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. themcster55
    May 1, 2017
    10
    Worth buying even if you owned the Wii U version.

    Pros and cons over the Wii U version

    +Battle Mode
    +New Characters
    +All the Wii U DLC is included
    +Portable
    +Joy-cons mean that you can play multiplayer out the box

    -None
  2. LJPhil
    May 1, 2017
    9
    Mario Kart 8 for the WiiU was a fantastic entry to the Mario Kart franchise; beautiful visual, catchy soundtrack, and solid gameplay. However, it suffers some few questionable problems, such as the almost lacking battle mode and the item balancing. Now, take the pros from MK8, include the DLCs, and fixes the cons, and voila! you have yourself Mario Kart 8 Deluxe for the Switch.
  3. London_Calling
    May 1, 2017
    9
    A little tricky to review as I've sunk hundreds of hours into the wiiU version and bought the DLC (which speaks volumes in itself). Battle Mode restoration is great (especially Shine Thief which is exhilarating), all DLC is there, graphics seem sharper and.......it's all about the portability! If you didn't have a wiiU or get it for the wiiU then it's an absolute must. Well worth getting anyway.
  4. Creeper3455
    May 1, 2017
    10
    This is probably THE Mariokart 8 we all needed. I mean,sure,the Wii U version is fine,but this 'Deluxe' version,with all its DLCs,new charachters and new modes,is a tad more playable. There are the same courses and it's the same expirience,but from a graphcal standpoint,like LEGO City Undercover,it looks like they improved the graphics a little bit (And this time,there are no bugs orThis is probably THE Mariokart 8 we all needed. I mean,sure,the Wii U version is fine,but this 'Deluxe' version,with all its DLCs,new charachters and new modes,is a tad more playable. There are the same courses and it's the same expirience,but from a graphcal standpoint,like LEGO City Undercover,it looks like they improved the graphics a little bit (And this time,there are no bugs or errors,luckily....). Looks like Nintendo listened about the online multiplayer being not the same without the Battle modes,and it's not a surprise when i say that the Battle modes,with all the new and old maps,are perfectly playable. I mostly play with my Switch when it's on Portable Mode,and the frame rate is fine. It runs at 720p with 60fps,and i'm okay with it. In the end,Mariokart 8 Deluxe may be the first time where a remake is actually better than the original version,with smooth graphics,improved online multiplayer and,of course,the same old Mario fun!… Expand
  5. 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
  6. StefanGoedhart
    May 1, 2017
    10
    The best racing game yet with innovative game mechanics. It's amazing to play such a beautiful game on a handheld device. It's an incredible leap forward compared to Mario Kart 7 on the 3DS. It's also great that you aren't tied to the TV anymore which was the case with the Wii U version. 10/10
  7. 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
  8. Leonardolopez
    Apr 30, 2017
    10
    Una mejora al de wii u, gran mejora, items nuevos, personajes nuevos, circuitos sin descargar y mejoras en el sistema de batalla, lo que si me gustaria fuera de que hubiera mas personajes y nuevos circuitos
  9. 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.
  10. TorterraBoy
    Apr 30, 2017
    10
    Fantastic game, with the Switch in handheld mode already having 2 controllers, I can put it in table top mode and play with my friends. Also battle mode is amazing and graphics are better
  11. dylanweber
    Apr 30, 2017
    10
    An absolutely beautiful remake of an already amazing game which main goal was to improve upon it's original has successfully done so and is more enjoyable than ever. This game is a must-have.
  12. Dargonet
    Apr 30, 2017
    9
    The game is really great. I've already owned Mario Kart 8 on the Wii U and all DLC but the Deluxe version with a new Battle Mode, characters, double item slots and third drift boost etc. is still worth to double dip the game for me because it changes the game enough to make a huge difference. However I dislike "online" so far. It's the same Wii U experience with more disconnections, badThe game is really great. I've already owned Mario Kart 8 on the Wii U and all DLC but the Deluxe version with a new Battle Mode, characters, double item slots and third drift boost etc. is still worth to double dip the game for me because it changes the game enough to make a huge difference. However I dislike "online" so far. It's the same Wii U experience with more disconnections, bad W-Lan solution integrated within the Nintendo Switch in handheld mode and online needs to be improved in MK8 Deluxe drastically to justify a payment per year for me. Right now it's far away from being good and this don't meet my expectations.

