Unleash the Speed: How to Get More Race Tracks on Mario Kart 8 Deluxe
Want to rev up your Mario Kart 8 Deluxe experience with a plethora of new and exciting courses? Getting more tracks is straightforward: you can either purchase the Mario Kart 8 Deluxe – Booster Course Pass or subscribe to the Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack. The Booster Course Pass grants you access to 48 additional tracks released in waves, effectively doubling the original game’s content. A subscription to the Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack includes access to these tracks as part of its benefits, along with other perks like access to a library of classic Nintendo 64 and Sega Genesis games.
Understanding Your Options: Booster Course Pass vs. Expansion Pack
Let’s delve deeper into these two options so you can make the best choice for your gaming needs.
The Mario Kart 8 Deluxe – Booster Course Pass
- What it is: A one-time purchase that permanently adds all released and future Booster Course Pass tracks to your Mario Kart 8 Deluxe game.
- Cost: Typically around $24.99 USD / $32.99 CAD / £22.49. Prices may vary slightly based on region and retailer.
- Content: Includes 48 tracks, released in six waves, each containing eight courses divided into two new cups.
- Benefits: Permanent access to the tracks, regardless of your Nintendo Switch Online subscription status. Ideal for players who primarily focus on Mario Kart and want to own the content outright.
- How to Purchase: Available on the Nintendo eShop. Simply search for “Mario Kart 8 Deluxe – Booster Course Pass.”
Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack
- What it is: A premium tier of the Nintendo Switch Online service.
- Cost: Significantly more expensive than the base Nintendo Switch Online subscription. Pricing varies based on individual or family plans and subscription duration.
- Content: Includes all the benefits of the standard Nintendo Switch Online subscription (online play, cloud saves, access to a library of classic NES and Super NES games), plus access to Nintendo 64 and Sega Genesis games, and the Mario Kart 8 Deluxe Booster Course Pass.
- Benefits: Access to a wider range of content beyond just Mario Kart tracks. Ideal for players who enjoy a variety of Nintendo games and online features. The cost savings become apparent if you were already considering purchasing the base Nintendo Switch Online subscription and are interested in the N64 and Sega Genesis libraries.
- How to Subscribe: Available through the Nintendo eShop or the Nintendo Switch Online section in your Switch’s settings menu.
Making the Right Choice
Consider the following factors when deciding between the two options:
- How often do you play Mario Kart 8 Deluxe? If it’s one of your most-played games, the Booster Course Pass might be the better investment.
- Are you interested in other games offered through the Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack? If you want to play classic N64 or Sega Genesis titles, the Expansion Pack provides more value.
- Do you already have a Nintendo Switch Online subscription? If so, upgrading to the Expansion Pack might be a cost-effective way to get the new tracks.
- Do you prefer to own content permanently, or are you comfortable with access being tied to a subscription? The Booster Course Pass offers permanent ownership, while the Expansion Pack only grants access as long as your subscription is active.
Navigating the Tracks: What to Expect
The Booster Course Pass includes a fantastic selection of retro courses from previous Mario Kart games, as well as some brand-new tracks. Expect to see beloved classics from the SNES, N64, Game Boy Advance, GameCube, Wii, and 3DS eras, all beautifully remastered for the Nintendo Switch. These tracks offer a delightful mix of nostalgia and fresh gameplay experiences.
Online Play and the New Tracks
Even if you don’t purchase the Booster Course Pass or subscribe to the Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack, you can still play the new tracks online. If someone you’re playing with online has the Booster Course Pass, the game will sometimes select one of the new courses for the race. This allows you to experience the tracks without having to pay for them, although you won’t have the option to choose them yourself.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. How do I access the new tracks in Mario Kart 8 Deluxe?
If you have the Booster Course Pass or a Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack subscription, ensure your game is updated to the latest version. Launch the game and select the race mode you want to play. At the course selection screen, press Up on the control stick to view the Booster Course Pass courses.
