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Starman (Mario Kart Wii) This article is not to be confused with the original 2014 version released for the Wii U, Mario Kart 8. Starman (Mario Kart Wii)


Mario Kart 8 Deluxe (stylized as MARIOKART 8 DELUXE and abbreviated to MK8DX) is a Mario Kart racing game exclusive to the Nintendo Switch. It is the enhanced port (or reboot) version of Mario Kart 8 and was released worldwide on April 28, 2017. It was released in South Korea on December 15, due to the Nintendo Switch being released on December 1 there.

This game includes the Inklings as new playable characters along with three returning characters from the previous games: Dry Bones, King Boo, and Bowser Jr. In addition, the Shine Thief and Bob-Omb Blast battle games from Mario Kart: Double Dash!! return as playable options in Battle Mode along with Renegade Roundup, a new mode.

Differences from Mario Kart 8

A majority, if not all, of the game's concepts, tracks, racers, and vehicle parts come from Mario Kart 8. These have been retained and reused for the port version. However, there are several new features and differences that deviate from the original game. These are listed in the following:

  • Racers can now carry up to two items at once, even if they don't drag the first item.
  • It features the return of the Double Item Box from Mario Kart: Double Dash!!.
  • The game introduces smart-steering and auto-accelerate for beginners; smart-steering makes driving and staying on the track easier, and auto-accelerate makes the vehicle automatically accelerate.
  • The statistics of the vehicle parts and drivers have also been changed, and 200cc engine class for Time Trials has been added.
  • The game also features a different in-game guide, directly accessible from the game's menu.
  • The concept of Fire Hopping, in which a player could "hop" repeatedly to get extra speed from a boost, has been banned, or reinstated if you look at it as a glitch.
  • Some of the vehicle parts that are exclusive to DLC are now randomly unlocked by collecting coins during gameplay.
  • Weight classes are now split into 16 weight classes instead of 9 weight classes.
  • 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.
  • All of Mario Kart 8's battle courses have been scrapped and are replaced with battle maps in the style of the battle maps from the first 7 games.
  • Ultra Mini-Turbo (pink sparks) are available after orange sparks. This feature is only enabled when Smart Steering is off.
  • Course maps are now white instead of blue. The maps of the three Rainbow Roads and GCN Baby Park have also changed to white from rainbow-colored (or pink and blue in the case of Baby Park).
  • If smart steering mode is toggled on, there will be an antenna sticking out the rear of their kart.
  • The backbeat that plays when the player is in first place is returned from Mario Kart 7.
  • Stamps are absent due to Miiverse not present on the Nintendo Switch, and also due to the service being discontinued six months after the game's release.
  • Confetti appears at the starting line of several races like Mount Wario.
  • Item Spy is removed to prevent anyone from cheating.
  • If a Blooper is about to ink the player as they cross the finish line, the player will still get inked. This is unlike the Wii U version, where the Blooper or the ink disappear instead.
  • The character icons on the course map are now slightly larger, more detailed, and are of a higher resolution.
  • When playing with teams, the flags of the corresponding colors are added behind the vehicle. These flags do not appear in Balloon Battle and Bob-omb Blast, as the balloons show the teams in these modes.
  • During online race lobbies, the engine class for the upcoming race is 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, as it 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.
  • Players can no longer see the lap count when crossing the finish line and full results in multiplayer (including online lobbies) at the end of the race while watching replay videos via Mario Kart TV.
Mario_Kart_8_Deluxe_Gameplay

Mario Kart 8 Deluxe Gameplay

Racers

All the Mario Kart 8 racers have returned, including the DLC racers, and are available from the start. The only unlockable racer in the game is Gold Mario. Three other racers from the previous games have also returned to the game. The Inklings also made their debut in Mario Kart.

MK8DX King Boo Icon MK8DX Dry Bones Icon MK8 Bowser Jr Icon MK8DX Female Inkling Icon MK8DX Male Inkling Icon MK8DX Gold Mario Icon
King Boo Dry Bones Bowser Jr. Inklings* Gold Mario*
* - Mario Kart debut

Racer Statistics

Similar to Mario Kart 7 and Mario Kart 8, racers in a specific class have their own stats. However, there are more divisions in weight classes than in Mario Kart 8.

