Do You Really Need to Buy the Mario Kart 8 Deluxe Expansion Pack? Let’s Demystify!
The checkered flag has dropped, and you’re itching to tear up the track in Mario Kart 8 Deluxe. But then you see it: the Booster Course Pass, promising a whopping 48 extra courses. The question burns in your mind: Do you have to buy it?
The short answer is no, you don’t have to buy the Mario Kart 8 Deluxe Booster Course Pass, but you might want to. It all boils down to how you plan to play and what other Nintendo services you subscribe to. You have options! You can purchase the Booster Course Pass outright, or you can gain access to it through a Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack membership. Also, keep in mind that you can still experience the DLC tracks online even if you don’t own the Booster Course Pass yourself!
Now, let’s delve into the details and explore all the possibilities:
Unveiling the Options: Ownership vs. Subscription
Purchasing the Booster Course Pass Outright
This is the simplest option. You pay a one-time fee (currently $24.99), and the Booster Course Pass is yours. You’ll gain permanent access to all 48 tracks as they’re released in waves. This is ideal for players who primarily play offline or who prefer owning their content outright. If you plan to play these tracks for years to come and don’t have other reasons to subscribe to Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack, this is likely the best path.
The Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack Route
This is where things get interesting. A Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack membership grants you access to a variety of perks, including:
- Classic Nintendo 64 and Sega Genesis games: Relive the glory days!
- Access to select DLC: Including the Mario Kart 8 Deluxe Booster Course Pass and Animal Crossing: New Horizons – Happy Home Paradise.
- All the benefits of the standard Nintendo Switch Online membership: Online play, cloud saves, access to a library of NES and SNES games, and more.
If you’re already interested in the N64 and Sega Genesis libraries and the Animal Crossing DLC, the Expansion Pack could be the most cost-effective option. However, keep in mind that access to the Booster Course Pass is contingent on maintaining your Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack membership. If your subscription lapses, you’ll lose access to the tracks until you resubscribe.
Playing Online Without Owning the Booster Course Pass
This is where the beauty of Nintendo’s approach shines. Even if you don’t own the Booster Course Pass, you can still play the new tracks online if someone you’re playing with does! This is thanks to how Nintendo has integrated the tracks into the online matchmaking system. So, you can enjoy the new content without spending a dime, assuming you have friends or are willing to race online with random players who have purchased the pass.
Deciding What’s Best For You
To make an informed decision, consider these factors:
- How often do you play Mario Kart 8 Deluxe? If it’s a regular part of your gaming rotation, the Booster Course Pass provides excellent value.
- Are you interested in the other benefits of the Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack? If so, the subscription model might be the better deal.
- Do you play online often with friends who own the Booster Course Pass? You can potentially experience the new tracks without purchasing the pass yourself.
- Do you prefer owning content outright or are you comfortable with a subscription model?
A Note on Game Preservation and Learning
The discussion surrounding DLC and subscription services also brings up important considerations about game preservation and accessibility for future generations. While these models provide ongoing content and revenue streams, they also raise questions about how these games and experiences will be available long-term. Exploring these issues is vital for understanding the evolving landscape of video games and their role in society. This is a topic actively discussed and researched within organizations like the Games Learning Society. You can find out more on the GamesLearningSociety.org website.
Mario Kart 8 Deluxe – Booster Course Pass FAQs
1. Is the Mario Kart expansion pack free?
No, the Mario Kart 8 Deluxe – Booster Course Pass is not entirely free. You either have to purchase it for $24.99, or you can access it at no additional cost with a paid Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack membership.
2. Do you have to pay for the new Mario Kart DLC?
Yes, unless you have a Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack membership. Otherwise, you’ll need to purchase the Booster Course Pass.
3. Can you play Mario Kart DLC without expansion pack?
Yes, you can play the Mario Kart 8 Deluxe DLC tracks online even without owning the Booster Course Pass, provided someone you’re playing with online does own it.
4. What does the Nintendo expansion pack include?
A Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack membership includes:
- Libraries of classic Nintendo 64 and SEGA Genesis games with added online play.
- Access to the Animal Crossing: New Horizons – Happy Home Paradise and Mario Kart 8 Deluxe – Booster Course Pass DLCs at no additional cost.
- All the benefits of a standard Nintendo Switch Online membership.
5. What is included in the Mario Kart expansion pack?
The Mario Kart 8 Deluxe – Booster Course Pass includes 12 additional cups, for a total of 48 additional courses. These are mostly remastered versions of courses from previous Mario Kart games, including Mario Kart Tour.
6. Why can’t I play the Mario Kart DLC?
Ensure the Mario Kart 8 Deluxe – Booster Course Pass is downloaded on your system. Open the Nintendo eShop with the Nintendo Account that purchased the pass and redownload it. Also, check to be sure your Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack membership hasn’t expired.
7. Can you play Mario Kart DLC online without owning it?
Yes! You don’t need to buy the Booster Course Pass to play Mario Kart 8 Deluxe’s DLC tracks online, as long as someone in the online lobby has the pass.
8. How much is Switch Online expansion pack?
The Switch Online Expansion Pack costs $49.99 for 12 months for an Individual Membership, compared to $19.99/year for the standard Nintendo Switch Online subscription. A Family Membership is $79.99 per year.
9. Does Nintendo expansion pack include Mario Kart?
Yes, a paid Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pass membership includes access to the Mario Kart™ 8 Deluxe – Booster Course Pass.
10. What does the Mario Kart DLC cost?
The Mario Kart 8 Deluxe Booster Course Pass costs $24.99.
11. Are the games in the Nintendo switch expansion pack free?
Yes, access to the Nintendo 64 and SEGA Genesis games, along with the Animal Crossing and Mario Kart DLC, is included “at no additional cost” with a paid Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack membership. They are not free if you don’t pay for the membership.
12. Is Mario Kart booster pack worth it?
For many, the Mario Kart 8 Deluxe DLC is worth getting. You get a vast expansion of tracks that effectively doubles the content of your Mario Kart 8 Deluxe experience.
13. How does Mario Kart 8 expansion pack work?
Acquiring this pass allows you to unlock additional courses and Grand Prix tournaments which are released in waves. There are a total of 6 waves, adding up to 48 extra courses.
14. Does Mario Kart 8 Deluxe come with all DLC?
No, Mario Kart 8 Deluxe does not come with all DLC included. The Booster Course Pass must be purchased separately or accessed through the Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack.
15. Can I upgrade Nintendo switch online to expansion pack?
Yes, if you already have a Nintendo Switch Online Individual membership, you can upgrade to a Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack Individual membership. The remaining days of your existing membership will be used as a discount on the upgrade.
Conclusion: Make the Right Choice for Your Racing Style
Ultimately, the decision of whether or not to buy the Mario Kart 8 Deluxe Booster Course Pass is a personal one. Weigh your options carefully, consider your gaming habits, and choose the path that best suits your needs and budget. Whatever you decide, get ready to race!