A racing package that works at every skill level
Mario Kart 8 Deluxe is immediate enough for a first race, yet its drifting, shortcuts, vehicle setups, and item timing leave room to improve. Smart Steering can help newer drivers stay on the course, while experienced players can focus on tighter lines and advanced boost timing. The base game brings together 48 courses drawn from the original Mario Kart 8 release and its included Wii U-era add-on content. Each cup changes the rhythm with underwater routes, gliding sections, anti-gravity turns, and recognizable locations from across Nintendo's game worlds.
Items and Battle Mode keep every session lively
Racers can hold two items at once, creating more decisions about defense, timing, and when to commit to an attack. Boo and the Feather return, with the Feather reserved for Battle Mode. The revised Battle Mode uses dedicated arenas rather than repurposed race tracks, so Balloon Battle and the other rule sets feel built for close competition. Inkling Girl and Inkling Boy join the character roster alongside their Splatoon-inspired vehicles and Urchin Underpass arena. These additions give the Deluxe edition its own identity even for players familiar with Mario Kart 8 on Wii U.
Play together on one system or take the race online
On one Nintendo Switch system, Mario Kart 8 Deluxe supports one to four players in TV or tabletop play. Local wireless supports two to eight players across systems, and online play supports two to twelve; additional systems, games, accounts, and Nintendo Switch Online membership can be required for those modes. Handheld mode keeps the full racing package portable, and the game supports several control approaches for different players. The standard physical US edition comes as a Nintendo Switch game card. The separate Booster Course Pass is downloadable content and is not part of the base physical game.
Product facts
| Platform | Nintendo Switch |
|---|---|
| Edition | Standard physical US edition |
| Genre | Kart racing / party racing |
| Players on one system | 1 to 4 |
| Local wireless | 2 to 8 players across systems |
| Online play | 2 to 12 players; Nintendo Switch Online required |
| ESRB | Everyone |
| Original release date | April 28, 2017 |
Questions about this product
Is this a physical Nintendo Switch game?
Yes. This is the standard physical US edition of Mario Kart 8 Deluxe for Nintendo Switch.
How many people can play on one Switch?
Nintendo lists support for one to four players on one system in TV or tabletop mode.
Does Mario Kart 8 Deluxe support online racing?
Yes. Nintendo lists online play for two to twelve players. Internet access, Nintendo Accounts, and Nintendo Switch Online membership are required.
Is the Booster Course Pass included?
No. This is the standard base-game physical edition; the Booster Course Pass is separate downloadable content unless a specific bundle says otherwise.
Can it be played in handheld mode?
Yes. Nintendo lists TV, tabletop, and handheld play modes for Mario Kart 8 Deluxe.