Anti-gravity

Anti-gravity is a fundamental game mechanic introduced in Mario Kart 8. When drivers are in anti-gravity mode, they can drive upside-down as well as on walls and various other surfaces. Additionally, drivers receive a speed boost whenever they bump into other drivers or designated obstacles. Drivers enter anti-gravity mode when they pass over blue panels in the road akin to Boost Pads. While driving in anti-gravity mode, the wheels of the player's vehicle turn so that they are on their sides. Every nitro course in the game is given an anti-gravity section, likely to fully incorporate the new feature. However, only seven retro courses are given this feature;


 * GBA Mario Circuit
 * N64 Toad's Turnpike
 * 3DS DK Jungle
 * DS Wario Stadium
 * GCN Sherbet Land
 * 3DS Piranha Plant Slide
 * N64 Rainbow Road

Mute City is the only course to take place entirely in anti-gravity.

Trivia

 * No Super Mario Kart Retro Courses received anti-gravity in Mario Kart 8.
 * In courses like Mario Circuit, if the player goes in the opposite direction than what they are meant to, the wheels will turn horizontal once they touch the anti-gravity section. This is because the Kart is programmed to avoid glitching by falling in anti-gravity sections. This applies to any course with anti-gravity where it is possible to go backwards for a while or for the whole course.