Mario Kart 8 Deluxe

 Switch
User Score
8.6

Generally favorable reviews- based on 2774 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 2,427 out of 2774
  2. Mixed: 176 out of 2774
  3. Negative: 171 out of 2774
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  1. Kvr
    Apr 28, 2017
    10
    This is the best Mario Kart game to date! Superb courses, nice characters and super smooth game play with a stable 60 fps.
    Also for time-trial fanatics there is enough to do with a Nintendo ghost to beat in every level and courses that let ypu master them in every detail, This is a no-brain er for every Nintendo Switch owner.
  2. DBPirate1129
    Dec 24, 2017
    9
    Mario Kart 8 Deluxe is what one would expect -- a Deluxe version of Mario Kart 8, which was already fantastic on the Wii U.

    Deluxe adds several new characters, which are all welcome additions (Bowser Jr., Dry Bones, and King Boo were missing in the original for some reason so it's nice to see them back) as well as an improved Battle Mode. Personally, I've never been a huge Battle Mode    Mario Kart 8 Deluxe is what one would expect -- a Deluxe version of Mario Kart 8, which was already fantastic on the Wii U.

    Deluxe adds several new characters, which are all welcome additions (Bowser Jr., Dry Bones, and King Boo were missing in the original for some reason so it's nice to see them back) as well as an improved Battle Mode. Personally, I've never been a huge Battle Mode player in Mario Kart but this version was definitely fun. It's not something I'm always going to be aching to go back to though. The online is great as usual. The graphics and frame rate are also a huge plus. Nintendo should be applauded for always striving to get a solid 60fps on their games.

    If you haven't played Mario Kart 8 before, this is a must-buy. If you have, then I'm tempted to recommend it again just for the sake of being able to take this amazing game on the go.    … Expand
  3. Gust800
    Jun 19, 2021
    10
    Best of the best !!!! Like always is the bast kart racing game . Great graphics , gameplay and sound .
  4. NickSlyCooper
    Jul 12, 2018
    9
    I don't play it too often right now, but I must say it was really fun and I was playing this all week and survived on this one game for about almost a year without another game.
  5. mrcnx
    May 5, 2018
    9
    Superb most content packt and best mk game to date! The battle mode is a great addition and the new characters are very refreshing. But they could of done a little bit more...
  6. Jezuzo
    May 19, 2018
    8
    Es un gran juego exclusivo de Switch, aunque a veces se me hace un poco repetitivo. También pienso que debería tener más modos de juegos, para así quitar la monotonía que son las carreras. Por lo demás, tiene gran variedad de items, gran variedad de mapas, juego online muy divertido, buen sistema de puntos por victoria etc.
  7. NepodarOK
    Oct 4, 2021
    9
    Too much randomness, and when playing with bots, everything is built. game very overpriced for its simplicity and primitiveness
  8. TrueMonkee
    Nov 25, 2018
    10
    This is not just the best mario kart game, but also the best kart and even racing game to date. I had a lot of fun with the Wii U version, and the Switch version is even better, with all DLC unlocked and better graphics.
  9. LuissDt
    Apr 1, 2022
    9
    Maybe at the time it didn't bring something new but Mario Kart 8 Deluxe continues with a fun and chaotic mechanics... just what a Mario Kart should bring
  10. Honestx
    Feb 22, 2022
    10
    I will keep this review short I PROMISE!

    This is the game that I always come back to when I am bored or the game that I always play when visitors come over or when I want to re-live some moments with my family on the couch. the Mario Kart series have always being that one game everyone has and loves to play. Such great memories I have of this game and past games. Don't even get me    I will keep this review short I PROMISE!