  • Speed: the top speed of the vehicle on land with normal gravity.
  • Acceleration: the rate of the vehicle it takes to reach its top speed from a standing position.
  • Weight: the weight of the vehicle.
    • Vehicles with higher weight can knock other vehicles more easily with lower weight.
  • Handling: the turning ability of the vehicle on land with normal gravity.
  • Traction: the grasp of the vehicle.
    • Vehicles with higher traction can stay stable on the road better than vehicles with lower traction.
  • Mini-Turbo: the length of the vehicle's mini-turbo speed boosts.
Class Speed Water Speed Air Speed Anti-Gravity Speed Acceleration Weight Handling Water Handling Air Handling Anti-Gravity Handling Traction Mini-Turbo
L MK8 BabyPeach IconMK8 BabyDaisy Icon +2.25 +2.5 +2.75 +2 +4 +2 +5 +4.5 +5 +5 +4.25 +4
MK8 BabyRosalina IconMK8 Lemmy Icon +2.25 +2.5 +2.75 +2 +4.25 +2 +4.75 +4.25 +4.75 +4.75 +3.75 +4
MK8 BabyMario IconMK8 BabyLuigi IconMK8DX Dry Bones IconMii MK8 +2.5 +2.75 +3 +2.25 +4.25 +2.25 +4.5 +4 +4.5 +4.5 +4 +3.75
MK8 Koopa IconMK8 Lakitu IconMK8 Bowser Jr Icon +2.75 +3 +3.25 +2.5 +4 +2.5 +4.5 +4 +4.5 +4.5 +4.25 +3.75
MK8 Toadette IconMK8 Wendy IconMK8 Isabelle Icon +2.75 +3 +3.25 +2.5 +4.25 +2.5 +4.25 +3.75 +4.25 +4.25 +3.5 +3.75
MK8 Toad IconMK8 ShyGuy Icon*MK8 Larry Icon +3 +3.25 +3.5 +2.75 +4 +2.75 +4.25 +3.75 +4.25 +4.25 +4 +3.5
M MK8 Cat Peach IconMK8DX Female Inkling Icon*VillagerFemale-Icon-MK8 +3.25 +3.5 +3.75 +3 +4 +2.75 +4 +3.5 +4 +4 +3.75 +3.5
MK8 Peach IconMK8 Daisy IconMK8 Yoshi Icon* +3.5 +3.75 +4 +3.25 +3.75 +3 +3.75 +3.35 +3.75 +3.75 +3.75 +3.5
MK8 Tanooki Mario IconMK8DX Male Inkling Icon*VillagerMale-Icon-MK8 +3.5 +3.75 +4 +3.25 +3.75 +3.25 +3.75 +3.25 +3.75 +3.75 +3.25 +3.5
MK8 Luigi IconMK8 Iggy Icon +3.75 +4 +4.25 +3.5 +3.5 +3.5 +3.75 +3.25 +3.75 +3.75 +3.25 +3.25
MK8 Mario IconMK8 Ludwig IconMii MK8 +3.75 +4 +4.25 +3.5 +3.5 +3.5 +3.5 +3 +3.5 +3.5 +3.5 +3.25
H MK8 Rosalina IconMK8DX King Boo IconMK8 Link Icon* +4 +4.25 +4.5 +3.75 +3.25 +3.75 +3.25 +2.75 +3.25 +3.25 +3.75 +3.25
MK8 DKong IconMK8 Waluigi IconMK8 Roy Icon +4.5 +4.75 +5 +4.25 +3.25 +4 +3 +2.5 +3 +3 +3 +3
MK8 Wario IconMK8 Dry Bowser Icon +4.75 +5 +5.25 +4.5 +3 +4.25 +2.75 +2.25 +2.75 +2.75 +3.25 +2.75
MK8 MMario Icon*MK8 PGPeach Icon +4.25 +4.5 +4.75 +4 +3.25 +4.5 +3.25 +2.75 +3.25 +3.25 +3.25 +3
MK8 Bowser IconMK8 Morton IconMii MK8 +4.75 +5 +5.25 +4.5 +3 +4.5 +2.5 +2 +2.5 +2.5 +3 +2.75
* - denotes a racer with color alternatives.
L - denotes light-weighted racers.
M - denotes medium-weighted racers.
H - denotes heavy-weighted racers.

