Mario Kart 8: Deluxe Gameplay for Nintendo Switch

mario kart racing

Mario Kart 8 Deluxe is full of excitement on the Nintendo Switch. You can team up with Nintendo characters, build your own karts, and race on amazing tracks. There are 48 courses, divided into groups like the Mushroom Cup, offering endless fun in the world of kart racing.

If you’re just starting, no worries. Smart Steering is there to help keep you on course and away from trouble. But if you’re a pro, try the 200cc Time Trials for an intense race against time.

The game shines with its multiplayer. You and seven friends can race locally, making parties more fun. Or, go online to challenge up to 11 other players from all over the globe.

Win by using one of 23 power-ups, like the classic red shell, or skillfully manage two items at once. And don’t forget the five different battle modes, from popping balloons to stealing shines.

Mario Kart 8 Deluxe goes for $59.99 USD online, or $84.98 USD physically with extra content included. Members of Nintendo Switch Online can find deals on the game. And those with an Expansion Pack get even more without extra charges.

The game’s loved for its battles and fun, which speaks through its many booster pack releases. Players of all kinds enjoy its beautiful design, fun gameplay, and ongoing updates. It’s a must-try for those who love racing, and its many awards show it’s a favorite for many.

Key Takeaways:

  • Mario Kart 8 Deluxe offers exciting gameplay on the Nintendo Switch with a variety of tracks and customization options.
  • The game features Smart Steering and a fast-paced 200cc mode to cater to both novice and experienced players.
  • Up to eight players can participate in local wireless multiplayer, while online play allows for races with up to 12 players.
  • With 23 power-ups and five battle modes, Mario Kart 8 Deluxe offers strategic and competitive gameplay.
  • Additional courses and gameplay modes are available to players with a Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack membership.

Tons of Tracks to Race On

Mario Kart 8 Deluxe has lots of tracks for endless fun. It has 48 courses, each with its own theme. You can race on tracks inspired by Excite Bike™ and Legend of Zelda™. It has a mix of classic and new tracks for all players to enjoy.

The game’s tracks are grouped in different cups. There’s the Mushroom Cup, Flower Cup, and more. These cups feature special tracks for players to explore. You’ll find famous tracks like Rainbow Road and Yoshi’s Island, each offering a unique challenge.

From sharp turns to fast lanes, Mario Kart 8 Deluxe has a track for every player. It mixes old favorites with new surprises. This means there’s no end to the fun and competition you can have.

Booster Course Pass Ratings

WaveRating
Wave 13/10
Wave 27/10
Wave 310/10
Wave 49/10
Wave 59/10
Wave 610/10

The Booster Course Pass added 48 new tracks in waves. Each wave brings eight new tracks for more excitement. This feature made racing even better with more varied tracks.

Players love the new tracks from the Booster Course Pass. They’ve rated each wave, with Wave 3 getting a perfect score. This shows how much fans enjoyed those tracks. Overall, the Course Pass greatly increased the game’s track selection.

Smart Steering and 200cc Time Trials

Mario Kart 8 Deluxe helps players at all levels with its many features. Smart Steering, for example, is great for those just starting. It keeps you on the track and away from obstacles. This makes racing easier for newbies, letting them have fun without the stress of getting off course.

Want a more exciting challenge? Try the 200cc mode in Mario Kart 8 Deluxe. It’s super fast and hard, even for skilled players. You can race against your own times or challenge friends. The 200cc mode makes every race thrilling and tough, testing your skills to the limit.

In Time Trials, you race against the clock to set the best lap times. You can also do this in the 200cc mode. It’s a test of how well you know the tracks, demanding precision and a keen eye for the best racing paths. Time Trials are all about being the fastest by cutting down your lap times.

Mario Kart 8 Deluxe has something for everyone. Whether you need a bit of help or want a fast-paced challenge, it’s here. Every player, from beginners to experts, can find their thrill in this game.