    This is the game that I always come back to when I am bored or the game that I always play when visitors come over or when I want to re-live some moments with my family on the couch. the Mario Kart series have always being that one game everyone has and loves to play. Such great memories I have of this game and past games. Don't even get me started on the ability to play a proper Mario Kart game on the go or even play co-op on the go by flipping the joy-cons on their side. 10/10 legendary game series. great fun at home or on the go!    … Expand
  11. Massraider
    Aug 22, 2023
    8
    I found this game a little overrated. Yes, it's fun, yes it's bright, but after a couple of races it gets boring.
  12. llyrowenjones
    Apr 28, 2017
    10
    Brilliant and fun game. So vibrant and all races are chaotic and intense. A must buy for the Switch. Online is great and stable, 60fps on handheld and docked.
  13. SuperMatt777
    Apr 28, 2017
    10
    A lot of my positive feedback for this game is carried over from the original Mario Kart 8: a slew of amazing tracks, both old and new, superb gameplay, great dlc and loads of multiplayer fun. Mario Kart 8 Deluxe adds a bit more to the table, being 5 new characters, 3 returning favorites and the Inklings from Splatoon, some new kart parts and, of course, the revamped battle mode, which isA lot of my positive feedback for this game is carried over from the original Mario Kart 8: a slew of amazing tracks, both old and new, superb gameplay, great dlc and loads of multiplayer fun. Mario Kart 8 Deluxe adds a bit more to the table, being 5 new characters, 3 returning favorites and the Inklings from Splatoon, some new kart parts and, of course, the revamped battle mode, which is a great addition to the multiplayer madness Mario Kart is known for. However, despite the praise I give these additions, I can still see flaws. While Mario Kart 8 Deluxe fixed a few problems (mainly the double item holding that was absent in the original), it still holds a few problems that Mario Kart 8 had. The lack of invincibility frames when getting hit by an item can come off as incredibly annoying and opens up item spam from both players and CPUs. This is an incredibly frustrating thing, especially for someone who likes to relax with the game. And, despite the amazing additions, I still believe these were things that should've been in Mario Kart 8 to begin with and really didn't need an 80 dollar port to achieve them. Regardless, Mario Kart 8 Deluxe is the definitive version of Mario Kart 8 to own. If you never had the original, then this is a must have for the switch, including everything you would've had and more. If you already had the Wii U version, you may feel a slight hint of being ripped off, but if you're also a dedicated fan, then it's something you can likely overlook, especially for something that's fun to play with a group of people.… Expand
  14. EpicLadySponge
    Apr 28, 2017
    9
    So you know how ports work? They manage to collect information about the original game and modify it to match the modern consoles that we are living in today. Numerous games have done this and some of them may end up tying in its original release, may end up nearly disappointed, or even better... be a complete remake of that original release and manage to be better than its originalSo you know how ports work? They manage to collect information about the original game and modify it to match the modern consoles that we are living in today. Numerous games have done this and some of them may end up tying in its original release, may end up nearly disappointed, or even better... be a complete remake of that original release and manage to be better than its original release. Mario Kart 8 Deluxe falls definitely straight to the latter. If you think Mario Kart 8 wasn't enough, meet Mario Kart 8 Deluxe. Definitely more fun than the original Mario Kart 8 and definitely worth the purchase.… Expand
  15. HarryHood
    Apr 29, 2017
    10
    Didn't own a Wii U, so this is my first time playing full-screen, HD, online MarioKart...All I can say is "WOW!". Brings back the feeling of playing with friends (on a 32" CRT, usually on the ground) back on 64. The game is locked at 60fps and looks absolutely stunning. The art direction is the best I've seen in this series, and the graphics performance and effects are incredible for aDidn't own a Wii U, so this is my first time playing full-screen, HD, online MarioKart...All I can say is "WOW!". Brings back the feeling of playing with friends (on a 32" CRT, usually on the ground) back on 64. The game is locked at 60fps and looks absolutely stunning. The art direction is the best I've seen in this series, and the graphics performance and effects are incredible for a console that is basically a tablet with a fan in it! The amount of content is staggering, and there are quite a few unlocks, considering all characters and tracks are available right from the start. This is one of those games that will be on my Switch until the day it dies.

    My only complaints are minor and can be fixed with updates: The amount of overall items, for better or worse, is VERY high in online mode. This can lead to some moments where you're not even moving for long stretches of the race, as you're being pummeled with items. My other issue is that you can't group join/party up with your friends. You can kinda work around it by using the "join" button, but it doesn't work well it it's current form (especially compared to other high-polish online games like Rocket League and Overwatch etc) and I think they should look to update it if they're going to begin charging for online services this fall.

