Nintendo EPD{{efn>name=Bamco}}{{efnDeluxe only>name=DX}}}}| publisher = NintendoKosuke Yabukiname=DX}}}}Hideki KonnoKosuke Yabuki{{efn|name=DX}}}}| designer = | programmer = Yusuke ShiraiwaMasaaki Ishikawaname=DX}}}}Shiho FujiiRyo NagamatsuKenta Nagata{{efn|name=DX}}}}| series = Mario KartWii U|Nintendo Switch}}Wii U {{Video game release>JPNA/EUAUSNINTENDO REVEALS MARIO KART 8 LAUNCH DATE OF 31ST MAY ON WII U >URL=HTTP://WWW.NINTENDO.COM.AU/INDEX.PHP?ACTION=NEWS&FORM_NAME=MONTHLY&MONTH=FEBRUARY-2014&PAGEID=6 ARCHIVE-DATE=FEBRUARY 23, 2014 WEBSITE=NINTENDO AUSTRALIA, nintendo.com.au, }}Nintendo Switch {{Video game release|WW|April 28, 2017|CN|March 16, 2020WEB, ã€Šé©¬åŠ›æ¬§å¡ä¸è½¦8 è±ªåŽç‰ˆã€‹3æœˆ16æ—¥æ£å¼å‘å”® - è…¾è®¯Nintendo Switchå®˜ç½‘,www.nintendoswitch.com.cn/topics/a1c3a644-8b80-48a6-a8a8-67a7b30558df, 2024-05-03, www.nintendoswitch.com.cn, }}Kart racing game>Kart racing| modes = Single-player, multiplayer| title = Mario Kart 8}}{{nihongo foot|Mario Kart 8|ãƒžãƒªã‚ªã‚«ãƒ¼ãƒˆ8|Mario KÄto Eito|lead=yes|group=lower-alpha}} is a 2014 kart racing game developed and published by Nintendo for the Wii U. It retains the gameplay of previous games in the Mario Kart series, with players controlling a Mario franchise character in races around tracks. Tracks are themed around locales from the Super Mario platform series and are populated with power-ups that help players gain advantages in races. Different difficulties are selectable prior to a race; harder difficulties make gameplay faster. In the new anti-gravity sequences, players drive on walls and ceilings. Mario Kart 8 contains a variety of single-player and local and online multiplayer games modes, including Grand Prix racing and arena-based battle modes.Nintendo revealed Mario Kart 8 in 2013, and released it in May 2014. Both paid and free downloadable content (DLC) were released after its launch, including a further difficulty setting and additional tracks. It was re-released on the Nintendo Switch in April 2017 as {{nihongo foot|Mario Kart 8 Deluxe.|ãƒžãƒªã‚ªã‚«ãƒ¼ãƒˆ8 ãƒ‡ãƒ©ãƒƒã‚¯ã‚¹|Mario KÄto Eito Derakkusu|lead=yes|group=lower-alpha|ref_name=}} Deluxe includes all of the original DLC, as well as a revamped battle mode and other gameplay alterations. Nintendo continued to add downloadable circuits and characters as paid DLC.Mario Kart 8 was a critical success; reviewers praised its gameplay and presentation, but the battle mode was criticized. Critics praised Deluxe as the definitive version of Mario Kart 8 for its improved battle modes and presentation. Both releases have been named by critics as among the best Mario Kart games, have won and been nominated for several awards, and have been cited in following years as being among the greatest video games ever made. Mario Kart 8 is one of the best-selling video games of all time, at over 70.43 million sold. It is also the best-selling Wii U game at 8.46 million sold and the best-selling Nintendo Switch game at 61.97 million.

Gameplay

{{See also|Mario Kart#Gameplay|label 1=Gameplay of Mario Kart}}(File:MK8 Mario Circuit.jpg|thumb|left|Anti-gravity racing introduced in Mario Kart 8)Mario Kart 8 is a kart racing game; players control characters from the Mario universe to race in go-karts around a course. They may hinder their opponents or improve their performance using power-ups found in item boxes throughout the course.WEB, Fahey, Mike, April 28, 2017, Mario Kart 8 Deluxe: The Kotaku Review,kotaku.com/mario-kart-8-deluxe-the-kotaku-review-1794746789, live,web.archive.org/web/20220607175432/https://kotaku.com/mario-kart-8-deluxe-the-kotaku-review-1794746789, June 7, 2022, November 7, 2022, Kotaku, Univision Communications, en, It includes four different difficulties, each differing in speed, which may be selected before the race.WEB, Williams, Mike, April 20, 2017, Mario Kart 8 Deluxe Review,www.usgamer.net/articles/mario-kart-8-deluxe-review, live,web.archive.org/web/20200804084208/https://www.usgamer.net/articles/mario-kart-8-deluxe-review, August 4, 2020, November 7, 2022, USgamer, Gamer Network, WEB, Swalley, Kirstin, May 2, 2017, Review: Mario Kart 8 Deluxe,hardcoregamer.com/2017/05/02/review-mario-kart-8-deluxe/256082/, live,web.archive.org/web/20200317165811/https://hardcoregamer.com/2017/05/02/review-mario-kart-8-deluxe/256082/, March 17, 2020, November 7, 2022, Hardcore Gamer, DoubleJump Publishing, “Mirror Mode” horizontally inverts all courses.MAGAZINE, Shea, Brian, April 20, 2017, Mario Kart 8 Deluxe,www.gameinformer.com/games/mario_kart_8_deluxe/b/switch/archive/2017/04/20/mario-kart-8-deluxe-game-informer-review.aspx, live, Game Informer, GameStop,www.gameinformer.com/games/mario_kart_8_deluxe/b/switch/archive/2017/04/20/mario-kart-8-deluxe-game-informer-review.aspx," title="web.archive.org/web/20170708092747www.gameinformer.com/games/mario_kart_8_deluxe/b/switch/archive/2017/04/20/mario-kart-8-deluxe-game-informer-review.aspx,">web.archive.org/web/20170708092747www.gameinformer.com/games/mario_kart_8_deluxe/b/switch/archive/2017/04/20/mario-kart-8-deluxe-game-informer-review.aspx, July 8, 2017, November 7, 2022, Returning features from previous installments include motorbikes and 12-player racing from Mario Kart Wii, as well as hang gliders, underwater racing and vehicle customization from Mario Kart 7.WEB, Webber, Jordan Erica, April 20, 2017, Mario Kart 8 Deluxe review: the best, most versatile game in the series,www.theguardian.com/technology/2017/apr/20/mario-kart-8-deluxe-review-nintendo-switch, live,web.archive.org/web/20200920200333/https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2017/apr/20/mario-kart-8-deluxe-review-nintendo-switch, September 20, 2020, November 7, 2022, The Guardian, WEB, Mundy, Jon, April 24, 2017, Mario Kart 8 Deluxe review â€“ A kart racer with infinite variables,www.pocketgamer.com/articles/073753/mario-kart-8-deluxe-review-a-kart-racer-with-infinite-variables/, live,web.archive.org/web/20200807184553/https://www.pocketgamer.com/articles/073753/mario-kart-8-deluxe-review-a-kart-racer-with-infinite-variables/, August 7, 2020, November 7, 2022, Pocket Gamer, Steel Media, Up to four players can play together on a single system, up to eight can play together through a local wireless connection (Nintendo Switch only), and up to twelve can play together via online multiplayer. As of April 2024, online multiplayer is no longer available on the Wii U version of Mario Kart 8 due to the discontinuation of online services for the Wii U.WEB, Discontinuation of Online Services for Nintendo 3DS and Wii U software,en-americas-support.nintendo.com/app/answers/detail/a_id/63227, Nintendo Customer Support, The signature new feature of Mario Kart 8 is anti-gravity racing, in which certain parts of a course allow racers to drive on walls and ceilings. In these sections, players who collide with other racers or special bumpers will trigger a speed boost. New characters include the Koopalings and Pink Gold Peach. In addition to karts and motorbikes, the game also includes all-terrain vehicles. There are four new items: the Boomerang Flower, which can be thrown to attack players; the Piranha Plant, which attacks nearby racers and obstacles and provides a speed boost; the Crazy Eight, which gives the user eight different items; and the Super Horn, which can be used both to attack nearby opponents and defend against items, including the previously nearly unavoidable Spiny Shell.WEB, LeJacq, Yannick, July 14, 2014, Watch Someone Use Mario Kart 8’s Super Horn Like A Total Jerk,kotaku.com/guy-uses-mario-kart-8s-super-horn-like-a-total-jerk-1604657990, January 1, 2023, Kotaku, January 1, 2023,web.archive.org/web/20230101220030/https://kotaku.com/guy-uses-mario-kart-8s-super-horn-like-a-total-jerk-1604657990, live, The game features 32 courses spread across eight cups, with an additional 16 courses later released as downloadable content (DLC) in four additional cups.WEB, Friend, Devin, February 11, 2022, Mario Kart 8’s Total Course Number Will Be Ridiculous,screenrant.com/mario-kart-8-dlc-booster-pass-tracks-courses/, December 7, 2022, ScreenRant, en-US, December 7, 2022,web.archive.org/web/20221207174250/https://screenrant.com/mario-kart-8-dlc-booster-pass-tracks-courses/, live, Mario Kart 8 Deluxe“>

