What’s actually new in Mario Kart 8 Deluxe?

Mario Kart has been around since the Super Nintendo era of 1992. There has been a lot of iterations since then. And with the last gen Wii U console some people can’t discern the difference anymore between the different versions. If you had Mario Kart 8 back in 2014 for the Wii U then why would you want to buy the Mario Kart 8 Deluxe for the Nintendo Switch? I have had quite a few friends ask this, that’s why I’ve decided to talk about it. Besides it looking gorgeous on the Nintendo Switch below is a list of differences you may not have known have been added to Mario Kart 8 Deluxe.

First Mario Kart 8 Deluxe has improved graphics over the Wii U version. All the maps are also unlocked at the start of the game so you can play whatever level you’d like. You still have the ability to unlock vehicles, wheels and gliders throughout the game.

New Characters

  • Bowser Jr. (Mario series)
  • Dry Bones (Mario series)
  • Gold Mario (Mario series)
  • Inkling Boy (Splatoon)
  • Inkling Girl (Splatoon)
  • King Boo (Mario series)

One of the other noticeable differences is the addition of even more characters to play as. There are now a total of 42 characters included, joining the roster this time is Inkling Boy and Girl from the Nintendo shooter Splatoon. Other new characters include King Boo, Dry Bones and Bowser Jr.

Battle Mode and New Tracks

  • Nintendo added the 200cc races, which are very fast paced.
  • New revamped Battle Mode which include:
    • Renegade Roundup – Where you try and capture your opponents and your team tries to free you.
    • Bob-omb Blast returns from Mario Kart: Double Dash, blast your opponents with only bombs. Bombs stack on pickup.
    • Coin Runners from Mario Kart Wii sees players collect coins scattered across the course, collect them while battling.
    • Shine Thief – Allows players to steal the shine sprite and hold onto it for 20 seconds.

New Items

  • Boo makes his way back giving players the ability to steal items from other players
  • You can now hold up to two battle items
  • The feather returns to Battle Mode so players can jump over obstacles and vehicles
  • Power slide boost ability has been enhanced with a third level of speed boost, which will help in 200cc courses

New Vehicles

  • Three all new vehicles have been added. Two are inspired by Splatoon.

In my opinion, it’s worth the purchase. Having Mario Kart 8 Deluxe on the go is great, plus the improved graphics, unlocked maps and new modes/characters its a refreshed version of the game. If you still have a Wii U with Mario Kart 8 and all the DLC content purchased and you don’t have a Switch, then maybe this isn’t for you. However, if you’re wondering if its worth it to own besides Zelda: Breath of the Wild on the Nintendo Switch, the answer is yes.

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getamikeON
Author: getamikeON View all posts by
Managing Partner/Editor-in-chief and owner of GameGravy & NintendoFever – Mike spends most of his time working with the top brands in the Game industry & Advertising. Fun Factoid: he is also a musician and song writer. Google+ Author