Mario Kart 8 Deluxe

Facts

Release: game · 2026-09-07 · 2026-09-07
Noted: Switch 2 version reaches 4K in docked mode, cuts course load times from 9.33 seconds to 3.50 seconds, and adds eight-player versus play. · 2026-09-07
Noted: received a free update on September 2, 2026 · 2026-09-02
Noted: update version 4.0.0 is the first since May 2025 · 2026-09-02
Noted: supports up to 8-player split screen on Switch 2 · 2026-09-02
Noted: supports camera play with USB camera · 2026-09-02
Noted: players' faces appear above characters during races · 2026-09-02
Noted: supports Switch 2's display and high-resolution televisions · 2026-09-02
Noted: shortens load times for races and battles · 2026-09-02
Noted: race speed faster by equivalent of one coin · 2026-09-02
Noted: Boo item no longer slows player on dirt · 2026-09-02
Noted: Booster Course Pass owners can select 96 races · 2026-09-02
Noted: Nintendo released update Ver.4.0.0 for Mario Kart 8 Deluxe on September 2. · 2026-09-02
Noted: On Switch 2, the racer supports clearer display on the internal screen and high-resolution TVs · 2026-09-02
Noted: up to 8 players on one console with enough controllers · 2026-09-02
Noted: camera play via USB camera · 2026-09-02
Noted: Load times before races and battles are shorter. · 2026-09-02
Noted: Race speed is up by one coin's worth · 2026-09-02
Noted: Boo no longer slows on dirt while transparent · 2026-09-02
Noted: Booster Course Pass owners can select 96 races in VS mode. · 2026-09-02

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All coverage

2d ago

Switch 2 Mario Kart 8 Deluxe Runs at 4K, Slashes Load Times to 3.5 Seconds

A graphics comparison video from ElAnalistaDeBits shows how Mario Kart 8 Deluxe performs on Nintendo Switch versus Switch 2 after the recent compatibility update. The Switch 2 version reaches 4K in docked mode, cuts course load times from 9.33 seconds to 3.50 seconds, and adds eight-player versus play. Frame rates stay at 60fps for two-player matches on both consoles.

Sep 2

Mario Kart 8 Deluxe Gets Free Switch 2 Update with 8-Player Split Screen

Nintendo distributed a free update for Mario Kart 8 Deluxe on September 2, 2026, adding features that use the Nintendo Switch 2's performance. Update version 4.0.0 is the first since May 2025, a gap of about one year and four months. When played on Switch 2, the game now supports up to 8-player split screen on a single console, provided each player has a controller. Camera play is also supported, using a separately sold USB camera such as the Nintendo Switch 2 Camera. Players' faces appear above their characters during races, showing who is nearby and who overtook them, and the feature works with game chat. The update also supports the Switch 2's display and high-resolution televisions, and shortens load times for races and battles. Balance changes make race speed faster by the equivalent of one coin, and using the Boo item to become transparent no longer slows the player on dirt. Owners of the Booster Course Pass can now select 96 races in VS Race rule settings.

Sep 2

Mario Kart 8 Deluxe Update Adds 8-Player Local Play on Switch 2

Nintendo released update Ver.4.0.0 for Mario Kart 8 Deluxe on September 2. On Switch 2, the racer supports clearer display on the internal screen and high-resolution TVs, up to 8 players on one console with enough controllers, and camera play via USB camera. Load times before races and battles are shorter. Race speed is up by one coin's worth, and Boo no longer slows on dirt while transparent. Booster Course Pass owners can select 96 races in VS mode.