Mario Kart 8 Deluxe

Mario Kart 8 Deluxe includes all downloadable content (DLC) for Mario Kart 8, including characters, courses, and vehicle components, into a single product for Nintendo Switch, as well as being the first Mario game for the console.WEB, Otero, Jose, April 20, 2017, Mario Kart 8 Deluxe Review,www.ign.com/articles/2017/04/20/mario-kart-8-deluxe-review, live,www.ign.com/articles/2017/04/20/mario-kart-8-deluxe-review," title="web.archive.org/web/20210422025216www.ign.com/articles/2017/04/20/mario-kart-8-deluxe-review,">web.archive.org/web/20210422025216www.ign.com/articles/2017/04/20/mario-kart-8-deluxe-review, April 22, 2021, November 7, 2022, IGN, Ziff Davis, These features are accessible upon first starting the game, without the need to be unlocked.WEB, Watts, Steve, April 20, 2017, Mario Kart 8 Deluxe Review: Switch Gears,www.shacknews.com/article/99743/mario-kart-8-deluxe-review-switch-gears, live,web.archive.org/web/20200325041642/https://www.shacknews.com/article/99743/mario-kart-8-deluxe-review-switch-gears, March 25, 2020, November 7, 2022, Shacknews, Gamerhub, In addition to previous DLC, several new characters were introduced in Deluxe, including the Inklings from Splatoon, Bowser Jr., Dry Bones, and King Boo.WEB, Whitehead, Thomas, April 20, 2017, Mario Kart 8 Deluxe for Nintendo Switch review,www.nintendolife.com/reviews/nintendo-switch/mario_kart_8_deluxe, live,www.nintendolife.com/reviews/nintendo-switch/mario_kart_8_deluxe," title="web.archive.org/web/20170421120747www.nintendolife.com/reviews/nintendo-switch/mario_kart_8_deluxe,">web.archive.org/web/20170421120747www.nintendolife.com/reviews/nintendo-switch/mario_kart_8_deluxe, April 21, 2017, November 7, 2022, Nintendo Life, Hookshot Media, MAGAZINE, Schaefer, Emma, May 1, 2017, Mario Kart 8 Deluxe review,egmnow.com/mario-kart-8-deluxe-review/, live,web.archive.org/web/20210919105840/https://egmnow.com/mario-kart-8-deluxe-review/, September 19, 2021, November 7, 2022, Electronic Gaming Monthly, Other notable changes to the gameplay include the ability to hold two items at once,WEB, Robinson, Martin, April 21, 2017, Mario Kart 8 Deluxe review,www.eurogamer.net/articles/2017-04-21-mario-kart-8-deluxe-review, live,web.archive.org/web/20200722184758/https://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2017-04-21-mario-kart-8-deluxe-review, July 22, 2020, November 7, 2022, Eurogamer, Gamer Network, WEB, Schilling, Chris, April 20, 2017, Mario Kart 8 Deluxe review,www.gamesradar.com/mario-kart-8-review/, live,web.archive.org/web/20220228061420/https://www.gamesradar.com/mario-kart-8-review/, February 28, 2022, November 7, 2022, GamesRadar+, Future plc, and accessibility features to assist newer players, such as auto-acceleration or smart steering, which prevents players from veering off course. Deluxe also reintroduces the Boo item, which allows the player to steal another opponent’s item and then temporarily become invisible.WEB, Carter, Chris, April 20, 2017, Mario Kart 8 Deluxe review,www.destructoid.com/review-mario-kart-8-deluxe-430414.phtml, live,web.archive.org/web/20170421062407/https://www.destructoid.com/review-mario-kart-8-deluxe-430414.phtml, April 21, 2017, November 7, 2022, Destructoid, Gamurs, In Deluxe’s “Booster Course Pass”, several courses have differing layouts in every lap, condensing multiple variations of a course into one.WEB, Andriessen, CJ, March 21, 2022, Mario Kart 8 Deluxe Booster Course Pass Wave 1 reviewed and ranked,www.destructoid.com/reviews/mario-kart-8-deluxe-booster-course-pass-wave-1-reviewed/, live,web.archive.org/web/20221008173805/https://www.destructoid.com/reviews/mario-kart-8-deluxe-booster-course-pass-wave-1-reviewed/, October 8, 2022, October 6, 2022, Destructoid, Gamurs, en-CA, File:Renegade_Roundup.webp|alt=Two characters in split-screen view on a concrete surface. On the left is Bowser Jr., a yellow turtle-like creature with a spiked green shell who is riding in a small circular car. In front of him is a Piranha Plant, a venus flytrap-like creature with a white-spotted red head. On the right is Isabelle, a humanoid yellow dog on a motorbike. Isabelle is driving towards a blue switch with a key icon placed below a yellow and blue cage. In the center of the screen is a minimap displaying the characters’ location in the course.|thumb|In Renegade Roundup, the authority player Bowser Jr. (left), using a Piranha Plant, aims to capture Isabelle (right), who is trying to free her captured renegade teammates from a cage by driving over a key switch.]]The largest addition to Mario Kart 8 Deluxe is the updated battle mode. Deluxe includes five new battle mode-exclusive courses, and three battle courses adapted from previous entries in the Mario Kart series. These battle courses are designed specifically for the mode, featuring layouts that allow for easier item play, rather than repurposing standard race courses like Mario Kart 8.WEB, Plagge, Kallie, April 20, 2017, Mario Kart 8 Deluxe Review,www.gamespot.com/reviews/mario-kart-8-deluxe-review/1900-6416660/, live,web.archive.org/web/20170724000318/https://www.gamespot.com/reviews/mario-kart-8-deluxe-review/1900-6416660/, July 24, 2017, November 7, 2022, GameSpot, Red Ventures, The Feather item, reintroduced from previous entries in the series, is exclusive to this mode and allows the player to get a small boost in height when it is activated. There are five rulesets in battle mode. In Balloon Battle, players use items to destroy each other’s balloons. Unlike in previous incarnations, the mode is point-based rather than last-man-standing, meaning that the winner is whoever destroys the most balloons before the match ends.MAGAZINE, May 2017, Mario Kart 8 Deluxe, GamesTM, Future plc, Future Publishing, 187, 68, Bob-omb Blast is a variation of Balloon Battle with all the items replaced with bombs. In Shine Thief, players must maintain control of the Shine Sprite for as long as possible; the player or team who possesses it for the longest wins.WEB, Whitehead, Thomas, April 15, 2017, Preview: Battle Mode is Back On Form in Mario Kart 8 Deluxe,www.nintendolife.com/news/2017/04/preview_battle_mode_is_back_on_form_in_mario_kart_8_deluxe, live,web.archive.org/web/20170619065636/https://www.nintendolife.com/news/2017/04/preview_battle_mode_is_back_on_form_in_mario_kart_8_deluxe, June 19, 2017, November 9, 2022, Nintendo Life, Hookshot Media, en-GB, WEB, Greenwald, Will, April 21, 2017, Mario Kart 8 Deluxe (for Nintendo Switch) Review,www.pcmag.com/reviews/mario-kart-8-deluxe-for-nintendo-switch, live,web.archive.org/web/20220608153542/https://www.pcmag.com/reviews/mario-kart-8-deluxe-for-nintendo-switch, June 8, 2022, November 15, 2022, PCMag, Ziff Davis, en, In Coin Runners, players scavenge coins from around the course and steal them from other players, aiming to have the biggest hoard. The final mode is Renegade Roundup, which involves a team of “renegades” trying to avoid the “authorities” armed with Piranha Plants, which takes inspiration from the children’s game “cops and robbers”. Renegades may free their captured teammates by driving over switches under the cages controlled by the authorities.{{Clear}}

