Mario Kart 8 Deluxe is a multiplayer* kart racing video game developed and published by Nintendo.
*Additional accessories may be required for multiplayer mode. Sold separately.
Game Details
What's the game objective of Mario Kart 8 Deluxe?
Players control their beloved Mushroom Kingdom characters in kart racing, collecting various items to hinder opponents or gain advantages in each race. Many driving features are available to players, such as motorbikes, hang gliders, underwater racing, anti-gravity driving, and vehicle customization.
What characters, karts, and courses can I choose from?
Players can select from over 40 characters and courses and race using one of the several vehicles with countless customization options that are unlocked as the game is played. In their matches, players will select their preferred character and vehicle, whereas all players will randomize their course selection.
Are course shortcuts allowed?
All in-game actions that would not be considered glitches, exploits, or cheating are allowed. Each course has many shortcuts, so we encourage teams and players to find and study to improve their overall lap times.
Why is course selection random?
Due to the in-game match flow found within Mario Kart 8 Deluxe, the best possible competitive experience allows for full randomization of courses during a match. We also used a specific set of courses throughout the season.
We decided that keeping course selection random would be best to find the best middle ground that allowed for the largest variety of courses and was equally fair for both competing teams.
Game Setup
Which platform will the game be played on?
Mario Kart 8 Deluxe will be played online on the Nintendo Switch™ system.
What hardware or software will be required to play?
Recommended (one device setup per player)
4x Mario Kart 8 Deluxe game (physical or digital version)
4x Nintendo Switch systems
4x Nintendo Switch Joy-Con™ controllers
Other licensed Nintendo Switch system-compatible controllers without the use of Turbo Mode are optional
4x USB to Ethernet Adapters
2x active Nintendo Account (required for Nintendo Switch Online membership)
4x Active Nintendo Switch Online memberships** for PlayVS online matches
**Any Nintendo Switch Online membership (sold separately) and Nintendo Account required for online features. Membership auto-renews after initial term at the then-current price unless canceled. Not available in all countries. Internet access required for online features. Terms apply. Nintendo.com/switch-online
Minimum (one device setup per two players)
2x Mario Kart 8 Deluxe game (physical or digital version)
2x Nintendo Switch systems
4x Nintendo Switch -compatible controllers (no turbo mode availability)
2x USB to Ethernet Adapters
2x active Nintendo Account (required for Nintendo Switch Online membership)
2x Active Nintendo Switch Online memberships for PlayVS online matches
Players are encouraged to play with their Nintendo Switch docked in TV mode. If necessary, Mario Kart 8 Deluxe allows up to two players to compete online from a single Nintendo Switch system.
There is also a paid Mario Kart 8 Deluxe - Booster Course Pass*** that unlocks additional courses and characters for your players. This purchase is not required to compete, but these courses can still be selected as a part of the randomized selection process if any player in the game lobby has purchased the DLC.
***Full version of the game required to use DLC. Sold separately.
How do I get Mario Kart 8 Deluxe?
You can get or acquire the game in two ways:
Physical Version
You can purchase a physical version at My Nintendo Store or at participating retailers.
Digital Version
Purchased at My Nintendo Store, Nintendo eShop, or participating retailers.
Purchasing digital versions at participating retailers or My Nintendo Store provides a 16-character code that can be redeemed on Nintendo eShop. Steps for redeeming a digital code can be found via Nintendo Support.
Competition/Match Information
What is the match format?
Teams of four players will compete against each other in a Best-of-3 games format. Each game will consist of four races, with teams earning points based on the finishing place of their players at the end of each race.
The team with the most points at the end of the four races will win the game. The first team to win two games will be awarded the win for the match. Each game lasts about 25 minutes on average.
What days will the Mario Kart 8 Deluxe game be played on?
Mario Kart’s official match days will be on the following:
Middle School: Wednesdays
High School: Thursdays
Additional Resources
Where can I find resources to improve my play?
For more information, read Nintendo’s Beginner’s Guide to Mario Kart article.
You can record and review your team’s matches to help them overcome their weaknesses and capitalize on their strengths.
