What is the Difference between Mario Kart 8 and Deluxe?
Mario Kart 8, released in 2014 for the Wii U, and Mario Kart 8 Deluxe, released in 2017 for the Nintendo Switch, are two different versions of the popular racing game. If you’re considering purchasing one, you might be wondering what sets the Deluxe version apart from the original. In this article, we’ll dive into the differences between these two versions, so you can make an informed decision.
Key Differences
Below is a table summarizing the main differences between Mario Kart 8 and Mario Kart 8 Deluxe:
| Feature | Mario Kart 8 | Mario Kart 8 Deluxe |
|---|---|---|
| Platform | Wii U | Nintendo Switch |
| New Characters | 8 characters | 6 new characters including Incinojo, King Boo, and Bowser Jr. |
| New Tracks | 8 tracks | 4 new tracks including Dragon Drift, Battle Stadium, and more |
| Multiplayer | Up to 12 players online | Up to 32 players online, including new modes like "Battle Gauntlet" and "Renegade cups" |
| Battle Mode | 11 courses | 5 courses, including new modes like "Renegade" and "Turbostride" |
| Graphics | Enhanced HD graphics | Improved graphics with enhanced visuals and smoother gameplay |
| Local Multiplayer | 2-4 player split-screen | 6-player split-screen, increasing the multiplayer experience |
As you can see, Mario Kart 8 Deluxe has some significant upgrades from the original game. Let’s delve deeper into these differences.
New Characters
Mario Kart 8 Deluxe comes with 6 new characters, making a total of 42 playable racers. The new additions include:
• Incinojo
• King Boo
• Bowser Jr.
• Dry Bowser Jr.
• Gold Mario (exclusive to the Deluxe version)
Each character has unique stats, such as acceleration, top speed, and handling, providing more variety and replayability in your racing experience.
New Tracks
Four new tracks are added to Mario Kart 8 Deluxe, bringing the total track count to 48. These tracks include:
• Dragon Drift
• Battle Stadium
• Hyrule Castle (The Legend of Zelda-themed)
• Mount Wario (a wacky, snow-covered circuit)
These new tracks offer fresh challenges, stunning visuals, and exciting designs, further enhancing the game’s already impressive track list.
Online Multiplayer
Mario Kart 8 Deluxe allows for more online multiplayer players, scaling up to 32 players. This, along with new modes like "Battle Gauntlet" and "Renegade cups", will keep you busy and entertained.
Battle Mode
The deluxe version features 5 new tracks and modes in Battle Mode:
• Renegade: In this mode, teams of drivers compete against each other, with team-based objectives.
• Turbostride: This mode focuses on high-speed racing with power-ups and track hazards.
• Other new courses include Snowball Summit, Dragon Flow, and Piranha Run.
Battle Mode has been drastically improved, offering more variety and strategies for competitive play.
Graphics
Mario Kart 8 Deluxe showcases improved graphics with enhanced visuals and smoother gameplay. The game is truly stunning, with vibrant colors and well-detailed environments. The console’s hardware allows for a consistently high frame rate, making gameplay more responsive and enjoyable.
What About Mario Kart 8 Switch Bundle?
Some bundles included Mario Kart 8 Deluxe as an added bonus. If you don’t want to purchase the game separately or consider buying the bundle, you’ll only get the game without the additional Deluxe features. The bundle is a solid choice, especially if you’re not interested in purchasing the game individually later.
8 FAQs and Answeres
- Q: Is Mario Kart 8 Deluxe a different game from Mario Kart 8? A: Yes, Mario Kart 8 Deluxe is an updated version with more characters, tracks, and features.
- Q: Do I need to play the Wii U version to enjoy Mario Kart 8 Deluxe? A: No, Mario Kart 8 Deluxe can be played independently without any prior knowledge or connection to the Wii U version.
- Q: Are the new characters included in the Deluxe version exclusive to Mario Kart 8 Deluxe? A: Yes, except for Gold Mario, all new characters are exclusive to the Deluxe version.
- Q: Can I customize my character’s appearance in the deluxe version? A: Yes, and you can unlock new and exclusive character costumes and accessories, like Mario’s iconic plumber outfit.
- Q: How does the multiplayer experience enhance with Mario Kart 8 Deluxe? A: Mario Kart 8 Deluxe features up to 32 player online multiplayer, with new modes and tracks available, offering a more dynamic and expanded multiplayer experience.
- Q: What is the minimum age requirement to play Mario Kart 8 Deluxe? A: Mario Kart 8 Deluxe is rated E for Everyone by the Entertainment Software Rating Board (ESRB), indicating it’s suitable for ages 6 and above.
- Q: Are there any DLC packages available for Mario Kart 8 Deluxe? A: No, Mario Kart 8 Deluxe includes all the DLC features bundled within the game.
- Q: Can I transfer my Mario Kart 8 save data to Mario Kart 8 Deluxe? A: Unfortunately, no, as the Nintendo Switch version is a separate console with different hardware, save data cannot be migrated between the two versions.
In conclusion, Mario Kart 8 Deluxe offers many significant upgrades from the original game, especially in terms of new characters, tracks, and multiplayer features. If you’re an avid fan of the Mario Kart series, or a newcomer looking for a refined and enhanced racing experience, Mario Kart 8 Deluxe is the way to go.