Mario Kart 8 Deluxe Preview
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Target Commercial
Updated 4/28/17
Accolades Trailer (US & UK)
Updated 4/28/17
What’s New Trailer
Updated 4/18/17
Biggest Mario Kart Game Yet Trailer
Updated 4/11/17
Souped-Up Commercial
Updated 3/31/17
Overview Trailer & Press Release
Updated 3/10/17
3-2-1 … GO! The definitive version of Mario Kart 8 is coming to the Nintendo Switch console on April 28 with new features, new characters, new karts, new modes and enhanced visuals. The Mario Kart 8 Deluxe game contains every character, track and kart from the Wii U version – including all the previously released DLC – with the addition of even more content. Even previous owners of Mario Kart 8 will find fun new surprises around every hairpin turn while playing Mario Kart 8 Deluxe. And with the portability of Nintendo Switch, for the first time ever, players can take the game’s anti-gravity action anywhere they go!
Mario Kart 8 Deluxe is overflowing with new content. The five new characters (Inkling Girl, Inkling Boy, King Boo, Dry Bones and Bowser Jr.) bring the total number of racers to 42, a record for the beloved series. New karts inspired by Splatoon, the ability to hold two items at once, returning items like the item-stealing Boo and jumping Feather, a new Smart Steering control option, and even more awesome features truly make this the definitive version of an already classic game.
One of the most robust new features in Mario Kart 8 Deluxe is the addition of a revamped Battle mode that can be played both locally and online*. The multiplayer Battle modes in Mario Kart 8 Deluxe offer a variety of fun options across eight colorful and well-designed Battle courses.
- Renegade Roundup: Making its debut in Mario Kart 8 Deluxe, this new mode has one team trying to capture the other and put them into jail before time runs out. The opposing team must try to escape and can break their own teammates out of prison by pressing a button under the jail cell.
- Balloon Battle: In this oldie but goodie, players earn points by popping balloons on the back of their opponents’ karts.
- Bob-omb Blast: Originally seen in the Mario Kart: Double Dash!! game, this mode finds players throwing a barrage of Bob-ombs at opponents.
- Coin Runners: By racing across the Battle course, players try to collect the most coins as possible in this fast and frenetic mode introduced in Mario Kart Wii.
- Shine Thief: Steal the coveted Shine Sprite and try to hold onto it for a 20 count in this classic multiplayer Battle mode.
The multiplayer options in Mario Kart 8 Deluxe are as plentiful and diverse as the colors in Rainbow Road. Traditional split-screen returns with up to four players (additional accessories are required and are sold separately) by docking the Nintendo Switch system, but players can also undock the system, detach the Joy-Con controllers and use them horizontally to play anywhere comfortably with two players. In addition, races can be played online or hosted in LAN multiplayer sessions with up to 12 players (additional games and systems are required). Two players can even share one Nintendo Switch system when experiencing LAN play. Playing with friends and family members has never been this easy and accessible.
Mario Kart 8 Deluxe launches in stores and Nintendo eShop on Nintendo Switch on April 28 at a suggested retail price of $59.99. When Mario Kart 8 Deluxe launches on April 28, Nintendo will also release the Joy-Con Wheel accessory at a suggested retail price of $14.99 for a set of two. For more information about the game, visit http://mariokart8.nintendo.com/.
*Online services require a Nintendo Account. Starting in fall 2017, some online services will also require a paid subscription. Online service availability, including online gameplay limited based on location.
[Updated on 2/7/17 – Japanese Commercial]:
[Updated on 2/6/17 – UK Commercial]:
[Updated 1/26/17 – Play Anytime, Anywhere Commercial (UK)]:
[Updated 1/15/17 – Japanese Event Footage]:
[Updated 1/15/17 – Treehouse Live Gameplay Footage]:
[Original Preview]:
Mario Kart 8 was, and continues to be, one of the best games for the Wii U. It’s about to become even better on the Nintendo Switch with Mario Kart 8 Deluxe. This souped-up definitive version adds more content, better graphics, and more ways to play.
Mario Kart 8 Deluxe includes every track and character from the Wii U version, including the expansion packs that were sold separately. In addition you get brand new characters, such as Inkling Girl & Boy from Splatoon, King Bo, Dry Bones, and Bowser Jr. Three new vehicles have been added and you can now carry two items, just like in Mario Kart: Double Dash on the GameCube.
Longtime fans of the series will remember two special items: the Feather and the Boo power-ups. These are both making a return so now you’ll be able to jump over obstacles (and even some walls!) with the Feather. Or, you can disappear for a short time while stealing someone else’s item in reserve with Boo.
One of the only criticisms of the original Mario Kart 8 was its horrible Battle Mode. Good news! It’s been revamped for Mario Kart 8 Deluxe and will be familiar to those who loved it in past games. Both Balloon Battle and Bob-Omb Blast make a return and players can battle on new course, such as Urchin Underpass (from Splatoon) and Battle Stadium. Two classic battle maps return with Luigi’s Mansion and the Super NES Battle Course 1.
With the Switch’s increased horsepower, the entire game is now presented in 1080p when played on the TV, even when playing 4-player multiplayer split screen. The graphics already impressed on the Wii U, so it’s nice to see some more improvements here.
Of course Mario Kart 8 Deluxe can be played online, just like the original. Up to 12 players can race in a match. Up to 4 players can race on a single TV and up to 8 players can take part via local wireless. Because of the Switch’s versatility and unique control setup, there are multiple ways to achieve this. For example, each person could have his or her own Switch and have the full screen to themselves. Or two people can share the Switch screen and go up against another pair of players. Now, anywhere you go, no matter where you are, you can enjoy multiplayer Mario Kart.
Mario Kart 8 Deluxe will arrive on Nintendo Switch on April 28, 2017. I know I’m definitely double dipping on this one.
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.!
FEATURES:
Race your friends in the definitive version of Mario Kart 8, only on Nintendo Switch!
Race as every character on every track from the Wii U version, including DLC characters and tracks.
Pop some balloons in the revamped Battle mode, complete with Balloon Battle and Bob-omb Blast.
Battle on new courses, like Urchin Underpass and Battle Stadium, or returning ones, such as GCN Luigi’s Mansion and SNES Battle Course 1.
Inkling Girl & Inkling Boy from Splatoon, King Boo, Dry Bones, and Bowser Jr. join the roster!
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.
Three new vehicles have been added, two are even inspired by Splatoon
Carry two items at the same time.
Returning items include Boo, the item stealing ghost, and the Feather, which gives you a high jump in battle mode.
Play your friends in local wireless multiplayer with up to 8 players.
Drive through in 1080p HD quality in TV mode.
Play on the go with handheld mode and play anytime, anywhere.
Craig has been covering the video game industry since 1995. His work has been published across a wide spectrum of media sites. He’s currently the Editor-In-Chief of Nintendo Times and contributes to Gaming Age.