Key FeaturesScoreSignificance
Smart Steering and Auto Accelerate+22
200cc Support+12

Multiplayer Racing Options

Mario Kart 8 Deluxe shines with its many multiplayer choices. It lets friends race together in the same room or over the internet. Whether close by or miles apart, the game matches the fun you’re looking for.

Local Wireless Multiplayer

Up to eight friends can play together on their Switch consoles via local wireless. All you need to do is connect them. Then, get set for a thrilling race experience with your pals. It’s a great way to enjoy some friendly rivalry and display your racing reflexes.

Online Multiplayer

For those wanting to play with a bigger crowd, the online mode supports up to 12 players. Race against global competitors and push your racing limits. As you speed through courses, aiming to beat the rest, the thrill of winning is unmatched.

With a Nintendo Switch Online subscription, you open up more avenues. Voice chat and secure saving of your game data become available to you. This keeps you connected, helping you plan strategies with your friends and safeguard your progress.

Enjoy either local wireless fun or the competitive spirit of online challenges in Mario Kart 8 Deluxe. It promises hours of joy for everyone involved. Just call your friends, start your engines, and dive into the exhilarating world of Mario Kart. Go for victory together!

Multiplayer FeatureNumber of PlayersMode
Local Wireless MultiplayerUp to 8 playersRacing
Online MultiplayerUp to 12 playersRacing

Power-Ups and Kart Customization

In Mario Kart 8 Deluxe, using power-ups smartly is key to winning races. There are 23 different items to help you edge out your competition. You can use a red shell to hit the driver in front or a mushroom for a quick speed increase. These power-ups add a layer of fun and strategy to the game.

Mario Kart 8 Deluxe lets you build your own kart. You can choose from many parts and accessories to fit your style. For example, for more speed, use a fast engine and sleek body. Or if you want balance, mix parts to adapt your kart to any track.

Customization Options

The game allows endless customization for your kart. Here’s a glimpse of what you can do:

  • Kart Bodies: Pick from different bodies, like light for speed or heavy for better control.
  • Tires: Change your tires to match the ground. Choose racing tires for speed or off-road for grip.
  • Gliders: Gliders help you fly, opening up new shortcuts on certain tracks.

Now, you can hold two items. This lets you stack effects for better tactics. For example, hit a rival with a red shell, then use a mushroom to zoom by. It adds more depth and fun to your strategy.

Power-UpsKart Customization Options
  • Mushroom
  • Red Shell
  • Bob-omb
  • Blue Shell
  • Bullet Bill
  • Kart Bodies
  • Tires
  • Gliders
  • Golden Mushroom
  • Lightning
  • Triple Green Shells
  • Star
  • Banana Peel
  • Engines
  • Exhausts
  • Decals

There are many ways to make your race exciting. Whether you love power-ups or customizing, Mario Kart 8 Deluxe has something for you. So, get ready to race with your own made kart and power-ups. It’s time to hit the tracks!

Bigger and Better Battle Mode

The Mario Kart 8 Deluxe’s battle mode is now more fun with new battle arenas. This update makes the game larger and more exciting. There are five types of battles, each with different goals.

Balloon Battle

In Balloon Battle, your goal is to pop your opponents’ balloons. This game is about being precise and clever. You must outsmart and outplay others to win.

Bob-omb Blast

Bob-omb Blast is all about using Bob-ombs to burst opponent’s balloons. This mode is chaotic and demands good timing and aiming. You have to strategize to beat your rivals.

Renegade Roundup

In Renegade Roundup, players are either cops or robbers. The cops catch the robbers with Piranha Plants. Robbers must avoid being caught until time runs out. It’s a fun cops and robbers game in Mario Kart.

Coin Runners

Coin Runners is about collecting as many coins as you can in a time limit. It’s a race against time and other players. Strategy and quick thinking help you win this game.

Shine Thief

In Shine Thief, you grab the Shine Sprite and keep it for 20 seconds. This game is intense as you try to steal and keep the Shine Sprite from others. You also have to dodge attacks. It’s a frantic and fun challenge.

