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

Trivia

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