Mario Kart 8 Deluxe Receives Update To Work With Nintendo Labo
Nintendo keeps saying that Nintendo Labo has sold in line with its internal expectations, but given the stock levels at many retailers it seems like it wasn’t as big of a hit as it could have been. However, Nintendo has shown us time and time again that their software has legs and sometimes it just takes a while for a game to really catch on. This could be the case here, which is why it’s fantastic to see the developers take some extra time to make the Labo Variety Kit compatible with Mario Kart 8 Deluxe!
That’s right, all you have to do is build the Toy-Con Motorbike and you’re set to play Mario Kart 8 Deluxe in an all-new way. The game has received a free patch to enable this functionality. Nintendo has said more games will become compatible in the future as well – so keep that cardboard handy!
3 … 2 … 1 … Nintendo Labo! Starting today, a free software update is available for the Mario Kart 8 Deluxe game for the Nintendo Switch system, allowing you to use the Toy-Con Motorbike from the Nintendo Labo: Variety Kit to control your in-game vehicles. Enjoy every game mode and every vehicle type with this immersive, interactive controller option that makes you feel like you’re really in the driver’s seat! Click here to view a preview video of the new feature.
But that’s not the only exciting news for Nintendo Labo owners this week! Nintendo is happy to announce the categories for the second Nintendo Labo Creators Contest*: “Best Gaming Experience using Toy-Con Garage” and “Best Toy-Con Musical Instrument.”
Fans who submit creations to either of these contests have the opportunity to win some cool limited-edition prizes, including a specially designed, collectible cardboard-inspired Nintendo Switch system! Fans in the U.S. or Canada (excluding Quebec) who are 13 years old or older can enter their creations in the Nintendo Labo Creators Contest No. 2. Learn more about the contest and upload your submissions here: https://labo.nintendo.com/share/#!/contest/.
After downloading the update for Mario Kart 8 Deluxe, simply select the “Nintendo Labo” icon on the game’s title screen to access a menu where you can select Toy-Con as the control type. When racing, turning the handlebars changes direction, twisting the right handlebar accelerates, and the various Joy-Con buttons are used for items, brakes and drifting. Up to four players can play at the same time with Toy-Con Motorbike with their own Toy-Con and Joy-Con controllers. (Nintendo Labo kits and additional Joy-Con are sold separately. Toy-Con Motorbike is part of the Nintendo Labo: Variety Kit.)
Mario Kart 8 Deluxe is the first game outside of Nintendo Labo software to receive Toy-Con support, and more titles will be compatible with Nintendo Labo in the future.
For more information about Mario Kart 8 Deluxe, visit https://mariokart8.nintendo.com/. For more information about Nintendo Labo, visit https://labo.nintendo.com/.
*Void where prohibited. Open to legal residents of the U.S. and Canada (excluding Quebec), ages 13+. Nintendo Switch system and Nintendo Labo kit required. Contest begins 11AM PT on 7/19/18 and ends at 10:59AM PT on 8/20/18. To enter, upload a video of your Toy-Con creation or invention as detailed in the Official Rules. 2 Grand Prize winners will each receive one (1) collectible Nintendo Switch system (ARV: $ $1,000 USD), one (1) Nintendo Labo Creators Jacket (ARV: $ 70.00 USD), and one (1) award certificate (ARV: $ 70.00 USD). 8 Runner-Up winners will each receive one (1) collectible pair of Joy-Con controllers, one (1) Nintendo Labo Creators Jacket (ARV: $ 70.00 USD), and one (1) award certificate (ARV: $ 70.00 USD). Total ARV of all prizes: $3,640 USD. Chances of winning a prize depend on eligibility and quality of entries received, and how well each meets the judging criteria. Details and restrictions apply. For Official Rules, visit https://labo.nintendo.com/share/#!/contest-rules/. Sponsor: Nintendo of America Inc.
[Source: Nintendo]
Craig has been covering the video game industry since 1995. His work has been published across a wide spectrum of media sites. He’s currently the Editor-In-Chief of Nintendo Times and contributes to Gaming Age.