    All-in-all, I give it a 9.5/10, wonderful game with a long future that's easily worth the asking price. The fact that you can take this game with you anywhere is simply proof we're living in the future!    … Expand
  16. TheGeekLantern
    May 8, 2017
    10
    Una experiencia inigualable. Si te quejas diciendo que este juego es solo un port de la versión de Wii U, hay dos cosas que debes saber:

    1- Esta versión mejora cada aspecto del juego además de incluir un Modo Batalla SUBLIME.
    2- La sola experiencia de poder disfrutar con amigos en cualquier lugar es algo que no vas a entender hasta que no lo vivas por tu cuenta.

    ULTRA RECOMENDADO!!!
  17. GrumpyReviewer
    Jun 23, 2017
    9
    The ultimate friendship-destroyer is back (ish), since it was originally released as an Wii-U title. In any case, Mario Kart 8 Deluxe is a must buy for any Switch owner. I just never get tired of it. Smooth driving, great visuals, awesome cast, variety of karts, fun tracks, MK8D has everything you need for hours and hours of racing fun.

    Apart from having a very aggressive AI - who    The ultimate friendship-destroyer is back (ish), since it was originally released as an Wii-U title. In any case, Mario Kart 8 Deluxe is a must buy for any Switch owner. I just never get tired of it. Smooth driving, great visuals, awesome cast, variety of karts, fun tracks, MK8D has everything you need for hours and hours of racing fun.

    Apart from having a very aggressive AI - who tends to cheat quite a bit - and the absurd amount of blue shells they get, I really cannot point any problems with this game. It's awesome, it's fun, it's a blast, either alone or with someone else.    … Expand
  18. amstans
    May 3, 2017
    10
    This time around they made the game truly addictive and replayable. If you were to compare it briefly to the wiiU version to say it's worth buying it again I would say brighter and not fuzzy. What a difference between the two. I used to think the wiiU version was stunning and now it's painful to look at. Beyond that there are multiple battle modes, new players, new items etc.
    They finally    This time around they made the game truly addictive and replayable. If you were to compare it briefly to the wiiU version to say it's worth buying it again I would say brighter and not fuzzy. What a difference between the two. I used to think the wiiU version was stunning and now it's painful to look at. Beyond that there are multiple battle modes, new players, new items etc.
    They finally nailed it Love this game so much. See you online!    … Expand
  19. claytastic
    Jul 10, 2017
    10
    Most remastered games nowadays end up being half-assed attempts at making the original game look better without changing the game in any way in order to capture your nostalgia and take your money. Skyrim: Special Edition, Modern Warfare Remastered, BioShock: The Collection and the Dead Rising Trilogy are all perfect examples of this. Once again, Nintendo has had to come in and show everyMost remastered games nowadays end up being half-assed attempts at making the original game look better without changing the game in any way in order to capture your nostalgia and take your money. Skyrim: Special Edition, Modern Warfare Remastered, BioShock: The Collection and the Dead Rising Trilogy are all perfect examples of this. Once again, Nintendo has had to come in and show every one how something is done with this Switch port of the already amazing Mario Kart 8.
    I will concede, however, that in terms of graphics, the game only looks slightly better than the previous version, but it's not a problem since the game already looked great on the Wii U. That's not what makes this game spectacular, though. It's the fact that it's everything the original version was, and more.

    All of the DLC tracks and characters are included (something that has failed to make it's way to more recent remasters), and they even made new levels, which means that there's 48 tracks total, and it's not just one of those situations where more is worse because they're less varied. Each level is unique In its visual and level design, which really adds to the game's replayability.

    In addition to more maps and characters, they also added a new mode: battle mode. Actually, its a mode with a few different mini-modes. They take certain tracks and turn them into arenas so the players can battle it out. This is done in many different ways, collecting coins, popping balloons, throwing bombs, and my personal favorite, a cops and robbers gamemode where the cops chase the criminals around with piranha plants and criminals have to bust their friends out of jail when they get caught. it's not new since we've seen in previous games, but it's nice to see it return after a long hiatus, since it wasn't present in Mario Kart Wii, 7, or the original version of 8.

