Mario Kart 8 (Wii U): all the updates (latest: Ver. 4.2.0)

In this post, you will find all there is to know about the various updates for Mario Kart 8 on Wii U (originally released on May 29th 2014 in Japan, and May 30th 2014 in North America and Europe)!

Mario Kart 8 – Ver. 4.2.0

• Release date: August 2nd 2023 (North America) / August 3rd 2023 (Europe, Japan)
• Patch notes:

• Fixed vulnerability relating to online matches.
• Deleted “Recommended” in tournaments.

• Additional notes: this update is required to keep playing online.
• Source: Nintendo

Mario Kart 8 – Ver. 4.1.0

• Release date: May 1st 2015 (North America) / May 2nd 2015 (Europe, Japan)
• Patch notes:

• 200cc and Mirror Mode are now immediately unlocked.
• Improved the overall gameplay experience.

• Additional notes: none.
• Source: Nintendo

Mario Kart 8 – Ver. 4.0.0

• Release date: April 23rd 2015 (North America) / April 24th 2015 (Europe, Japan)
• Patch notes:

• Users will be able to download the paid DLC Pack 2 (Animal Crossing | Mario Kart 8). For users who have advance purchased the paid DLC, the DLC will become available as soon as the software update is completed.
• Nine new amiibo figures will become compatible with the game. By tapping an amiibo figure that is compatible with Mario Kart 8 on the Wii U GamePad controller’s NFC area mark, users will receive a corresponding Mii racing suit to dress up their Mii character.
• The new 200cc class will be added.
  • Upon winning every Grand Prix cup, the 200cc class will be unlocked.
  • 200cc class can be selected from the beginning in VS Race, Online Custom Room, Friend Lobby, and Tournament Setting.
• The wheels will produce sparks in the 200cc mode when the driver brakes while drifting.
• When racing using tilt controls on the Wii Remote controller, users will be able to brake while drifting by pressing the B, 1, and 2 Buttons together.
• Computer players will participate in Online Custom Races. However, the Computer players’ rankings will affect the calculations of the players’ ratings.
• The map display can be turned on or off not only the Wii U GamePad but also on the Wii U Pro Controller, Classic Controller Pro, Wii Remote + Nunchuk by pressing the Select Button or the – Button.
• A new functionality that allows the new Animal Crossing Track to change seasons will be added.
  • In Grand Prix, VS Race, and Online Race, the season will be selected randomly.
  • In Time Trial, the season will be limited to Summer.
• 10 new stamps will be added which can be used when posting on Miiverse.
• Other adjustments to make for a more fun gaming experience.

• Additional notes: none.
• Source: Nintendo

Mario Kart 8 – Ver. 3.0.0

• Release date: November 13th 2014 (North America) / November 14th 2014 (Europe, Japan)
• Patch notes:

• Users will be able to download the paid DLC Pack 1. For users who have advanced purchased the paid DLC, the DLC will become available as soon as the software update is completed.
• The amiibo icon will be added to the menu screen, and the amiibo figures will now be compatible with the game. By tapping an amiibo figure that is compatible with Mario Kart 8 on the Wii U GamePad’s NFC area mark, users will receive a Mii racing suit to dress up their Mii. (The first wave of amiibo will be available November 21, 2014).
• Other adjustments will be made to balance the game and make for a more pleasant gaming experience.

• Additional notes: none.
• Source: Nintendo

Mario Kart 8 – Ver. 2.0.0

• Release date: August 27th 2014 (North America) / August 28th 2014 (Europe, Japan)
• Patch notes:

• Users will be able to download the three Mercedes-Benz vehicles (GLA, W 25 Silver Arrow, 300 SL Roadster) for free.
• Users will be able to advance purchase the upcoming paid DLC.
• Users will have the option to display the course map on the TV screen during races.
• The order of the menu after each race will be changed to Next Race followed by Watch Highlight Reel.
• The most recent customization of kart settings will be saved the next time the Wii U system is turned on.
• Added a feature that allows user to edit others’ highlight reels they have downloaded from Mario Kart TV.
• Users will be able to check out statistics such as total number of coins collected, win-loss record from online play, and their most frequently selected characters.
• Improved stability of online play connection to improve user experience.
• Other adjustments to balance the game and make for a more pleasant gaming experience.

• Additional notes: none.
• Source: Nintendo

How to update Mario Kart 8 for the Wii U?

To update Mario Kart 8 on Wii U, you have two options:

• let the Wii U do its thing if you have automatic downloads activated. You should have the latest version installed the next time you launch the game;
• if not, try to launch the game from the Home Menu (not the Quick Start Menu!): you should get a prompt when doing so. Just follow the instructions on screen.

To check that you have the latest version installed, simply launch the game: the Ver. number is displayed in the bottom right corner of the title screen.