Development and release

File:Wii U Console and Gamepad.png|thumb|Mario Kart 8 was released exclusively for the leftInitially confirmed in a January 2013 Nintendo Direct presentation, Mario Kart 8 was fully unveiled at E3 2013. Some members of Bandai Namco Games received special thanks in the credits. The “8” in the logo was designed to resemble a MÃ¶bius strip, as was Mario Circuit, one of the courses. Early in development, the idea of using a drill to penetrate the ground was considered but was quickly discarded for not being as interesting as anti-gravity. Courses were designed with anti-gravity in mind, including tracks from older games which were redesigned to take advantage of the new mechanic. Other courses had gliding and underwater sections added as well.WEB, Edge staff, May 30, 2014, Q&A: Nintendo’s Kosuke Yabuki on the making of Mario Kart 8,www.edge-online.com/features/qa-nintendos-kosuke-yabuki-on-the-making-of-mario-kart-8/,www.edge-online.com/features/qa-nintendos-kosuke-yabuki-on-the-making-of-mario-kart-8/," title="web.archive.org/web/20140603233117www.edge-online.com/features/qa-nintendos-kosuke-yabuki-on-the-making-of-mario-kart-8/,">web.archive.org/web/20140603233117www.edge-online.com/features/qa-nintendos-kosuke-yabuki-on-the-making-of-mario-kart-8/, June 3, 2014, November 26, 2022, Edge, File:E3 2013 (9020973991).jpg|thumb|A replica of the standard kart seen in Mario Kart 8 at E3 2013 E3 2013Nintendo’s launch promotions of Mario Kart 8 include a Limited Edition with a Spiny Shell figurine; and special Mario and Luigi themed console bundles, with a hat, strategy guide, Wii Remote Plus controller, Wii Wheel, and GamePad protector. In North America, Europe, and Australia, players who purchased and registered Mario Kart 8 on Club Nintendo before July 31, 2014, received a free download code for a selected Wii U game. As part of a promotional campaign with Mercedes-Benz, Mario, Luigi, and Peach were featured in a series of Japanese commercials for the Mercedes-Benz GLA, and three karts based on past and present Mercedes-Benz vehicles were added as part of a downloadable update on August 27, 2014. In 2014, fast food company McDonald’s released Happy Meal-branded toys based on the characters and karts.WEB, Pereira, Chris, June 17, 2014, Mario Kart 8 Toys to Come With McDonald’s Happy Meals,www.gamespot.com/articles/mario-kart-8-toys-to-come-with-mcdonald-s-happy-meals/1100-6420547/, live,www.gamespot.com/articles/mario-kart-8-toys-to-come-with-mcdonald-s-happy-meals/1100-6420547/," title="web.archive.org/web/20150205093751www.gamespot.com/articles/mario-kart-8-toys-to-come-with-mcdonald-s-happy-meals/1100-6420547/,">web.archive.org/web/20150205093751www.gamespot.com/articles/mario-kart-8-toys-to-come-with-mcdonald-s-happy-meals/1100-6420547/, February 5, 2015, April 1, 2015, GameSpot, A soundtrack album containing 68 tracks from the game was made available as an exclusive reward available to Club Nintendo members shortly preceding the service’s discontinuation in 2015.WEB, July 27, 2015, Mario Kart 8 Soundtrack CD Club Nintendo Reward Powerslides Into View,www.nintendolife.com/news/2015/07/mario_kart_8_soundtrack_cd_club_nintendo_reward_powerslides_into_view, live,www.nintendolife.com/news/2015/07/mario_kart_8_soundtrack_cd_club_nintendo_reward_powerslides_into_view," title="web.archive.org/web/20180612141419www.nintendolife.com/news/2015/07/mario_kart_8_soundtrack_cd_club_nintendo_reward_powerslides_into_view,">web.archive.org/web/20180612141419www.nintendolife.com/news/2015/07/mario_kart_8_soundtrack_cd_club_nintendo_reward_powerslides_into_view, June 12, 2018, June 7, 2018, Nintendo Life, Game updates added new features and user experience improvements, such as support for Amiibo figurines, a 200cc difficulty setting, player statistics, and additional Mii outfits.WEB, McWhertor, Michael, April 1, 2015, Mario Kart 8 is getting a 200cc speed boost in a free update,www.polygon.com/2015/4/1/8328223/mario-kart-8-200cc-speed-boost-update, November 21, 2022, Polygon, November 21, 2022,web.archive.org/web/20221121231834/https://www.polygon.com/2015/4/1/8328223/mario-kart-8-200cc-speed-boost-update, live, Two paid DLC packs added characters, vehicles, and courses to the game. Some characters and courses are based on other Nintendo franchises, including Link (The Legend of Zelda), Isabelle and Villager (Animal Crossing), Mute City and Big Blue (F-Zero), and Excitebike Arena (Excitebike).WEB, New Mario Kart 8 DLC is racing to your Wii U!,play.nintendo.com/news-tips/news/new-mario-kart-8-dlc-racing-your-wii-u/, live,web.archive.org/web/20141208065114/https://play.nintendo.com/news-tips/news/new-mario-kart-8-dlc-racing-your-wii-u/, December 8, 2014, November 21, 2022, Nintendo.com, Downloadable content for Mario Kart 8 is no longer available to purchase due to the discontinuation of the Nintendo eShop for Wii U.WEB, Wii U & Nintendo 3DS eShop Discontinuation,en-americas-support.nintendo.com/app/answers/detail/a_id/57847, Nintendo Customer Support, In March 2023, Nintendo halted online play for Mario Kart 8 and Splatoon due to a security vulnerability.WEB, Wood, Anthony, 2023-03-03, Nintendo Takes Wii U Versions of Mario Kart 8 and Splatoon Offline Over Security Issues,www.ign.com/articles/nintendo-takes-wii-u-versions-of-mario-kart-8-and-splatoon-offline-over-security-issues, 2024-04-24, IGN, en, The issue was fixed with an update, and online play resumed on August 3, 2023. Nintendo further stated that if further issues occurred, online play may be discontinued for the games.WEB, Wood, Anthony, 2023-08-02, Nintendo Restores Wii U Mario Kart 8 and Splatoon Online Play After 5-Month Absence,www.ign.com/articles/nintendo-restores-wii-u-mario-kart-8-and-splatoon-online-play-after-5-month-absence, 2024-04-24, IGN, en, On October 4, 2023, Nintendo announced that online services for most Wii U and Nintendo 3DS software, including Mario Kart 8, would end by April 2024. Online services for Mario Kart 8 were terminated on April 9, 2024.Mario Kart 8 Deluxe“>