    To conclude, Mario Kart 8 Deluxe is exactly how you do a remastered game. It fixes every problem that I had with the original version, and it changes enough to make it feel like a whole new game, without trampling the legacy of the original. This is the first time in a while where I'm able to say that this is the ultimate way to experience the game. I was going to give it a 9, but then I realized that I actually didn't have any problems with this game, minus the fact that there's 7 different versions of Rainbow Road (making it the Skyrim of Mario Kart), so it gets a well-deserved 10.    … Expand
  20. Almogavar84
    Jul 15, 2017
    10
    Juego arcade ya visto en Wii U con cambios jugables apenas perceptibles a primera vista, jugabilidad enorme y que es una saga que aporta muchísima diversión en multijugador local u online, es un iMPRESCINDIBLE!!!
  21. Tyke665
    Apr 30, 2017
    9
    After 14 years, Double Dash has finally been beaten by Mario Kart 8 Deluxe as the best Mario Kart. As a owner of the original Mario Kart 8, I was very hesitant to buy the game at first because of the lack of new race tracks and the fact that it is sold at full price. But i can assure you that this game is 100% worth it. 48 race tracks, 43 characters, a full and complete battle mode with 5After 14 years, Double Dash has finally been beaten by Mario Kart 8 Deluxe as the best Mario Kart. As a owner of the original Mario Kart 8, I was very hesitant to buy the game at first because of the lack of new race tracks and the fact that it is sold at full price. But i can assure you that this game is 100% worth it. 48 race tracks, 43 characters, a full and complete battle mode with 5 modes and 8 arenas and a robust online mode: this is by far the most complete Mario Kart game. Plus, you can take the game anywhere with you. If you have a Switch, this is an absolute must buy.… Expand
  22. fire_fist
    May 25, 2017
    9
    The double item system and new battle mode add a fun new aspect to the game. The DLC packs from the original game are fantastic, too, for those who didn't purchase the game on Wii U. If you haven't played the game at all then it's a fantastic deal. The only blemish on the game is the poor online infrastructure. Hopefully this will be fixed eventually.
  23. AngelLinebeck
    Apr 30, 2017
    10
    This is the best Mario Kart game to date! Superb courses, nice characters and super smooth game play with a stable 60 fps.
    Also for time-trial fanatics there is enough to do with a Nintendo ghost to beat in every level and courses that let ypu master them in every detail, This is a no-brain er for every Nintendo Switch owner.
  24. MarioKartfans
    May 1, 2017
    10
    Best Mario Kart in the series, best racing game of all-time and best racing game of this generation. Only racing game got high rated in history is Mario Kart so rest of all other racing games didn't manageable to get high rated or massive sells like Mario Kart. :D

    Only racing franchise can kill all other racing games easy. DiRT 4 out next month and will not beats MK 8 Deluxe same go for    Best Mario Kart in the series, best racing game of all-time and best racing game of this generation. Only racing game got high rated in history is Mario Kart so rest of all other racing games didn't manageable to get high rated or massive sells like Mario Kart. :D

    Only racing franchise can kill all other racing games easy. DiRT 4 out next month and will not beats MK 8 Deluxe same go for new Forza or Gran Turismo games out later this year and still continue beat by MK 8 Deluxe. :D