Vehicle parts

The Koopa Clown returns from Mario Kart 7, while two new Splatoon-based ATVs, the Splat Buggy and Inkstriker, have been added. When compared to Mario Kart 8, the statistics of vehicle parts have been altered.

Karts

Kart Speed Water Speed Air

Speed

Anti-Gravity

Speed

Acceleration Weight Handling Water Handling Air

Handling

Anti-Gravity

Handling

Traction Mini-Turbo
StandardKartBodyMK8
Standard Kart*
0
PipeFrameBodyMK8
Pipe Frame*
-0.5 0 -0.5 +0.5 -0.25 +0.5 -0.25 +0.25 +0.25 +0.5
Mach8BodyMK8
Mach 8
0 0 +0.25 +0.5 -0.25 +0.25 -0.25 0 -0.25 +0.25 0
Steel Driver
Steel Driver
+0.25 +0.5 -0.75 -0.25 -0.75 +0.5 -0.5 +0.5 -0.5 0 -0.5
CatCruiserBodyMK8
Cat Cruiser
-0.25 -0.25 +0.25 0 +0.25 0 +0.25 0 +0.25
CircuitSpecialBodyMK8
Circuit Special*
+0.5 -0.5 - +0.25 -0.75 +0.25 -0.5 -0.25 -0.75 -0.25 -0.5 -0.75
TrispeederBodyMK8
Tri-Speeder
+0.25 +0.5 -0.75 -0.25 -0.75 +0.5 -0.5 +0.5 +0.5 -0.5
BadwagonBodyMK8
Badwagon
+0.5 -0.25 -0.5 0 -1 +0.5 -0.75 -0.25 -0.75 -0.5 +0.5 -1
PrancerBodyMK8
Prancer
+0.25 -0.5 -0.25 0 +0.25 0 -0.25
BiddybuggyBodyMK8
Biddybuggy*
Buggybud
-0.75 +0.75 -0.5 +0.5 -0.25 +0.75
LandshipBodyMK8
Landship*
-0.5 +0.5 +0.5 -0.5 +0.25 +0.75 +0.5
SneakerBodyMK8
Sneeker*
Bounder
+0.25 -0.5 0 -0.75 -0.25
SportsCoupeMK8
Sports Coupe
Sports Coupé
0 -0.25 +0.25 -0.25 +0.25 0
MK8Gold Standard
Gold Standard
Gold Kart
+0.25 -0.5 0 -0.75 -0.25
GLA-MK8
GLA*
+0.5 -1 +0.5 -0.75 +0.5 -1
W25SilverArrow-MK8
W 25 Silver Arrow
-0.25 +0.25 -0.25 +0.25 +0.5 +0.25
300SLRoadster-MK8
300 SL Roadster
0
MK8 BlueFalcon
Blue Falcon
+0.25 -0.25 0 +0.25 -0.25 -0.5 -0.25 +0.25 -0.5 +0.5 0 -0.25
MK8 TanookiBuggy
Tanooki Kart
-0.25 +0.25 -0.5 +0.25 +0.25 +1 -0.25
MK8 BDasher
B Dasher
+0.5 -0.75 +0.25 -0.5 -0.5 -0.75
MK8Streetle
Streetle
-0.5 +0.5 -0.5 +0.25 +0.75 +0.5
MK8PWing
P-Wing
+0.5 -0.5 -0.25 +0.25 -0.75 +0.25 -0.5 -0.5 -0.75
MK8DX Koopa Clown
Koopa Clown*
-0.25 +0.25 0 0 -0.5 +0.25 +0.25 +0.5 +1 -0.25
* - changes color depending on the racer.
Bold denotes the part being available from the start.

