Nintendo’s latest update, 3.0.0, for Mario Kart 8 Deluxe has removed the controversial “bagging” strategy, a move that has made some fans happy and others outraged.
Bagging, also known as sandbagging, is a strategy where players deliberately start slow in a race to collect an overpowered item, before working their way back up into contention and using that item to ensure victory. But with the recent update, this option is no longer available, causing a wave of reactions and emotions.
As GamesRadar reports, this bagging strategy has been a controversial aspect of online racing since the Wii U version launched in 2014. While some players are thrilled with the removal of this strategy, others are expressing their disappointment and frustration.
Yup looks like it’s over for Bagging strategy in Mario Kart 8 Deluxe. Homie @vnt__x pulled a Green Shell in 12th on GBA Cheese Land a sandbagging staple.
RIP Sandbagging 2017 – 2023pic.twitter.com/RmgCzA8rfI
— Bear (@BearUNLV) November 9, 2023
The removal of this bagging strategy has caused quite a stir among the Mario Kart community, with many referencing popular races and tactics that will no longer be viable in the updated version of the game. The change has left players questioning the future of online racing in Mario Kart 8 Deluxe, signaling both excitement and apprehension about the game’s new landscape.
Further analysis from Bear reveals that popular courses, such as GBA Cheese Land, will be affected by this alteration. Players have also noticed differences in the item boxes, which have had an obvious impact on their performance in the game. Nintendo’s Update 3.0.0 patch notes confirm that players can no longer acquire strong items by stopping, driving in reverse, or picking up the same item box multiple times during a race. An observation from IGN’s own tests supports this, highlighting a significant change in item acquisition.
The strategy has sparked heated debates among players, with some arguing that it was a valid technique, while others branded it as boring and disruptive to the concept of racing. Despite conflicting opinions, this strategy has been a focal point in Mario Kart games for several years, and many players will need to adapt quickly to the limitations presented by the update.
In addition to the removal of the “bagging” strategy, the latest Mario Kart 8 Deluxe update, 3.0.0, introduces a host of other changes and features, including DLC support and various improvements to gameplay.
Mario Kart 8 Deluxe Update 3.0.0 Patch Notes
Support for DLC
- Added paid DLC: Mario Kart 8 Deluxe – Booster Course Pass, Wave 6 (two cups, eight courses, four characters, 17 Mii racing suits).
General
- Added “Music” button to the top menu.
- This is a feature where you can listen to the background music that plays during the game, as you like.
- Even players who don’t own the Booster Course Pass can listen to the background music of the DLC courses.
Fixed Issues
- Fixed an issue where no Bob-omb car blows up in Wii Moonview Highway, but a Bob-omb car blows up for someone you are playing with online.
- Fixed an issue where, when racing against a Ghost in Time Trials on Yoshi’s Island, the red road would not appear even though the Ghost touched the Winged Cloud.
Ryan Dinsdale is an IGN freelance reporter. He’ll talk about The Witcher all day.
