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What is Mario Kart 8 Deluxe?
Mario Kart 8 Deluxe is the Nintendo Switch release of Nintendo’s kart racer, distinct from the original Mario Kart 8 for Wii U. The Switch edition includes its own base-game courses and modes. Its optional Booster Course Pass adds 48 remastered courses across six waves; it is not required to play the base game. Nintendo lists the game and its DLC or bundle as separate purchase configurations on its UK product page.
Is Mario Kart 8 Deluxe worth it?
For a buyer looking for a polished kart racer that works for both newcomers and experienced players, the review evidence points to a strong recommendation. Launch reviews praised its polish, portability, accessibility and redesigned Battle Mode. TheSixthAxis wrote in an April 20, 2017 review, “Mario Kart 8 Deluxe continues to be the best in the business, and now you can play it on the train.” That is a historical critic’s assessment, not a current review or a claim that the game has changed since launch.
Metacritic displayed an 8.6 user score from 4,683 ratings when accessed October 8, 2026, with 88% positive, 8% mixed and 5% negative ratings. These percentages may not sum to 100 because of rounding, and the count and score can change. This user snapshot is not a critic aggregate or a representative survey of all players. The page also lists selected historical critic reviews, including Destructoid at 95 and TheSixthAxis at 100, both from 2017; those scores should be read in that context. See Metacritic’s Mario Kart 8 Deluxe page.
#1 Best Overall
- With Nintendo Switch, fans can enjoy the definitive version of Mario Kart 8 anywhere, anytime
- the Mario Kart you know and love, with many new features
- Enjoy Mario Kart alone or with friends, anytime, anywhere, with anyone
- Supports 2 players in handheld mode, 4 players on one TV and 12-player online
- 5 exclusive new characters join the tournament, including Inkling Boy and Inkling girl.4 exclusive new multiplayer battle modes including Balloon battle and Bob-omb blast.48 tracks.40+ racers.It's the biggest Mario Kart roster ever.all downloadable content from the Wii U version included as standard Compatible with the Nintendo Switch only
Is the Booster Course Pass worth it?
It depends on whether you want more tracks beyond the base game. Nintendo says the pass adds 48 remastered courses in six waves, released from March 18, 2022 through the final wave on November 8, 2023. The full game is required to use it. Nintendo Life’s review offers a useful caveat: some older tracks are relatively straightforward translations rather than wholesale redesigns around anti-gravity. The expanded selection is a substantial addition, but not every returning course has been transformed. Read Nintendo Life’s Booster Course Pass review.
In the United States, Nintendo Support lists the separate pass at US$24.99, or access through a paid Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack membership. A separately purchased pass remains playable; membership access lasts only while that membership is active. The US price is region-specific and may change. Check Nintendo’s Booster Course Pass FAQ.
Rank #2
![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
| Option | What you get | Access |
|---|---|---|
| Mario Kart 8 Deluxe base game | The Switch game’s base content | Does not require the Booster Course Pass |
| Base game plus separately purchased Booster Course Pass | Base content plus 48 remastered courses across six waves | The pass remains playable after purchase; US price listed by Nintendo is US$24.99 |
| Base game plus membership access | Base content plus access to the Booster Course Pass while eligible | Requires an active paid Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack membership |
Nintendo’s product page also presents a bundle containing the game and DLC, so check the contents of the specific listing rather than assuming every version includes the pass.
Can I play Mario Kart 8 Deluxe on Switch 2?
Yes. Nintendo announced a free update for Switch 2 on September 2, 2026. It supports sharper visuals on the Switch 2 display and high-resolution TVs, shorter loading times, local split-screen racing for up to eight people with enough controllers, and CameraPlay using a compatible USB camera. CameraPlay is limited to two to four players, and the camera is sold separately. Nintendo’s announcement does not name a specific supported camera model, so verify compatibility before buying one. Read Nintendo Australia’s update announcement.
Rank #3
- 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 many people can play Mario Kart 8 Deluxe locally?
On one Switch 2 system, the September 2026 update enables split-screen racing for up to eight players when enough controllers are available. For other local setups, the number of players and controller needs depend on the mode and platform. Nintendo’s product page says each player needs a compatible controller and that additional controllers may be required. Check the requirements for your intended setup before inviting a full group.
Local play versus online play
Local multiplayer means players share a system or play together locally; it is separate from online play. Nintendo says online play requires an internet connection and a paid online membership. Requirements vary by mode and platform, so do not assume the Switch 2’s eight-player local feature describes online player limits.
Rank #4
- With Nintendo Switch, fans can enjoy the definitive version of Mario Kart 8 anywhere, anytime
- The Mario Kart you know and love, with many new features; Enjoy Mario Kart alone or with friends, anytime, anywhere, with anyone; Supports 2 players in Handheld mode, 4 players on one TV and 12-player online
- 5 exclusive new characters join the tournament, including Inkling Boy and Inkling Girl; 4 exclusive new multiplayer Battle Modes including Balloon Battle and Bob-omb Blast; 48 Tracks; 40+ Racers; It's the biggest Mario Kart roster ever; All downloadable content from the Wii U version included as standard
- Compatible with the Nintendo Switch only
- EU version
Which version should you buy?
- Choose the base game if you want the core Switch racer and are not sure you need extra courses.
- Choose a game-and-pass bundle or add the Booster Course Pass if the additional 48 courses matter to you. Compare the exact listing and access method, especially if you are considering membership access rather than a separate purchase.
- On Switch 2, the free update adds the specified visual, loading, multiplayer and CameraPlay features without making the pass a requirement.
For most buyers, Mario Kart 8 Deluxe for Nintendo Switch is an easy recommendation as a versatile racing game. Whether to add the pass is a separate decision about how much course variety you want.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- 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
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
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