deluxe has been an incredible seller for Nintendo, and it's finally getting an influx of new content. A ton of remastered Mario Kart courses are coming to the Switch racer, 48 in total.
• Finally, Nintendo closed the show with the reveal of Xenoblade Chronicles 3.

There was nothing new on Breath of the Wild 2, but overall, it w??as a pretty exciting Ni??????????????????????????ntendo Direct. Let us know what you thought below!

The post Recap: Everything shown during today’s mouthful of a Nintendo Direct appeared first on Destructoid.

Could the rumors be true?

Mario Kart is one of the most beloved gaming franchises of all time, even to those who don't consider themselves "gamers." The series has a rich history, going all the way back to 1992 with Super Mario Kart, so naturally the game has had to reinvent itself a few times. We've had the two-character carts that were introduced in Double Dash, bikes that came in during the Mario Kart Wii era, and most recently, the anti-gravity sections in Mario Kart 8. It sounds like we might be looking at yet another reimagining of the classic racing mechanics, because industry analyst Dr. Serkan Toto recently stated that Mario Kart 9 is currently in development, and moreover, may ?include a "new ??twist."

Fans have been celebrating the alleged confirmation of the sequel's mere existence online, but many have already begun speculation on just what this new twist could be. Theories have already started cropping up on Twitter that it might be a Formula 1-themed addition, likely due to the sport's more mainstream popularity this year after the release of the Netflix documentary series Formula One: Drive to Survive.

On the other hand, some fans aren't so sure that Nintendo would be ready for another mainline entry to the series quite yet, as Mario Kart 8 has continued to sell exceptionally well on the Switch. Toto himself acknowledged the game's sales numbers, which surpassed 40 million combined units last April, making it the best-selling game in the series.

While it's easy to get excited about Mario Kart 9 and the future of the series, we kind of have to take all this news with a grain of salt �after all, there hasn't been any official statement from Nintendo as of yet. It is fun to speculate, though, because it's pretty likely that the series will continue to evolve to stay fresh. Just look at the changes we've seen from the Mario Party series in recent years.

So, what do you think this twist could be, assuming that it is? indeed in the works? How would you like to see a new spin on the classic mechanics? Let's?? discuss below.

The post Mario Kart 9 reportedly in development, may feature ‘new twist’ appeared first on Destructoid.