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. PaddingtonBear
    Oct 10, 2018
    6
    As a seven year old kid in 1992, I absolutely loved Super Mario Kart. However, the Super Nintendo was the last gaming console by Nintendo that I owned until fourteen years later when the Wii was released. During that time, my taste in games changed, and Mario Kart became a distant memory.

    As a present for Christmas '18, my girlfriend requested a Switch. Frankly, it held no appeal to me,    As a seven year old kid in 1992, I absolutely loved Super Mario Kart. However, the Super Nintendo was the last gaming console by Nintendo that I owned until fourteen years later when the Wii was released. During that time, my taste in games changed, and Mario Kart became a distant memory.

    As a present for Christmas '18, my girlfriend requested a Switch. Frankly, it held no appeal to me, as I've never been a fan of handheld gaming consoles, it didn't offer a unique experience (unlike the Wii), and the limited time I spent gaming was already fulfilled on a gaming PC or Xbox One X. However, it did provide an opportunity to take a trip down memory lane with Mario Kart 8, so my girlfriend was gifted a Switch, and I got to indulge in nostalgia.

    Quickly glancing at user reviews on this website for Mario Kart 8 will show an abundance of 10/10 ratings. This would indicate it is a perfect game. Unfortunately, it's not, and far from it. There are many facets to Mario Kart 8, and most of them are fantastic. However, the most important facet, the game play, is absolutely infuriating and severely detracts from the experience. Anyone providing a 10/10 rating is either a shill (i.e. paid-for reviewer), a massive fanboy, or hasn't completed a single race with AI opponents.

    Prior to playing Mario Kart 8, I would have thought that using the word "infuriating" to describe a Mario Kart game would be nothing more than a demonstration of an oxymoron. Unfortunately, it provides a concise summary. The game play is fixated on enforcing an artificial balance of skill. In other words, if you have a low-skill player in last position and a high-skill player in first position, the game logic severely stacks the odds in favor of the low-skill player in last position. It does this through manipulation of the item box outcomes and AI interactions. Whilst the developers likely think this creates an enjoyable challenge for the high-skill player, it doesn't, as it's a cheap and irritating game play mechanic. If the low-skill player wins, it's a hollow victory, as both players are well aware that the outcome has been largely determined by the overbearing artificial balancing system.

    If you spend the majority of your time in first position, item boxes will only produce bananas and coins (with the very occasional useful item, such as a horn, being immediately forfeited by a lightning strike before an opportunity to use it arises), and you'll be continuously bombarded by AI opponents (especially on the final lap) with Blooper ink, blue and red shells, and lightning (which you recover from slower than other players) until you inevitably lose the race. This isn't as much of an issue in the 50cc class, where closing the distance on incapacitated players takes longer, but for all other classes it very much is.

    Item box outcomes should be utilizing randomly generated numbers with slight offsets. The keyword being "slight". A player in first position should not be limited to bananas and coins, and a player in last position should not be guaranteed high-powered offensive items.

    I also believe that the default controller configuration needs to be initially obvious to players. My girlfriend and I spent several races bemused at why the steering was randomly ineffective, until we discovered that both smart-steering and tilt-steering were both enabled, which was fighting against our intended actions. An initial prompt on our first race would have made us aware that these controller assist options existed, and allowed us to disable them if desired.

    My final criticism is that there seemingly isn't any long-term appeal for Mario Kart 8. Once you've raced in (and presumably won the trophies for) the various cups, which takes a weekend of your time, that's it. What other motivation for playing is there? Sure, you can fire it up when friends visit, but once again, the local multi-player is largely ruined by the artificial balancing system.

