Mario Kart 8 Deluxe For Nintendo Switch

Mario Kart 8 Deluxe for Nintendo Switch

Mario Kart has been around way longer than MUReview has been a site, and way way longer than the litlgeeks have even been alive.  It’s something many of us grew up with, and many of us have had the benefit of being able to watch the Mario Kart platform grow and mature.  I for one thought it couldn’t get any better than Mario Kart Double Dash, and it’s really cool that I’ve been proven wrong many times since then.  The most recent release of Mario Kart though, Mario Kart 8 Deluxe for Nintendo Switch, it is without question the pinnacle of the Mario Kart experience.  While it’s amazing for all ages, you can watch the video to see what the kids think.  You can keep scrolling to see some neat new features and a little bit of what the big kids think!  Thank you so very much Nintendo for sending us a download code for the review copy!  

The Good and the New

  • The graphics in Mario Kart 8 Deluxe are run away the best the series has ever seen.  It’s stunning in 1080P when playing it docked on in the Switch base.  
  • Controls are intuitive, and while you might think big hands might not be super comfortable on single side Joy-Con, you’ll be pleasantly surprised at how easy it is to hold the controller and have great fine control over your kart.  
  • There is so much more to love here.  48 tracks, 41 racers, brand new Splatoon racers.  Amiibo can play too!  There is just no shortage of racer, track, or kart customization opportunity.  
  • “But I played Mario Kart 8 on Wii U already”.
    • Nope.
    • You are just being silly.
    • If you bought a Switch this is a must own game.
    • If you didn’t buy a Switch, this game is so good, that even if you don’t own a Switch, AND you played the ever loving bananas out of Mario Kart 8 on Wii U, both Switch and 8 deluxe purchase is wholly justified.  
  • Not demonstrated in the video because we really wanted to give you the pretty screen experience, and trying to properly light a room during the day with a hand held console is actually really really hard… but playing Kart 8 Deluxe on the Switch in kick stand or hand held mode is fun, intuitive and brings play to a more personal level.  It feels incredible, plays incredible.  
  • MK8D adds some wonderful gameplay elements too! Double Item boxes?  Yes Please! (and yes, you can carry two items at once!)
  • Battlemode has some changes, players start with 5 balloons instead of 8, and the leader wears a crown!  The point system is a little different, more fun now, and players can respawn and keep the party going!
  • Battlemode has one new race mode, Renedage Roundup, think Karts and Robbers.
  • MK8D adds 6 new characters, 2 brand new to the series, and the best part, all the DLC from Wii U 8 (with limited exception) is available the second you turn on the game!
  • But if everything is unlocked, what do you unlock?  Well, Gold Mario for one thing, is an unlock.  Vehicle parts too!
  • For little racers, Mario Kart adds auto acceleration and smart steering, both are off by default.  I kind of wish this was in 7 and 8 when the litlgeeks were younger and spent hours wall riding!

The Bad

  • Seriously? Are you kidding?  If you are reading this it’s because you don’t have Mario Kart 8 Deluxe for the Switch yet.  That is the only bad thing, and it’s a problem you can solve now!  (See Availability).
  • Come to think of it, there is one thing…one knock against this game that I’m really having a hard time dealing with.  I’m still not finished with Zelda Breath of the Wild yet, MK8D is going to make finishing Zelda a little bit tricky because at some point I’ll have to stop playing it!

 

The Rest

The litlgeeks are in love with Mario Kart 8 Deluxe.  I am in love with Mario Kart 8 Deluxe. It’s a wonderful single player experience, a fun 2 player experience, and a magical 4 player experience.  It’s a must own for someone who has a Switch and a definitive system seller for anyone who doesn’t.  If I may be so bold, it’s also worthwhile to add some racing wheels to seat your Joy-Cons in for even more immersive fun!

Availability

Mario Kart 8 Deluxe is available now for the Nintendo Switch.  You can go to most stores that sell video games and buy it.  You can download it directly from Nintendo on your Switch.  You can go to Amazon and buy it if that’s what you are into.  You will need a Switch to play Mario Kart 8 Deluxe…that’s a little more tricky.  Nintendo has done an outstanding job in efforts to keep up with monumental demand. I recommend you use a service like nowinstock.net to be notified when the Switch comes in stock at your favorite retailer.  You can also sign up for notifications from Amazon too.

 

How about a few screen shots for fun?

 

 

MUReview / litlgeeks received these products for free for review purposes.