Nintendo Surprise Drops New Mario Kart 8 Deluxe DLC, Adds Classic Tracks and Fan-Favorite Racers

In a move that delighted fans and caught nearly everyone off guard, Nintendo has surprise-released Wave 6 of the Mario Kart 8 Deluxe Booster Course Pass. Announced via a sudden Nintendo Direct mini this morning, the update is now live and available to all Booster Pass holders or Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack subscribers. The new DLC not only adds more classic tracks from throughout franchise history but also introduces long-requested racers, reigniting excitement around the best-selling racing game on Nintendo Switch.

Wave 6 features eight remastered tracks pulled from titles like Mario Kart: Double Dash!!, Mario Kart DS, and even mobile racer Mario Kart Tour. Highlights include fan-favorite “Daisy Circuit” from the Wii version, the chaotic “Airship Fortress” from DS, and the visually stunning “Madrid Drive” from Tour. Each course has been graphically enhanced and features new anti-gravity sections and tighter control mechanics to align with Mario Kart 8 Deluxe’s gameplay standards.

Perhaps the most crowd-pleasing addition in this update is the inclusion of four new racers, marking the first time since Wave 4 that the roster has expanded. Leading the pack is fan-favorite Funky Kong from Mario Kart Wii, joining returning faces like Pauline, Diddy Kong, and Peachette — all of whom bring unique animations and kart customization options. The community had long been requesting characters like Funky Kong and Pauline, and their inclusion signals Nintendo’s continued commitment to engaging with its player base.

This wave also comes with a brand-new music remix option, allowing players to toggle between original soundtrack versions and updated orchestrations — a subtle but welcome touch for long-time fans.

Released originally in 2017, Mario Kart 8 Deluxe continues to dominate console sales charts and remains one of Nintendo’s premier multiplayer titles. With this latest DLC drop, the game now boasts a staggering 96 racetracks and 48 playable characters, cementing its legacy as the most content-rich Mario Kart to date.

Wave 6 is confirmed to be the final wave of the Booster Course Pass, but today’s surprise has fans speculating whether Nintendo may have more in store for the future of the series — or perhaps even a glimpse at Mario Kart 9 on the horizon.