    However local multiplayer is even greater with more opportunities playing and easy controls for casual family members are also an extreme good addition for MK8. The new items fit perfectly into the game and it's really amazing playing this game on the go. Beating times on your favorite courses traveling is so far very astonishing.

    It's nearly the most perfect fun racing out there. Last thing that needs to be improved is online.    … Expand
  13. 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
  14. 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
  15. big_boss0310
    Apr 30, 2017
    10
    This game is awesome. Its a MUST!! The game looks awesome, runs awesome and the control is perfect. I am waiting now the tournaments, because the online game is funny. Good Job Nintendo!
  16. Acroner
    Apr 30, 2017
    10
    De lejos, el mejor Mario Kart de todos. Si te gusta el online, el pvp, el modo batalla, o simplemente jugar con familia o amigos, tendrás diversión infinita.

    El modo online con 12 jugadores es.... increíble. La cantidad de copas y carreras, así como su nuevo sistema de batallas dotan a este título de una rejugabilidad sin límites.
  17. Meerkatdawg
    Apr 30, 2017
    9
    I've been playing Mariokart since SNES days right up to the WiiU version of this game. There were a couple disappointments on the WiiU mainly regarding the Battle mode. In this Switch version they have been rectified. It's just a fantastic experience and incredibly polished update of the original version. Added to the Switch's great portability and control options, it's impossible not toI've been playing Mariokart since SNES days right up to the WiiU version of this game. There were a couple disappointments on the WiiU mainly regarding the Battle mode. In this Switch version they have been rectified. It's just a fantastic experience and incredibly polished update of the original version. Added to the Switch's great portability and control options, it's impossible not to love and due to the increased popularity in the Switch over the WIIU, there should be a healthy online community too. The online races are not for the faint hearted btw. The only reason I'm not giving it 10 is that there are some graphical issues (most noticeable around the edge of rainbow road N64 version). It's really not enough to discourage anyone though. Oh and the addition of assisted steering and auto gas is great for little kids and those less practised drivers too! A game for everyone.… Expand
  18. Akahdrin
    Apr 29, 2017
    10
    Easily my favorite game on the Switch. I didn't think anything would touch Zelda and boy was I wrong. The replay value is insane. The fun in your living room with your friends is priceless. The controls are perfect. The 60 fps and 1080p graphics in docked mode is exactly what I was hoping for. What's the only thing I would want changed? I guess just to turn off auto-steering by default.
  19. vvmax
    Apr 29, 2017
    8
    Brilliant game best Nintendo Switch game so far. It's what will make you fall in love with the console. It's fun to play online or with friends. Well there is a negative that there are no new courses in the game and there aren't many new characters. But still a great game
  20. Alberic
    Apr 29, 2017
    0
    Unfortunately, all this game has going for it are its graphics. Item distribution favors lesser-placed racers, meaning someone holding a lead will only receive coins, banana peels, and green shells (in my experience). I was literally hit with a red shell, blue shell, and lightning bolt shrink one right after another. On one hand, this is a great mechanic for people behind to catch up. ButUnfortunately, all this game has going for it are its graphics. Item distribution favors lesser-placed racers, meaning someone holding a lead will only receive coins, banana peels, and green shells (in my experience). I was literally hit with a red shell, blue shell, and lightning bolt shrink one right after another. On one hand, this is a great mechanic for people behind to catch up. But these mechanics are not for me, ruin my experience with this game, and result in me giving it a 0 for literally cheating in favor of lesser-placed racers.… Expand
  21. 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
  22. toastedbuns
    Apr 29, 2017
    9
    The best Mario Kart yet! I love renegade mode and shine thief. It's the biggest Mario Kart ever but I miss last man standing in balloon battle mode. The best thing about this game is how replayable it is. You can play this game for hundreds of hours and not get bored. Don't have any friends around? Play online or against the computer. Don't feel like racing? Play battle mode. Or playThe best Mario Kart yet! I love renegade mode and shine thief. It's the biggest Mario Kart ever but I miss last man standing in balloon battle mode. The best thing about this game is how replayable it is. You can play this game for hundreds of hours and not get bored. Don't have any friends around? Play online or against the computer. Don't feel like racing? Play battle mode. Or play against the computer in teams, red versus blue in different modes. The music is fantastic as always. This is simply a must have if you own a Switch. Highly recommended!… Expand
  23. Yiskanute
    Apr 29, 2017
    6
    By far the most 'definitive' Mario Kart you're going to find for a while. Is it fun? Depends. Do you find being smacked by twenty-two red shells fun? Do you like courses littered with bananas? Do you like being struck by lightning twice in a row?

