Mario Kart 8 Deluxe

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Revision as of 11:50, December 25, 2021 by 174.203.107.55 (talk) (→‎References to other games: Stuff about references to original MK8 completely unnecessary.)
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This article is about the Nintendo Switch port of the Mario Kart 8 game. For the game's original version, see Mario Kart 8.

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Mario Kart 8 Deluxe is a racing game for the Nintendo Switch, and the first Mario game overall for the console. It is a port in the Mario Kart series, being a port of Mario Kart 8 from the Wii U. It has additional features such as several new characters and features more options for Battle Mode. First teased in the Switch's announcement video on October 20, 2016, the game was formally announced as part of the Nintendo Switch presentation on January 13, 2017.

Controls

Dual Joy-Con / Pro Controller

  • leftstick or left/right or tilt: Steer
  • A or rightstick up or Y or auto-accelerate: Accelerate / Rocket Start (press and hold when the countdown hits 2)
  • B or rightstick down: Brake/reverse
  • L/ZL: Use horn/item
  • R/ZR: Hop/drift/trick
  • leftstick or left/right or tilt + A or rightstick up or Y or auto-accelerate + R/ZR: Drift
  • X: Rear view

GameCube Controller

  • Control Stick: Steer
  • A Button or C Stick up or Y Button or auto-accelerate: Accelerate / Rocket Start (press and hold when the countdown hits 2)
  • B Button or C Stick down: Brake/Reverse
  • L Button: Use horn/item
  • R Button or Z Button: Hop/drift/trick
  • X Button: Rear view

Joy-Con (sideways)

  • Stick or tilt: Steer
  • jc-right or jc-left or auto-accelerate: Accelerate / Rocket Start (press and hold when the countdown hits 2)
  • jc-bottom: Brake/reverse
  • SL: Use horn/item
  • SR: Hop/drift/trick
  • Stick or tilt + jc-right or jc-left or auto-accelerate + SR: Drift
  • jc-top: Rear view

Toy-Con Motorbike

  • Tilt: Steer
  • joy-con-r forward tilt or auto-accelerate: Accelerate / Rocket Start (press and hold when the countdown hits 2)
  • A: Brake / reverse
  • ZL: Use horn/item
  • R: Hop / trick
  • Tilt + joy-con-r forward tilt or auto-accelerate + R: Drift
  • left: Switch view

Toy-Con Car

  • Tilt: Steer
  • Pedal half press or auto-accelerate: Accelerate / Rocket Start (press and hold when the countdown hits 2)
  • R: Use horn/item
  • Pedal full press: Hop / trick
  • Tilt + pedal full press: Drift
  • X: Switch view

Differences from the original

The Smart Steering feature of Mario Kart 8 Deluxe.
Mario driving with smart-steering activated, indicated by the antenna at the back of the kart.

The game features most of the base and DLC content of Mario Kart 8. Content excluded includes Miiverse compatibility, stamps, and the ability to upload highlight reels on YouTube - all of which were discontinued on the Wii U version when Miiverse was terminated on November 7, 2017. Battle Mode has been significantly altered.

Characters that were originally unlockable or exclusive to downloadable content in Mario Kart 8 are available from the start in this game, marking the largest starting roster of any Mario Kart game.

Characters can now carry up to two items at once, even if they do not drag the first item, and the game features the return of the Double Item Box from Mario Kart: Double Dash!!. The game also introduces Smart Steering and auto-accelerate for beginners; the former makes driving and staying on the track easier, while the latter makes the vehicle automatically accelerate. If the Smart Steering mode is on, the player's vehicle will have an antenna sticking out of its rear end; this antenna blinks and bends when Smart Steering is activated. There is also an additional level of Mini-Turbo, called Ultra Mini-Turbo, denoted by purple (pink in the British English version) sparks that appear after the orange sparks. This new level of Mini-Turbo can only be used if Smart Steering is off.

200cc engine class for Time Trials has been added (separately recorded from the 150cc Time Trials). There are new staff ghosts for 200cc, while some of the 150cc staff ghosts have slightly different times compared to the original.

The game also features an in-game guide, directly accessible from the game's menu; this guide explains various techniques, battle mode and the functions of each item. There is also an option to change character and vehicle combinations during an online lobby without having to leave; this is done by pressing Y (jc-left when playing with a single Joy-Con) during the course selection screen of an online lobby. The game also has reduced loading times when compared to the Wii U game.

Some of the vehicle parts that are exclusive to downloadable content in Mario Kart 8 (i.e. parts included within the Mercedes-Benz × Mario Kart 8, The Legend of Zelda × Mario Kart 8, and Animal Crossing × Mario Kart 8 add-on packs) are now randomly unlocked by collecting coins during gameplay.

There are more character weight classes when compared to the Wii U game, with several returning characters having different statistics, thus resulting in fewer characters having the same stats as each other. Similarly, the statistics of some vehicle parts have been altered, and certain physics elements, such as the speed increase per stat and the acceleration tiers, have been adjusted.

Red Shells and Spiny Shells are now slower when they lock onto their target, meaning players are able to outrun them in 200cc when they have any kind of speed boost. The pathing and drifting patterns for the CPU racers have been adjusted to accommodate for the 200cc engine class.

CPU players now have a chance to obtain Triple Red Shells from item boxes. However, this primarily only happens in the Shells Only item setting.

Online lobbies have been changed in that players playing Worldwide or Regional VS Race between 1000 VR and 3000 VR will be randomized either a 100cc or 150cc race, and starting at over 3000 VR, players will now be randomized a 150cc, Mirror, or even 200cc race.

Mii characters in the original Wii U version would wear their normal outfits in online lobbies. However, in the Nintendo Switch version, they wear racing attire instead.

The game now mostly renders in native 1920x1080 resolution in TV mode (sometimes switching to native 1728x972), and always renders at native 1280x720 resolution in Tabletop and Handheld Mode, instead of the dynamic 1280x720/1152x648 rendering resolution used in the original Wii U version. Motion blur when boosting is present in LAN and online mode, and in earlier builds, it was also present in splitscreen.[1] The shadows present in the game are of higher quality in multiplayer.

If a Blooper is about to ink the player as they cross the finish line, the player will now still get inked.[2] This is unlike the Wii U version, where the Blooper or the ink disappeared instead. Characters also no longer verbally react when they are inked by a Blooper.

The course map color on the race tracks is now white instead of blue, including the maps of all three Rainbow Roads and GCN Baby Park, which originally had multiple colors. However, the battle stages have color shaded areas and lines on their maps to make it easier for players to determine where they are. The character icons on the course map are now slightly larger, more detailed, and are of a higher resolution. In a race, the first place player no longer has a crown on their mini-map icon, though they still do in battles. When a Bob-omb or Spiny Shell explodes, its explosion is now shown on the course map. When in local splitscreen multiplayer, there will only be one map in the center of the screen, rather than each player having their own copy of the map like in the Wii U version.

All courses that feature confetti flying around the start/finish line, such as Mario Circuit, now also have confetti on the ground of the course near it.[3]

When using the rearview mirror, the character will now move their eyes slightly to the left to look back, like how they do in Mario Kart Wii; however, their eyes will stay looking to the left as long as the rearview is active, rather than switching back after a second like in Mario Kart Wii.

Inkling Girl, Isabelle, and Link now appear on the loading screen.

When playing with teams, flags colored to correspond to the teams are added behind the vehicles. If Smart Steering is on, then the Smart Steering antenna serves as the pole of the flag. These flags do not appear in Balloon Battle nor Bob-omb Blast, as the color of the balloons show the teams in these modes.

