Nintendo has released a major new update for Mario Kart 8 Deluxe, bringing the popular racing game to version 4.0.0 and introducing a number of changes designed specifically with Nintendo Switch 2 in mind.
The update is now available and adds several new features to Mario Kart 8 Deluxe, including improved visuals, faster loading times, expanded local multiplayer support and CameraPlay functionality. There are also a few general gameplay adjustments that affect the experience regardless of which Nintendo Switch system players are using.
The biggest part of the update is, unsurprisingly, the addition of Nintendo Switch 2 support. Mario Kart 8 Deluxe can now take advantage of the newer hardware to deliver clearer visuals when played on the system’s display or on compatible high-resolution televisions.
Nintendo is also promising shorter loading times before races and battles begin, which should make getting into a race considerably quicker. While Mario Kart 8 Deluxe has already been a relatively polished experience on the original Switch, the hardware upgrade gives Nintendo an opportunity to improve some of the game’s technical shortcomings.
Local multiplayer is getting a particularly interesting upgrade as well. Mario Kart 8 Deluxe now supports between five and eight players when played on Nintendo Switch 2.
Players can connect up to seven Nintendo Switch controllers, including Joy-Con and Nintendo Switch Pro Controllers, to the system. However, anyone looking to get a full eight-player game going will need at least one Joy-Con 2 or Nintendo Switch 2 Pro Controller.
That makes the new version of Mario Kart 8 Deluxe a little more appealing for larger gatherings, especially for players who regularly use the game as a party title. The original game supported up to four players locally on a single system, so being able to push that number as high as eight represents a substantial expansion.
Another new addition is CameraPlay. Players with a compatible USB camera can now enable camera functionality during Multiplayer and Online Play. The feature allows a player’s face to be displayed during races, adding a more personal element to the experience.
CameraPlay is available in Multiplayer modes involving two to four players as well as Online Play. Nintendo notes that a USB camera is required, meaning players will need to provide compatible hardware separately.
There are also some privacy-related restrictions when using the camera online. Camera footage and microphone audio are only shared with members participating in the same GameChat session. Players can also choose whether the camera is switched on or off.
The update isn’t limited to Nintendo Switch 2 features, however. Nintendo has also made some general gameplay adjustments to Mario Kart 8 Deluxe.
One of the more notable changes is an increase to player speed during races equivalent to having one coin. Coins have always played an important role in Mario Kart 8 Deluxe by gradually increasing a driver’s top speed, and this adjustment effectively gives racers a little more speed as part of the game’s new balance.
Boo has also received a change. Players using the Boo item to become invisible will no longer lose speed when entering an off-road area. This could make Boo slightly more useful in situations where a racer is forced to cut across rough terrain while the item is active.
Finally, players who own the Mario Kart 8 Deluxe – Booster Course Pass will see a new “96 Races” option added to the VS Race rule settings. This gives players another way to set up large-scale sessions using the game’s extensive collection of tracks.
With the Booster Course Pass having expanded Mario Kart 8 Deluxe to an enormous 96-course lineup, the new setting should be particularly useful for players looking to create much longer VS Race sessions.
Version 4.0.0 ultimately represents one of the more substantial updates Mario Kart 8 Deluxe has received, particularly for Nintendo Switch 2 owners. Rather than simply increasing the game’s resolution, Nintendo has added a collection of hardware-specific improvements and features while also making several changes that affect the core game.
The addition of eight-player local multiplayer and CameraPlay could also give Mario Kart 8 Deluxe another reason to remain a fixture at parties and multiplayer gatherings, even years after its original release.
Considering Mario Kart 8 Deluxe is already one of the best-selling games in Nintendo’s history, the Switch 2 enhancements give the racer another opportunity to attract players back for another round. Whether you’re interested in the visual improvements, faster loading, expanded multiplayer or simply want to see what has changed with the latest gameplay adjustments, version 4.0.0 is now available.
Mario Kart 8 Deluxe version 4.0.0 update patch notes
Support for the Nintendo Switch 2 system
- Added support for the Nintendo Switch 2 display and high-resolution TVs, allowing for clearer visuals.
- Shortened the loading time before races and battles begin.
- Added support for 5–8 players in Multiplayer.
- You can connect up to seven Nintendo Switch controllers (Joy-Con or Nintendo Switch Pro Controllers) to the Nintendo Switch 2 system. In order to play with eight people, you need at least one Joy-Con 2 controller or a Nintendo Switch 2 Pro Controller.
- Added CameraPlay support.
- A USB camera (sold separately) is required to use CameraPlay.
- Players can turn camera ON or OFF in Multiplayer (2-4 players) and Online Play modes.
- In order to use a camera on the internet, players must participate in a GameChat session. The camera footage and microphone audio will be sent only to GameChat members.
- When the camera is ON, the player’s face is displayed during the race.
General
- Increased player speed during races by the equivalent of one coin.
- Players will not slow down while using Boo to become invisible, even when entering an offroad area.
- Players with access to the Mario Kart 8 Deluxe – Booster Course Pass will have “96 Races” added to the “VS Race” rule settings.