These modes offer many different challenges and keep the game fun and competitive. You can play with friends near you or online. Enjoy the battle!

Bigger and Better Battle Mode

Battle ArenasRanking
Battle StadiumEighth
Sweet Sweet KingdomSeventh
Dragon PalaceSixth
Lunar ColonyFifth
3DS Wuhu TownFourth
GCN Luigi’s MansionThird
SNES Battle Course 1Second
Urchin UnderpassFavorite

Available Game Versions and DLC

In Mario Kart 8 Deluxe, players can pick either a digital or physical version. The digital version is quick to download onto the Nintendo Switch. The physical version, however, is a cartridge for collectors to add to their shelves.

Players can also buy extra content through DLC, called the Booster Course Pass. This DLC brings new courses for even more fun and racing action.

This pass is available alone or with the main game in a bundle. It’s a cool way to get more out of the game and find new racing thrills.

If players love expanding their game worlds, they’ll enjoy the Booster Course Pass. It opens up new challenges and keeps the Mario Kart 8 Deluxe experience full of fun surprises.

Game EditionPrice
Digital Edition$59.99 USD / $79.99 CAD
Physical Edition$84.98 USD / $112.98 CAD
Booster Course Pass (DLC)$24.99 USD / $32.99 CAD

If players don’t have the Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack, they can subscribe. This gives them access to more courses and game content.

Booster Course Pass Waves

The Booster Course Pass introduces new content in waves. For example, Wave 4 brought the Fruit Cup and Boomerang Cup to the game on Mar 9, 2023. Earlier, on Dec 10, 2022, the game saw the Moon Cup and Rock Cup additions, offering varied and challenging gameplay.

Another exciting update was the Booster Pass Wave 2 DLC Graphic Comparison. This update featured old favorite maps. Players were excited to see these refreshed tracks and enjoy racing them. Wave 2 also included Mushroom Gorge and Snow Land, among others.

Nintendo Switch Online Membership Benefits

Upgrade your gaming with a Nintendo Switch Online membership. This service makes your Mario Kart 8 Deluxe and other games better.

One highlight is the online play. Race with friends worldwide in Mario Kart 8 Deluxe. Prove you’re the best out there.

Another great feature is the Save Data Cloud. It lets you save your game progress safely. So, you won’t lose your achievements or items.

Members also get classic games. Play NES, Super NES, and Game Boy games with new online features. Enjoy games like Super Mario Bros. with friends from everywhere.

Membership Options

There are different memberships to fit your needs. An individual plan gives online play and classic games.

The Family Membership is great for groups. Up to eight people can share it for better value. It gives the same features, like online play, to everyone.

Special Offers and Exclusive Discounts

Members get special discounts on game controllers and more. You’ll also find exclusive free games, like F-ZERO™ and Tetris® 99, to download.

Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack

Upgrade to the + Expansion Pack for more games. It includes Nintendo 64 and SEGA Genesis games to play online. Enjoy classics like Mario Kart 64 and many more.

With the Expansion Pack, you’ll also get special game packs for free. Enjoy extras for games like Animal Crossing and Mario Kart. It’s a great way to enhance your gaming experience.

Additional Perks and Rewards

As a member, you can trade points for exclusive items. You can customize your Switch’s menu and get rewards by completing missions. It adds fun and uniqueness to your Switch.

Join Nintendo Switch Online for a better gaming experience. Enjoy Mario Kart 8 Deluxe, classic games, online features, and safe game saving. It opens up new worlds of gaming just for you.

Reviews and Overview

Mario Kart 8 Deluxe for the Nintendo Switch has won over fans and critics. It’s known for its amazing looks and new Battle mode. IGN calls it a top pick for Switch players.

“Mario Kart 8 Deluxe offers a polished and definitive racing experience on the Nintendo Switch.” – IGN

The game shines in multiplayer, handling up to two players at a slick 60 frames per second. Even with more players, it’s still smooth at 30 frames per second. You can play as new faces like Link and the Inklings, as well as use Mercedes karts.