Bikes

Bike Speed Water

Speed

Air Speed Anti-Gravity

Speed

Acceleration Weight Handling Water

Handling

Air

Handling

Anti-Gravity

Handling

Traction Mini-Turbo
StandardBikeBodyMK8
Standard Bike*
-0.25 -0.25 0 +0.25 +0.25 -0.25 +0.25 +0.5 +0.25
CometBodyMK8
Comet+
-0.25 -0.25 +0.25 0 +0.25 0 +0.25 0 +0.25
SportBikeBodyMK8
Sport Bike+ *
+0.25 0 -0.5 -0.25 0 +0.25 -0.25 -0.25
TheDukeBodyMK8The Duke 0
FlameRiderBodyMK8
Flame Rider
-0.25 -0.25 0 +0.25 -0.25 +0.25 +0.5 +0.25
VarmintBodyMK8
Varmint
-0.5 0 -0.5 +0.5 -0.25 +0.5 +0.25 +0.5
MrScootyBodyMK8
Mr. Scooty
Mr Scooty
-0.75 -0.5 -0.5 +0.75 -0.5 +0.5 +0.25 +0.75
JetBikeBodyMK8
Jet Bike+
+0.25 0 -0.5 -0.25 0 +0.25 0 -0.25 -0.25 -0.25
YoshiBikeBodyMK8
Yoshi Bike+
-0.25 +0.25 0 +0.25 0 +0.25
MK8 MasterCycle
Master Cycle+
+0.25 -0.25 0 0 -0.5 0 -0.75 -0.
150px-MK8D Master Cycle Zero
Master Cycle Zero
-0.25 +0.25 -0.50 +0.25 +0.25 +1
MK8CityTripper
City Tripper*
-0.5 0 +0.5 -0.25 +0.5 +0.25 +0.5
* - changes color depending on the racer.
Bold denotes the part being available from the start.
+ - denotes an ability to perform inside drifts.

ATVs

ATV Speed Water

Speed

Air Speed Anti-Gravity

Speed

Acceleration Weight Handling Water

Handling

Air Handling Anti-Gravity

Handling

Traction Mini-Turbo
StandardATVBodyMK8
Standard ATV*
Standard Quad
+0.5 -0.25 -0.5 0 -1 +0.5 -0.75 -0.25 +0.5 -1
WildWigglerBodyMK8
Wild Wiggler
-0.25 -0.25 0 +0.25 +0.25 -0.25 +0.25 +0.5 +0.25
TeddyBuggyBodyMK8
Teddy Buggy
-0.25 -0.25 0 0 +0.25 0 +0.25 0 +0.25
MK8BoneRattler
Bone Rattler
+0.25 +0.5 -0.75 -0.25 -0.75 +0.5 -0.5 0 -0.5
MK8DX Splat Buggy
Splat Buggy*
+0.25 -0.25 0 +0.25 -0.25 -0.5 -0.25 +0.25 -0.5 0 -0.25
MK8DX Inkstriker
Inkstriker*
0 0 +0.25 +0.5 -0.25 +0.25 -0.25 +0.25 0
* - changes color depending on the racer.
Bold denotes the part being available from the start.

Wheels

Wheel Speed Water

Speed

Air

Speed

Anti-Gravity

Speed

Acceleration Weight Handling Water

Handling

Air

Handling

Anti-Gravity

Handling

Traction Mini-Turbo
StandardTiresMK8
Standard
Normal
0
MonsterTiresMK8
Monster
0 -0.5 +0.5 -0.75 +0.5 -0.25
RollerTiresMK8
Roller
-0.5 +0.5 -0.5 +0.25 -0.25 +0.75
SlimTiresMK8
Slim
+0.25 -0.5 0 +0.25 -1 -0.25
SlickTiresMK8
Slick
+0.5 -0.75 +0.25 -0.25 -1.25 -0.75
MetalTiresMK8
Metal
+0.5 -1 +0.5 -0.25 -0.75 -0.75
ButtonTiresMK8
Button
-0.25 +0.25 -0.5 0 -0.5 +0.5
Off-Road
Off-Road
+0.25 -0.25 +0.25 -0.5 +0.25 -0.5
SpongeTiresMK8
Sponge
-0.25 0 -0.25 -0.25 +0.25 +0.25
WoodTiresMK8
Wood
Wooden
+0.25 -0.5 0 +0.25 -1 -0.25
CushionTiresMK8
Cushion
-0.25 0 -0.25 -0.25 +0.25 +0.25
Blue Standard
Blue Standard
Normal Blue
0
HotMonsterTiresMK8
Hot Monster
Funky Monster
0 -0.5 +0.5 -0.75 +0.5 -0.25
AzureRollerTiresMK8

