Mario Kart 8 Deluxe Just Received A Switch 2 Update, Adding Local 8-Player And More

Although Mario Kart World debuted as a marquee launch title for the Switch 2 and the spiritual successor to the franchise’s most iconic entry, Nintendo has just rolled out a surprising new update for 2017’s Mario Kart 8 Deluxe. While many assumed support for the older title had concluded, this robust patch enhances compatibility and performance on Nintendo’s newer hardware—a welcome treat for the millions of fans who still regard Deluxe as the definitive arcade racer.

The headline feature of this update is a massive expansion to local multiplayer capacity. Previously restricted to a four-player split-screen, the game now accommodates up to eight racers locally. While the action might feel delightfully chaotic on a single screen, it is a phenomenal addition for couch co-op enthusiasts. Players should note that hardware requirements scale accordingly: because the Switch 2 natively supports a maximum of seven original Switch controllers, at least one participant must use a Switch 2 Pro Controller or Joy-Con 2.

Furthermore, running the game on Switch 2 hardware unlocks significantly faster loading times alongside a sharper, high-definition presentation in both handheld mode and docked TV play. For those utilizing the lesser-known CameraPlay feature, USB camera integration is now supported during both online matchmaking and local sessions, though local camera use remains capped at a four-player limit.

Alongside the Next-Gen enhancements, several universal tweaks apply to the original Switch version as well. Base kart speeds have been permanently boosted to match the equivalent of carrying a single coin. Additionally, the stealthy Boo item now grants total immunity to off-road deceleration, and owners of the Booster Course Pass can now configure Versus Races spanning the entire staggering lineup of 96 tracks.

The patch is live right now. You can check out the official Nintendo patch notes for complete technical details. Nearly a decade after its initial rollout, Mario Kart 8 Deluxe continues to refine its legacy; revisit our original Mario Kart 8 Deluxe review to see how far the journey has come, and be sure to read our thoughts on Mario Kart World afterward.