During online race lobbies, the engine class for the upcoming race is now shown as the course is selected, via "100", "150", a mirrored "150" (for Mirror) or "200" icons in the bottom right of the selected course icon. This extends to online battle lobbies, which will display a yellow balloon (Balloon Battle), a potted Piranha Plant (Renegade Roundup), a Coin (Coin Runners), a Shine Sprite (Shine Thief), or a Bob-omb (Bob-omb Blast) to denote which battle mode is about to be played.

Players can now see the lap count or timer when spectating an online race or battle respectively. However, it is no longer possible to see the lap count when crossing the finish line nor the full results in multiplayer (including online lobbies) at the end of the race while watching replay videos via Mario Kart TV.

Battle Mode

Screenshot of Mario Kart 8 Deluxe.
Inkling Girl, Link, Mario, and Isabelle in Battle Stadium.

The biggest change made between Mario Kart 8 Deluxe and the original release of Mario Kart 8 is the Battle Mode. Battle Mode now returns to the arena-based battle and unlike previous games, each player starts with five balloons, as opposed to three. Another addition to Battle Mode is that the character in the lead now wears a crown, unlike in Mario Kart 8 where the crown is displayed only on the HUD map. Additionally, players now start out with zero points instead of Mario Kart 8's default three points, and their balloons do not serve as the remaining three points. Returning from Mario Kart Wii and Mario Kart 7 is the ability to respawn after all balloons are popped; this causes the player's total score to halve and the player respawns with three balloons instead of five. A new addition to this mode is the feature to tell exactly which character hit whom, which appears on the bottom of the screen. Furthermore, after getting hit, players now have about 1.5 seconds of invincibility frames, unlike in Mario Kart 8. The item options also appear to have been updated; alongside the "Frantic Items" option, which chooses rare items more frequently, a "Skilled Items" option is also available for selection, which chooses only offensive items; in this mode, powerful items appear less frequently, similar to Mario Kart Wii's "Strategic" ("Basic" in the PAL version) item option.

There are five different Battle Mode types:

  • Balloon Battle: The classic mode where players use items to pop opponents' balloons or steal them in order to score points. This mode now uses the point-based set-up seen in Mario Kart Wii, and Mario Kart 7, rather than the survival set-up of Mario Kart 8 and earlier installments prior to Mario Kart Wii.
  • Renegade Roundup: A new mode in the vein of "cops and robbers", with the racers being divided into two teams. One team, known as "The Authorities", has to use Piranha Plant items (which are permanently attached to the front of their vehicle and only serve to capture the opposing team; they do not operate like the regular item) in order to capture players from the other team, known as "The Renegades". Captured Renegades are placed into one of several jail cells floating above various points on the stage. Remaining Renegades can free their teammates by driving over a key switch placed below the jail cells. The Renegades win if at least one member is still running free when time runs out, and the Authorities win if all of the Renegades get captured. All Authority team members also temporarily lose their ability to capture after being hit by an item and Renegades receive a speed boost and temporary immunity when they are freed from the cells.
  • Bob-omb Blast: A returning mode from Mario Kart: Double Dash!!, in which players attack one another using Bob-ombs to score points and can carry up to 10 Bob-ombs. This version follows all of the same rules as Balloon Battle, the difference being that the only items are Bob-ombs.
  • Coin Runners: Originating in Mario Kart Wii, this mode was last seen in Mario Kart 7. Players must collect Coins scattered across the course in order to have the most by the end of the match. Plays more akin to the Mario Kart Wii version of the mode, with players having no limit to the amount of coins they can collect, as opposed to the 10-coin limit in the Mario Kart 7 version.
  • Shine Thief: Another returning mode from Mario Kart: Double Dash!!, one player must retrieve a Shine Sprite and keep hold of it for about 20 seconds, while the opponents use items against whoever has the Shine to force that player to drop it. The driver holding the shine sprite has a slightly reduced top speed. In Team play, one team must collectively manage to hold on to the Shine for about 30 seconds.

There is also the option to randomly select one of the five available modes by choosing "Random Battle".

Battle courses

Eight battle courses are present in Mario Kart 8 Deluxe; five new and three retro, replacing the repurposed racetracks used for Battle Mode in the Wii U version.

Similar to regular races, a course introduction scene is now added at the start.

Battle Stadium Sweet Sweet Kingdom Dragon Palace Lunar Colony
File:MK8D 3DS Wuhu Town icon.png GCN Luigi's Mansion SNES Battle Course 1 Urchin Underpass

Characters

Prior to unlocking Gold Mario.
After unlocking Gold Mario.
Character select screen at launch (top) and with Gold Mario unlocked after the Ver. 1.6.0 update (bottom)

All base and DLC characters from Mario Kart 8 are present in Mario Kart 8 Deluxe. Additionally, Mario Kart 8 Deluxe features 7 new characters not present in Mario Kart 8, 4 of whom are returning from past games in the series. New characters include additional non-Mario characters with the inclusion of Inklings from Splatoon. Players can choose either the Inkling Girl or Inkling Boy, and they include three selectable colors each; similarly, the two Villagers have also been separated, after being present in the same character slot (with the female Villager being considered a variant of the male one) in Mario Kart 8.[4] Excluding character variants, there are a total of 42 playable characters in this game.

Characters playable in this game that are not playable in the original Mario Kart 8 are listed below.

1 - The character has been previously playable in the Mario Kart series.
2 - This character is a variant of Metal Mario.
3 - This character is unlocked by clearing all cups of the 200cc Grand Prix.
4 - This is the first time this character has been playable in the Mario Kart series.
5 - This character has two additional color variants.
6 - This character is a variant of Link, available in the Ver. 1.6.0 update.

Rival order

Like in Mario Kart 8, characters have set rivals that consistently appear when racing in Grand Prix races. They are once again restricted to Grand Prix only, not appearing in single player versus or battle mode. Unlike the previous game, more characters have rivals: the twelve characters from the previous game who had rivals retain their rivals in this game, while other characters range from having one to two rivals each, or even none at all.

Rival Order
Player Opponent(s) Player Opponent(s) Player Opponent(s)
Mario PeachBowser Baby Mario Bowser Jr.Baby Peach Lemmy Larry
Luigi MarioDaisy Baby Luigi Baby MarioBaby Daisy Larry Lemmy
Peach ToadDonkey Kong Baby Peach Baby MarioBaby Daisy Wendy DaisyPeach
Daisy PeachWaluigi Baby Daisy Baby PeachBaby Luigi Ludwig Iggy
Rosalina Toad Baby Rosalina Toadette Iggy Ludwig
Tanooki Mario Cat Peach Metal Mario (character) Pink Gold Peach Roy Morton
Cat Peach Tanooki Mario Pink Gold Peach Metal Mario (character) Morton Roy
Yoshi ToadDonkey Kong Wario MarioDaisy Inkling Girl Inkling Boy
Toad KoopaWaluigi Waluigi LuigiToadette Inkling Boy Inkling Girl
Koopa Troopa YoshiToad Donkey Kong BowserWario Link None
Shy Guy Yoshi Bowser MarioLuigi Villager Isabelle
Lakitu None Dry Bones Koopa TroopaDry Bowser Villager Villager
Toadette YoshiWario Bowser Jr. Peach Isabelle Villager
King Boo None Dry Bowser Dry Bones Mii None

Vehicle parts

Mario Kart 8 Deluxe features six additional vehicle body parts. One is the Koopa Clown, returning from Mario Kart 7. Two new vehicles are Splatoon-based ATVs; the Splat Buggy and Inkstriker. These three change their colors for certain characters: the former for the Koopalings, and the latter two for all Inkling variations. Ver. 1.6.0 adds the Master Cycle Zero, Ancient Tires, and Paraglider.

Computer characters now also choose from a wider variety of kart parts than the original version, such as the Flame Rider and the Sports Coupe. However, they are still restricted to a set amount of body parts per character. A computer Baby Daisy has the tendency to choose a Wild Wiggler with Wood wheels, for example. In total, there are 41 vehicle bodies, 22 tires, and 15 gliders, resulting in up to 13,530 different combinations.