Azure Roller
-0.5 +0.5 -0.5 +0.25 -0.25 +0.75
CrimsonSlimTiresMK8
Crimson Slim
+0.25 -0.5 0 +0.25 -1 -0.25
CyberSlickTiresMK8
Cyber Slick
+0.5 -0.75 +0.25 -0.25 -1.25 -0.75
Retro Off-Road
Retro Off-Road
+0.25 -0.25 +0.25 -0.5 +0.25 -0.5
Gold Tires MK8
Gold Tires
Gold Wheels
+0.5 -1 +0.5 -0.25 -0.75 -0.75
GLATires-MK8
GLA Tires
GLA Wheels
0
MK8 TriforceTires
Triforce Tires
Triforce Tyres
+0.25 -0.25 +0.25 -0.5 +0.25 -0.5
MK8D Ancient Tires

Ancient Tyres

0 -0.50 +0.50 -0.75 +0.50
Leaf Tires MK8
Leaf Tires
Leaf Tyres
-0.25 +0.25 -0.5 0 -0.5 +0.5
Bold denotes the part being available from the start.

Gliders

Glider Speed Acceleration Weight Handling Traction Mini-Turbo
SuperGliderMK8
Super Glider*
0
Cloud Glider
Cloud Glider
-0.25 +0.25 -0.25 0 +0.25
WarioWingMK8
Wario Wing
0 +0.25 0 -0.25 0
WaddleWingMK8
Waddle Wing
0
PeachParasolGliderMK8
Peach Parasol*
-0.25 +0.25 0 -0.25 +0.25
ParachuteGliderMK8
Parachute
-0.25 +0.25 -0.25 0 +0.25
ParafoilGliderMK8
Parafoil
-0.25 +0.25 0 -0.25 +0.25
FlowerGliderMK8
Flower Glider
-0.25 +0.25 -0.25 0 +0.25
BowserKiteMK8
Bowser Kite
-0.25 +0.25 0 -0.25 +0.25
PlaneGliderMK8
Plane Glider
0 +0.25 0 -0.25 0
MKTVParafoilGliderMK8
MKTV Parafoil
-0.25 +0.25 0 -0.25 +0.25
GoldGliderMK8
Gold Glider
0 +0.25 0 -0.25 0
MK8 HylianKite
Hylian Kite
0
MK8D Paraglider

Paraglider

0 0 +0.25 0 -0.25
PaperGliderIcon-MK8
Paper Glider
-0.25 +0.25 -0.25 0 +0.25
* - changes color depending on the racer.
Bold denotes the part being available from the start.

Unlocking criteria

Racers

The only unlockable racer in this game is Gold Mario. Once unlocked, his icon appears on the character select screen instead of Metal Mario. Metal Mario can still be selected, but is now considered a variant of Gold Mario instead.

Vehicle parts

A random vehicle part is unlocked every 30 Coins. When it reaches to 450 Coins, this changes to every 50. Once reaching 1500 Coins, this changes to every 100.

  • 30
  • 60
  • 90
  • 120
  • 150
  • 180
  • 210
  • 240
  • 270
  • 300
  • 330
  • 360
  • 390
  • 450
  • 500
  • 550
  • 600
  • 650
  • 700
  • 750
  • 800
  • 850
  • 900
  • 950
  • 1000
  • 1050
  • 1100
  • 1150
  • 1200
  • 1250
  • 1300
  • 1350
  • 1400
  • 1450
  • 1500
  • 1600
  • 1700
  • 1800

Special Parts

Courses

In Mario Kart 8 Deluxe, all cups are instead available from the start.

Nitro Courses

MK8 MushroomCup
Mushroom Cup
MK8 FlowerCup
Flower Cup
MK8 StarCup
Star Cup
MK8 SpecialCup
Special Cup
File:MK8 Mario Kart Stadium.png
.
Mario Circuit
.
MK8- Sunshine Airport
.
MK8- Cloudtop Cruise
.
File:MK8 Water Park.png
.
MK8- Toad Harbor
Toad Harbour
MK8- Dolphin Shoals
.
MK8- Bone-Dry Dunes
Bone Dry Dunes
MK8- Sweet Sweet Canyon
.
MK8- Twisted Mansion
.
MK8- Electrodrome
.
Bowser's Castle
.
MK8- Thwomp Ruins
.
MK8- Shy Guy Falls
.
MK8- Mount Wario
.
Rainbow Road
.

