Mario Kart 7 shortcuts removed via patch

Nintendo has been slow to embrace new technologies, but the company is finally making more serious moves into the digital era. The latest baby step is in the form of patches, like fixing a game-breaking bug in Zelda: Skyward Sword, and now a new patch to stick it to those filthy Mario Kart 7 cheaters.

The patch fixes unintended shortcuts in Wuhu Island Loop, Wuhu Mountain Loop, and Bowser's Castle 1. Players will be prompted to quit and download a "Ver 1.1" patch from the eShop. It's not exactly an elegant solution, but hey, progress! This only applies to the online modes, mind you, so you can still use the exploits to run rings around AI opponents in single-player.

Nintendo's portable system has been a leading the charge on the company's digital initiatives, like DLC and fully downloadable games. The company even plans to offer its own first-party DLC. Maybe someday soon Nintendo will be only a few steps behind the wave of digital content, instead of a dozen.