Mario Kart World was the Switch 2’s big launch title, finally providing a sequel to the biggest Mario Kart game of all time. However, today Nintendo updated Mario Kart 8 Deluxe, originally released in 2017, enhancing its Switch 2 support with some added features. It’s a surprising move, as one might assume Nintendo would have fully moved on to the newer game, but 8 Deluxe is the best-selling Switch game of all time, and many still prefer it to World, so it’s a welcome improvement.
The most impactful change for most is the addition of more players to local multiplayer. Previously, the mode was capped at four racers, but now it supports up to eight. It makes for a cramped screen, but it’s nice to have the option. It’s also worth noting that you can only connect seven Switch 1 controllers to a Switch 2, so at least one of the eight controllers has to be a Switch 2 Pro Controller or Joy-Con 2.
The Switch 2 version of the game will now have shorter load times and higher resolution as well, on both the Switch 2 display and connected TVs. And for all you fans of CameraPlay (I’ve never met you, but I’m sure you exist), you can now use a USB camera in Online Play and local Multiplayer. That said, the latter is capped at 4 players – you can’t have eight players with cameras.
There are also some minor updates that also apply to the Switch 1 version of the game. All player speeds have been increased “by the equivalent of one coin,” the Boo power-up will now make you immune to slowing down, even when offroading, and players with the Booster Course DLC can now do VS Races with up to 96 courses.
The update is available now, and you can read the full patch notes here. It’s nearly a decade old now, but check out our review for Mario Kart 8 Deluxe – the game is even better now than it was back then. Afterwards, you can, read our review for Mario Kart World.