    The game plays well, don't get me wrong, but I feel like the balance of the game is thrown out of wack because of the two-item system. It    By far the most 'definitive' Mario Kart you're going to find for a while. Is it fun? Depends. Do you find being smacked by twenty-two red shells fun? Do you like courses littered with bananas? Do you like being struck by lightning twice in a row?

    The game plays well, don't get me wrong, but I feel like the balance of the game is thrown out of wack because of the two-item system. It makes staying in first place harder, which is probably the intention, but it also makes getting ahead of the middle of the pack harder because two items per player just means you're going to experience being a crab in a bucket more often than not.

    Ultra mini turbos, while a nice addition, is too tricky to pull off in most cases as a lot of courses aren't exactly built with them in mind and when you're playing 150cc or 200cc, it becomes nearly detrimental to try and pull them off.

    New battle mode is pretty sweet and a complete upgrade from what we got in the original, plus the portability of this Mario Kart port means you get the best handheld Mario Kart experience, sorry, 7, but 8 got you beat here.

    In short, a nice port but not worth the asking price for existing owners of MK8. Balance is horrible thanks to the existence of the two-item system, meaning that while this is the more definitive version of Mario Kart 8, it is also the least balanced of the two by a long margin.    … Expand
  24. ItsAllOgre5
    Apr 28, 2017
    10
    Basically the perfect racer. The vastly improved battle mode, DLC, portability, and other bonuses make it pretty hard to go back to the old Mario Karts. Easily the best multiplayer title on Switch!
  25. riverdalezelda
    Apr 28, 2017
    10
    I GOT IT TODAY AND IT IS AMAZING. I had it on the Wii u + all the DLC and I am so happy with my purchase. The battle mode is so good and the double item box and pink sparks subtly change the game
  26. 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
  27. nuevocharrua
    Apr 28, 2017
    10
    Si la version de Wii U era casi perfecta, la version de Switch, ya lo es. La principal pega de la version de Wii U , era el modo batalla, cosa que mejoro infinitamente con la version Delux, Ademas, poder jugar en portatil, hace un juego imprescindible.
  28. marvs869
    Apr 28, 2017
    10
    Jumping from Mario Kart 7 to Mario Kart 8 Deluxe, I can truly say that this is the definitive version of Mario Kart to date. Not only do the graphics match well with the game's design and art style, I never felt any frame rate drops as I was playing the first few courses. Not only that but the game really complements the switch's ecosystem. With 2 controllers on the go and at yourJumping from Mario Kart 7 to Mario Kart 8 Deluxe, I can truly say that this is the definitive version of Mario Kart to date. Not only do the graphics match well with the game's design and art style, I never felt any frame rate drops as I was playing the first few courses. Not only that but the game really complements the switch's ecosystem. With 2 controllers on the go and at your disposal, you and your friends are sure to have a fun time anywhere and anytime… Expand
  29. Krzysztof81
    Apr 28, 2017
    10
    What not to love about this game. It takes everything what was great about MK8, improves it and adds tons of new stuff. Hands down, this is the best of the series so far.
  30. 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.
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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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