Mario Kart 8 Deluxe

Booster Course Pass

During a February 2022 Nintendo Direct, it was announced that Mario Kart 8 Deluxe would get a paid downloadable content season pass called the “Booster Course Pass”. Courses in the “Booster Course Pass” are largely remastered from their incarnations in previous Mario Kart games.WEB, Middler, Jordan, February 9, 2022, Mario Kart 8 Deluxe Booster Course Pass announced,www.videogameschronicle.com/news/mario-kart-booster-course-pass-announced/, live,web.archive.org/web/20221006172626/https://www.videogameschronicle.com/news/mario-kart-booster-course-pass-announced/, October 6, 2022, October 6, 2022, Video Games Chronicle, Gamer Network, en-GB, The “Booster Course Pass” was released in six waves, with each wave containing eight courses split into two cups, totaling to 48 additional tracks that were released between March 2022 and November 2023.WEB, Plant, Logan, February 10, 2022, Mario Kart 8 Has Over Half of the Tracks Ever Made for Mario Kart Series,www.ign.com/articles/mario-kart-8-deluxe-over-half-of-all-tracks, live,web.archive.org/web/20221008172825/https://www.ign.com/articles/mario-kart-8-deluxe-over-half-of-all-tracks, October 8, 2022, October 7, 2022, IGN, Ziff Davis, en, It can be accessed by purchasing it on the Nintendo Switch’s eShop, or by having an active Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack subscription. The first wave of the “Booster Course Pass” was released on March 18, 2022, containing the Golden Dash Cup and the Lucky Cat Cup.WEB, Gilliam, Ryan, March 17, 2022, Mario Kart 8 Deluxe Booster Course Pass DLC starts this week,www.polygon.com/22982861/mario-kart-8-deluxe-dlc-wave-1-release-date-booster-course-pass, live,web.archive.org/web/20221008080755/https://www.polygon.com/22982861/mario-kart-8-deluxe-dlc-wave-1-release-date-booster-course-pass, October 8, 2022, October 6, 2022, Polygon (website), Polygon, Vox Media, en-US, Wave 2 was released on August 4, 2022, containing the Turnip Cup and the Propeller Cup.WEB, Guisao, Jason, July 28, 2022, Mario Kart 8 Deluxe â€“ Booster Course Pass Wave 2 Races Into Action Next Month,www.gameinformer.com/2022/07/28/mario-kart-8-deluxe-booster-course-pass-wave-2-races-into-action-next-month, live,web.archive.org/web/20221010045807/https://www.gameinformer.com/2022/07/28/mario-kart-8-deluxe-booster-course-pass-wave-2-races-into-action-next-month, October 10, 2022, October 7, 2022, GameStop, en, Game Informer, It also featured Sky-High Sundae, an original course not introduced in a previous Mario Kart game.WEB, Zollner, Amelia, July 28, 2022, Mario Kart 8 Deluxe Booster Course Wave 2 Includes a Brand New Track,www.ign.com/articles/mario-kart-8-deluxe-booster-course-wave-2-includes-a-brand-new-track, live,web.archive.org/web/20221009181617/https://www.ign.com/articles/mario-kart-8-deluxe-booster-course-wave-2-includes-a-brand-new-track, October 9, 2022, October 6, 2022, IGN, Ziff Davis, en, Alongside the release of Wave 2, Nintendo released an update to the Wave 1 course Coconut Mall that changed the cars at the end of the course to perform donuts, rather than remaining stationary, except for in Time Trials.WEB, Bailey, Dustin, August 4, 2022, Mario Kart 8 Deluxes Coconut Mall gets fixed, and now it’s better than the original,www.gamesradar.com/mario-kart-8-deluxes-coconut-mall-gets-fixed-and-now-its-better-than-the-original/, live,web.archive.org/web/20221019212213/https://www.gamesradar.com/mario-kart-8-deluxes-coconut-mall-gets-fixed-and-now-its-better-than-the-original/, October 19, 2022, October 19, 2022, GamesRadar+, Future plc, en, This change was widely praised, especially after many were disappointed that the cars were stationary in the “Booster Course Pass” to begin with.{{Efn|Supported by multiple sources:WEB, McWhertor, Michael, August 4, 2022, New Mario Kart 8 DLC fixes Coconut Mall’s stalled Shy Guys,www.polygon.com/23292348/mario-kart-8-dlc-booster-course-pass-wave-2-fixes-coconut-mall, live,web.archive.org/web/20221022141703/https://www.polygon.com/23292348/mario-kart-8-dlc-booster-course-pass-wave-2-fixes-coconut-mall, October 22, 2022, October 19, 2022, Polygon (website), Polygon, Vox Media, en-US, WEB, Bechara, Diego Ramos, August 5, 2022, Mario Kart 8s Coconut Mall Track Got a Wild Update, And the Internet Is Taking Notice,www.ign.com/articles/mario-kart-8s-coconut-mall-track-got-a-wild-update-and-the-internet-is-taking-notice, live,web.archive.org/web/20221019052350/https://www.ign.com/articles/mario-kart-8s-coconut-mall-track-got-a-wild-update-and-the-internet-is-taking-notice, October 19, 2022, October 6, 2022, IGN, Ziff Davis, en, WEB, Hagues, Alana, August 4, 2022, Random: Rejoice! Mario Kart 8 Deluxe’s Coconut Mall Has Been ‘Fixed’,www.nintendolife.com/news/2022/08/random-rejoice-mario-kart-8-deluxes-coconut-mall-has-been-fixed, live,web.archive.org/web/20221019212218/https://www.nintendolife.com/news/2022/08/random-rejoice-mario-kart-8-deluxes-coconut-mall-has-been-fixed, October 19, 2022, October 19, 2022, Nintendo Life, Hookshot Media, en-GB, |name=Coco}} Wave 3 was released on December 7, 2022, containing the Rock Cup and the Moon Cup. The ability to remove certain items from “VS Race” mode and online races was also added.WEB, Hagues, Alana, September 13, 2022, Mario Kart 8 Deluxe Booster Course Pass Wave 3 Will Launch This Holiday,www.nintendolife.com/news/2022/09/mario-kart-8-deluxe-booster-course-pass-wave-3-will-launch-this-holiday, live,web.archive.org/web/20221014113924/https://www.nintendolife.com/news/2022/09/mario-kart-8-deluxe-booster-course-pass-wave-3-will-launch-this-holiday, October 14, 2022, October 6, 2022, Nintendo Life, Hookshot Media, en-GB, WEB, Reynolds, Ollie, November 21, 2022, Mario Kart 8 Deluxe Booster Course Pass Wave 3 Launches Next Month,www.nintendolife.com/news/2022/11/mario-kart-8-deluxe-booster-course-pass-wave-3-launches-next-month, live,web.archive.org/web/20221121194830/https://www.nintendolife.com/news/2022/11/mario-kart-8-deluxe-booster-course-pass-wave-3-launches-next-month, November 21, 2022, November 21, 2022, Nintendo Life, Hookshot Media, Wave 4 was released on March 8, 2023, in North America and March 9 elsewhere, containing the Fruit Cup and the Boomerang Cup. It also featured a brand new original course based on Yoshi’s Island (1995).WEB, Nintendo of America on Twitter,twitter.com/nintendoamerica/status/1623472056183537665?s=46&t=tTFsMIzmtYOchI7dwtmd9g, February 9, 2023, Twitter, en, WEB, Norman, Jim, Mario Kart 8 Deluxe Booster Course Pass Wave 4 Launches Next Week,www.nintendolife.com/news/2023/03/mario-kart-8-deluxe-booster-course-pass-wave-4-launches-next-week, March 2, 2023, March 2, 2023, Nintendo Life, Hookshot Media, en-GB, March 2, 2023,web.archive.org/web/20230302143344/https://www.nintendolife.com/news/2023/03/mario-kart-8-deluxe-booster-course-pass-wave-4-launches-next-week, live, Wave 5 was released on July 12, 2023, containing the Feather Cup and the Cherry Cup. It also featured a brand new course, Squeaky Clean Sprint.WEB, 2023-07-06, Mario Kart 8 Deluxe Booster Course Pass Wave 5 Arrives Next Week,www.nintendolife.com/news/2023/07/mario-kart-8-deluxe-booster-course-pass-wave-5-arrives-next-week, 2023-07-06, Nintendo Life, en-GB, The final wave, Wave 6 was shown off in a Nintendo Direct on September 14, 2023, and released on November 9, 2023, containing the Acorn Cup and the Spiny Cup.WEB, 2023-11-01, Mario Kart 8 Deluxe ‘Booster Course Pass’ Wave 6 launches November 9,www.gematsu.com/2023/11/mario-kart-8-deluxe-booster-course-pass-wave-6-launches-november-9, 2023-11-01, Gematsu, en-US, Wave 6 features the addition of a music player featuring music from all courses in the game, as well as 18 additional costumes for the Mii racers.WEB, Mario Kart 8 Deluxe Booster Course Pass Wave 6 DLC Launches Soon,www.gamespot.com/articles/mario-kart-8-deluxe-booster-course-pass-wave-6-dlc-launches-soon/1100-6518805/, 2023-11-01, GameSpot, en-US, Starting in February 2023, Nintendo added eight more playable characters to the game, all having previously appeared in other Mario Kart titles. The first of these characters, Birdo, debuted in Wave 4;WEB, Doolan, Liam, February 8, 2023, Mario Kart 8 Deluxe Adds Yoshi’s Island & Birdo This Spring,www.nintendolife.com/news/2023/02/mario-kart-8-deluxes-wave-4-dlc-adds-yoshis-island-and-birdo-this-spring, live, February 9, 2023, Nintendo Life, Hookshot Media, en-GB, February 9, 2023,web.archive.org/web/20230209151357/https://www.nintendolife.com/news/2023/02/mario-kart-8-deluxes-wave-4-dlc-adds-yoshis-island-and-birdo-this-spring, WEB, February 8, 2023, Mario kart 8 Deluxe Booster Course Pass Wave 4 coming Spring 2023, includes Birdo,gonintendo.com/contents/15975-mario-kart-8-deluxe-booster-course-pass-wave-4-coming-spring-2023-includes-birdo, live, February 9, 2023, GoNintendo, February 9, 2023,web.archive.org/web/20230209151358/https://gonintendo.com/contents/15975-mario-kart-8-deluxe-booster-course-pass-wave-4-coming-spring-2023-includes-birdo, Petey Piranha, Wiggler, and Kamek in Wave 5;WEB, Plant, Logan, Petey Piranha, Wiggler, and Kamek Are Coming to Mario Kart 8 Deluxe,www.ign.com/articles/petey-piranha-wiggler-and-kamek-are-coming-to-mario-kart-8-deluxe, IGN, June 21, 2023, June 23, 2023, and Diddy Kong, Funky Kong, Pauline and Peachette in Wave 6.{{Citation |title=Mario Kart 8 Deluxe - Booster Course Pass Wave 6 - Nintendo Switch 9.14.2023 |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BiJ7IoeuhXE |access-date=2023-09-14 |language=en}}{{Clear}}

