Mario Kart 8 Deluxe update patches out Inkling Girl's victory gesture deemed offensive in some countries

News by Stephany Nunneley-Jackson Former News Editor

Published on May 18, 2017

Nintendo has patched out a victory gesture in Mario Kart 8 Deluxe which is considered offensive in some countries.

The celebratory gesture was made by Inkling Girl in Mario Kart 8 Deluxe, and while the pose isn't seen as an offense in Japan - or the UK - it is in several other countries.

Now, instead of having her arm at 90° making a fist, and her other hand laying across her bicep, the arm is just bent up. No other hand in use.

Known as the "Italian Salute" here in the states to some, you can pretty much see how it is performed looking at the image above from NeoGAF user Neiteio. Or here if you want a live demonstration.

Again, not offensive in Japan, but it is in France, Georgia, Italy, Latin America, Portugal, Spain and others. Some countries use it has the equivalent of the middle-finger, or an insult to one's mother. The Wikipedia link there provides a list of the various meanings of the gesture.

It's offensive as well in the US, but has gone out of fashion unless you're ancient (cough, cough). People prefer the finger over here, as you don't have to take your hand off the steering wheel to perform the "up your ass" ("up yours!") action.

The full patch notes have been posted by Nintendo and we've added them below.

Mario Kart 8 Deluxe - Version 1.1

Opponents’ names are displayed in the rear view mirror view in online matches.
Invincibility period after a spin-out or crash is longer in online matches.
Up to two players can spectate a friend group while they wait to join.
“Worldwide” and “Regional” modes add players to Mirror and 200cc matches less often.
Can now properly create a friend lobby when you have 100 or more friends.
Inkling Girl’s animation has been adjusted.
Starting positions in online races now properly reflect the order in which players join.
Driver Miis now properly showing facial expressions.
Tournament clock now properly reflects real-world time.

Nintendo announced ahead of the NPDs yesterday Mario Kart 8 Deluxe was the best-selling game for the month of April in the US.

The game was released on April 28 and sold over 460,000 physical units and over 550,000 units when digital sales are included.