Available parts

The parts available are listed here in the order shown in the vehicle customization screen, with the following notation:

  • Bold = Part is available at the start.
  • * = Changes color, depending on the character.
  • ** = Changes color for the Koopalings.
  • *** = Changes color for Daisy, Baby Daisy, Rosalina, and Baby Rosalina.
  • **** = Changes color for the Inklings.
  • (DX) = Part is not available in the original Mario Kart 8.
  • (NEW) = Part is introduced in this game.

The "8" logos on the parts are replaced with the character's emblem, except on the Gold Standard and Gold Glider.

Karts

Standard bikes

Sport bikes

ATVs

Tires

Gliders

CPU combinations

All of the characters in the game (except Gold Mario) have four different combinations of vehicle parts that they can use if they are CPUs. These combinations are listed below.

AI Combinations
Player Combination 1 Combination 2 Combination 3 Combination 4
Mario Standard KartStandard (tire)Super Glider B DasherStandard (tire)Super Glider P-Wing (kart)Blue StandardParafoil Comet (bike)Slim (tire)Super Glider
Luigi Standard KartStandard (tire)Super Glider Mach 8Slim (tire)Super Glider Circuit SpecialSlickSuper Glider Standard BikeSlim (tire)Super Glider
Peach Standard KartStandard (tire)Super Glider PrancerWoodPeach Parasol (glider) Standard BikeSlim (tire)Super Glider Jet BikeSlim (tire)Super Glider
Daisy Standard KartStandard (tire)Super Glider Cat CruiserStandard (tire)Super Glider Sports CoupeStandard (tire)Super Glider VarmintHot MonsterSuper Glider
Rosalina Standard KartStandard (tire)Super Glider Circuit SpecialStandard (tire)Super Glider Sport BikeSlim (tire)Super Glider Standard ATVMonster (tire)Super Glider
Tanooki Mario Standard KartStandard (tire)Super Glider Tanooki KartMonster (tire)Waddle Wing Standard BikeSlim (tire)Super Glider VarmintMonster (tire)Waddle Wing
Cat Peach Standard KartStandard (tire)Super Glider Cat CruiserRetro Off-RoadSuper Glider PrancerWoodPeach Parasol (glider) Standard BikeSlim (tire)Plane Glider
Yoshi Standard KartStandard (tire)Super Glider Mach 8Slim (tire)Super Glider Standard BikeSlim (tire)Super Glider Wild WigglerStandard (tire)Flower Glider
Toad Standard KartStandard (tire)Super Glider Pipe FrameSlim (tire)Parafoil SneekerBlue StandardSuper Glider Yoshi BikeCrimson SlimSuper Glider
Koopa Troopa Standard KartStandard (tire)Super Glider Steel DriverMetalParafoil Sport BikeStandard (tire)Super Glider Standard ATVStandard (tire)Super Glider
Shy Guy Standard KartStandard (tire)Super Glider Pipe FrameStandard (tire)Super Glider SneekerOff-RoadSuper Glider Flame RiderOff-RoadSuper Glider
Lakitu Standard KartStandard (tire)Super Glider BiddybuggyMonster (tire)Parachute Mr. ScootyStandard (tire)Cloud Glider Standard ATVStandard (tire)Cloud Glider
Toadette Standard KartStandard (tire)Super Glider Cat CruiserRetro Off-RoadSuper Glider Mr. ScootyAzure RollerSuper Glider Teddy BuggyButton (tire)Parafoil
King Boo Standard KartMonster (tire)Super Glider Circuit SpecialStandard (tire)Super Glider BadwagonOff-RoadSuper Glider Flame RiderMonster (tire)Super Glider
Baby Mario Standard KartStandard (tire)Super Glider Pipe FrameStandard (tire)Parafoil BiddybuggyStandard (tire)Super Glider Yoshi BikeMonster (tire)Super Glider
Baby Luigi Standard KartStandard (tire)Super Glider Pipe FrameStandard (tire)Parafoil BiddybuggyStandard (tire)Super Glider Mr. ScootyRollerSuper Glider
Baby Peach Standard KartStandard (tire)Super Glider BiddybuggyStandard (tire)Super Glider Standard BikeStandard (tire)Plane Glider Teddy BuggyWoodParafoil
Baby Daisy Standard KartStandard (tire)Super Glider BiddybuggyStandard (tire)Super Glider Standard BikeStandard (tire)Plane Glider Wild WigglerWoodFlower Glider
Baby Rosalina Standard KartStandard (tire)Super Glider BiddybuggyStandard (tire)Super Glider Mr. ScootyStandard (tire)Super Glider Standard ATVBlue StandardSuper Glider
Metal Mario (character) Standard KartStandard (tire)Super Glider Tri-SpeederMetalSuper Glider Jet BikeMetalSuper Glider Standard ATVMonster (tire)Super Glider
Pink Gold Peach Standard KartStandard (tire)Super Glider Circuit SpecialSpongeSuper Glider BadwagonOff-RoadSuper Glider Comet (bike)MetalSuper Glider
Wario Standard KartMonster (tire)Super Glider Tri-SpeederOff-RoadWario Wing VarmintHot MonsterWario Wing Standard ATVMonster (tire)Super Glider
Waluigi Standard KartMonster (tire)Super Glider The DukeMonster (tire)Wario Wing Flame RiderSlim (tire)Wario Wing Standard ATVMonster (tire)Super Glider
Donkey Kong Standard KartMonster (tire)Super Glider Sports CoupeMonster (tire)Super Glider VarmintMonster (tire)Waddle Wing Standard ATVHot MonsterWaddle Wing
Bowser Circuit SpecialMonster (tire)Super Glider LandshipWoodBowser Kite Koopa ClownStandard (tire)Super Glider Flame RiderMonster (tire)Bowser Kite
Bowser Standard KartStandard (tire)Super Glider Steel DriverMetalParafoil Standard BikeStandard (tire)Super Glider Standard ATVOff-RoadSuper Glider
Bowser Jr. LandshipWoodSuper Glider Koopa ClownStandard (tire)Super Glider Standard BikeStandard (tire)Super Glider Standard ATVStandard (tire)Super Glider
Dry Bowser Standard KartMonster (tire)Super Glider Standard BikeMonster (tire)Super Glider Standard ATVMonster (tire)Super Glider Bone RattlerMetalSuper Glider
Lemmy Koopa Circuit SpecialStandard (tire)Super Glider LandshipWoodSuper Glider Koopa ClownStandard (tire)Super Glider Mr. ScootyStandard (tire)Super Glider
Larry Koopa LandshipWoodSuper Glider Koopa ClownStandard (tire)Super Glider Sport BikeMonster (tire)Super Glider Standard ATVBlue StandardSuper Glider
Wendy O. Koopa LandshipWoodSuper Glider SneekerStandard (tire)Super Glider Koopa ClownStandard (tire)Super Glider VarmintStandard (tire)Super Glider
Ludwig von Koopa BiddybuggyRollerSuper Glider LandshipWoodSuper Glider Koopa ClownStandard (tire)Super Glider Jet BikeSlim (tire)Super Glider
Iggy Koopa Steel DriverMetalParafoil LandshipWoodSuper Glider Koopa ClownStandard (tire)Super Glider Standard BikeSlim (tire)Super Glider
Roy Koopa BadwagonOff-RoadSuper Glider LandshipWoodSuper Glider Koopa ClownStandard (tire)Super Glider The DukeMonster (tire)Super Glider
Morton Koopa Jr. Tri-SpeederMonster (tire)Super Glider LandshipWoodSuper Glider Koopa ClownStandard (tire)Super Glider Standard BikeMonster (tire)Super Glider
Inkling Standard KartStandard (tire)Super Glider Standard BikeMonster (tire)Super Glider Splat BuggyStandard (tire)Super Glider InkstrikerStandard (tire)Super Glider
Inkling Standard KartStandard (tire)Super Glider Standard BikeMonster (tire)Super Glider Splat BuggyStandard (tire)Super Glider InkstrikerStandard (tire)Super Glider
Link Standard KartStandard (tire)Super Glider Mach 8Triforce TiresSuper Glider Flame RiderMonster (tire)Parachute Master Cycle ZeroAncient TiresParaglider (The Legend of Zelda)
Link Standard KartStandard (tire)Super Glider Tri-SpeederTriforce TiresHylian Kite Comet (bike)Slim (tire)Super Glider Master CycleTriforce TiresHylian Kite
Villager Standard KartStandard (tire)Super Glider BiddybuggyStandard (tire)Super Glider StreetleLeaf TiresPaper Glider City TripperSlim (tire)Paper Glider
Villager Standard KartStandard (tire)Super Glider BiddybuggyStandard (tire)Super Glider City TripperSlim (tire)Paper Glider Teddy BuggyButton (tire)Paper Glider
Isabelle Standard KartStandard (tire)Super Glider BiddybuggyStandard (tire)Paper Glider Sports CoupeStandard (tire)Super Glider City TripperSlim (tire)Paper Glider