Retro Courses

MK8 ShellCup
Shell Cup
MK8 BananaCup
Banana Cup
MK8 LeafCup
Leaf Cup
MK8 LightningCup
Lightning Cup
Wii Moo Moo Meadows
.
GCN Dry Dry Desert
.
DS Wario Stadium
.
DS Tick Tock Clock
.
GBA Mario Circuit
.
SNES Donut Plains
.
GCN Sherbet Land
.
3DS Piranha Plant Slide
3DS Piranha Plant Pipeway
DS Cheep Cheep Beach
.
N64 Royal Raceway
.
3DS Music Park
3DS Melody Motorway
Wii Grumble Volcano
.
N64 Toad's Turnpike
.
3DS DK Jungle
.
N64 Yoshi Valley
.
N64 Rainbow Road
.

DLC courses

The Legend of Zelda × Mario Kart 8 Animal Crossing × Mario Kart 8
MK8 EggCup
Egg Cup
MK8 TriforceCup
Triforce Cup
MK8 CrossingCup
Crossing Cup
MK8 BellCup
Bell Cup
GCN Yoshi Circuit
.
Wii Wario's Gold Mine
.
GCN Baby Park
.
3DS Neo Bowser City
3DS Koopa City
MK8-DLC-Course-icon-ExcitebikeArena
.
SNES Rainbow Road
.
GBA Cheese Land
.
GBA Ribbon Road
.
MK8-DLC-Course-icon-DragonDriftway
.
MK8-DLC-Course-icon-IceIceOutpost
.
MK8-DLC-Course-icon-WildWoods
.
MK8-DLC-Course-icon-SuperBellSubway
.
MK8-DLC-Course-icon-MuteCity
.
MK8-DLC-Course-icon-HyruleCircuit
.
MK8-DLC-Course-icon-AnimalCrossing
.
MK8-DLC-Course-icon-BigBlue
.

Battle Mode

Inklings (3)

A posse of Inklings on Urchin Underpass.

One of the biggest changes of the game is the revamped Battle Mode and the consequential scrapping of Mario Kart 8 battle courses. It returns to the traditional arena-based battle. Unlike the previous games, each player starts with five balloons, as opposed to three. Another addition to this mode is the feature to tell exactly which character hit whom, which appears on the bottom of the screen.

Returning from Mario Kart Wii and Mario Kart 7 is the ability to respawn after all balloons are popped. This causes a player's total score to halve and the player respawns with three balloons instead of five.

Five different Battle Modes exist in the game and are listed in the following:

  • Balloon Battle: The classic mode where players use items to pop opponents' balloons or steal them in order to score points.
  • Renegade Roundup: A new mode in the vein of "cops and robbers," with the racers being divided into two teams.
  • 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.
  • Coin Runners: Originating in Mario Kart Wii, players must collect Coins scattered across the course in order to have the most by the end of the match.
  • 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 (and somehow long) seconds, while the opponents use items against whoever has the Shine to force that player to drop it.

Battle Courses

Replacing the repurposed tracks used for Battle Mode in the original Mario Kart 8, eight battle courses, five new and three retro, are present in the game. This is the biggest change in Mario Kart 8 Deluxe.

MK8D-BattleStadium-icon MK8D-SweetSweetKingdom-icon MK8D-DragonPalace-icon MK8D-LunarColony-icon
3DS Wuhu Town GCN Luigi's Mansion SNES Battle Course 1 MK8D-UrchinUnderpass-icon

Staff Ghosts

For this game's staff ghosts, see Staff Ghosts.

Items

Main Article: Mario Kart 8#Items

All the items from Mario Kart 8 are reused. Racers can now hold two items, similar to Mario Kart: Double Dash!!. No new items were released within the game, but the latter three items have returned.

