🆓 Mario Kart 8 Deluxe received a free Switch 2 upgrade adding features like higher resolution, faster load times, and eight-player local multiplayer
📷 The update includes CameraPlay support and the option to race all 96 tracks in a single playlist
📈 This enhancement aims to maintain the game’s popularity and potentially drive hardware upgrades to the new system
🤞 While Nintendo continues releasing free and paid updates for major titles, notable omissions like Super Smash Bros. Ultimate still remain
Nintendo has just released a huge free upgrade for the best-selling Nintendo Switch game, Mario Kart 8 Deluxe.
It adds a slew of new features and improvements when played on Switch 2, such as a higher resolution, faster load times, eight-player local multiplayer, CameraPlay support, and even an option to race all 96 tracks in one VS playlist.
The update has caught everyone off guard, as many thought Nintendo would be laser-focused on updating Mario Kart World, not the previous game in the series.
However, Mario Kart 8 Deluxe continues to sell and remains popular with players. Having an enhanced version for Switch 2 may also encourage people to upgrade to Nintendo’s new system.
The update comes shortly after Nintendo announced a resolution boost for Pikmin 3 Deluxe and GameShare support when playing Bingo Battle.
Nintendo has released a pleasing mix of free Switch to Switch 2 upgrades for its biggest games, along with paid versions that add more new content.
There are still some major omissions from the Switch 2 updates, though, including Super Smash Bros. Ultimate and Luigi’s Mansion 3. But if Nintendo is willing to update Mario Kart 8 Deluxe, there’s a much greater chance we’ll see other first-party games that sold millions get an upgrade too.
Interestingly, the Mario Kart 8 Deluxe update comes just one day after the Switch 2 price increase. The Switch 2 now costs $599.99 instead of $549.99, and has increased in price like other electronics because of the ongoing memory crisis.
Up next: Nintendo Switch Online gets three classic NES games today – including Ninja Gaiden III
Adam Vjestica is The Shortcut’s Senior Editor. Formerly TechRadar’s Gaming Hardware Editor, Adam has also worked at Nintendo of Europe as a Content Marketing Editor, where he helped launch the Nintendo Switch. He also runs a retro gaming YouTube channel called Game on, boy! Follow him on X @ItsMrProducts.