    If the game play gets tweaked in the future, I will return to revise my review. Currently, however, I just don't think it's worth the $70 AUD asking price.    … Expand
  2. alexozzycake
    Oct 9, 2018
    10
    Fantastic. We're still playing this over a year after release with no intention of stopping. Endless replay value with features that remain constantly challenging (damn those 200CC staff ghosts) and tonnes of fun to relax with some light-hearted battle modes. Whilst it is true that this port hasn't added a whole lot to the Wii U version, that doesn't stop it from being a great game in itsFantastic. We're still playing this over a year after release with no intention of stopping. Endless replay value with features that remain constantly challenging (damn those 200CC staff ghosts) and tonnes of fun to relax with some light-hearted battle modes. Whilst it is true that this port hasn't added a whole lot to the Wii U version, that doesn't stop it from being a great game in its own right and it's definitely a decent upgrade with great graphics and a much more interesting item system in races.… Expand
  3. SwagMuffin
    Oct 8, 2018
    9
    Get this if you don't have the wii u version. It's the best Mario kart game (maybe other than ds). Beautiful Graphics, lots of customization, many characters, and just plain overall fun. One of the best switch games yet.
  4. JayChubbs
    Oct 8, 2018
    9
    This is one of the greatest switch games of all time.great courses, good gameplay, and all the DLC. This is the best Mario Kart
  5. Understandable
    Oct 5, 2018
    10
    As of October 2018, this is by far the best Switch Online game to play, especially with the use of Nintendo ONLINE app with voice chat around the world.
  6. dislexicpotato
    Oct 2, 2018
    9
    One of the best racing games of all time with gorgeous 1080p graphics, a smooth 60 fps and plenty of content its going to be difficult for Nintendo to top this with Mario Kart 9
  7. Miguel22
    Sep 29, 2018
    10
    El mejor mario kart de la historia, 1080p 60 fps , un monton de circuitos, personajes, el mejor modo batalla etc...
  8. Buntong
    Sep 28, 2018
    0
    This is one of the best racing game I have ever play and it also one of the best in the series.The music is very good and very fit to the track too.
  9. Ryaweasel
    Sep 27, 2018
    8
    This game was one of my most played games on Wii U, with 500+ hours put in. I had to double-dip for the Nintendo Switch since I thought it would be amazing to play my most played Wii U game on the go, while also having new content put in. If you never had a Wii U and love Mario Kart games, I highly suggest you pick this game up.
  10. Hongwaree
    Sep 8, 2018
    10
    Huge roster, huge amount of cars and parts to unlock, excellent online, beautiful scores, and endless fun, even only by yourself. The best Mario Kart ever and you'll be and idiot if you don't buy it.
  11. mokr90
    Aug 27, 2018
    10
    It was hard at the begining to accustom to the driftings and other things because I was marioKart64 user, but, after playing for a while it is one of the best games to have fun with your family and friends
  12. Kire_92
    Aug 20, 2018
    6
    A fun and relaxing game that’s perfect to play when on the go or with friends. The game is very well made with a lot of charm and you can tell that Nintendo have invested a lot of passion when making the game. The local and online multiplayer is where this game really shines. It provides a bigger challenge when playing online and when playing with friends it’s easy for those who don’t playA fun and relaxing game that’s perfect to play when on the go or with friends. The game is very well made with a lot of charm and you can tell that Nintendo have invested a lot of passion when making the game. The local and online multiplayer is where this game really shines. It provides a bigger challenge when playing online and when playing with friends it’s easy for those who don’t play games that much too just jump in and play alongside you. The racing part of the game is also very satisfying and fun and feels very polished.

    Though there are some problems with the game in my opinion. I wish there was more tracks that was a bit longer. Most races last only about 3 minutes and it would be nice to have more options in the lengths of races. The game also has a problem that it can get boring fast. It’s not a game that I can play for a few hours and still feel entertained. Most sessions only last 30 – 60 minutes before I want to stop playing. It somehow starts to feel repetitive and does not offer much variety and lacks meaningful progression and rewards. Though after putting the game down and returning the next day I have no problem in playing it for another 30 minutes when on the go.