Reception and legacy

{{Video game reviews| na = true| WIIU = true| NS = truePUBLISHER=DESTRUCTOIDARCHIVE-DATE=MAY 15, 2014URL-STATUS=LIVE, | Destruct_NS = 9.5/103LAST=FITCHTITLE=MARIO KART 8 REVIEWACCESS-DATE=AUGUST 6, 2020ARCHIVE-URL=HTTPS://WEB.ARCHIVE.ORG/WEB/20201001182742/HTTPS://EGMNOW.COM/EGM-REVIEW-MARIO-KART-8/, live, 4|5}}| EuroG_WIIU = 10/10| EuroG_NS = Essential4.5|5}}| GI_WIIU = 9.25/10| GI_NS = 9.25/10LAST=BISCHOFFTITLE=MARIO KART 8 REVIEWACCESS-DATE=AUGUST 6, 2020ARCHIVE-URL=HTTPS://WEB.ARCHIVE.ORG/WEB/20210414071642/HTTPS://WWW.GAMEREVOLUTION.COM/REVIEW/64082-MARIO-KART-WII-U-REVIEW#/SLIDE/1, live, | GameRev_NS = 4/5| GSpot_WIIU = 8/10| GSpot_NS = 9/104|5}}5|5}}MAGAZINE=GAMESTMFUTURE PLC>FUTURE PUBLISHINGPAGES=97, | GTM_NS = 9/104|5}}LAST=CREEGANTITLE=REVIEW: MARIO KART 8ACCESS-DATE=AUGUST 6, 2020ARCHIVE-URL=HTTPS://WEB.ARCHIVE.ORG/WEB/20200807151100/HTTPS://HARDCOREGAMER.COM/2014/06/04/REVIEW-MARIO-KART-8/87305/, live, | HCG_NS = 4.5/5| IGN_WIIU = 9/10| IGN_NS = 9.3/109LAST=WHITEHEADTITLE=MARIO KART 8 2014ACCESS-DATE=AUGUST 6, 2020ARCHIVE-URL=HTTPS://WEB.ARCHIVE.ORG/WEB/20200807011533/HTTPS://WWW.NINTENDOLIFE.COM/REVIEWS/WIIU/MARIO_KART_8, live, 10|10}}4.5|5}}LAST=WATTSTITLE=MARIO KART 8 REVIEW: UP TO SPEEDACCESS-DATE=AUGUST 6, 2020ARCHIVE-URL=HTTPS://WEB.ARCHIVE.ORG/WEB/20200813182010/HTTPS://WWW.SHACKNEWS.COM/ARTICLE/84513/MARIO-KART-8-REVIEW-UP-TO-SPEED, live, | SN_NS = 9/105LAST=STANTONTITLE=MARIO KART 8 REVIEW â€“ THE BEST DRIVE EVER?ACCESS-DATE=AUGUST 6, 2020ARCHIVE-URL=HTTPS://WEB.ARCHIVE.ORG/WEB/20200524125727/HTTPS://WWW.THEGUARDIAN.COM/TECHNOLOGY/2014/MAY/16/MARIO-KART-8-REVIEW-THE-BEST-DRIVE-EVER, live, 5|5}}LAST=WILLIAMSWEBSITE=USGAMERACCESS-DATE=AUGUST 6, 2020ARCHIVE-URL=HTTPS://WEB.ARCHIVE.ORG/WEB/20200803085701/HTTPS://WWW.USGAMER.NET/ARTICLES/MARIO-KART-8-WII-U-REVIEW-WHERE-WERE-GOING-WE-DONT-NEED-GRAVITY, live, | USG_NS = 5/5FIRST=JEFFDATE=MAY 15, 2014ACCESS-DATE=AUGUST 7, 2020ARCHIVE-URL=HTTPS://WEB.ARCHIVE.ORG/WEB/20201025052222/HTTPS://VENTUREBEAT.COM/2014/05/15/MARIO-KART-8-REVIEW/, live, | VB_NS = 90/100Score based on 82 reviews|name=MCWIIU}}Score based on 95 reviews|name=MCScore}}}}Mario Kart 8 received “generally favorable” reviews, according to review aggregator Metacritic,{{Efn|name=MCWIIU}} whereas Deluxe received “universal acclaim”.WEB, Mario Kart 8 Deluxe for Switch reviews,www.metacritic.com/game/mario-kart-8-deluxe/critic-reviews/?platform=nintendo-switch, live,www.metacritic.com/game/switch/mario-kart-8-deluxe," title="web.archive.org/web/20170428080143www.metacritic.com/game/switch/mario-kart-8-deluxe,">web.archive.org/web/20170428080143www.metacritic.com/game/switch/mario-kart-8-deluxe, April 28, 2017, November 7, 2022, Metacritic, Fandom, Inc., {{Efn|name=MCScore}} Overall, reviewers held Mario Kart 8 in high esteem among racing games,{{Efn|Supported by multiple sources:}} but considered Deluxe to be the definitive version of the title.{{Efn|Supported by multiple sources:|name=Upgrade}} Deluxe was further called one of the best games in the Mario Kart series or one of the best racing games of all time.{{Efn|1=Supported by multiple sources:|name=SeriesBest}} Some reviewers considered the game to be an essential purchase for Nintendo Switch owners.WEB, Vacheron, Griffin, April 20, 2017, Mario Kart 8 Deluxe Review,www.gamerevolution.com/review/72125-mario-kart-8-deluxe-review, live,web.archive.org/web/20200805164107/https://www.gamerevolution.com/review/72125-mario-kart-8-deluxe-review, August 5, 2020, November 7, 2022, GameRevolution, CraveOnline, Improvements in Deluxe made certain features of Mario Kart 8 feel worse in retrospect. However, many reviewers criticized the lack of new content in Deluxe compared to Mario Kart 8.{{Efn|Supported by multiple sources:|name=NoNew}}The main racing mode of Mario Kart 8 was widely praised. Eurogamer called it the “most vibrant home console racing game in years”. The rubber-banding mechanics present in the game’s AI competitors was criticized, though Game Informer noted that “fans accepted that pitfall as a series mainstay long ago”. Finding the core racing unchanged, they said Deluxe is still “the same great title from the Wii U”. GameSpot and Nintendo Life also considered Deluxes racing to be as strong as the original. Minor mechanical changes, such as the ability to hold two items, were praised, with many liking how it added more strategy to Deluxes item play.{{Efn|Supported by multiple sources:|name=DoubleItem}} Accessibility options like smart steering and auto-acceleration received mixed feedback. Many felt that the additions made Deluxe the most accessible Mario Kart game, and others appreciated how they helped less experienced players enjoy the game, despite making the game too easy for veteran players.{{Efn|Supported by multiple sources:|name=HelpNewPlayers}} However, some reviewers disliked how smart steering was enabled by default, and how it could overcorrect or interfere with precision inputs.The main criticism levied at Mario Kart 8 was its battle mode, which was less well received than previous entries. Easy Allies called it “abysmal”, and Kotaku said it was “borderline unplayable”. Giant Bomb panned the use of repurposed race courses for battle mode in lieu of dedicated battle courses like previous entries, which made it difficult to find opponents to engage with. By contrast, Deluxes revamped battle mode received widespread acclaim. Easy Allies and Kotaku claimed that the new battle mode far outshined the original game, and Pocket Gamer said that Deluxe returned battle mode to its “original arena-battling glory”. VentureBeat said that they remedied the issue with the original Mario Kart 8s battle courses.WEB, Minotti, Mike, April 20, 2017, Mario Kart 8 Deluxe is Nintendo’s master class on releasing an older game,venturebeat.com/2017/04/20/mario-kart-8-deluxe-is-nintendos-master-class-on-releasing-an-older-game/, live,web.archive.org/web/20200812040443/https://venturebeat.com/2017/04/20/mario-kart-8-deluxe-is-nintendos-master-class-on-releasing-an-older-game/, August 12, 2020, November 7, 2022, VentureBeat, However, Electronic Gaming Monthly said that the battle mode was “not so much a point for Deluxe that these modes are included as it is a retroactive demerit for the original Mario Kart 8”. Many critics considered Renegade Roundup to be the best of Deluxe’s battle modes,{{Efn|Supported by multiple sources:|name=Renegade}} though GameRevolution and USgamer said it was their least favorite.Reviewers also focused on the graphics and visual style of the game. Eurogamer praised both the vast sense of scale and the “exquisite details” of the courses. Digital Foundry deemed it “near perfection” with “phenomenal attention to detail”, featuring a “magnificent visual package” and “magical playability”. Their technical analysis attributes the smoothness of motion and overall gameplay to the consistent performance of 60 frames per second (FPS), with the split-screen mode’s effective 30 FPS nonetheless comparing favorably with industry standard. Reviewers for Deluxe echoed this praise,{{Efn|Supported by multiple sources:|name=Pretty}} with some saying that the graphics of Deluxe were an upgrade from the Wii U original. GamesTM praised the “incredible” lighting of Deluxe, saying that courses like Rainbow Road and Electrodrome stood out as “fantastic showcases for the Nintendo universe and its creative spirit”. IGN felt that the “great art direction” in Mario Kart 8 and Deluxe was “a major reason” for the game’s graphics remaining “gorgeous”. Easy Allies called the soundtrack “something special”, saying that both original and returning songs were “fantastic and downright catchy”.WEB, Damiani, Michael, May 22, 2017, Review: Mario Kart 8 Deluxe,easyallies.com/#!/review/mario-kart-8-deluxe, live,web.archive.org/web/20210924174639/https://easyallies.com/#!/review/mario-kart-8-deluxe, September 24, 2021, November 7, 2022, Easy Allies, Eurogamer called the game’s soundtrack “outrageously upbeat”, and that Deluxes “defining moment” was the game’s live band rendition of Super Mario Karts main theme.

