Two brand new add-on packs for Mario Kart 8 have been announced, taking the franchise closer to a glorified 'Nintendo Kart' than ever before.

That's because both The Legend of Zelda and Animal Crossing will be represented in the downloadable content set to be released in November 2014 and May 2015.

Each pack introduces three new characters, two new cups (and eight new race tracks) and four new vehicles. The first pack, set for release this November, will introduce Link, Cat Peach, and Tanooki Mario. The second pack, releasing in May, brings in Animal Crossing's Villager, Isabelle, and Dry Bowser.

The new tracks include Legend of Zelda and Animal Crossing themed race courses, as well as ones from the F-Zero and Excite Bike universes.

You can pre-purchase either or both add-on packs starting from today. Each pack is just £7, or you can pre-order both at once for £11. Buying both, either together or separately, will give you access to eight new colours of Yoshi and Shy Guy as a nice bonus.

Today also sees Mario Kart 8's first big update go live. The update includes the official free Mercedes Benz DLC, and lets players have the map on the TV screen, as well as some other technical tweaks.