Drivers' and vehicle parts' statistics

For the in-game tables from which these values were derived and for the tables to translate those values into the actual statistics used by the game, see Mario Kart 8 Deluxe in-game statistics.

Mario Kart 8 Deluxe features different statistics with respect to Mario Kart 8.

Statistics shown in the vehicle customization screen

Just like Mario Kart 7 and Mario Kart 8, the game uses "points" ("PT") which are conferred by characters and vehicle parts to determine the final values of the game's statistics. In each statistics, the points given by the character, body, tires, and glider are summed to obtain a final value called "Level" ("Lv") which is then used by a table to convert the level into appropriate physical parameters used by the game. There are a total of 7,560 different stat combinations. The Level of five statistics is displayed in the vehicle customization screen:

  • Speed: The top speed of the vehicle on land with normal gravity.
  • Acceleration: how fast the speed increases when holding the acceleration button until top speed has been reached.
  • Weight: The weight of the vehicle. Vehicles with higher weight knock away vehicles with lower weight.
  • Handling: The turning ability of the vehicle on land with normal gravity. A higher stat means vehicles turn sharper, and will continue turning normally for longer before automatically initiating a drift.
  • Traction (Grip in the British English version): The grasp of the vehicle. Vehicles with higher traction slip less on certain terrain and can stay stable on the road better. Not to be confused with handling.

Said Level is represented through bars by adding three points to the sum of points, then dividing the result by four, resulting in values ranging from 0.75 to 5.75. As an example, the process through which the statistics of a certain combination of character and vehicle parts are calculated and displayed is shown below:

The vehicle customization screen of Mario Kart 8 Deluxe.
A combination consisting of Dry Bones, Flame Rider, Standard Tires, and Super Glider.
Element Points conferred
Speed Acceleration Weight Handling Traction
Dry Bones's head icon in Mario Kart 8 Deluxe.
Dry Bones
1 5 1 8 4
Flame Rider body from Mario Kart 8
The icon for standard bike bodies in Mario Kart 8.Flame Rider
2 5 1 4 5
Standard Tires from Mario Kart 8
The icon for tires in Mario Kart 8.Standard Tires
2 4 2 3 5
Thumbnail of Dry Bones's Super Glider (with 8 icon), in Mario Kart 8 Deluxe.
The icon for gliders in Mario Kart 8.Super Glider
1 1 1 1 1
Final values Speed Acceleration Weight Handling Traction
Level 1 + 2 + 2 + 1 =
6
5 + 5 + 4 + 1 =
15
1 + 1 + 2 + 1 =
5
8 + 4 + 3 + 1 =
16
4 + 5 + 5 + 1 =
15
Value shown in the vehicle customization screen (6 + 3) / 4 = 9 / 4 =
2.25
(15 + 3) / 4 = 18 / 4 =
4.5
(5 + 3) / 4 = 8 / 4 =
2
(16 + 3) / 4 = 19 / 4 =
4.75
(15 + 3) / 4 = 18 / 4 =
4.5
The statistics shown in the vehicle customization screen of Mario Kart 8 Deluxe.
The values actually shown in the vehicle customization screen, matching the values calculated.

Drivers' statistics

Drivers are still grouped into small groups of characters sharing the same statistics, the number of groups has been increased with respect to Mario Kart 8.

In addition to the statistics shown in the vehicle customization screen, there are the following statistics:

  • Water Speed: The top speed of the vehicle while driving underwater.
  • Air Speed: The top speed of the vehicle while gliding.
  • Anti-Gravity Speed: The top speed of the vehicle in anti-gravity mode.
  • Water Handling: The turning ability of the vehicle while driving underwater.
  • Air Handling: The turning ability of the vehicle while gliding.
  • Anti-Gravity Handling: The turning ability of the vehicle in anti-gravity mode.
  • Mini-Turbo: The length of the vehicle's mini-turbo speed boosts and how fast mini-turbos can be charged. Also affects the length of jump boosts from tricks.

Just like in Mario Kart 8, Miis can be Light, Medium, or Heavy, depending on their height and weight.

The statistics are shown in points.

Drivers' statistics
Vehicle size Character Speed Acceleration Weight Handling Traction Mini-Turbo
Ground Water Air Anti-Gravity Ground Water Air Anti-Gravity
Small Baby PeachBaby Daisy 0 0 0 0 4 0 10 10 10 10 5 5
Baby RosalinaLemmy 0 0 0 0 5 0 9 9 9 9 3 5
Baby MarioBaby LuigiDry BonesMii (Light) 1 1 1 1 5 1 8 8 8 8 4 4
ToadetteWendyIsabelle 2 2 2 2 5 2 7 7 7 7 2 4
Koopa TroopaLakituBowser Jr. 2 2 2 2 4 2 8 8 8 8 5 4
ToadShy GuyLarry 3 3 3 3 4 3 7 7 7 7 4 3
Medium Cat PeachVillagerInkling 4 4 4 4 4 3 6 6 6 6 3 3
PeachDaisyYoshi 5 5 5 5 3 4 5 5 5 5 3 3
Tanooki MarioVillagerInkling 5 5 5 5 3 5 5 5 5 5 1 3
MarioLudwigMii (Medium) 6 6 6 6 2 6 4 4 4 4 2 2
LuigiIggy 6 6 6 6 2 6 5 5 5 5 1 2
Metal Mario (character)Pink Gold Peach 8 8 8 8 1 10 3 3 3 3 1 1
Large RosalinaLinkKing Boo 7 7 7 7 1 7 3 3 3 3 3 2
WaluigiDonkey KongRoy 9 9 9 9 1 8 2 2 2 2 0 1
WarioDry Bowser 10 10 10 10 0 9 1 1 1 1 1 0
BowserMortonMii (Heavy) 10 10 10 10 0 10 0 0 0 0 0 0

Parts' statistics

The number of groups of vehicle parts sharing the same statistics has increased as well when compared with Mario Kart 8.

The statistics are reported in points.