    Anyway. Love this game too much. Everything in it is awesome. I am so glad Nintendo bought back proper Battle Mode as well King Boo, Bowser Jr,, Dry Bones and Double item and flower / ghost items. :)    … Expand
  25. M1N1B34R
    May 1, 2017
    10
    This my first try at Mario kart and very much impressed. if you like playing with friends and family this is certainly the game you looking for. This might one of the reasons you buy switch. The graphic is good, the game play is awesome, the online games also offer an exciting experience. If you like a constant intense racing game, this game is certainly what you looking for.
  26. Xervoo
    Apr 30, 2017
    9
    Fun and exciting game to play, with some form of progression in the kart part unlocks. The racing is a bit unbalanced in the current patch - some items are a bit too common - but the classical mario kart going from 5th to first place in just a few seconds is fun as ever. The battle mode is new and improved and doesn't dissapoint. The current situation on the multiplayer does however.Fun and exciting game to play, with some form of progression in the kart part unlocks. The racing is a bit unbalanced in the current patch - some items are a bit too common - but the classical mario kart going from 5th to first place in just a few seconds is fun as ever. The battle mode is new and improved and doesn't dissapoint. The current situation on the multiplayer does however. Disconnections are very common. All in all it's a great game, and I have faith that the issues will be fixed in due time.… Expand
  27. Zappieroth
    May 1, 2017
    8
    Game is great in almost every regard, However the multiplayer has connectivity issues.
    When trying to connect to a lobby more often then not I am greeted with "A network error has occurred"
    This can be rather frustrating. Other then that there is hardly anything wrong with the game it has everything you would expect from a polished title: 60FPS Stable, Smooth graphics and vibrant    Game is great in almost every regard, However the multiplayer has connectivity issues.
    When trying to connect to a lobby more often then not I am greeted with "A network error has occurred"
    This can be rather frustrating.

    Other then that there is hardly anything wrong with the game it has everything you would expect from a polished title: 60FPS Stable, Smooth graphics and vibrant colors, A lot of maps and modes to keep you busy for quite a while.
    I can happily say that this game is a must buy... a no-brainer really, For any Switch owner.    … Expand
  28. luigicap
    Aug 22, 2017
    10
    Easily my favorite game on the Nintendo Switch so far. The graphics are as good as the original, still as fun and a great game for others to play to! I absolutely love playing 4 player multiplayer with family and friends. The online i great, i hardly ever fall out of matches due to lag. The battle mode is something special, Renegade Roundup is the best mode. This game is worth every penny,Easily my favorite game on the Nintendo Switch so far. The graphics are as good as the original, still as fun and a great game for others to play to! I absolutely love playing 4 player multiplayer with family and friends. The online i great, i hardly ever fall out of matches due to lag. The battle mode is something special, Renegade Roundup is the best mode. This game is worth every penny, i have put 80 plus hours into the game and will continue to do so. If you love Mario Kart, this is a must buy.… Expand
  29. shadow773
    Sep 13, 2017
    10
    I did not play the original game so I don't have a point of reference... all I know is that this game runs like butter, is fun at parties, and is damn fun to play period.
  30. ReviewGene
    Sep 14, 2017
    10
    The most expansive Mario Kart game to date. A revamped battle mode, full Wii U DLC , a large number of kart customization options, and the classic racing game-modes makes this one of the best racing games to pick up and play.
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Awards & Rankings

3
#3 Best Switch Game of 2017
4
#4 Most Discussed Switch Game of 2017
4
#4 Most Shared Switch Game of 2017

Critic Reviews

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Metascore
92

Universal acclaim - based on 95 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 93 out of 95
  2. Mixed: 2 out of 95
  3. Negative: 0 out of 95
  1. Power Unlimited
    Oct 19, 2017
    85
    You could see Mario Kart 8 Deluxe as an easy port, because it is to a certain extent. But it would be silly to disregard the ultimate fun this kart experience offers because of this. If you have a Nintendo Switch, Mario Kart 8 Deluxe is an essential purchase you will play for over three years and never regret buying.
    Read full review
  2. Wired UK
    Aug 30, 2017
    90
    Mario Kart 8 Deluxe is a refinement rather than a remaster, but one that corrects the few flaws of its predecessor. It would be nice if there was just a bit more new content to help justify the full price release, or if you didn't have to unlock kart mods all over again, but for the foreseeable future, this is the definitive – and best – Mario Kart experience.
    Read full review
  3. LEVEL (Czech Republic)
    Jul 5, 2017
    60
    Funny racing game featuring the most popular tracks from all older sequels and versions. Don’t waste your time with reality – shoot the enemy with the turtle shell! [Issue#275]
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