Mario Kart 8 Adds Petey Piranha, Kamek, and Wiggler

Aaaaaaaaaaand we're off to the races!

Mario Kart 8's Wave 5 Booster Course Pass was first announced during June's Nintendo Direct Event and we've been eagerly awaiting its release ever since. Well, the July 12th release date has finally arrived and we're just as excited as you to take take a look at some new and familiar courses.

But first thing's first. The Mario Kart 8 Wave 5 Booster Course Pass brings back three familiar faces into the mix: Petey Piranha, Kamek, and Wiggler, who join the racing roster. Today we'll give you an overview of each and what to expect when playing each of the new characters.

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Petey Piranha: An Infamous Face Returns to the Tracks

First on the starting grid is the one, the only, Petey Piranha. Fans of the Mario Kart series will recall Petey's debut back in 2003 with Mario Kart: Double Dash on the GameCube. This hefty character was an unlockable prize for completing the Star Cup, teamed up with King Boo for some serious drifting action. They made quite the pair in their Piranha Pipes vehicle, a true reflection of their dark, green-tubed charm.

But Petey's roots stretch back even further to Super Mario Sunshine, where he first stepped into the limelight as one of the earliest bosses encountered. Players remember him from the "Down with Petey Piranha!" mission, where he dirtied the battlefield, and it took a hearty dose of water from F.L.U.D.D., and some well-timed ground pounds to defeat him. Considering his aversion to water, the Squeaky Clean Sprint track in Mario Kart 8 could be a literal slippery slope for him. That being said, his return in the Booster Course Pass is sure to inject a dose of nostalgia, as he takes on the track atop a green motorcycle adorned with Piranha Plant decals.

Mario Kart 8 - Petey Piranha | Image: NintendoSupply

Kamek: The Magikoopa Menace Joins the Race

Next on our list is none other than Kamek, arguably the most notorious of the Magikoopas. Before he got his own steering wheel in Mario Kart Tour, Kamek was seen creating mischief in Mario Kart: Super Circuit, the series' first handheld title released for the Game Boy Advance back in 2001. Although his role was quite minor, he had a knack for hanging around near the finish line of the Bowser's Castle track, which players will fondly (or not so fondly) remember.

Outside of the Mario Kart series, Kamek is known for his long-standing rivalry with Yoshi. Ever since the events of Yoshi's Island, Kamek has sought to disrupt the peace, aiming to seize Baby Mario and Luigi from Yoshi's care to prevent future trouble for the Koopa clan. His antagonistic exploits continued into Yoshi's Wooly World and Yoshi's Crafted World. Now, with his debut in Mario Kart 8, expect to see this devious character zoom around on his distinctive purple scooter with yellow trim, ready to make Yoshi's race a tad more challenging.

Mario Kart 8 - Kamek | Image: NintendoSupply

Wiggler: The Worm with a Need for Speed

The last, but certainly not the least, addition to the Booster Course Pass Wave 5 is the ever energetic Wiggler. This segmented character first found his way into the driving seat in Mario Kart 7 for the Nintendo 3DS. However, long before that, he was giving players a run for their money as a bus-shaped obstacle in Double Dash's Mushroom City and Mushroom Bridge tracks and a challenging boss in Mario Kart DS.

Wiggler's first appearance was in Super Mario World for the SNES, back in 1990. Their unique behavior posed a serious challenge; try to beat them with a regular jump, and they'd just get angrier and faster. The Super Mario Odyssey brought us a fresh face, the Tropical Wiggler, decked out with bright colors and pink hats. Their unique ability to stretch out and cover more ground was a fun change of pace. And now, with their speed and swift temper, Wiggler is poised to be a perfect fit for the Mario Kart 8 scene, especially when driving his own Wiggler-themed ATV, the Wild Wiggler.

Mario Kart 8 - Wiggler | Image: NintendoSupply

Conclusion

The Booster Course Pass Wave 5 for Mario Kart 8 is a fantastic throwback to some classic characters. The addition of Petey Piranha, Kamek, and Wiggler not only expands the already impressive roster but also stirs up the nostalgia pot for long-time Mario fans. As they hit the track, one thing is certain: the Mushroom Cup will never be the same again.

How to Download the Mario Kart Wave 5 Booster Course Pack

Haven't downloaded the newest DLC? We've got you covered.

Check out our guide on how to download the update here.

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