Bodies

Body Speed Acceleration Weight Handling Traction Mini-Turbo
Ground Water Air Anti-Gravity Ground Water Air Anti-Gravity
Standard KartThe Duke300 SL Roadster 3 3 3 3 4 2 3 2 3 3 3 4
Pipe FrameVarmintCity Tripper 1 3 1 1 6 1 5 4 2 4 4 6
Mach 8Sports Coupe (Sports Coupé)Inkstriker 3 3 4 5 3 3 2 2 2 4 4 4
Steel DriverTri-SpeederBone Rattler 4 5 0 2 1 4 1 5 1 1 3 2
Cat CruiserCometYoshi BikeTeddy Buggy 2 2 4 3 5 2 4 2 4 3 3 5
Circuit SpecialB DasherP-Wing 5 1 2 4 1 3 1 1 0 2 1 1
BadwagonStandard ATV (Standard Quad)GLA 5 2 1 3 0 4 0 1 0 1 5 0
PrancerSport BikeJet Bike 4 3 3 3 2 1 3 3 3 2 2 3
Biddybuggy (Buggybud)Mr. Scooty (Mr Scooty) 0 1 1 2 7 0 5 4 4 5 4 7
LandshipStreetle 1 5 2 0 6 0 4 5 3 2 6 6
Sneeker (Bounder)Gold Standard (Gold Kart)Master Cycle 4 2 3 3 2 2 3 2 2 3 0 3
Standard BikeFlame RiderWild WigglerW 25 Silver Arrow 2 2 3 4 5 1 4 3 3 4 5 5
Blue FalconSplat Buggy 4 2 3 4 3 0 2 3 1 5 3 3
Tanooki KartKoopa ClownMaster Cycle Zero 2 4 3 3 2 3 4 4 3 3 7 3

Tires

Tire Speed Acceleration Weight Handling Traction Mini-Turbo
Ground Water Air Anti-Gravity Ground Water Air Anti-Gravity
Standard (Normal)Blue Standard (Normal Blue)GLA Tires (GLA Wheels) 2 3 3 2 4 2 3 3 3 3 5 3
MonsterHot Monster (Funky Monster)Ancient Tires (Ancient Tyres) 2 2 1 2 2 4 0 1 1 0 7 2
RollerAzure Roller 0 3 3 0 6 0 4 4 4 4 4 6
SlimWood (Wooden)Crimson Slim 3 2 2 4 2 2 4 4 4 3 1 2
SlickCyber Slick 4 0 0 4 1 3 2 0 1 2 0 0
MetalGold Tires (Gold Wheels) 4 3 2 1 0 4 2 2 0 1 2 0
ButtonLeaf Tires (Leaf Tyres) 1 2 2 2 5 0 3 3 2 4 3 5
Off-RoadRetro Off-RoadTriforce Tires (Triforce Tyres) 3 4 1 2 3 3 1 1 2 2 6 1
SpongeCushion 1 1 4 1 4 1 2 1 3 2 6 4

Gliders

Glider Speed Acceleration Weight Handling Traction Mini-Turbo
Ground Water Air Anti-Gravity Ground Water Air Anti-Gravity
Super GliderWaddle WingHylian Kite 1 1 2 0 1 1 1 0 1 1 1 1
Cloud GliderParachuteFlower GliderPaper Glider 0 1 1 1 2 0 1 0 2 1 1 2
Wario WingPlane GliderGold GliderParaglider (The Legend of Zelda) 1 0 2 1 1 2 1 1 1 0 0 1
Peach ParasolParafoilBowser KiteMKTV Parafoil 0 0 1 1 2 1 1 1 2 0 0 2

Unlocking criteria

Gold Mario

The only unlockable playable character in this game is Gold Mario, who is unlocked by winning all twelve gold cups at 200cc. Once unlocked, he replaces Metal Mario on the character select screen. Metal Mario is from then on treated as a color variant of Gold Mario. The two differ only in their color scheme and the voice clip used when selecting them. Their other voice clips, horn sounds, animations, and statistics are identical.

Vehicle parts

A vehicle part is randomly unlocked every 30 coins. Once reaching 450 coins this changes to every 50, and once reaching 1500 coins this changes to every 100. Eventually, the last non-gold vehicle part is unlocked on reaching 3100 coins.

Special parts

Special gold parts are unlocked with the following criteria:

  • Gold Standard: Unlocked by achieving at least 1 star ranking on all Mirror Cups.
  • Gold Tires: Unlocked by defeating all 48 staff ghosts in 150cc Time Trials.
  • Gold Glider: Unlocked by collecting 5,000 coins.

Courses

There are 48 race courses in the game (including all four cups that were DLC in the original Mario Kart 8), these being the 25 courses introduced in the original game and 23 retro, including two courses from Super Mario Kart, three courses each from Mario Kart: Super Circuit, Mario Kart DS, and Mario Kart Wii, and four courses each from Mario Kart 64, Mario Kart: Double Dash!!, and Mario Kart 7. It is also the first Mario Kart game since Mario Kart 64 to have all courses available from the start. Names in italics indicate the British English name for the course.

Mushroom Cup
Mushroom Cup
Flower Cup
Flower Cup
Star Cup
Star Cup
Special Cup
Special Cup
Egg Cup
Egg Cup
Crossing Cup
Crossing Cup
Mario Kart Stadium
white
Mario Circuit
white
Sunshine Airport
white
Cloudtop Cruise
white
File:MK8 DLC GCN Yoshi Circuit Course Icon.png
white
File:MK8 DLC GCN Baby Park Course Icon.png
white
Water Park
white
Toad Harbor
Toad Harbour
Dolphin Shoals
white
Bone-Dry Dunes
Bone Dry Dunes
File:MK8 DLC Excitebike Arena Course Icon.png
white
File:MK8 DLC Cheese Land Course Icon.png
white
Sweet Sweet Canyon
white
Twisted Mansion
white
Electrodrome
white
Bowser's Castle
white
File:MK8 DLC Dragon Driftway Course Icon.png
white
File:MK8 DLC Wild Woods Course Icon.png
white
Thwomp Ruins
white
Shy Guy Falls
white
Mount Wario
white
Rainbow Road
white
File:MK8 DLC Mute City Course Icon.png
white
File:MK8 DLC Animal Crossing Course Icon.png
white
Shell Cup
Shell Cup
Banana Cup
Banana Cup
Leaf Cup
Leaf Cup
Lightning Cup
Lightning Cup
Triforce Cup
Triforce Cup
Bell Cup
Bell Cup
Wii Moo Moo Meadows
white
GCN Dry Dry Desert
white
DS Wario Stadium
white
DS Tick-Tock Clock
white
File:MK8 DLC Wii Wario's Gold Mine Course Icon.png
white
File:MK8 DLC 3DS Neo Bowser City Course Icon.png
3DS Koopa City
GBA Mario Circuit
white
SNES Donut Plains 3
white
GCN Sherbet Land
white
3DS Piranha Plant Slide
3DS Piranha Plant Pipeway
File:MK8 DLC SNES Rainbow Road Course Icon.png
white
File:MK8 DLC GBA Ribbon Road Course Icon.png
white
DS Cheep Cheep Beach
white
N64 Royal Raceway
white
3DS Music Park
3DS Melody Motorway
Wii Grumble Volcano
white
File:MK8 DLC Ice Ice Outpost Course Icon.png
white
File:MK8 DLC Super Bell Subway Course Icon.png
white
N64 Toad's Turnpike
white
3DS DK Jungle
white
N64 Yoshi Valley
white
N64 Rainbow Road
white
File:MK8 DLC Hyrule Circuit Course Icon.png
white
File:MK8 DLC Big Blue Course Icon.png
white

Ghosts

150cc Staff Ghosts

In Mario Kart 8 Deluxe, the times for staff ghosts in 150cc are slightly different from the original Mario Kart 8. Also, unlike the original game, players will not unlock any stamps if they beat the ghosts.