2. Can I play the new Mario Kart tracks without buying them?
Yes, to a limited extent. If other players in an online match have the Booster Course Pass, the new tracks may be randomly selected. However, you cannot choose them yourself unless you own the pass or have the appropriate Nintendo Switch Online subscription.
3. How many additional tracks are included in the Mario Kart 8 Deluxe Booster Course Pass?
The Booster Course Pass includes a total of 48 tracks. This effectively doubles the number of playable courses in the base game.
4. Are the new Mario Kart tracks free with Nintendo Switch Online?
No, they are not free with the standard Nintendo Switch Online subscription. You need the Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack to access them as part of your subscription.
5. What is the difference between Mario Kart 8 Deluxe and Mario Kart 8?
Mario Kart 8 Deluxe is an enhanced version of Mario Kart 8, originally released on the Wii U. Deluxe includes all the DLC from the original game, new characters, an improved battle mode, and the ability to hold two items at once.
6. Do I need Nintendo Switch Online to buy the Booster Course Pass?
No, you do not need a Nintendo Switch Online subscription to purchase the Booster Course Pass. You can buy it as a standalone digital purchase from the Nintendo eShop.
7. How much does the Mario Kart 8 Deluxe Booster Course Pass cost?
The Booster Course Pass typically costs $24.99 USD / $32.99 CAD / £22.49. Prices may vary slightly based on region.
8. How do I unlock all the karts and characters in Mario Kart 8 Deluxe?
You unlock karts and characters by collecting coins while racing. The more you play, the more coins you accumulate, and the more items you unlock. Focus on racing in Grand Prix mode and completing Time Trials to unlock even more content.
9. How many tracks are in Mario Kart 8 Deluxe in total with the Booster Course Pass?
With the Booster Course Pass, Mario Kart 8 Deluxe features a total of 96 tracks (48 from the base game + 48 from the DLC).
10. What are some of the easiest tracks in Mario Kart 8 Deluxe?
Some of the easiest tracks include:
- Baby Park (Nintendo GCN)
- Excitebike Arena
- Moo Moo Meadows (Nintendo Wii)
- Toad Harbor
- Water Park
11. What Mario Kart game has the most tracks?
Mario Kart 8 Deluxe has the most tracks available, especially with the addition of the Booster Course Pass DLC.
12. How do I unlock Grand Prix mode in Mario Kart 8?
Grand Prix mode is available from the start of the game. You unlock new cups within Grand Prix by getting a trophy (bronze or better) in earlier cups, regardless of the engine class (50cc, 100cc, etc.).
13. Can I play the new tracks in local multiplayer without everyone owning the Booster Course Pass?
Yes, only one player needs to own the Booster Course Pass for everyone in local multiplayer to access the new tracks.
14. How do I know if the Booster Course Pass is installed correctly?
After purchasing the Booster Course Pass, check your Nintendo Switch’s home screen for Mario Kart 8 Deluxe. If the game icon has a “+” symbol on it, it indicates that DLC is installed. Also, you’ll be able to see the new cups in the course selection menu.
15. What are some of the best kart combinations in Mario Kart 8 Deluxe?
Some popular and effective kart combinations include:
- Kamek, Teddy Buggy, Roller Wheels, & Paper Glider
- Luigi, Streetle, Rollers, & Parachute
- Yoshi, Inkstriker, Rollers, & Clouds
Beyond the Tracks: The Enduring Appeal of Mario Kart
Mario Kart’s enduring appeal isn’t just about the sheer number of tracks or the thrill of the race. It’s about the social experience, the strategic item usage, and the unexpected moments of chaos and triumph. The additional tracks in Mario Kart 8 Deluxe enhance this experience, offering new challenges, familiar favorites, and countless hours of fun with friends and family. Learning about gaming and education is a lifelong process for some individuals. It’s why groups like the Games Learning Society exist to further that learning process. Check out the GamesLearningSociety.org website to learn more.