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Do I Need the Mario Kart DLC to Play With Friends? The Ultimate Guide

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So, you and your pals are itching to tear up the track in Mario Kart 8 Deluxe, but the looming question of the Booster Course Pass DLC is hanging in the air like a blue shell. Do you all need to shell out the cash, or is there a way to race those sweet new courses without breaking the bank? Let’s dive into the nitty-gritty.

The short answer is: No, you don’t necessarily need the Mario Kart DLC to play with friends. There are multiple ways to enjoy the added content together, even if not everyone owns the Booster Course Pass. Let’s explore these options in detail.

Understanding Your Options: Ownership and Access

The key to understanding how to play the DLC courses with friends lies in understanding how Nintendo grants access to the content. There are essentially three paths to consider:

Direct Purchase: One player buys the Mario Kart 8 Deluxe – Booster Course Pass outright from the Nintendo eShop for a one-time fee (typically around $25 USD).
Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack: This premium tier of Nintendo’s online service includes access to the Booster Course Pass as part of the subscription.
Playing with Friends Who Have Access: This is where the magic happens. If someone in your friend group has either purchased the DLC or has the Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack, they can host online or local multiplayer sessions that include the DLC courses.

Playing Locally: One DLC is Enough

For local multiplayer, the good news is that only one Nintendo Switch console needs to have the Booster Course Pass for everyone to play the DLC tracks together. Here’s how it works:

The Switch with the Booster Course Pass acts as the host.
Other players connect to that Switch via local wireless.
The host selects the DLC courses, and everyone gets to race!

This is a fantastic option for game nights, family gatherings, or just hanging out with a few friends. It means only one person needs to make the investment for the whole group to benefit.

Online Play: Taking Your Races Global

Online play offers slightly different scenarios:

Friend Rooms: If a friend who owns the Booster Course Pass creates a room, you can join and race on the DLC courses, even if you don’t own the pass yourself. This is the primary way to experience the DLC tracks online without a purchase.
Online Rotation: Even if you don’t play with friends, the Booster Course Pass tracks are integrated into the online random course selection. So, there’s a chance you’ll get to race on them even without owning the DLC. While this isn’t guaranteed, it offers a taste of what the DLC has to offer.

Primary Console Considerations

If you purchase the Booster Course Pass separately, other users on the same console can also play the DLC content when that console is designated as the Primary Console for the account that made the purchase. This is an important point for families who share a single Switch.

Beyond the Tracks: Birdo and Other Additions

The Booster Course Pass isn’t just about new tracks. It also introduces new characters, like Birdo. If you want to play as Birdo, you will need the DLC installed. These additions enhance the experience for those who own the pass, but they don’t prevent others from playing the DLC tracks in the ways described above.

Making the Decision: Is the DLC Worth It?

Whether or not the Mario Kart 8 Deluxe – Booster Course Pass is “worth it” depends on how much you play the game. If you’re a casual player who only picks it up occasionally, relying on friends or the online rotation might be sufficient. However, if you’re a hardcore racer who craves new content and wants to ensure access to all the tracks, the purchase is a solid investment.

The DLC substantially expands the game with a wealth of fresh courses and is a worthwhile investment that keeps the fun rolling. For more on the educational aspects of gaming, be sure to check out Games Learning Society at https://www.gameslearningsociety.org/.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Here are 15 frequently asked questions about the Mario Kart 8 Deluxe DLC and playing with friends:

Do all players need a Nintendo Switch Online subscription to play Mario Kart 8 Deluxe online?

Yes, a Nintendo Switch Online subscription is required for all players who want to participate in online multiplayer, regardless of whether they own the Booster Course Pass.
If I buy the DLC, can my family members on the same Switch play it?

Yes, if your Switch is set as the Primary Console for the Nintendo Account that purchased the DLC, other users on that console can access the Booster Course Pass content.
Can I play the DLC tracks online if I don’t own the pass but my friend does?

Yes, if your friend creates an online room and selects DLC courses, you can join and play those tracks even without owning the Booster Course Pass.
Is the Mario Kart 8 Deluxe – Booster Course Pass a one-time purchase?

Yes, the Booster Course Pass is a one-time purchase, granting you access to all the released and future waves of DLC tracks. Alternatively, it’s included with a Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack membership.
How much does the Mario Kart 8 Deluxe DLC cost?

The Booster Course Pass typically costs around $24.99 USD.
What’s the difference between Mario Kart 8 and Mario Kart 8 Deluxe?

Mario Kart 8 Deluxe is an enhanced version of Mario Kart 8 originally released on the Wii U. It includes all the original tracks and characters, plus additional characters, vehicles, and gameplay tweaks. The Booster Course Pass expands Mario Kart 8 Deluxe even further.
Do I need the Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack to play the DLC?

No, you don’t need the Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack to play the DLC. You can purchase the Booster Course Pass separately. However, the Expansion Pack provides access to the DLC as part of the subscription.
Can I play the DLC courses offline if I don’t have the Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack?

Yes, if you purchase the Booster Course Pass separately, you can play the DLC courses offline, regardless of your Nintendo Switch Online subscription status.
If my Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack membership expires, will I lose access to the DLC tracks?

Yes, if your Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack membership expires, you will lose access to the Booster Course Pass content unless you purchase the pass separately.
Can I choose which DLC tracks to race on in online mode if I own the Booster Course Pass?

When creating a room in online mode, you can choose specific courses to race on, including the DLC tracks, if you own the Booster Course Pass.
Is there a way to try the DLC courses before buying the Booster Course Pass or subscribing to the Expansion Pack?

The best way to try the courses is to play with a friend who owns the Booster Course Pass. Also, the random online course selection might occasionally include DLC tracks.
Does the Booster Course Pass include new characters besides Birdo?

Yes, the Booster Course Pass includes additional characters beyond the original roster and beyond just Birdo, expanding the roster of racers.
Can I play the Mario Kart 8 Deluxe DLC on multiple Nintendo Switch consoles with a single purchase?

No, the Booster Course Pass is tied to a specific Nintendo Account. While you can play it on multiple consoles, only one can be designated as the Primary Console for other users to access the DLC without the purchasing account being present.
What happens when all the Booster Course Pass waves are released?

Once all waves are released, you will have access to the full set of DLC courses if you own the Booster Course Pass or have a Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack subscription.
Is it better to buy the Booster Course Pass or get the Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack?

This depends on your needs. If you only want the Mario Kart 8 Deluxe DLC, buying the pass outright might be cheaper in the long run. However, the Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack offers additional benefits like access to retro games and other DLC, making it a better value if you’re interested in those features.

Enjoy the races!