    Overall the game is a fun, casual game that’s perfect when I just want to have a bit of fun. Though it does not offer anything extraordinary and works only as a bit of temporary fun for me and my friends, but it does that job very good and I love playing it from time to time.    … Expand
  13. tauandenisbruno
    Aug 19, 2018
    10
    I don't need to make a long review here just to say how that game is fantastic! Is guess Nintendo just miss make new stages for this version..
  14. drlowdon
    Aug 18, 2018
    9
    Mario Kart 8 Deluxe doesn't exactly reinvent the wheel but it does pretty much perfect it. With its excellent controls, exciting gameplay and vast selection of brilliant tracks (both updated classics and original designs) this is the definitive version of this long running series and a must buy for all Switch owners.
  15. BlitZeR_95
    Aug 15, 2018
    9
    Best Mario Kart game to date! A lot of character and parts to choose from before racing. Really fun game to play solo or with friends.
  16. kamhagh
    Jul 24, 2018
    5
    This game is very okay, It's just mario kart... with better graphic, for 60$ it has WAY too little content, It gets boring after 6h because you just do the same, you race, that's all, there's a battle mode but I don't like it at all personally.

    The online mode is very Nintendo. It has long waiting times. and needs a NAT Type B or A There's just not much to do. you can pretty much    This game is very okay, It's just mario kart... with better graphic, for 60$ it has WAY too little content, It gets boring after 6h because you just do the same, you race, that's all, there's a battle mode but I don't like it at all personally.

    The online mode is very Nintendo. It has long waiting times. and needs a NAT Type B or A

    There's just not much to do. you can pretty much play the old ones online on a browser if you want to and it's the same just graphics aren't as good

    Pros: Fast loading times means that if you just want a quick race outside (against bots since the NAT Type requirements) it's super easy, I honestly avoid splatoon a lot because of the loading times but that's on a cartridge (slower) too :|

    Good graphics at 60fps 1080p afaik when docked

    cons:
    A huge lack of content, there just isn't much to do

    Boring

    Bad online multiplayer as expected from Nintendo...

    again if you like mario kart go ahead and buy it! But even for someone who is playing it for pretty much the first time it got boring very quickly I don't think I can get a maximum of 20hours of playtime out of this game    … Expand
  17. MIERIOCRITIC
    Jul 23, 2018
    0
    Mal juego. Malisima conexión. Refrito de un juego de wii u.demasiado caro.

    Y encima obligan a pagar por el online
  18. Hyperior4200
    Jul 21, 2018
    10
    This game is SOOOOOO GOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOD!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! The best game I ever played!!! Nice gameplay, Graphics, and Online Multiplayer, Racing game revolutionary, Battle mode, Grand Prix mode, JUST GOOOOOOOOD!!! I use this game when I go to a cousin's house every day. Even it has 4 PLAYERS MODE FEATURES!!! Please play this game, This game is so good!!!
  19. Urises
    Jul 17, 2018
    10
    Los juegos de Mario Kart son muy conocidos por ser divertidos y pasar el rato disfrutando unas carreras con tus amigos, o talvez unas partidas en línea. Si no lograste disfrutar este juego en WiiU entonces en su versión de Switch es sin duda la mejor opción. Para los propietarios de una Switch debe ser una compra casi obligatoria y ademas de que contiene todo el contenido de DLC y algunosLos juegos de Mario Kart son muy conocidos por ser divertidos y pasar el rato disfrutando unas carreras con tus amigos, o talvez unas partidas en línea. Si no lograste disfrutar este juego en WiiU entonces en su versión de Switch es sin duda la mejor opción. Para los propietarios de una Switch debe ser una compra casi obligatoria y ademas de que contiene todo el contenido de DLC y algunos extra.

    - 12 copas (48 pistas), modo batalla y 41 personajes.    … Expand
  20. TigersKings
    Jul 16, 2018
    9
    Really fun game. Owned Mario kart 8 on the Wii U, but just had to own the deluxe one, when I bought my switch
  21. 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.
  22. Loo_oo
    Jul 4, 2018
    8
    Bien que ce jeu soit fun et excellent, ce n'est pas une vraie nouveauté. Nous retrouvons l'épisode Wii U incluant tous les DLC.

    Ce que j'ai aimé (+) : - C'est fluide et beau - Des parties endiablées - Le richesse du contenu (variété des courses, des véhicules, des personnages) - Le multi joueurs OnLine Ce que j'ai moins aimé (-) : - Toujours pas de tchat vocal - Quand    Bien que ce jeu soit fun et excellent, ce n'est pas une vraie nouveauté. Nous retrouvons l'épisode Wii U incluant tous les DLC.

