REDMOND, Wash.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Two new downloadable content packs will take the world of Mario Kart 8 in directions the franchise has never seen before, while significantly expanding game-play options. The packs, which launch this fall and in spring of 2015, and are available for advance purchase starting Aug. 27 at $7.99 each (or $11.99 for both), deliver a ton of new content, including first-time crossover characters like Link from The Legend of Zelda franchise and both Isabelle and the Villager from the Animal Crossing series.

In addition to these two new downloadable content packs, a previously announced game update goes live Aug. 27 that adds a variety of new features, including three free Mercedes-Benz cars that players can race: the modern Mercedes-Benz GLA, the 300 SL Roadster from the 1950s and the legendary Silver Arrow of the 1930s. Go to //ninten.do/6181WR6Bto view a video of the in-game karts in action.

"More than 1 million Wii U owners in the United States alone are already enjoying the fun of Mario Kart 8," said Scott Moffitt, Nintendo of America's executive vice president of Sales & Marketing. "Mario Kart 8already includes the largest number of characters, karts and options of any Mario Kart game to date, and these amazing expansion packs give players even more choices."

Each pack will contain two new cups, each with four courses, which, in total, increases the number of currently available courses by 50 percent. The DLC packs include classic courses like Wario's Gold Mine from Mario Kart Wii, as well as new courses, some taking place in the worlds of The Legend of Zelda and Animal Crossing. New vehicles will also arrive with each pack, including the Blue Falcon kart representing the F-Zero franchise in the first DLC pack.

Mario Kart 8 owners who purchase both packs starting Aug. 27 will get access to eight new colors of Yoshi and eight new colors of Shy Guy to race with immediately. To purchase the packs in advance, users with a broadband Internet connection can click the new "Shop" icon in the game or visit the Nintendo eShop on Wii U.

The DLC packs are scheduled to include the following:

Pack 1: The Legend of Zelda X Mario Kart 8 (Release Date: November 2014) - $7.99

3 Characters: Tanooki Mario, Cat Peach, Link

4 Vehicles

8 Courses

Pack 2: Animal Crossing X Mario Kart 8 (Release Date: May 2015) - $7.99

3 Characters: Villager, Isabelle, Dry Bowser

4 Vehicles

8 Courses

Pack 1 + Pack 2 Bundle - $11.99