Mario Kart 8: New Extras Include Zelda's Link and Animal Crossing's Isabelle

Nintendo has announced two new pieces of downloadable content (DLC) for its popular game, Mario Kart 8, on the Wii U.

Both DLCs will include new playable characters, four new vehicles, and two sets of four race tracks. This means a total of eight new tracks per DLC, an increase of around 50% to the original game's.

The first DLC to be released is coming in November and will be called The Legend of Zelda X Mario Kart 8.

According to Nintendo, the new characters to be included are Tanooki Mario, Cat Peach and Link. There will be a Blue Falcon kart, to represent the F-Zero franchise (a series of futuristic racing video games) included with the new vehicles.

Among the race tracks will be the classic Wario's Gold Mine from Mario Kart Wii and one from the world of The Legend of Zelda.

The other DLC Animal Crossing X Mario Kart 8 will not be available until May 2015.

This add-on's new characters will be Dry Bowser, the iconic mayor's secretary Isabelle, and an Animal Crossing Villager. There will also be at least one track from the Animal Crossing world.

On its website, Nintendo said that both packs are available for pre-purchase at £7 for one and £11 for the pair. If both are bought – together or separately – the player will gain additional benefits such as eight new colours for Yoshi and Shy Guy with straight away.

To pre-purchase the packs, Mario Kart 8 owners can go to the in-game shop icon or go to the Nintendo eShop on their Wii U.