Booster Course Pass

Upon announcement, the “Booster Course Pass” received mixed reception from fans. Many fans disliked that additional content for a previous game was being prioritized over a new entry in the series, citing how it had been nearly eight years since Mario Kart 8 first released on the Wii U.WEB, Young, Georgina, Jones, Ali, February 10, 2022, Mario Kart 8 Booster Course Pass has split fans’ opinions,www.gamesradar.com/mario-kart-8-booster-course-pass-has-split-fans-opinions/, live,web.archive.org/web/20221007040237/https://www.gamesradar.com/mario-kart-8-booster-course-pass-has-split-fans-opinions/, October 7, 2022, October 7, 2022, GamesRadar+, Future plc, en, WEB, Wald, Heather, West, Josh, February 9, 2022, Nintendo doesn’t need Mario Kart 9 when Deluxe is still such a good time,www.gamesradar.com/mario-kart-9-rumors-mario-kart-8-deluxe-dlc-booster-course-pass/, live,web.archive.org/web/20221010100055/https://www.gamesradar.com/mario-kart-9-rumors-mario-kart-8-deluxe-dlc-booster-course-pass/, October 10, 2022, October 7, 2022, GamesRadar+, Future plc, en, The graphics of the courses in the “Booster Course Pass” were also a point of contention, with some saying that they fell short of the standards set by Deluxe.(File:MK8D_Base_Game_vs._Wave_1.jpg|alt=A series of screenshots demonstrates the graphical differences between courses from the base game and the DLC. The left screenshot shows Donkey Kong on the Moo Moo Meadows stage from the base game, set on a sunset, with textured grass and a dirt road. The right screenshot shows Donkey Kong on the Shroom Ridge course from the DLC, nearing a cliff on a curved road in daylight. Donkey Kong is on a flat, asphalt road with a white stripe, with grass in front of him more brightly colored than the grass on Moo Moo Meadows.|thumb|The graphical differences between the base game courses (Moo Moo Meadows, left) and the courses in the “Booster Course Pass” (Shroom Ridge, a Wave 1 course, right) was a point of contention.)After release, critics were mixedâ€”according to Metacritic, Waves 1 & 5 received “mixed or average reviews”,WEB, Mario Kart 8 Deluxe: Booster Course Pass â€“ Wave 1,www.metacritic.com/game/mario-kart-8-deluxe-booster-course-pass-wave-1/critic-reviews/?platform=nintendo-switch, live,web.archive.org/web/20221006184315/https://www.metacritic.com/game/switch/mario-kart-8-deluxe-booster-course-pass---wave-1, October 6, 2022, October 6, 2022, Metacritic, Fandom (website), Fandom, en, WEB, Mario Kart 8 Deluxe: Booster Course Pass - Wave 5,www.metacritic.com/game/mario-kart-8-deluxe-booster-course-pass-wave-5/, 2023-11-29, www.metacritic.com, en, {{Efn|Score based on 10 reviews|name=Score 1|group=lower-alpha}} and Waves 2-4 & 6 received “generally favorable reviews”.WEB, Mario Kart 8 Deluxe: Booster Course Pass â€“ Wave 2,www.metacritic.com/game/mario-kart-8-deluxe-booster-course-pass-wave-2/critic-reviews/?platform=nintendo-switch, live,web.archive.org/web/20221006232829/https://www.metacritic.com/game/switch/mario-kart-8-deluxe-booster-course-pass---wave-2, October 6, 2022, October 6, 2022, Metacritic, Fandom (website), Fandom, en, WEB, Mario Kart 8 Deluxe: Booster Course Pass - Wave 3,www.metacritic.com/game/mario-kart-8-deluxe-booster-course-pass-wave-3/critic-reviews/?platform=nintendo-switch, March 9, 2023, Metacritic, en, May 11, 2023,web.archive.org/web/20230511160249/https://www.metacritic.com/game/switch/mario-kart-8-deluxe-booster-course-pass---wave-3, live, WEB, Mario Kart 8 Deluxe: Booster Course Pass - Wave 4,www.metacritic.com/game/mario-kart-8-deluxe-booster-course-pass-wave-4/, 2023-11-29, www.metacritic.com, en, WEB, Mario Kart 8 Deluxe: Booster Course Pass - Wave 6,www.metacritic.com/game/mario-kart-8-deluxe-booster-course-pass-wave-6/, 2023-11-29, www.metacritic.com, en, {{Efn|Score based on 7 reviews|name=Score 2|group=lower-alpha}}{{Efn|Score based on 7 reviews|name=Score 3|group=lover-alpha}} Criticism focused on the graphics, which were lower in detail compared to courses from the main game.WEB, Whitehead, Thomas, March 18, 2022, Review: Mario Kart 8 Deluxe Booster Course Pass Wave 1 - A ‘Safe’ Start To The 48-Track DLC Pack,www.nintendolife.com/reviews/switch-eshop/mario-kart-8-deluxe-booster-course-pass-wave-1, live,web.archive.org/web/20221009172813/https://www.nintendolife.com/reviews/switch-eshop/mario-kart-8-deluxe-booster-course-pass-wave-1, October 9, 2022, October 6, 2022, Nintendo Life, Hookshot Media, en-GB, WEB, Mackenzie, Oliver, August 17, 2022, Mario Kart 8s new Booster Course Pass tracks betray their mobile origins,www.eurogamer.net/digitalfoundry-2022-mario-kart-8s-new-booster-course-pass-tracks-betray-their-mobile-origins, live,web.archive.org/web/20221009170033/https://www.eurogamer.net/digitalfoundry-2022-mario-kart-8s-new-booster-course-pass-tracks-betray-their-mobile-origins, October 9, 2022, October 6, 2022, Eurogamer, Gamer Network, en-gb, WEB, Flynn, Neil, March 20, 2022, Mario Kart 8 Deluxe Booster Course Pass â€“ Wave 1 (Nintendo Switch) Review,www.cubed3.com/review/6608/1/mario-kart-8-deluxe-booster-course-pass--wave-1-nintendo-switch.html, live,www.cubed3.com/review/6608/1/mario-kart-8-deluxe-booster-course-pass--wave-1-nintendo-switch.html," title="web.archive.org/web/20221019205849www.cubed3.com/review/6608/1/mario-kart-8-deluxe-booster-course-pass--wave-1-nintendo-switch.html,">web.archive.org/web/20221019205849www.cubed3.com/review/6608/1/mario-kart-8-deluxe-booster-course-pass--wave-1-nintendo-switch.html, October 19, 2022, October 19, 2022, Cubed3, Digital Foundry attributed this to the courses being built upon their versions from Mario Kart Tour. On the other hand, many reviewers felt that the courses that originated in Tour were among the best gameplay-wise,{{Efn|Supported by multiple sources:WEB, Flynn, Neil, June 8, 2022, Mario Kart 8 Deluxe Booster Course Pass â€“ Wave 2 (Nintendo Switch) Review,www.cubed3.com/review/6691/1/mario-kart-8-deluxe-booster-course-pass--wave-2-nintendo-switch.html, live,www.cubed3.com/review/6691/1/mario-kart-8-deluxe-booster-course-pass--wave-2-nintendo-switch.html," title="web.archive.org/web/20221007001722www.cubed3.com/review/6691/1/mario-kart-8-deluxe-booster-course-pass--wave-2-nintendo-switch.html,">web.archive.org/web/20221007001722www.cubed3.com/review/6691/1/mario-kart-8-deluxe-booster-course-pass--wave-2-nintendo-switch.html, October 7, 2022, October 6, 2022, Cubed3, }} and Ninja Hideaway in particular was praised as a highlight of Wave 1.{{Efn|Supported by multiple sources:}} Some courses in Wave 2 were lauded, with Nintendo Life calling Waluigi Pinball’s graphics “stunning”.WEB, Reynolds, Ollie, August 4, 2022, Review: Mario Kart 8 Deluxe Booster Course Pass Wave 2 â€“ Harmless Fun, But More ‘B-Side Filler’,www.nintendolife.com/reviews/nintendo-switch/mario-kart-8-deluxe-booster-course-pass-wave-2, live,web.archive.org/web/20221009165243/https://www.nintendolife.com/reviews/nintendo-switch/mario-kart-8-deluxe-booster-course-pass-wave-2, October 9, 2022, October 6, 2022, Nintendo Life, Hookshot Media, en-GB, Another common criticism was that the earlier courses did not include Mario Kart 8s signature anti-gravity or underwater features.{{Efn|Supported by multiple sources:}} GameSpot lamented how the “Booster Course Pass” initially only introduced new courses, rather than new characters or customization parts.WEB, Watts, Steve, March 21, 2022, Mario Kart 8 Deluxe Booster Pass Wave 1 Review,www.gamespot.com/articles/mario-kart-8-deluxe-booster-pass-wave-1-review/1100-6501757/, live,web.archive.org/web/20221006184325/https://www.gamespot.com/articles/mario-kart-8-deluxe-booster-pass-wave-1-review/1100-6501757/, October 6, 2022, October 6, 2022, GameSpot, Fandom (website), Fandom, en-US, Nintendo Life praised the audio design, calling it “stellar” and “a delight”. The addition of courses that vary every lap was praised by critics, with Nintendo Life wishing it would become a “mainstay” feature of the series.

