Recently, Nintendo released a new update for its popular arcade racing title, Mario Kart 8 Deluxe. This patch is the second that the game has received since releasing and provides a variety of adjustments dealing with everything ranging from balancing the items you receive within races to updated amiibo functionality.

The full patch notes for the 1.2 version patch can be found as follows:

Version 1.2

  • Players can use Pikmin-themed amiibo to unlock a Pikmin Suit for the Mii driver.
  • Race rules and course name are now displayed on loading screens for online and wireless play, as well as Mario Kart TV.
  • Players who are behind in online matches will receive items geared toward catching up more frequently.
  • In online matches, no more than two Piranha Plants will be granted as items at the same time.
  • Controls are no longer unresponsive when the timer runs out when choosing a Mii racing suit for online matches.
  • When a player uses an item right after the Super Horn in online matches, that item will now remain available for other players.
  • Item wheel no longer spins continuously in online matches.
  • Online matches now end as intended 30 seconds after the first place racer finishes.
  • The Boomerang now returns to the first slot, if possible, after a player catches it.
  • Items shown in a player’s item slots now display correctly when holding an item behind them.
  • No longer possible to use an item after it has been used to block an attack.
  • Communication errors no longer occur frequently while spectating or after spectating online matches
In other Mario Kart 8 Deluxe news, this iteration of the famous racing series has become the fastest selling in the history of the franchise. Since releasing for the Switch in April, Mario Kart 8 Deluxe has consistently topped the sales charts in various different regions. If you're interested in reading more about Mario Kart 8 Deluxe and you're still on the fence in regards to purchasing the game for yourself, then be sure to check out our review. We gave the title an 8/10 which equates to a "great" on our scale. If you own a Switch and you're looking to pick up one of the system's premiere titles, Mario Kart 8 Deluxe should be near the top of your list. As someone who has been playing a lot of Mario Kart 8 Deluxe online lately, these changes in the 1.2 version patch help alleviate some of my issues I have been having. Specifically, I'm glad to see that if I'm far behind in an online race, I might be able to receive some better items from now on. Lord knows I'll need them because I'm terrible at the game.