Launched in 2017, Mario Kart 8 Deluxe was quick to be seen as the best version. It adds a neat manual drift feature for better control and speed. Plus, DLC tracks mix up gameplay with both old and new themes.

With 48 tracks and 42 racers, including Bowser Jr. and the Inklings, the game kicks off at full throttle. This includes all modes and characters from the start. So, you can jump right into the racing fun.

The battle mode has been overhauled, offering five new modes and eight different battlegrounds. Options like Balloon Battle and Bob-omb Blast bring fresh ways to play with friends.

Renegade Roundup is a highlight, where one team tries to catch the other in a lively game of cops and robbers. This brings a fun change to the usual racing.

Online, you can race against AI opponents. But, some fans wish for more online features, like better ways to talk to friends. And inviting people to matches isn’t as easy.

In a nutshell, Mario Kart 8 Deluxe is a hit, with amazing graphics, new play options, and many tracks and characters. IGN’s positive review cements its status as a top racer for the Switch.

Conclusion

Mario Kart 8 Deluxe is a thrilling racing game. It has lots of tracks to choose from. You can play with friends in many ways. The game lets you customize your experience.

In each race, making the right moves is key. You can use items to help yourself or slow others down. This makes the races full of surprises. Players have to think and act fast to win.

‘Duels’ are a special part of the game. They test your quick thinking and bravery. Deciding when to use items is critical. It can make you a champ or lead to your defeat.

When you play online, tracks are picked randomly. This removes any cheating in picking favorite tracks. It makes the game fair for all. It’s better than voting, which some might do dishonestly.

Mario Kart 8 Deluxe is loved for its look and play. Many tracks and ways to have fun make it a hit. It scores 85/100 in reviews. This game is part of the famous Super Mario Kart family. It brings joy to those with a Nintendo Switch.

FAQ

What is Mario Kart 8 Deluxe?

Mario Kart 8 Deluxe is a fun racing game for the Nintendo Switch. It lets players race against each other. You can choose your kart, use power-ups, and pick from many tracks to race on.

How many tracks are there in Mario Kart 8 Deluxe?

There are 48 tracks in Mario Kart 8 Deluxe. These include tracks from popular Nintendo games like Excite Bike™ and Legend of Zelda™. The tracks are grouped into different cups, such as the Mushroom Cup.

Are there different game modes in Mario Kart 8 Deluxe?

Yes, there are various modes. You can race in Grand Prix mode or play against friends in modes like VS Race and Battle. There’s something for everyone to enjoy.

Are there any special features for beginners?

Yes, the game has smart steering for new players. This helps them stay in the race without crashing. For those looking for a real challenge, 200cc mode is super fast-paced.

Can I play Mario Kart 8 Deluxe with my friends?

Absolutely! Up to eight friends can play together using the local wireless feature. You can also race against friends online, with support for up to 12 players.

Can I customize my kart in Mario Kart 8 Deluxe?

Yes, you can make your own kart. Choose from various parts and accessories to stand out on the track.

What are the different battle modes in Mario Kart 8 Deluxe?

There are five battle modes. They include classics like Balloon Battle and new favorites like Shine Thief. Each one is full of excitement and competition.

Are there different versions of Mario Kart 8 Deluxe available?

Yes, the game comes in digital and physical editions. You can also get the Booster Course Pass DLC for extra tracks. It all adds to the fun.

What are the benefits of a Nintendo Switch Online membership for Mario Kart 8 Deluxe?

With a membership, you can race online in Mario Kart 8 Deluxe. You also get cloud backup for safety and access to NES™ games. There are more perks for members.

What do the reviews say about Mario Kart 8 Deluxe?

Critics love Mario Kart 8 Deluxe for its beautiful design and fun gameplay. They praise the Battle mode and many tracks. Sites like IGN say it’s a must for Switch owners.

Is Mario Kart 8 Deluxe a must-have game for Nintendo Switch owners?

Definitely. It’s loved for its action-packed races, many tracks, and options to play with friends. It brings a lot of joy to Nintendo Switch owners.

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