Accolades

Readers and staff of Eurogamer voted Mario Kart 8 their game of the year,WEB, Eurogamer staff, January 1, 2015, Eurogamer’s Game of the Year 2014,www.eurogamer.net/articles/2014-12-31-eurogamers-game-of-the-year-2014, live,www.eurogamer.net/articles/2014-12-31-eurogamers-game-of-the-year-2014," title="web.archive.org/web/20141214013301www.eurogamer.net/articles/2014-12-31-eurogamers-game-of-the-year-2014,">web.archive.org/web/20141214013301www.eurogamer.net/articles/2014-12-31-eurogamers-game-of-the-year-2014, December 14, 2014, August 7, 2020, Eurogamer, WEB, Robinson, Martin, December 22, 2015, Reader’s top 50 games of 2014,www.eurogamer.net/articles/2015-01-02-readers-top-50-games-of-2014, live,www.eurogamer.net/articles/2015-01-02-readers-top-50-games-of-2014," title="web.archive.org/web/20150103131228www.eurogamer.net/articles/2015-01-02-readers-top-50-games-of-2014,">web.archive.org/web/20150103131228www.eurogamer.net/articles/2015-01-02-readers-top-50-games-of-2014, January 3, 2015, August 7, 2020, Eurogamer, Gamer Network, and GameSpot gave it the award of “Best Wii U Game”.WEB, GameSpot Staff, December 13, 2014, Mario Kart 8 â€“ Wii U Game of the Year,www.gamespot.com/articles/mario-kart-8-wii-u-game-of-the-year/1100-6423917/, live,www.gamespot.com/articles/mario-kart-8-wii-u-game-of-the-year/1100-6423917/," title="web.archive.org/web/20141214004324www.gamespot.com/articles/mario-kart-8-wii-u-game-of-the-year/1100-6423917/,">web.archive.org/web/20141214004324www.gamespot.com/articles/mario-kart-8-wii-u-game-of-the-year/1100-6423917/, December 14, 2014, August 7, 2020, GameSpot, It was nominated for “Best Wii U Exclusive” in GameTrailers’ 2014 Game of the Year Awards;AV MEDIA,www.youtube.com/watch?v=gKZgY_zqB_4, Game of the Year Awards 2014 â€“ Best Wii U Exclusive, July 19, 2016, GameTrailers, March 4, 2018,ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211118/gKZgY_zqB_4, November 18, 2021, live, YouTube, {{cbignore}} for “Best Game” in Giant Bomb{{’}}s 2014 Game of the Year Awards;WEB, Game Bomb Staff, December 30, 2014, Giant Bomb’s 2014 Game of the Year Awards: Day Five Text Recap,www.giantbomb.com/articles/giant-bomb-s-2014-game-of-the-year-awards-day-five/1100-5126/, live,www.giantbomb.com/articles/giant-bomb-s-2014-game-of-the-year-awards-day-five/1100-5126/," title="web.archive.org/web/20141231183918www.giantbomb.com/articles/giant-bomb-s-2014-game-of-the-year-awards-day-five/1100-5126/,">web.archive.org/web/20141231183918www.giantbomb.com/articles/giant-bomb-s-2014-game-of-the-year-awards-day-five/1100-5126/, December 31, 2014, December 31, 2014, Giant Bomb, CBS Interactive, and for “Overall Game of the Year” and “Wii U Retail Game of the Year” in Nintendo Life{{’s}} Reader Awards 2014,WEB, Whitehead, Thomas, December 25, 2014, Game of the Year: Nintendo Life’s Reader Awards 2014,www.nintendolife.com/news/2014/12/game_of_the_year_nintendo_lifes_reader_awards_2014, live,www.nintendolife.com/news/2014/12/game_of_the_year_nintendo_lifes_reader_awards_2014," title="web.archive.org/web/20141226010149www.nintendolife.com/news/2014/12/game_of_the_year_nintendo_lifes_reader_awards_2014,">web.archive.org/web/20141226010149www.nintendolife.com/news/2014/12/game_of_the_year_nintendo_lifes_reader_awards_2014, December 26, 2014, August 7, 2020, Nintendo Life, and it won both awards for both categories in their Staff Awards 2014.WEB, Whitehead, Thomas, December 24, 2014, Game of the Year: Nintendo Life’s Staff Awards 2014,www.nintendolife.com/news/2014/12/game_of_the_year_nintendo_lifes_staff_awards_2014, live,www.nintendolife.com/news/2014/12/game_of_the_year_nintendo_lifes_staff_awards_2014," title="web.archive.org/web/20141224185336www.nintendolife.com/news/2014/12/game_of_the_year_nintendo_lifes_staff_awards_2014,">web.archive.org/web/20141224185336www.nintendolife.com/news/2014/12/game_of_the_year_nintendo_lifes_staff_awards_2014, December 24, 2014, August 7, 2020, Nintendo Life, It won “Game of the Year” by The Guardian.WEB, Stuart, Keith, December 19, 2014, The 25 best video games of 2014,www.theguardian.com/technology/2014/dec/15/the-best-video-games-of-2014, live,www.theguardian.com/technology/2014/dec/15/the-best-video-games-of-2014," title="web.archive.org/web/20141222174505www.theguardian.com/technology/2014/dec/15/the-best-video-games-of-2014,">web.archive.org/web/20141222174505www.theguardian.com/technology/2014/dec/15/the-best-video-games-of-2014, December 22, 2014, August 7, 2020, The Guardian, In IGN{{’}}s Best of 2014 Awards, it was nominated for “Best Multiplayer” and “Best Racing”,WEB, January 13, 2015, Super Smash Bros. for Wii U,www.ign.com/lists/best-of-games-achievement/competitive-multi/super-smash-bros-for-wii-u, live,www.ign.com/lists/best-of-games-achievement/competitive-multi/super-smash-bros-for-wii-u/," title="web.archive.org/web/20150113202014www.ign.com/lists/best-of-games-achievement/competitive-multi/super-smash-bros-for-wii-u/,">web.archive.org/web/20150113202014www.ign.com/lists/best-of-games-achievement/competitive-multi/super-smash-bros-for-wii-u/, January 13, 2015, January 13, 2015, IGN, WEB, January 13, 2015, Forza Horizon 2,www.ign.com/lists/best-of-games-genre/racing/forza-horizon-2, live,www.ign.com/lists/best-of-games-genre/racing/forza-horizon-2," title="web.archive.org/web/20150113200635www.ign.com/lists/best-of-games-genre/racing/forza-horizon-2,">web.archive.org/web/20150113200635www.ign.com/lists/best-of-games-genre/racing/forza-horizon-2, January 13, 2015, January 13, 2015, IGN, and won the award for “Best Wii U Game”.WEB, January 13, 2015, Mario Kart 