Course Staff Name Country Time Character Vehicle Combination
Body Tires Glider
Mario Kart Stadium Nin★Chris United Kingdom 1:53.191 Mario Sports Coupe Standard Super Glider
Water Park Nin★Massim Italy 2:02.186 Baby Luigi Mr. Scooty Roller Super Glider
Sweet Sweet Canyon Nin★Fausti France 2:07.205 Baby Peach Teddy Buggy Wood Peach Parasol
Thwomp Ruins Nin★Sophia Germany 2:12.125 Donkey Kong Standard ATV Monster Super Glider
Mario Circuit Nin★Sho Japan 2:08.501 Mario Standard Kart Standard Super Glider
Toad Harbor Nin★Alice United States 2:29.282 Toadette Cat Cruiser Retro Off-Road Plane Glider
Twisted Mansion Nin★Mark Netherlands 2:14.615 Luigi Mach 8 Slim Super Glider
Shy Guy Falls Nin★Frank United Kingdom 2:21.804 Shy Guy Flame Rider Off-Road Super Glider
Sunshine Airport Nin★Leonel United States 2:20.447 Rosalina Circuit Special Standard Super Glider
Dolphin Shoals Nin★Skip United States 2:14.832 Wendy Landship Wood Bowser Kite
Electrodrome Nin★Yuya Japan 2:21.023 Larry Sport Bike Monster Super Glider
Mount Wario Nin★Elena Russia 2:03.483 Waluigi The Duke Monster Wario Wing
Cloudtop Cruise Nin★Maria Portugal 2:19.568 Baby Rosalina Biddybuggy Standard Super Glider
Bone-Dry Dunes Nin★Elena Russia 2:15.338 Morton Tri-Speeder Monster Super Glider
Bowser's Castle Nin★Polly United Kingdom 2:21.980 Bowser Badwagon Standard Super Glider
Rainbow Road Nin★Mizuho Japan 2:25.267 Pink Gold Peach Comet Slim Super Glider
Wii Moo Moo Meadows Nin★Chris United Kingdom 1:41.846 Daisy Varmint Hot Monster Super Glider
GBA Mario Circuit Nin★Rie Japan 1:44.593 Baby Mario Yoshi Bike Standard Super Glider
DS Cheep Cheep Beach Nin★Massim Italy 2:06.314 Koopa Troopa Steel Driver Metal Parachute
N64 Toad's Turnpike Nin★Alice United States 2:08.966 Toad Standard Bike Standard Parachute
GCN Dry Dry Desert Nin★Maria Portugal 2:26.614 Peach Standard Bike Slim Super Glider
SNES Donut Plains 3 Nin★Frank United Kingdom 1:35.564 Lakitu Pipe Frame Monster MKTV Parafoil
N64 Royal Raceway Nin★Skip United States 2:18.307 Peach Prancer Wood Peach Parasol
3DS DK Jungle Nin★Rie Japan 2:20.006 Donkey Kong Varmint Monster Waddle Wing
DS Wario Stadium Nin★Mizuho Japan 2:09.171 Wario Tri-Speeder Off-Road Wario Wing
GCN Sherbet Land Nin★Fausti France 2:20.174 Lemmy Sneeker Standard Super Glider
3DS Music Park Nin★Sho Japan 2:19.675 Baby Daisy Biddybuggy Standard Super Glider
N64 Yoshi Valley Nin★Mark Netherlands 2:23.688 Yoshi Wild Wiggler Standard Flower Glider
DS Tick-Tock Clock Nin★Sophia Germany 2:06.485 Iggy Standard Bike Monster Super Glider
3DS Piranha Plant Slide Nin★Polly United Kingdom 2:21.321 Ludwig Jet Bike Slim Super Glider
Wii Grumble Volcano Nin★Yuya Japan 2:16.524 Roy Badwagon Off-Road Super Glider
N64 Rainbow Road Nin★Leonel United States 1:33.981 Metal Mario Standard ATV Monster Super Glider
GCN Yoshi Circuit Nin★Adrien France 2:07.557 Red Yoshi B Dasher Standard Super Glider
Excitebike Arena Nin★Pedro Spain 1:58.808 Mario Standard Bike Slim Super Glider
Dragon Driftway Nin★Mitsu Japan 2:05.957 Lakitu Varmint Monster Cloud Glider
Mute City Nin★Laura United States 2:10.167 Mario Blue Falcon Roller Super Glider
Wii Wario's Gold Mine Nin★Pit Germany 2:22.119 Wario Standard Kart Monster Super Glider
SNES Rainbow Road Nin★Anne Netherlands 1:40.711 Cat Peach Cat Cruiser Retro Off-Road Super Glider
Ice Ice Outpost Nin★Pavel Russia 2:09.427 Tanooki Mario Tanooki Kart Monster Super Glider
Hyrule Circuit Nin★Mitsu Japan 2:08.616 Link Master Cycle Triforce Tires Hylian Kite
GCN Baby Park Nin★Joost Netherlands 1:16.561 Baby Mario Biddybuggy Standard Super Glider
GBA Cheese Land Nin★Aracel Spain 2:06.316 Orange Yoshi Pipe Frame Monster Parafoil
Wild Woods Nin★Akira Japan 2:05.396 Villager (Boy) Streetle Leaf Tires Paper Glider
Animal Crossing Nin★Marie United States 1:53.584 Isabelle City Tripper Slim Paper Glider
3DS Neo Bowser City Nin★Rui Portugal 2:13.138 Dry Bowser Bone Rattler Metal Super Glider
GBA Ribbon Road Nin★Giulia Italy 2:07.152 Villager (Girl) Teddy Buggy Button Super Glider
Super Bell Subway Nin★Juliet France 2:06.487 Pink Shy Guy City Tripper Slim Super Glider
Big Blue Nin★Dylan United Kingdom 1:37.316 Mario P-Wing Blue Standard Super Glider

200cc Staff Ghosts

Mario Kart 8 Deluxe features a new option for players to race in Time Trials in the 200cc engine class. This option also features entirely new staff ghosts for each of the 48 courses.

