Mario Kart 8 Deluxe Differences – What’s New?

Mario Kart 8 has been a fan-favorite since its initial release on the Wii U. Now, Nintendo is looking to continue the game’s success on the Nintendo Switch. Mario Kart 8 Deluxe is the definitive edition of the game and includes all the DLC and items added to the original game over its life on Wii U. There are also a few other surprises included, so let’s dive into everything that’s new in Mario Kart 8 Deluxe. This article covers all of the Mario Kart 8 Deluxe differences and how the game adds to the original Mario Kart 8 on Wii U. You can also check out our video below which shows off some of the graphical differences in Mario Kart 8 and Deluxe.

New Characters

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

One of the biggest new additions to Mario Kart 8: Deluxe is the addition of even more characters to the Nintendo racing roster. With all of the DLC, there are now a total of 42 characters included in Mario Kario 8 Deluxe. Joining the roster for the first time are Inkling Boy and Inkling Girl from Nintendo’s wildly successful shooter, Splatoon. Other new characters include Mario series favorites like King Boo, Dry Bones, and Bowser Jr.

Battle Mode and New Tracks

Characters aren’t the only new thing in the game, though. Fans can also take on their friends in 200cc races and in the newly revamped Battle mode, which includes game types like Balloon Battle and Bob-omb Blast. Mario Kart has always been known for its exceptionally well-crafted courses, and Mario Kart 8: Deluxe includes two brand new racing courses. Face off against your friends on Urchin Underpass, or head to Battle Stadium and prove your worth. Returning favorites include GCN Luigi’s Mansion and SNES Battle Course 1.

There are several new modes coming to the Battle Mode, just in case you want a change from the trademark versus battle of old. Renegade Roundup is a new mode that features one team trying to capture and imprison the other. Bob-omb Blast returns from Mario Kart: Double Dash as players throw Bob-ombs at their opponents. Meanwhile, Coin Runners from Mario Kart Wii sees players collecting coins scattered across the battle course. Finally, Shine Thief allows players to steal the Shine Sprite in an attempt to hold onto it for 20 seconds.

New Items

Some of the fan-favorite items from previous Mario Kart games are returning in Mario Kart 8 Deluxe. Boo comes back giving players the ability to steal items from other players. Luckily you can hold up to two items now so at least you’ll still have one item left to use (hopefully!). The feather also returns to Battle Mode so players can jump over obstacles and other vehicles. The power slide boost ability has also been enhanced with a third level of speed boost now available to give players an extra bit of speed when taking longer curves and corners.

New Vehicles

Mario Kart 8: Deluxe will also include three all-new vehicles, two of which were inspired by Splatoon. This definitive edition of the game will also offer up a Smart Steering feature, which when activated will make staying on the track much easier, even when playing at 200cc. This will be extremely useful for families and kids who have trouble staying on course, and it will make the game much more accessible for novice racers.

When Mario Kart 8: Deluxe releases this month, fans will be able to enjoy the game on their television sets, or in the Nintendo Switch’s special handheld mode, allowing them to play anywhere at anytime. You’ll also be able to use two items at once, making it even easier to set up those sweet takedowns on your friends.

Mario Kart 8: Deluxe will weigh in at $59.99, and will include every piece of DLC released on the Wii U, making it the ultimate version of Mario Kart available on the Nintendo Switch when it releases on April 28, 2017.