Returning items

Double Item Box
Double Item Box
Returning from Mario Kart: Double Dash!!, like normal Item Boxes, Double Item Boxes give items. However, as the name implies, it gives two items instead of one.
CapeFeatherMK8
Feather
Originating from Super Mario Kart, the Cape Feather is used to hop roughly double the height the drivers are normally able to, as well as cause them to spin when they do jump. It is exclusive to Battle Mode.
603px-BooNSMBWii
Boo
Unleashes Boo, who turns the holder invisible for a brief time, making the holder impervious to enemy attacks, and steals an opponent's item. It returns from Mario Kart DS.

amiibo

Mii Racing Suits - Wave 1
Mii Racing Suits - Wave 2
Some of the amiibo that can be used to unlock Mii Racing Suits in the game.
Main Article: Mario Kart 8#amiibo


All amiibo compatible with Mario Kart 8 are compatible once again in the game, with some new features. Tapping any Animal Crossing Series amiibo will give the Animal Crossing Mii Racing Suit, and tapping the Boy or Girl Inkling amiibo will give the Boy and Girl Inkling Mii Racing Suits, respectively.

Updates

1.1.0

On May 17, 2017, an update was released. Changes listed in the following 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.
  • Miis now properly show facial expressions during matches.
  • The Tournament clock now properly reflects real-world time.
  • Inkling Girl's pose resembling a gesture, is fixed due to its offensiveness.

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.
  • 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.
  • The item wheel no longer spins continuously in online matches.
  • Online matches now end 30 seconds after the first place racer finishes, just like it does in Mario Kart Wii.
  • Items shown in a player's item slots now display correctly when holding an item behind them.
  • It is no longer possible to use an item after it has been used to block an attack.

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.

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 hasn't yet 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.

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.

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

1.6.0

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

  • New character skin for Link and new vehicle parts dedicated to The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild.

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.
  • Now compatible with Nintendo Switch Online smartphone app.
  • Nintendo Switch Online subscription required to play online.

Reception

The game has been received with universal acclaim, garnering higher aggregate scores than its original version. The game has been praised for being well-suited to the Switch's portability, the increased performance, and particularly the redesigned Battle Mode. On Metacritic, Mario Kart 8 receives "generally favorable" reviews on Wii U holding a metascore of 88/100 based on 82 critic reviews.[1] Its Switch version, Mario Kart 8 Deluxe received "universal acclaim" reviews and was tagged as a "must-play" game holding a metascore of 92/100 based on 95 critic reviews.[2]

Soundtrack

For this game's soundtrack, see Soundtrack:Mario Kart 8.
Main Article: Mario Kart 8 Original Soundtrack


