Zelda, F

Mario Kart 8 is getting some substantial downloadable content starting in November. New characters, tracks, and karts will be added to the game featuring content from many of Nintendo's other franchises, including The Legend of Zelda, F-Zero, and Animal Crossing.

This content will come in the form of two DLC packs, each of which consists of three characters, four vehicles, and eight tracks (some new, and some old). Some of the new tracks will be set in Zelda and Animal Crossing locales, while Mario Kart Wii level Wario's Gold Mine makes a return.

Each update will include:

3 new characters 4 new vehicles 8 new courses

The first of the two packs--The Legend of Zelda pack, coming in November this year will include Link, Tanooki Mario, and Cat Peach as characters. The DLC will also include the Blue Falcon from F-Zero as a playable kart.

The second pack--the Animal Crossing pack, coming in May--includes the Villager, Isabelle, and Dry Bowser. By buying both packs, which will be available individually for 7.00 GBP (an official price hasn't been announced for the US yet) or in a bundle, you'll also get eight different colors for Yoshi and eight different colors for Shy Guy.

Details on the packs were posted to the Nintendo UK online store here and here earlier today. An image for the Zelda pack appears to show an Excitebike and F-Zero level, while the other pack shows off a new Animal Crossing-themed stage.

We'll update this story with more details as they're available, but which of this content are you most excited to try? Are you happy to see Mario Kart supported with such extensive DLC? Let us know in the comments below.

Chris Pereira is a freelance writer for GameSpot, and you can follow him on Twitter @TheSmokingManX For all of GameSpot's news coverage, check out our hub. Got a news tip or want to contact us directly? Email news@gamespot.com Filed under: Mario Kart 8