They implemented skill based matchmaking this week so everyone is playing people close to their skill level. The game is a lot more fun now with everyone much closer together.
The icons represent engine classes (speed, drift, turning etc). You can have any character have any class now.
Quite a bit of updates since you last played!
Holy shit, that's so great for this game! It really needed skill based matchmaking.
It actually hasn't even been that long. I got like halfway through the tier 2 bar in the Spyro grand prix. But god damn, they just keep improving this game like crazy. I'm just so happy the Switch online base is still so active. I was worried with MK8 being here it would struggle, but people seem to realize how great and different it is.
And holy FUCK at the new track. It's fucking AMAZING. This continues to possibly be my GOTY. Only intense competition is Astral Chain