Do You Have to Buy the New Mario Kart Tracks? The Definitive Guide

The short answer is: no, you don’t have to buy the new Mario Kart tracks, but you need either a specific Nintendo Switch Online membership or a one-time purchase to access them. The Mario Kart 8 Deluxe – Booster Course Pass offers a wealth of new content, but accessing it depends on your chosen method of play. Let’s break down the options.

You have two primary paths to enjoy these new tracks:

• Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack Membership: With an active membership, you gain access to the Booster Course Pass tracks at no additional cost. This is a subscription-based approach.
• Standalone Purchase: You can purchase the Mario Kart 8 Deluxe – Booster Course Pass outright from the Nintendo eShop. This is a one-time payment for permanent access.

Which path you choose depends on your gaming habits and budget. If you regularly use Nintendo Switch Online features and enjoy the other benefits of the Expansion Pack (like access to classic N64 and Sega Genesis games), the subscription is likely the more cost-effective option. If you primarily play Mario Kart 8 Deluxe and prefer a one-time purchase, the standalone Booster Course Pass is the way to go.

Understanding the Mario Kart 8 Deluxe – Booster Course Pass

The Booster Course Pass significantly expands the Mario Kart 8 Deluxe experience, adding a whopping 48 new courses to the game. These courses are remastered versions of tracks from previous Mario Kart titles, spanning the series’ rich history. The courses have been released in six waves, with the final wave arriving at the end of 2023.

The addition of these tracks is transformative, effectively doubling the number of courses available in the game. This injection of new content keeps the gameplay fresh and exciting, even for veteran Mario Kart players. Whether you’re drifting through the bustling streets of Paris Promenade or navigating the treacherous bends of DK Summit, the Booster Course Pass offers a diverse and engaging racing experience.

Accessing the New Tracks: A Step-by-Step Guide

Regardless of whether you choose the subscription or purchase route, accessing the new tracks requires a simple process:

1. Ensure your Nintendo Switch is connected to the Internet.
2. Open the Nintendo eShop from the HOME Menu.
3. Select the Nintendo Account that you want to use to access the content.
4. If you have a Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack membership, navigate to the Nintendo Switch Online section in the eShop and download the Mario Kart 8 Deluxe – Booster Course Pass DLC.
5. If you purchased the Booster Course Pass separately, search for “Mario Kart 8 Deluxe – Booster Course Pass” in the eShop and download it.
6. The pass must be downloaded to your system to access the included content.
7. Launch Mario Kart 8 Deluxe. The new tracks will be integrated into the game, appearing in the course selection menus.

Troubleshooting Access Issues

Sometimes, you might encounter issues accessing the new tracks even after downloading the Booster Course Pass. Here are some common troubleshooting steps:

• Verify your Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack membership is active. Expired subscriptions will prevent access to the DLC.
• Ensure the Booster Course Pass is downloaded to the correct Nintendo Account. If you have multiple accounts on your Switch, make sure you downloaded the DLC using the account with the active membership or purchase.
• Restart your Nintendo Switch. This can often resolve temporary glitches that might be preventing the game from recognizing the DLC.
• Redownload the Booster Course Pass from the Nintendo eShop. Sometimes, a corrupted download can cause issues.

FAQs: Everything You Need to Know About the New Mario Kart Tracks

Here are some frequently asked questions about accessing and playing the new Mario Kart tracks:

1. How much does the Mario Kart 8 Deluxe – Booster Course Pass cost? The Booster Course Pass costs $25 as a one-time purchase from the Nintendo eShop.
2. Is the Booster Course Pass included with the standard Nintendo Switch Online membership? No, the Booster Course Pass is only included with the Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack membership.
3. Can I play the new tracks online if I don’t own the Booster Course Pass? Yes, you can play the new courses online even if you don’t own them, as long as someone in the online lobby has the Booster Course Pass.
4. Is the Booster Course Pass a permanent purchase? Yes, if you purchase the Booster Course Pass for $25, it is a one-time fee and you’ll have permanent access to the tracks.
5. What happens if my Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack membership expires? If your membership expires, you will lose access to the Booster Course Pass tracks until you renew your subscription or purchase the Booster Course Pass separately.
6. How many new tracks are included in the Booster Course Pass? The Booster Course Pass includes a total of 48 new tracks, remastered from previous Mario Kart games.
7. Are the new tracks available in all game modes? Yes, the new tracks are available in all game modes, including Grand Prix, VS Race, Battle Mode, and online multiplayer.
8. Do I need to update Mario Kart 8 Deluxe to access the new tracks? Yes, you need to connect your Nintendo Switch to the Internet and launch the game to download and install the latest update, which includes support for the Booster Course Pass.
9. Can I share the Booster Course Pass with other users on my Nintendo Switch? If you purchase the Booster Course Pass, it is tied to the Nintendo Account that made the purchase and can be shared with other users on the same Nintendo Switch console. However, for the Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack, you need to be part of a family membership to share it.
10. When were the new tracks released? The tracks were released in six waves, starting in March 2022 and concluding at the end of 2023.
11. Will there be more new tracks added to Mario Kart 8 Deluxe in the future? As of now, Nintendo has not announced any plans to add more tracks beyond the Booster Course Pass.
12. Do I need the base Mario Kart 8 Deluxe game to play the Booster Course Pass tracks? Yes, a full version of the Mario Kart 8 Deluxe game is required to use the Booster Course Pass DLC.
13. Where can I download the Booster Course Pass? You can download the Booster Course Pass from the Nintendo eShop on your Nintendo Switch.
14. Is it worth buying the Booster Course Pass? The additional tracks literally double the size of the Mario Kart 8 Deluxe experience. They are quite fun and varied and well worth the additional expense.
15. Can I play the DLC tracks locally with friends who don’t own the Booster Course Pass? Yes, you can play the DLC tracks locally with friends who don’t own the Booster Course Pass. They will be able to join you in local multiplayer if you have the DLC.

Beyond the Tracks: The Enduring Appeal of Mario Kart 8 Deluxe

Mario Kart 8 Deluxe isn’t just about the tracks; it’s about the whole experience. The tight controls, the strategic use of items, and the chaotic fun of multiplayer races create an engaging and addictive gameplay loop. The game’s vibrant graphics, catchy music, and iconic characters further contribute to its enduring appeal.

The Booster Course Pass simply enhances an already fantastic game, providing even more reasons to pick up your controller and hit the track. Whether you’re a seasoned racer or a newcomer to the series, there’s something for everyone to enjoy in Mario Kart 8 Deluxe.

Furthermore, gaming, including Mario Kart, is an incredible tool to enhance learning and foster community. It is vital to recognize the value of video games in our everyday lives. You can learn more about gaming, education, and community at GamesLearningSociety.org.

Conclusion: Choose Your Path and Get Racing!

Ultimately, the decision of whether to buy the new Mario Kart tracks depends on your individual circumstances. The Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack membership offers a convenient and cost-effective solution for those who regularly use Nintendo’s online services. The standalone Booster Course Pass provides a permanent and hassle-free way to access the new content.

No matter which option you choose, the Mario Kart 8 Deluxe – Booster Course Pass is a worthwhile investment for any fan of the series. The new tracks add significant depth and replayability to an already exceptional game, ensuring hours of fun for you, your friends, and your family. So, gear up, choose your kart, and get ready to race!