8,www.ign.com/lists/best-of-games-platform/wii-u/mario-kart-8, live,www.ign.com/lists/best-of-games-platform/wii-u/mario-kart-8," title="web.archive.org/web/20150113195929www.ign.com/lists/best-of-games-platform/wii-u/mario-kart-8,">web.archive.org/web/20150113195929www.ign.com/lists/best-of-games-platform/wii-u/mario-kart-8, January 13, 2015, January 13, 2015, IGN, Mario Kart 8 Deluxe also earned recognition at year-end awards in the 2017â€“2018 season. The game was nominated for “Best Switch Game” and “Best Remake/Remaster” in IGNs Best of 2017 Awards.WEB, December 20, 2017, Best of 2017 Awards: Best Switch Game,www.ign.com/wikis/best-of-2017-awards/Best_Switch_Game, live,www.ign.com/wikis/best-of-2017-awards/Best_Switch_Game," title="web.archive.org/web/20171205064321www.ign.com/wikis/best-of-2017-awards/Best_Switch_Game,">web.archive.org/web/20171205064321www.ign.com/wikis/best-of-2017-awards/Best_Switch_Game, December 5, 2017, January 19, 2018, IGN, Ziff Davis, WEB, December 20, 2017, Best of 2017 Awards: Best Remake/Remaster,www.ign.com/wikis/best-of-2017-awards/Best_Remake/Remaster, live,www.ign.com/wikis/best-of-2017-awards/Best_Remake/Remaster," title="web.archive.org/web/20180108143541www.ign.com/wikis/best-of-2017-awards/Best_Remake/Remaster,">web.archive.org/web/20180108143541www.ign.com/wikis/best-of-2017-awards/Best_Remake/Remaster, January 8, 2018, January 19, 2018, IGN, Ziff Davis, Destructoid nominated the game for its “Best Switch Game” in their Game of the Year Awards in 2017,WEB, Valdez, Nick, December 14, 2017, Nominees for Destructoid’s Best Switch Game of 2017,www.destructoid.com/nominees-for-destructoid-s-best-switch-game-of-2017-476543.phtml, live,web.archive.org/web/20180502160648/https://www.destructoid.com/nominees-for-destructoid-s-best-switch-game-of-2017-476543.phtml, May 2, 2018, January 19, 2018, Destructoid, Gamurs, and the game was awarded “Old Game of the Year” at Giant Bombs 2017 Game of the Year Awards.WEB, Giant Bomb staff, December 25, 2017, Game of the Year 2017 Day One: Old, Disappointing, Shopkeepers, and Looks,www.giantbomb.com/articles/game-of-the-year-2017-day-one-old-disappointing-sh/1100-5699/, live,archive.today/20171226024701/https://www.giantbomb.com/articles/game-of-the-year-2017-day-one-old-disappointing-sh/1100-5699/, December 26, 2017, August 7, 2020, Giant Bomb, Red Ventures, {| class=“wikitable mw-collapsible“|+ List of awards and nominations! Year! Awards! Category! Nominee(s)! Result! Ref. 2014| British Academy Children’s AwardsBritish Academy Children’s Award for Game>Best Game| Mario Kart 8| {{won}} HTTP://AWARDS.BAFTA.ORG/AWARD/2014/CHILDRENS/GAME>TITLE=2014 CHILDREN’S GAMEARCHIVE-URL=HTTPS://WEB.ARCHIVE.ORG/WEB/20141124205749/HTTP://AWARDS.BAFTA.ORG/AWARD/2014/CHILDRENS/GAMEACCESS-DATE=NOVEMBER 24, 2014, The Game Awards 2014| Best Family Game| Mario Kart 8| {{won}} KAIN >FIRST=ERIK TITLE=ALL THE WINNERS OF THE 2014 GAME AWARDS URL-STATUS=LIVE ARCHIVE-DATE=DECEMBER 14, 2014 WEBSITE=FORBES, | Best Sports/Racing Game| Mario Kart 8| {{won}} 2015| 18th Annual D.I.C.E. AwardsD.I.C.E. Award for Racing Game of the Year>Racing Game of the Year| Mario Kart 8| {{won}} WHITEHEAD >FIRST=THOMAS TITLE=NINTENDO PICKS UP THREE GONGS AT THE D.I.C.E. AWARDS URL-STATUS=LIVE ARCHIVE-DATE=FEBRUARY 6, 2015 WEBSITE=NINTENDO LIFE, 11th British Academy Games AwardsBritish Academy Games Award for Best Game>Best Game| Mario Kart 8| {{nom}} FEBRUARY 10, 2015 >TITLE=GAMES IN 2015 URL-STATUS=LIVE ARCHIVE-DATE=FEBRUARY 12, 2015 WEBSITE=BAFTA, | Audio Achievement| Mario Kart 8| {{nom}}| Family Game| Mario Kart 8| {{nom}}British Academy Games Award for Multiplayer>Multiplayer Game| Mario Kart 8| {{nom}}| 2015 Kids’ Choice Awards| Most Addicting Game| Mario Kart 8| {{nom}} MACATEE >FIRST=REBECCA TITLE=2015 NICKELODEON’S KIDS’ CHOICE AWARDS HONOR NICK JONAS, MERYL STREEP: SEE THE COMPLETE LIST OF NOMINEES! URL=HTTP://WWW.EONLINE.COM/NEWS/627610/2015-NICKELODEON-S-KIDS-CHOICE-AWARDS-HONOR-NICK-JONAS-MERYL-STREEP-SEE-THE-COMPLETE-LIST-OF-NOMINEES ACCESS-DATE=FEBRUARY 23, 2015 ARCHIVE-DATE=NOVEMBER 16, 2016, 2017 Golden Joystick Awards | Studio of the Year| Nintendo EPD| {{won}} GAITO >FIRST=ERI TITLE=GOLDEN JOYSTICK AWARDS 2017 NOMINEES URL-STATUS=DEAD ARCHIVE-DATE=JANUARY 10, 2018 WEBSITE=BEST IN SLOT, WEBER >FIRST=RACHEL TITLE=THE LEGEND OF ZELDA: BREATH OF THE WILD SCORES BIG AT THE 35TH GOLDEN JOYSTICK AWARDS PRESENTED WITH OMEN BY HP URL-STATUS=LIVE ARCHIVE-DATE=NOVEMBER 17, 2017 WEBSITE=GAMESRADAR+, Future plc, | Nintendo Game of the Year| Mario Kart 8 Deluxe| {{nom}} The Game Awards 2017| Best Family Game| Mario Kart 8 Deluxe| {{nom}} MAKUCH >FIRST=EDDIE TITLE=THE GAME AWARDS 2017 WINNERS HEADLINED BY ZELDA: BREATH OF THE WILD’S GAME OF THE YEAR URL-STATUS=LIVE ARCHIVE-DATE=DECEMBER 9, 2017 WEBSITE=GAMESPOT, Red Ventures, |Best Multiplayer| Mario Kart 8 Deluxe|{{nom}} 2018| 21st Annual D.I.C.E. Awards D.I.C.E. Award for Racing Game of the Year>Racing Game of the Year| Mario Kart 8 Deluxe| {{won}} MAKUCH >FIRST=EDDIE TITLE=LEGEND OF ZELDA: BREATH OF THE WILD WINS GAME OF THE YEAR AT DICE AWARDS URL-STATUS=LIVE ARCHIVE-DATE=FEBRUARY 23, 2018 WEBSITE=GAMESPOT, Red Ventures, | 2018 Kids’ Choice Awards| Favorite Video Game| Mario Kart 8 Deluxe| {{nom}} DRYSDALE >FIRST=JENNIFER TITLE=2018 KIDS’ CHOICE AWARDS: THE COMPLETE WINNERS LIST URL-STATUS=LIVE ARCHIVE-DATE=MARCH 25, 2018 WEBSITE=ENTERTAINMENT TONIGHT, CBS Media Ventures,

Sales

Fan response

Notes

References

External links

{{Official websitemariokart8.nintendo.com/|name=Official website of Mario Kart 8 Deluxe}}

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