update [Wed 29th Nov, 2023 01:45 GMT]: The latest patch for Nintendo’s F-Zero 99 has officially been released on Switch. Complete patch notes are shared on the official support page.
This update (Version 1.1.0) adds a new “Classic Race” mode, lucky ranks, new backgrounds, and Nintendo has made a variety of other tweaks, changes, and fixes. For more information, please see the full details and original article below.
Nintendo: “Additional content for F-ZERO 99 is now available for #NintendoSwitchOnline members! New “CLASSIC” mode is a 20-pilot race with rules inspired by the original F-ZERO. ”
F-Zero 99 – Ver. 1.1.0 (released on November 28, 2023)
New addition
- Added new classic mode. This is a 20-person race with the same rules as the Super Famicom version of F-ZERO. Classic races are a type of special event and are held regularly.
- Added Lucky Rank gameplay. Every time you participate in a race, your ranking and the machine you use are recorded. After participating in 5 races, you will receive a lucky rank. If your rank matches one of the ranks on your card, or if your machine matches the machine shown, you will receive an in-game reward.
- Press the L stick in the main menu to access the Lucky Rank screen.
- Lucky rank cards can be revealed once a day.
- Added backgrounds, badges, and borders that you can use to customize your pilot cards. Once the specified conditions are met, it can be used for customization.
- By selecting “Workshop” → “Pilot Card” from the main menu, you can check and customize the specified conditions.
Other adjustments and changes
- Made it easier to return to the main menu after crashing or ranking out during a MINI PRIX or GRAND PRIX race. (Before Ver.1.0.2, depending on the timing, you might not be able to leave the race for a while)
- Adjusted the difficulty level of initial startup training to make it easier. We’ve also added the ability to skip training, allowing you to immediately join online races with other players.
- After your first training race, you can skip all remaining training by pressing the Y button in the main menu. Also, from the second race (F-ZERO 25) onwards, if you fail or rank out, you will be given the option to skip to the next race.
- You cannot return to a training session once you have skipped it.
- In “F-ZERO 99”, it is now possible to match even those who have just started playing the game or those who are not yet familiar with the game.
Other fixes
- Fixed issues to provide a more comfortable gaming experience.
Original work [Tue 28th Nov, 2023 02:45 GMT]: Nintendo has announced the release of a new update for Switch Online battle royale racer F-Zero 99. November 29th.
Speed Demon looks forward to new modes and features as the game levels up. Version 1.1.0. The new mode is “Classic Race,” where you can enjoy online battles using the same rules as Super Famicom “F-ZERO.”
The same announcement details these rules and explains how the course uses the “same screen ratio” (4:3) as the classic version of the game. Player count has been limited to 20 players, Spin Attack and Skyway are no longer available, power meter increases from KO have also been removed, and Turbo functionality has been adjusted.
In this update, Nintendo will also add a “Lucky Card” that records rankings and machines used across five races. If all five races are matched at the end of the race, additional prizes will be unlocked. Last but not least, Nintendo says it will continue to make “small updates” to F-Zero 99 to improve the overall experience.
Once Nintendo releases this update and the full English patch notes, we’ll be sure to share them here on Nintendo Life. This update follows news in October when Nintendo announced the “last new track” for King League and F-Zero 99.