Even though I didn’t have time to highlight a new level this week, that won’t stop me from giving you a weekly does of Mario Maker news. This week we have 2 event courses based off of the NES Remix Series. One level has you playing as Birdo while you traverse the first level of Super Mario Bros. 2, and the other is an exhilarating race against spiny shells as Excitebiker from Excitebike! Check out a video tour of both levels below! Which level is your favorite? Try them both out and let us know!

 

Briefly: I’m a huge fan of Mario Kart 8. It was the first entry in the series that I spent a substantial amount of time with, and it’s a game that I continue to frequently play with friends to this day. I’ve probably put more hours into Mario Kart 8 than any other game I’ve ever played.

That being said, for players like me, the game is freaking easy. Every Mario Kart title has offered 50, 100, and 150cc difficulties, and once you’ve put enough time into the game, even 150cc mode will have you feeling like you’re playing by yourself.

Today, on April 1st of all days, Nintendo announced a new, free 200cc mode to launch alongside the game’s second DLC pack. Take a look at the fast-as-hell trailer below:

That is fast, and I really can’t wait to get my hands on it. Each cc mode vastly raises the amount of skill needed to beat each of the game’s cups. I can’t even imagine what 200cc will bring, but it’s pretty clear from the above video that it won’t be easy.

The free update will arrive on April 23rd, which is also the new release date of the game’s second DLC pack (it was originally slated for May). Nintendo today also showed off an Animal Crossing stage from the upcoming DLC pack, and it’s just as cute as you’d imagine. You can take a look at the DLC video below, and let us know if you’re excited!

Briefly: We’re all beyond excited for Nintendo to release the first DLC pack for the phenomenal Mario Kart 8, and the publisher is now teasing just what we can expect in the first pack’s eight new tracks.

Today, Nintendo debuted an Excitebike themed track for the game. From the video, it’s clear to see that the course will garner some nostalgic feelings from older Nintendo fans, and probably some feelings of frustration from everybody. It looks fairly flat and straight, so you can definitely expect to be hit by a lot of green shells and fireballs. Oh, and the locations of ramps and speed boosts change each time you race, so good luck with that.

Take a look at the Excitebike preview below, and let us know what you think! Each DLC pack will cost you a more-than-reasonable $7.99, or you can pick up the two-pack bundle for $11.99.

Looks like fun, huh?