Mario Kart 8 Deluxe

Mario Kart 8 Deluxe is Nintendo's enhanced version of Mario Kart 8, developed by Nintendo and released for Nintendo Switch on April 28, 2017. It incorporates the Wii U game and its downloadable content, then adds characters, courses, items, and features absent from that release, serving Switch players worldwide.

Its core roster includes Mario, Luigi, Peach, Daisy, Rosalina, Yoshi, Toad, Koopa Troopa, Shy Guy, Bowser, Donkey Kong, Wario, Waluigi, Bowser Junior, and the Koopalings, alongside crossover racers such as Link, the Villager, Isabelle, Inkling Boy, and Inkling Girl. Deluxe also restores King Boo, Dry Bones, and Bowser Jr. selectable.

Racing takes place across 48 courses, because Deluxe includes all 16 tracks from the two Mario Kart 8 downloadable course packs. It also contains the original 32 courses, bringing the total to 48. Familiar cups include Mushroom, Flower, Star, Special, Egg, Triforce, Crossing, and Bell Cups as named cup competitions.

The game's signature anti-gravity sections let karts drive on walls and ceilings, while gliding, underwater driving, and motorcycle handling return from earlier entries. Deluxe preserves Mario Kart 8's two item slots, allowing a racer to hold two items simultaneously. This changes defensive and offensive timing during races and battles substantially.

Battle Mode received a major overhaul in Deluxe. Instead of Mario Kart 8's limited battle selection, players can choose from eight arenas and five rule sets: Balloon Battle, Bob-omb Blast, Coin Runners, Renegade Roundup, and Shine Thief. It includes the returning classic Balloon Battle format with its arena rules intact.

A key addition is Smart Steering, an optional assist that helps inexperienced drivers from falling off the track. Deluxe introduces a three player option for local wireless play, and supports up to twelve players online or through a local wireless network. It also offers 200cc races from the start.

The game's roster expanded through updates and its Booster Course Pass. The pass added 48 more courses in six waves, released between 2022 and 2023. These include remastered tracks such as Coconut Mall, Ninja Hideaway, Sky High Sundae, and Wii Maple Treeway. The waves also brought characters including Birdo, Petey Piranha.

Mario Kart 8 Deluxe became one of Switch's best-selling games, passing 60 million copies worldwide by December 31, 2023, according to Nintendo's sales data. It remains distinct from a simple port because its battle redesign, expanded lineup, accessibility features, and complete course collection create the definitive Switch edition of Mario Kart 8.