Two words: Shop Mode.
Finally putting use to the Coin system. It also gives roles to some male Noki and female Piantas as store clerks. Its very similar to Mario Party 8s Fun Bazaar, in that you choose a character to go into the shopping area. You can buy vehicle parts, alternate costumes, new cups (not including the standard eight), battle courses, and more! But you can't buy new characters.
What is interesting is that, at the beginning of the game, only 50cc Mushroom Cup is available. Other cups and engine classes, as well as Time Trial, Versus, and Battle Modes, and Online Play, are unavailable. Once you win a copper, silver, or gold trophy in that Grand Prix, Shop Mode is unlocked.
Upon visiting Shop Mode for the first time, you unlock the following:
Time Trial Mode
Single- and Multi-Player Versus Mode (Includes new Backwards feature, where the race is in the opposite direction on the course. This feature is not available in online play.)
Single- and Multi-Player Battle Mode
Online Play
Shop Mode clerks and their roles: (some conjectural names)
"Durian lady"
(next to the Shine Gate in Delfino Plaza): sells Extra Cups, but not Standard Cups, in the
Grand Prix Shop
Yellow Pianta with white shirt and glasses: sells things related to Battle Mode (courses and battle types) in the
Battle Shop
"Ladies' room Pianta"
(in the ladies' restroom of Hotel Delfino at Sirena Beach): sells alternate outfits for characters and Miis at
Mario Kart Outfitters
Noki Elders grandson
(Noki Bay): sells Karts, Bikes, and ATVs at
Mario Kart Body Shop
Pinna Park welcomer
(the blue Noki just inside the gate to Pinna Park): sells Wheels at
Kart Wheels
"Unlucky"
(outside Hotel Delfino at Sirena Beach): sells Gliders at the
Glider Shop
"Doot-Doot posse" (sisters, ukulele Pianta, conch Noki):
Sound Test (available after unlocking all characters) +
Data
Brighton & Twila:
Mission Mode &
Hints
- Brighton is in charge of the missions. Initial entry costs 100 coins. Only the first mission is available for free. You can unlock each mission by completing them in succession, or if you want to go out of order you can buy any one you want for a price. You play the mission with whichever character you entered Shop Mode.
- Twila gives hints on how to unlock characters for 15 coins each.
Lumacomète (available during second visit to shop mode):
Online Play
While not a clerk, the
Mii Kiosk is another big feature of Shop Mode, as is available after you unlock your Mii (win 100cc Special Cup). Here you can buy Mario Kart licenses (10 coins each) for your other Miis here. You can also edit your online profile.