Nintendo has surprised players by releasing a significant update for Mario Kart 8 Deluxe on the upcoming Switch 2 console. The most notable addition is the introduction of eight-player local split-screen multiplayer, doubling the previous four-player limit. This new feature aims to enhance the party experience for the long-running racing title.
Beyond the headline eight-player mode, the update brings several other improvements to Mario Kart 8 Deluxe when played on Switch 2 hardware. Players can expect enhanced image quality and reduced loading times. Additionally, the update introduces support for GameShare and CameraPlay features, allowing for more interactive viewing of gameplay, though these are limited to two-to-four player sessions. To enable these features, users will need a Switch 2 console and at least one Joy-Con 2 or Nintendo Switch 2 Pro Controller.
Minor adjustments are also present in the patch notes. Owners of the Booster Course Pass will find a new '96 Races' option for custom VS matches. The Boo item, used for stealing, will no longer cause a slowdown for the racer utilizing it. Furthermore, all racers have received a slight speed boost, equivalent to the effect of collecting one in-game coin.
This Mario Kart 8 Deluxe update follows a trend of recent free updates from Nintendo for its games on the Switch 2. Pikmin 3 Deluxe also received a similar graphical enhancement update recently. While Super Smash Bros. Ultimate received a separate patch to improve its online performance, it did not include the Switch 2-specific enhancements seen in Mario Kart 8 Deluxe.