Course Staff Name Country Time Character Vehicle Combination
Body Tires Glider
Mario Kart Stadium Nin★Sophia Germany 1:21.984 Gold Mario Gold Standard Gold Tires Gold Glider
Water Park Nin★Yuya Japan 1:22.799 Baby Mario Biddybuggy Standard Super Glider
Sweet Sweet Canyon Nin★Alice United States 1:40.972 Peach Prancer Wood Peach Parasol
Thwomp Ruins Nin★Skip United States 1:31.436 Bowser Badwagon Standard Bowser Kite
Mario Circuit Nin★Joost Russia 1:23.243 Pink Gold Peach Standard Bike Slim Super Glider
Toad Harbor Nin★Adrien France 1:43.003 Toad Sports Coupe Standard Super Glider
Twisted Mansion Nin★Rui Portugal 1:38.244 King Boo Wild Wiggler Sponge Flower Glider
Shy Guy Falls Nin★Anne Netherlands 1:40.698 White Yoshi Standard ATV Retro Off-Road Parafoil
Sunshine Airport Nin★Sho Japan 1:45.437 Luigi Jet Bike Metal Plane Glider
Dolphin Shoals Nin★Polly United Kingdom 1:38.911 Ludwig Steel Driver Blue Standard Bowser Kite
Electrodrome Nin★Laura United States 1:40.943 Roy The Duke Cushion Parafoil
Mount Wario Nin★Massim Italy 1:37.266 Wario Standard ATV Crimson Slim Wario Wing
Cloudtop Cruise Nin★Giulia Italy 1:44.120 Bowser Jr. Koopa Clown Cyber Slick Cloud Glider
Bone-Dry Dunes Nin★Pavel Russia 1:39.330 Dry Bones Pipe Frame Wood Plane Glider
Bowser's Castle Nin★Mark Netherlands 1:40.953 Dry Bowser Flame Rider Slim Bowser Kite
Rainbow Road Nin★Pedro Spain 1:55.767 Rosalina Mach 8 Blue Standard MKTV Parafoil
Wii Moo Moo Meadows Nin★Leonel United States 1:09.980 Baby Daisy Sneeker Cyber Slick MKTV Parafoil
GBA Mario Circuit Nin★Pit Germany 1:10.475 Baby Luigi Sport Bike Slick Parachute
DS Cheep Cheep Beach Nin★Mizuho Japan 1:25.089 Lakitu Landship Metal Cloud Glider
N64 Toad's Turnpike Nin★Rie Japan 1:21.156 Toadette Sports Coupe Slick Super Glider
GCN Dry Dry Desert Nin★Chris United Kingdom 1:45.087 Lemmy Tanooki Kart Off-Road Super Glider
SNES Donut Plains 3 Nin★Mizuho Japan 1:11.794 Koopa Troopa Streetle Monster Flower Glider
N64 Royal Raceway Nin★Dylan United Kingdom 1:43.120 Baby Peach Circuit Special Cyber Slick Parafoil
3DS DK Jungle Nin★Polly United Kingdom 1:46.758 Yellow Yoshi City Tripper Hot Monster Paper Glider
DS Wario Stadium Nin★Massim Italy 1:39.724 Waluigi Varmint Hot Monster Wario Wing
GCN Sherbet Land Nin★Sophia Germany 1:34.370 Iggy Bone Rattler Monster Bowser Kite
3DS Music Park Nin★Mitsu Japan 1:36.529 Daisy Badwagon GLA Tires MKTV Parafoil
N64 Yoshi Valley Nin★Yuya Japan 1:35.628 Green Shy Guy Comet Slim Super Glider
DS Tick-Tock Clock Nin★Elena Russia 1:32.483 Larry Standard Kart Sponge Paper Glider
3DS Piranha Plant Slide Nin★Frank United Kingdom 1:48.454 Wendy Mr. Scooty Metal Peach Parasol
Wii Grumble Volcano Nin★Maria Portugal 1:44.284 Morton Standard Bike Cushion Parachute
N64 Rainbow Road Nin★Fausti France 1:08.128 Mario Tri-Speeder Monster Super Glider
GCN Yoshi Circuit Nin★Elena Russia 1:38.869 Light-blue Shy Guy P-Wing Slick Parachute
Excitebike Arena Nin★Akira Japan 1:29.202 Inkling Girl Inkstriker Leaf Tires Super Glider
Dragon Driftway Nin★Aracel Portugal 1:34.873 Purple Inkling Boy Splat Buggy Blue Standard Super Glider
Mute City Nin★Sho Japan 1:34.273 Metal Mario Blue Falcon Azure Roller Parafoil
Wii Wario's Gold Mine Nin★Alice United States 1:41.168 Waluigi Standard Bike Retro Off-Road Wario Wing
SNES Rainbow Road Nin★Marie United States 1:12.762 Tanooki Mario GLA GLA Tires Parachute
Ice Ice Outpost Nin★Juliet France 1:32.435 Cat Peach Sneeker Off-Road Peach Parasol
Hyrule Circuit Nin★Mark Netherlands 1:40.394 Link Master Cycle Triforce Tires Hylian Kite
GCN Baby Park Nin★Leonel United States 0:59.765 Baby Rosalina Teddy Buggy Cyber Slick Waddle Wing
GBA Cheese Land Nin★Chris United Kingdom 1:41.248 Donkey Kong Streetle Roller Flower Glider
Wild Woods Nin★Mitsu Japan 1:27.555 Villager (Girl) City Tripper Leaf Tires Paper Glider
Animal Crossing Nin★Fausti France 1:23.417 Villager (Boy) 300 SL Roadster GLA Tires Super Glider
3DS Neo Bowser City Nin★Massim Italy 1:37.526 Bowser Bone Rattler Standard Super Glider
GBA Ribbon Road Nin★Maria Portugal 1:31.220 Isabelle Cat Cruiser Crimson Slim Paper Glider
Super Bell Subway Nin★Skip United States 1:23.304 Blue Yoshi Yoshi Bike Blue Standard Super Glider
Big Blue Nin★Rie Japan 1:13.516 Luigi W 25 Silver Arrow Slim Plane Glider

New items

The Boo and Feather items make a return in this game, functioning as they had previously. All other items from the Wii U version return as well. Also, the item distributions have been altered beside the addition of the new items.

New Items
Artwork of Boo from New Super Mario Bros. Wii (later reused for Mario Kart 8 Deluxe and Super Mario Party)
Boo
Allows the player to become invisible to other racers for 10 seconds. While invisible, players will also be granted immunity to items and obstacles. Activating the item will also allow Boo to steal an item from a randomly selected racer in front of the player. If there are no items to steal, Boo will bring back a single Mushroom by default. If Boo steals a multiple usage item or a timed item, it will be returned to the player fresh. Boo cannot steal Crazy 8's, or Piranha Plants and Bullet Bills already in use. Only one Boo can be in play at a time; once it brings back an item, another can appear in item boxes again, even while the other player is still invisible. Players who are under the effect of a Super Star or even a Boo are not immune to Boo's item stealing.
Artwork of a Cape Feather from Mario Kart 8 Deluxe.
Feather
Causes the player to spin and leap in the air, providing a small speed boost upon landing, akin to a regular trick (characters will also perform a trick animation during the jump). When used near an opponent, the player steals a balloon, 3 coins, or the Shine Sprite from them, depending on the mode; however, the player needs to touch the opponent to steal from them, either by touching them upon use, or upon landing. Can be used on trickable places to gain more height, though does not grant more height if used while airborne, and cancels the gliding immediately. Exclusive to Battle Mode.

New amiibo compatibility

Mario Kart 8 Deluxe amiibo illustrations
Some of the Mii Racing Suits and amiibo that can be used to unlock them in Mario Kart 8 Deluxe.

In addition to all of the compatible amiibo in Mario Kart 8 with their respective Mii Racing Suits, Mario Kart 8 Deluxe adds compatibility with amiibo from the Splatoon line, which unlock a Mii Racing Suit based on Splatoon. Additionally, more amiibo can be used to unlock the returning Mii Racing Suits, as all Animal Crossing related amiibo being compatible and unlocking the Animal Crossing Mii Racing Suit, and the Pikmin amiibo unlocking the Pikmin suit.

Update history

Note that in order to play online, players must have downloaded the most recent software update.

Ver. 1.1.0

An update was released on May 17, 2017. The following changes were made:

  • Opponents' names are displayed in the rear view mirror view in online matches.
  • Invincibility period after a spin-out or crash is longer in online matches.
  • Up to two players can spectate a friend group while they wait to join.
  • "Worldwide" and "Regional" modes add players to Mirror and 200cc matches less often.
  • Players can now properly create a friend lobby when having 100 or more friends.
  • The starting positions in online races now properly reflect the order in which the players join (just like the original).
  • Miis now properly show facial expressions during matches.
  • The Tournament clock now properly reflects real-world time.
  • One of Inkling Girl's animations has been modified.

Ver. 1.2.0

An update was released on June 28, 2017. The following changes were made:

  • Players can use Pikmin-themed amiibo to unlock a Pikmin Suit for the Mii driver.
  • Race rules and course name are now displayed on loading screens for online and wireless play, as well as Mario Kart TV.
  • Players who are behind in online matches will receive items geared toward catching up more frequently.
  • In online matches, no more than two Piranha Plants will be granted as items at the same time.
  • Controls are no longer unresponsive when the timer runs out when choosing a Mii racing suit for online matches.
  • When a player uses an item right after the Super Horn in online matches, that item will now remain available for other players.
  • Item wheel no longer spins continuously in online matches.
  • Online matches now end as intended 30 seconds after the first place racer finishes.
  • The Boomerang now returns to the first slot, if possible, after a player catches it.
  • Items shown in a player's item slots now display correctly when holding an item behind them.
  • No longer possible to use an item after it has been used to block an attack.
  • Communication errors no longer occur frequently while spectating or after spectating online matches.

