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Can You Unlock New Courses in Mario Kart 8 Deluxe? A Deep Dive for Speedsters

Yes, you absolutely can unlock new courses in Mario Kart 8 Deluxe! The key lies in the Booster Course Pass, which significantly expands the base game’s track selection. This pass offers two paths to unlocking a treasure trove of additional racing circuits, essentially doubling the available content. Let’s explore the details and answer your burning questions about expanding your Mario Kart 8 Deluxe horizons.

How to Unlock New Courses: Two Paths to Victory

There are two primary methods for accessing the new courses introduced by the Booster Course Pass:

Purchasing the Booster Course Pass: The most direct route is to buy the Booster Course Pass directly from the Nintendo eShop. This is a one-time purchase that grants you access to all currently released waves of courses, as well as any future waves as they become available. Think of it as buying a season pass – you pay once and reap the rewards as the new content rolls out.
Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack Membership: If you subscribe to the Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack tier, the Booster Course Pass is included as part of your membership benefits. This means you gain access to all the new courses at no additional cost, as long as your subscription remains active. This option is compelling if you already subscribe to the Expansion Pack for its other benefits, such as access to classic Nintendo 64 and Sega Genesis games.

Updating Your Game is Crucial

Regardless of which method you choose, a crucial first step is ensuring your Mario Kart 8 Deluxe game is updated to the latest version. This update is necessary to recognize and load the new course data, whether you’ve purchased the pass or are accessing it through the Expansion Pack.

Accessing the New Content

Once you’ve either purchased the pass or have an active Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack membership and updated your game, the new courses will seamlessly integrate into the game. You’ll find them in the course selection menus alongside the original tracks, ready for Grand Prix races, online multiplayer mayhem, and time trials.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Unlocking Courses

Here are some common questions about accessing new courses in Mario Kart 8 Deluxe:

How much does the Booster Course Pass cost? The Booster Course Pass typically costs $24.99 USD. However, pricing may vary slightly depending on your region.
How many new courses are included in the Booster Course Pass? The Booster Course Pass adds a substantial 48 courses to Mario Kart 8 Deluxe, effectively doubling the original track list.
Do I need to purchase the Booster Course Pass if I have Nintendo Switch Online? You only need to purchase the pass separately if you don’t have the Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack membership. The Expansion Pack includes the Booster Course Pass as a perk.
If my Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack membership expires, do I lose access to the new courses? Yes. If your membership lapses, you will lose access to the Booster Course Pass courses until you renew your subscription or purchase the pass separately.
How do I download the Booster Course Pass after purchasing it or subscribing to the Expansion Pack? Go to the Nintendo eShop, search for Mario Kart 8 Deluxe – Booster Course Pass, and select “Download”. Make sure you are logged in with the Nintendo Account that you used to purchase the pass or subscribe to the Expansion Pack.
Are the new courses available in all game modes? Yes! The Booster Course Pass courses are available in all game modes, including Grand Prix, Time Trials, VS Race, and online multiplayer.
Can I play the new courses online with friends who don’t have the Booster Course Pass? Yes, under certain conditions! If one player in an online lobby has the Booster Course Pass, other players in that lobby can race on the new courses even if they don’t own the pass themselves. This applies when the player with the pass chooses the tracks.
Is it worth buying the Booster Course Pass? For Mario Kart 8 Deluxe fans, the Booster Course Pass is generally considered a worthwhile investment. It dramatically expands the game’s content, offering a wealth of new racing experiences and challenges. It’s especially valuable if you enjoy playing with friends and family, as the increased track variety keeps the game fresh and exciting. Games Learning Society also recognizes the value of continued engagement with games through DLC and expansions.
When were the Booster Course Pass courses released? The Booster Course Pass courses were released in six waves, beginning in March 2022 and continuing through late 2023.
Are the new courses remakes of older Mario Kart tracks? Many of the Booster Course Pass courses are indeed remakes of classic tracks from previous Mario Kart games, offering a nostalgic trip down memory lane for long-time fans. However, some are entirely new courses, adding fresh content to the franchise.
Can I purchase individual courses from the Booster Course Pass? No, the Booster Course Pass is only available as a complete package. Individual courses cannot be purchased separately.
Will there be more Booster Course Pass content after the sixth wave? As of now, Nintendo has not announced any plans for additional Booster Course Pass content beyond the sixth wave.
Why can’t I access the new courses even though I have the Booster Course Pass or the Expansion Pack? Double-check that your game is updated to the latest version. Also, ensure that the Booster Course Pass is downloaded and installed on your Nintendo Switch. Verify that you’re using the correct Nintendo Account that owns the pass or subscription.
Are there any new characters included in the Booster Course Pass? Yes! Wave 5 introduced Peachette, Kamek, and Wiggler as playable characters.
Where can I find more information and strategies for mastering the new courses? The GamesLearningSociety.org website and other online gaming communities are excellent resources for finding tips, tricks, and strategies for mastering the new Mario Kart 8 Deluxe courses.

Mastering the New Tracks: Tips and Strategies

Unlocking the courses is just the beginning! Here are a few tips to help you conquer the Booster Course Pass tracks:

Learn the Layouts: Take the time to familiarize yourself with the unique layouts of each new course. Identify shortcuts, drifting opportunities, and potential hazards. Time Trial mode is perfect for this.
Experiment with Kart Combinations: Different kart parts perform better on certain tracks. Experiment with various combinations of karts, tires, and gliders to find the optimal setup for each course.
Master Drifting and Mini-Turbos: Drifting is essential for maintaining speed and navigating tight corners. Practice your drifting technique and aim to consistently trigger mini-turbos for a speed boost.
Utilize Items Strategically: Knowing when and where to use items can make all the difference. Save powerful items like Stars and Bullet Bills for crucial moments, and use defensive items like Green Shells and Bananas to protect yourself from attacks.
Pay Attention to the Environment: Many of the new courses feature dynamic environmental elements, such as moving platforms, falling debris, and changing weather conditions. Be aware of your surroundings and adjust your racing strategy accordingly.

Conclusion

The Booster Course Pass is a fantastic addition to Mario Kart 8 Deluxe, offering a wealth of new content that significantly enhances the gameplay experience. Whether you choose to purchase the pass outright or access it through the Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack, you’re in for a treat. So, get ready to rev your engines, unleash your inner racer, and conquer the new courses in Mario Kart 8 Deluxe! Now, get out there and dominate those tracks!

Can you unlock new courses in Mario Kart 8 Deluxe?