Videos

Switch_Longplay_-005-_Mario_Kart_8_Deluxe

Switch Longplay -005- Mario Kart 8 Deluxe

References

  1. Metascore for Mario Kart 8 on Wii UMetacritic, Retrieved April 13, 2020
  2. Metascore for Mario Kart 8 Deluxe on Nintendo SwitchMetacritic, Retrieved April 13, 2020
Mario Kart games
Main Titles Super Mario Kart (1992, SNES) • Mario Kart 64 (1996, N64) • Mario Kart: Super Circuit (2001, GBA) • Mario Kart: Double Dash!! (2003, GameCube) • Mario Kart DS (2005, DS) • Mario Kart Wii (2008, Wii) • Mario Kart 7 (2011, 3DS) • Mario Kart 8 (2014, Wii U) • Mario Kart 8 Deluxe (2017, Switch)
Arcade Titles Mario Kart Arcade GP (2005) • Mario Kart Arcade GP 2 (2007) • Mario Kart Arcade GP DX (2013) • Mario Kart Arcade GP VR (2017)
Spin-off Titles Mario Kart Tour (2019, Mobile) • Mario Kart Live: Home Circuit (2020, Switch)
Mario Kart 8 (Deluxe)
Racers
Light Baby MarioBaby LuigiBaby PeachBaby DaisyBaby RosalinaToadToadetteKoopa TroopaShy GuyLakituLarry KoopaWendy O. KoopaLemmy KoopaIsabelle + • Villager + • Dry Bones * * • Bowser Jr. * *
Medium MarioLuigiPeachDaisyYoshiLudwig von KoopaIggy KoopaTanooki Mario + • Cat Peach + • Inklings * *
Heavy WarioWaluigiDonkey KongRosalinaBowserRoy KoopaMorton Koopa Jr.Metal MarioPink Gold PeachLink + • Dry Bowser + • King Boo * * • Gold Mario * *
Vehicle parts
Bodies Karts Standard KartPipe FrameMach 8Steel DriverCat CruiserCircuit SpecialTri-SpeederBadwagonPrancerBiddybuggyLandshipSneekerSports CoupeGold StandardGLA + • W 25 Silver Arrow + • 300 SL Roadster + • Blue Falcon + • Tanooki Kart + • B Dasher + • Streetle + • P-Wing + • Koopa Clown * *
Bikes Standard BikeCometSport BikeThe DukeFlame RiderVarmintMr. ScootyJet BikeYoshi BikeMaster Cycle + • City Tripper +
ATVs Standard ATVWild WigglerTeddy BuggyBone Rattler + • Splat Buggy * * • Inkstriker * *
Wheels StandardMonsterRollerSlimSlickMetalButtonOff-RoadSpongeWoodCushionBlue StandardHot MonsterAzure RollerCrimson SlimCyber SlickRetro Off-RoadGold TiresGLA Tires + • Triforce Tires + • Leaf Tires +
Gliders Super GliderCloud GliderWario WingWaddle WingPeach ParasolParachuteParafoilFlower GliderBowser KitePlane GliderMKTV ParafoilGold GliderHylian Kite + • Paper Glider +
Tracks
New cups Mushroom Cup Mario Kart StadiumWater ParkSweet Sweet CanyonThwomp Ruins
Flower Cup Mario CircuitToad HarborTwisted MansionShy Guy Falls
Star Cup Sunshine AirportDolphin ShoalsElectrodromeMount Wario
Special Cup Cloudtop CruiseBone-Dry DunesBowser's CastleRainbow Road
Retro cups Shell Cup Wii Moo Moo MeadowsGBA Mario CircuitDS Cheep Cheep BeachN64 Toad's Turnpike
Banana Cup GCN Dry Dry DesertSNES Donut Plains 3N64 Royal Raceway3DS DK Jungle
Leaf Cup DS Wario StadiumGCN Sherbet Land3DS Music ParkN64 Yoshi Valley
Lightning Cup DS Tick-Tock Clock3DS Piranha Plant SlideWii Grumble VolcanoN64 Rainbow Road
DLC cups Egg Cup + GCN Yoshi CircuitExcitebike ArenaDragon DriftwayMute City
Triforce Cup + Wii Wario's Gold MineSNES Rainbow RoadIce Ice OutpostHyrule Circuit
Crossing Cup + GCN Baby ParkGBA Cheese LandWild WoodsAnimal Crossing
Bell Cup + 3DS Neo Bowser CityGBA Ribbon RoadSuper Bell SubwayBig Blue
Battle Courses Wii U * Mario CircuitToad HarborWii Moo Moo MeadowsGCN Dry Dry DesertSNES Donut Plains 3N64 Toad's TurnpikeGCN Sherbet LandN64 Yoshi Valley
Switch * * Battle StadiumSweet Sweet KingdomDragon PalaceLunar Colony3DS Wuhu TownSNES Battle Course 1GCN Luigi's MansionUrchin Underpass
Miscellaneous
Hardware NunchukWii RemoteWii UWii U GamePadWii Wheel
Software Mario Kart TVMiiverseNintendo Network
Objects Item Box Items BananaBoo * * • Boomerang FlowerBullet BillCrazy 8Feather * * • Fire FlowerGolden MushroomGreen ShellItem BoxLightningMushroomPiranha PlantRed ShellSpiny ShellSuper Horn
Other Dash PanelDouble Item Box * *
Hazards Ball 'n' ChainBone Piranha PlantBooBouncing NoteBowser MonumentBrolderChain ChompCheep CheepChompDeku BabaDolphinFire SnakeFish BoneFishin' LakituFreezieFrogoonGhostGiant GoombaGiant PillarGoombaGoomba TowerHammer KnightKeeseLavaLava PlumeLittle BirdMecha-CheepMechakoopaMini ToadMonty MoleMoo MooMr. ResettiNokiPiantaPiranha PlantPodoboo CogPokeyRaving Piranha PlantSidestepperSkating Shy GuySnowmanSuper ThwompSwooperThwompTiki GoonUnagi
Techniques Anti-gravityDriftHighlight ReelHopMini-TurboRocket StartSlipstreamingSpin BoostTrick
Other EmblemFinish LineGalleryHighlight ReelMario Kart BandSoundtrackStampsStarting GridTrophy
+ - denotes DLC. • * - denotes exclusivity to Mario Kart 8. • * * - denotes exclusivity to Mario Kart 8 Deluxe.
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