Ver. 1.2.1

An update was released on August 9, 2017. The following changes were made:

  • Corrected an issue that prolonged the time to return to the lobby after races near the start and end times of online tournaments.

Ver. 1.3.0

An update was released on October 18, 2017. The following changes were made:

  • Video capture compatibility added. Hold the Capture Button to capture up to 30 seconds of the previous footage.
    • This system must be updated to Ver. 4.0.0 or higher to use this feature.
  • Now more difficult to float down using the glider when Smart Steering is ON.
  • Blue Shells no longer hit the second place player when the first place player has not crossed the finish line.
  • Extended the invulnerability period after spinning out or crashing.
  • Changes made to Online Play prior to Ver. 1.2.1 now apply to Wireless Play and LAN Play as well:
    • When further back in a race, will receive better items to help catch up to other players.
    • No more than one Piranha Plant will appear at a time.
    • Updating to Ver 1.3.0 will prevent users from Wireless Play or LAN Play with users on Ver. 1.2.1 or lower.

Ver. 1.4.0

An update was released on December 12, 2017. The following changes were made:

  • Language support for Traditional Chinese, Simplified Chinese, and Korean has now been implemented.
    • Players can change languages in Settings on the console.
  • An issue has been resolved that prevented background music from playing after players reach the finish line.
  • Updating to Ver 1.4.0 will prevent users from Wireless Play or LAN Play with users on Ver. 1.2.1 or lower.

Ver. 1.5.0

An update was released on June 25, 2018. The following changes were made:

  • Now supports the use of the Toy-Con Motorbike from the Nintendo Labo Toy-Con Variety Kit.
    • Players can now set whether or not use the Toy-Con Motorbike from the Toy-Con settings in the main menu.
    • At the screen right before the game begins, the Joy-Con needs to be set inside the Toy-Con Motorbike.
    • When using the Toy-Con Motorbike, the camera will look over the character's shoulder.
    • Pressing the downward directional button will allow the player to play with normal view again.
  • Addressed an issue where, after setting up a tournament, the "Search by code" feature would stop functioning.
  • Addressed an issue that made it impossible for a player to proceed after colliding with a Super Thwomp.
  • Updating to Ver 1.5.0 will prevent users from Wireless Play or LAN Play with users on prior versions

Ver. 1.6.0

An update was released on July 19, 2018. The following changes were made:

Ver. 1.7.0

An update was released on September 19, 2018. The following changes were made:

  • Now compatible with Toy-Con Car in Nintendo Labo Toy-Con 03 Vehicle Kit.
    • Players can select which Toy-Con to use in Toy-Con settings in the main menu.
  • Now compatible with Nintendo Switch Online smartphone app.
    • If an application is running on any device when entering an online match, players can receive a prompt on their smartphone asking whether if they would like to join a voice chat with their opponents.
    • Worldwide, Regional, Friends, and Tournaments allow players to use this function.

Ver. 1.7.1

An update was released on January 23, 2019. The following changes were made:

  • Fixed an issue that caused the game to become unresponsive to any input except for the HOME Button.

Ver 1.7.2

An update was released on May 25, 2021. The following changes were made:

  • Addressed an issue that caused tournament points to be reset.
  • Addressed an issue that caused match history with friends to be reset.

Reception

Critical reception

Mario Kart 8 Deluxe has been received with universal acclaim, garnering higher aggregate scores than the original Mario Kart 8. The game has been praised for being well-suited to the Switch's portability, the increased performance, and particularly the redesigned Battle Mode, although several reviews noted Deluxe would not be as appealing of a proposition to players who already own Mario Kart 8 and its downloadable content.

Reviews
Release Reviewer, Publication Score Comment
Nintendo Switch Laurely Birba, Jeux Actu 18/20 While purists may accuse Mario Kart 8 of being a opportunistic rehash, Nintendo's goal was to give the Switch a racing game that is fun, polished, filled with content, and able to showcase the Switch's hybrid nature. These four objectives are mostly accomplished, and the game will have no problem seducing newcomers considering how well the formula has been mastered.
Nintendo Switch Kallie Plagge, GameSpot 9/10 Even if you didn't really care about Battle Mode, the smallest changes in Mario Kart 8 Deluxe refine an already great racing game. But the huge overhaul to the original's afterthought of a Battle Mode is a chaotic, varied opportunity to play very differently than in Grand Prix mode and well worth reinvesting yourself in Mario Kart 8 on Switch.
Nintendo Switch Matthew Sainsbury, Digitally Downloaded 4.5/5 Thanks to substantial DLC releases, Mario Kart 8 on the Wii U went from being a game with plenty of content, to one with an overload of it. Mario Kart 8 Deluxe on the Nintendo Switch has all of that, plus the return of the battle mode (which should never have left), and while it won't be a new game as such for the people who actually bought a Wii U (we're a special club), having this game on a portable console is reason enough to buy it all over again.
Aggregators
Compiler Platform / Score
Metacritic 92
GameRankings 92.39%

Sales

In the United Kingdom, Mario Kart 8 Deluxe debuted at No. 1 on the sales chart, making it the first Nintendo game to be No. 1 in the UK since 2011's Pokémon White Version, and the first Mario game to place such since Mario Kart Wii.[8]

The game sold 459,000 copies for its US launch day, making it the fastest-selling Mario Kart game in the US and meaning 45% of US Switch owners purchased the game.[9]

As of December 31, 2017, Mario Kart 8 Deluxe had sold 7.33 million units worldwide. On March 31, 2018, it reached 9.22 million units, exceeding the original Mario Kart 8's 8.42 million and making it the second best-selling game on the Nintendo Switch behind Super Mario Odyssey.[10] As of January 31, 2019, Mario Kart 8 Deluxe had sold 15.02 million units worldwide, exceeding Super Mario Odyssey's sales and making it the best-selling first-party game on the Nintendo Switch.[11] By June 30, 2021, the game had sold 37.08 million units worldwide.[12] By September 30, 2021, the game had sold 38.74 million units worldwide, surpassing Mario Kart Wii as the best-selling game in the series.[13]

Awards and acknowledgements

Mario Kart 8 Deluxe was nominated for the "Best Family Game" and "Best Multiplayer" awards at The Game Awards 2017.[14] However, it won neither, losing the former to Super Mario Odyssey and the latter to PlayerUnknown's Battlegrounds.[14]

References to other games

References in later games

Staff

Main article: List of Mario Kart 8 Deluxe staff

Gallery

For this subject's image gallery, see Gallery:Mario Kart 8 Deluxe.

Media

For a complete list of media for this subject, see List of Mario Kart 8 media.
Help:MediaHaving trouble playing?

Names in other languages

Language Name Meaning Notes
Japanese マリオカート8 デラックス[?]
Mario Kāto 8 Derakkusu
Mario Kart 8 Deluxe
Chinese (simplified) 马力欧卡丁车8 豪华版[15]
Mǎlìōu Kǎdīngchē 8 Háohuábǎn
Mario Kart 8 Deluxe Edition
Chinese (traditional) 瑪利歐賽車8 豪華版[?]
Mǎlìōu Sàichē 8 Háohuábǎn
Mario Racing 8 Deluxe Edition
Korean 마리오 카트 8 디럭스[?]
Mario Kateu 8 Direokseu
Mario Kart 8 Deluxe

External links

References

  1. ^ Template:Media link.
  2. ^ Nintendo World Report (January 14, 2017). Mario Kart 8 Deluxe - Wario's Gold Mine - Nintendo Switch Off-Screen Footage. YouTube. Retrieved February 19, 2017.
  3. ^ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9F2djsuZuTg&feature=youtu.be&t=3m50s
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