Nintendo’s been slower to embrace downloadable content than other game companies, but that certainly isn’t the case with Mario Golf: World Tour.
Launching May 2nd exclusively on Nintendo 3DS, Mario Golf: World Tour will be supplemented by day-one and post-launch DLC. Out of the box the game will tee off with 10 courses and a total of 126 holes to play on using any of 17 characters from the Mushroom Kingdom. Three DLC packs will be released from launch day through June, adding on an extra six courses, 108 holes, and three characters.
The Mushroom Pack will add Toadette, the Flower Pack will add Nabbit, and the Star Pack will add Rosalina. Each pack will also include two new 18-hole courses.
$5.99 has been set as the price point for each individual content pack, but a Season Pass will also be made available on launch day for $14.99. Buying the Season Pass will provide immediate access to all the DLC as it releases, in addition to the bonus perk of unlocking Gold Mario as a special playable character at the time of purchase. For non-Season Pass buyers, Gold Mario will be sold as standalone DLC following the release of the three main packs.
One neat touch Nintendo will be offering potential DLC buyers is the option to sample the add-on courses by downloading a free Trial Pack and participating in online Trial Tournaments. I’m sure some other game out there has done it, but this is the first time I’ve seen a game with try-before-you-buy DLC.