Mario Kart 8 is the Wii U game; Mario Kart 8 Deluxe is its Nintendo Switch version. Deluxe includes the Wii U game’s downloadable content and adds a revised Battle Mode, more characters and vehicles, two-item carrying, portable play, and local wireless multiplayer for up to eight players. Its Booster Course Pass is a separate expansion with 48 remastered courses.
Which consoles are the games for?
The original Mario Kart 8 is for Wii U, while Mario Kart 8 Deluxe is for Nintendo Switch. They are not two editions for the same console: choose based first on the hardware you own. Nintendo’s comparison of the Wii U and Switch versions identifies the platforms and summarizes the feature differences.
Deluxe can be played on a Switch in handheld mode or connected to a TV; Nintendo lists TV output up to 1080p. The Wii U version’s supported controllers and multiplayer options are documented in its electronic manual.
What does Deluxe include from the Wii U game?
Deluxe includes all downloadable content released for the Wii U version, including its Mercedes karts, according to Nintendo. That means a Switch player does not need to buy the Wii U DLC separately to get that content in Deluxe. Nintendo of Europe’s German-language support page states that Deluxe contains all Wii U-version DLC, including the Mercedes karts; this is an English rendering of that page, not a direct English quotation.
#1 Best Overall
![Mario Kart 8 Deluxe - Nintendo Switch [Digital Code]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/517O3bI45YL._SL160_.jpg)
- Hit the road with the definitive version of Mario Kart 8 and play anytime, anywhere! Race your friends or battle them in a revised battle mode on new and returning battle courses
- Play locally in up to 4-player multiplayer in 1080p while playing in TV Mode. Every track from the Wii U version, including DLC, makes a glorious return
- Plus, the Inklings appear as all-new guest characters, along with returning favorites, such as King Boo, Dry Bones, and Bowser Jr.
- Players can choose a new Smart Steering feature which makes driving and staying on the track easy for novice players and kids even at 200cc
What changes in the gameplay and Battle Mode?
Racing features
Deluxe adds characters and vehicles, permits players to carry two items at once, and includes additional items. It also offers optional Smart Steering, an assist intended to help keep a kart on the track. Nintendo’s comparison page lists these as Deluxe features; it does not establish that they are available in the Wii U release.
Battle Mode
Deluxe revises Battle Mode with new arenas and rules. Nintendo specifically lists Balloon Battle and Bob-omb Blast among the modes. If Battle Mode is a major reason for choosing between releases, the revised setup is a meaningful difference rather than simply a visual update.
Rank #2
- Nuevos personajes: Inkling, Rey Boo, Huesitos y Bowsy
- Inclusi n de circuitos in ditos en el modo batalla
- Los pilotos cuentan con el volante inteligente, que ayuda a no salirse de la pista
- Hasta 8 pilotos en partidas de multijugador local
How does the Booster Course Pass fit in?
The Booster Course Pass is a separate expansion for Mario Kart 8 Deluxe, not part of the Wii U DLC bundle. Nintendo says it adds 48 remastered courses, released in six waves between March 18, 2022 and November 8, 2023. The Nintendo Support FAQ says the full Deluxe game is required to play the pass.
Nintendo describes two access routes: buy the pass separately, or access it through Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack while that membership is active. A separately purchased pass remains playable indefinitely. The FAQ lists a US purchase price of $24.99, but that is a time-sensitive price and should be checked with Nintendo before buying. Online play is separate from local play and requires a paid Nintendo Switch Online membership.
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- Included is the following: Mario Kart 8 Deluxe - Nintendo Switch Game, 2x PremGear Steering Driving Wheels to use with your Joy-Con Controllers (NOT COMPATIBLE WITH SWITCH 2), PremGear 24 Slot Game card Case/Holder with 2 Slot MicroSD Memory Card Adapter and PremGear Quality Cleaning Cloth
- RACE ANYTIME, ANYWHERE! Hit the road with the definitive version of Mario Kart 8. Race your friends or battle them in a revised battle mode on new and returning battle courses
- Play locally in up to 4-player multiplayer in 1080p while playing in TV Mode. Every track from the Wii U version, including DLC, makes a glorious return
- Plus, the Inklings appear as all-new guest characters, along with returning favorites, such as King Boo, Dry Bones, and Bowser Jr.!
- Players can choose a new Smart Steering feature which makes driving and staying on the track easy for novice players and kids even at 200cc
How do multiplayer options compare?
Both releases support multiplayer, with the Wii U manual documenting online and local play for the original. Deluxe adds Switch-specific flexibility: Nintendo lists local wireless play for up to eight players, as well as handheld play. Nintendo also says online play for Deluxe requires Nintendo Switch Online membership. That membership requirement applies to online play, not the ability to play locally.
Which version should you choose?
- Choose Mario Kart 8 if you are playing on Wii U and want the original release for that console.
- Choose Mario Kart 8 Deluxe if you are playing on Switch. It bundles the Wii U DLC and brings the revised Battle Mode, additional racing features, handheld play, and local wireless support.
- Consider the Booster Course Pass only if you want its additional 48 courses; it is a separate add-on and requires Deluxe.
Nintendo’s official Mario Kart 8 Deluxe site identifies Deluxe as a Nintendo Switch game.
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