    Ce que j'ai aimé (+) :
    - C'est fluide et beau
    - Des parties endiablées
    - Le richesse du contenu (variété des courses, des véhicules, des personnages)
    - Le multi joueurs OnLine

    Ce que j'ai moins aimé (-) :
    - Toujours pas de tchat vocal
    - Quand l'ordinateur veut ta peau, il déclenche les 7 fléaux !!!

    Bien que peu innovant, cet opus est une référence du jeu de course et qui plus est COMPLET (pas de DLC tout y est)... des parties frénétiques et endiablées animeront vos soirées entre poto. Un must en attendant MK 9    … Expand
  23. DeusGod
    Jun 26, 2018
    10
    Best arcade racing game. In arcade, I think it is better than Forza-Horizon.
  24. Pantufas
    Jun 19, 2018
    7
    It's a good game, however doesn't bring anything new, its fun co-op/multiplayer game, however it can get boring after a few races.
    The singleplayer is the weak part of the game, no story, not much difficulty or anything different than the multiplayer, so might as well play with people.
    This game can be very frustrating and kinda unfair often and I think there are better co-op games for    It's a good game, however doesn't bring anything new, its fun co-op/multiplayer game, however it can get boring after a few races.
    The singleplayer is the weak part of the game, no story, not much difficulty or anything different than the multiplayer, so might as well play with people.
    This game can be very frustrating and kinda unfair often and I think there are better co-op games for the switch and this one is definitely Not a must have.    … Expand
  25. Pakon
    Jun 16, 2018
    10
    Mario Kart at its finest! Fantastic graphics and gameplay which make the classic Mario Kart formula totally fresh. One of the best multiplayer games ever!
  26. Sonypony662
    Jun 13, 2018
    10
    Mario Kart 8 deluxe is a game that you and your friends can get together and have a fun time. Mario kart 8 deluxe brings all the classics maps from the original and also all the DLC. So you are never short of content. Not to mention the online mode and battle mode which have greatly been improved since the Wii U. But what really makes Mario Kart 8 deluxe shine on the switch is that you canMario Kart 8 deluxe is a game that you and your friends can get together and have a fun time. Mario kart 8 deluxe brings all the classics maps from the original and also all the DLC. So you are never short of content. Not to mention the online mode and battle mode which have greatly been improved since the Wii U. But what really makes Mario Kart 8 deluxe shine on the switch is that you can play it anywhere and also with up to 4 players which for me make Mario Kart 8 Deluxe totally worth the $60… Expand
  27. runeasgar
    Jun 1, 2018
    7
    It's a lot of fun, but the frantic barrage of weaponry frequently ruins races in the final stretch. I wish there were an option to have no items in the campaign mode.
  28. wpng
    Jun 1, 2018
    6
    To me, the Mario Kart franchise feels a little boring. Racing in singleplayer mode feels kind of meaningless. And I think that mainly has to do with the lack of rewards, especially in Mario Kart 8 Deluxe. All of the levels are already unlocked when you first start the game up. For example, in Mario Kart Wii you have to unlock all of the levels thru playing singleplayer mode. So that whenTo me, the Mario Kart franchise feels a little boring. Racing in singleplayer mode feels kind of meaningless. And I think that mainly has to do with the lack of rewards, especially in Mario Kart 8 Deluxe. All of the levels are already unlocked when you first start the game up. For example, in Mario Kart Wii you have to unlock all of the levels thru playing singleplayer mode. So that when you unlock those levels it acts as a reward for playing the singleplayer mode. Sure you can get trophies in Deluxe, but you cant doing anything with them. This game shines in its Online matches and multiplayer mode.… Expand
  29. agentken
    May 24, 2018
    8
    I really want to give it ten but the franchise seems aging a bit or i m aging too. :(

    anther con is too much grinding
  30. BrettSiebenhaar
    May 24, 2018
    10
    I don't care if this is just a port from the Wii U. Mario Kart has always been my favorite game franchise and it always will be. This game is amazing. Love it love it love it!
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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.
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  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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