Mario Kart 8 Deluxe

A character inside a go kart at the starting line of a race

What Is Mario Kart 8 Deluxe?

Mario Kart 8 Deluxe is a party racing game with dozens of tracks and a roster made up of Super Mario and Nintendo characters. Players select a character, customize their kart, and race against others around various themed tracks with the goal of being the first across the finish line.


Mario Kart 8 Deluxe is a party racing game and an enhanced port of Mario Kart 8 released for Nintendo Wii U


Furthermore, Mario Kart 8 Deluxe is an enhanced port of Mario Kart 8 for Nintendo Wii U and includes all extra content, characters, courses, and new modes released for the original version.

The game also includes new accessibility features to help inexperienced players, such as auto acceleration and smart steering (this prevents racers from falling off the track).

Mario Kart 8 Deluxe is the ultimate racing package for solo play, multiplayer shenanigans, parties, casual play, and for all ages that will remain fun for many, many hours.


Mario Kart 8 Deluxe Release Date

Mario Kart 8 Deluxe released on April 28, 2017, exclusively for Nintendo Switch. The party racing game is an enhanced, ultimate edition of Mario Kart 8 that originally released on Nintendo Wii U on May 29, 2014.


Mario Kart 8 Deluxe released on April 28, 2017, exclusively for Nintendo Switch


Developed and published by Nintendo, Mario Kart 8 Deluxe is the newest and latest main-line Mario Kart game released in the decade spanning 2012 to 2022.

The game also includes both extra content packs that released for the original game in November 2014 and April 2015 along with all free updates and game modes.


Why Mario Kart 8 Deluxe is a Bucket List Game

Mario Kart 8 Deluxe is the most content-rich Mario Kart game to date, full of courses, racers, guest racers, and a host of improvements that make this charming kart racer accessible to new and veteran players.


Mario Kart 8 Deluxe is the most content-rich Mario Kart game to date


Originally released as Mario Kart 8 on the Nintendo Wii U.

  • Large track list
  • Huge roster of racers
  • Accessibility options for all skill levels
  • Local and online multiplayer
  • Fun assortment of items
  • Very High Replay Value

What Systems Is Mario Kart 8 Deluxe On? Where Can You Play It?

Mario Kart 8 Deluxe is only available on the Nintendo Switch. And it’s playable on the entire Nintendo Switch family of consoles without issue: the original Nintendo Switch, the handheld-only Nintendo Switch Lite, and the premium Nintendo Switch OLED model all can play the ultimate kart racer.


Mario Kart 8 Deluxe is only available on the Nintendo Switch


The game can also be played in all three of Nintendo Switch’s play modes. TV, Tabletop, and Handheld play are all supported by Mario Kart 8 Deluxe.

Mario Kart 8 Deluxe is available for purchase in both digital and physical versions, and the game often comes with select Nintendo Switch systems for free during the holiday season.

For players who don’t own a Nintendo Switch, the original Mario Kart 8 can be played on the Nintendo Wii U.


What Genre Is Mario Kart 8 Deluxe?

Mario Kart 8 Deluxe is an arcade racing game with party elements that is playable by one or more people. The game includes single, multiplayer, and online modes for both causal and competitive play.


Mario Kart 8 Deluxe is an arcade racing game with party elements


Overall, Mario Kart 8 Deluxe is defined as an “arcade” genre racing game that focuses on colorful visuals, high speeds, simple mechanics, and easy controls similar to racing games found in arcades.

For contrast, simulator (sim) racing games such as Forza, GRID, and Gran Turismo have more realistic visuals, mechanics, controls, and often are much harder to learn and play.

Mario Kart 8 Deluxe is also a racing genre game, which means it focuses on the basic tenets of the genre: driving a kart around a course by accelerating, breaking, and steering.

mario kart 8 deluxe screenshot of mode select
Image: Nintendo

Lastly, Mario Kart 8 Deluxe has party elements that make it great for more than one player. The game includes many great features that make it customizable and fun for party play:

  • 4 player local cooperative play on the same Nintendo Switch system in the same room
  • accessibility features to allow inexperienced and experienced players to play together
  • various difficulty modes
  • a host of items that change the outcome of a race
  • compatibility with a host of Nintendo Switch controllers
  • and customizable button and motion controls

How Long Does It Take To Beat Mario Kart 8 Deluxe?

mario kart 8 deluxe screenshot of kart select
Image: Nintendo

Overall, Mario Kart 8 Deluxe requires 6 to 10 hours on average to complete. Rushed playthroughs can be completed in 4 hours or less, while completionists (those who want to finish everything) can take 45 to 100 hours or more.


Mario Kart 8 deluxe takes 6 to 10 hours on average to complete


Mario Kart 8 Deluxe Average Completion Time

  • 6 to 10 hours

Mario Kart 8 Deluxe Completionist Play Time

  • 45 to 100+ hours

Mario Kart 8 Deluxe encourages more play time by providing dozens of courses, multiple cups, 4 difficulty settings, and endless multiplayer options.

It will take many hours to race around every course and collect a gold trophy for each.

And playing with friends or others online can take up hundreds of hours as well.

No matter how you play, Mario Kart 8 Deluxe provides value and considerable amount of playtime for those who enjoy kart racing.


Read Mario Kart 8 Deluxe Articles

mario kart 8 deluxe screenshot or racer at start line
Image: Nintendo

Read informative Mario Kart 8 Deluxe articles on Bucket List Games.


Official Mario Kart 8 Deluxe Game Details

mario kart 8 deluxe screenshot of racer passing finish line
Image: Nintendo

Synopsis:

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.

Read Mario Kart 8 Deluxe full game description on Nintendo’s website


 
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