Does Mario Kart 8 Deluxe Come With Everything? The Ultimate Guide
So, you’re itching to hit the tracks in Mario Kart 8 Deluxe and wondering if you’ll have access to all the bells and whistles right out of the box. The short answer is: almost, but not quite. Mario Kart 8 Deluxe does bundle a significant amount of content previously released as DLC for the original Mario Kart 8 on the Wii U. You’ll find a generous roster of characters, a plethora of tracks, and vehicle customization options available from the get-go. However, achieving true “completion” requires a bit more effort, whether it’s through gameplay or further investment. Let’s delve into the details.
What’s Included Right Away?
Mario Kart 8 Deluxe distinguishes itself by immediately granting access to nearly all characters (with one exception), as well as every track that was originally part of the Wii U version of Mario Kart 8, including those initially released as DLC packs. This means iconic tracks like Excitebike Arena, Dragon Driftway, and Mute City are ready to race on from the moment you power up your Nintendo Switch.
What Needs to be Unlocked?
While many elements are readily available, the pursuit of unlocking everything in Mario Kart 8 Deluxe centers around vehicle customization. This includes karts, bikes, wheels, and gliders. These items are unlocked by collecting coins while playing the game. It’s a fun and rewarding process that adds to the longevity of the game. The only character that needs to be unlocked is Gold Mario, the shiny variation of Metal Mario.
The Booster Course Pass and Additional Content
To achieve true “everything” status, it’s crucial to consider the Booster Course Pass. This DLC pack adds a whopping 48 additional courses to the game, effectively doubling the number of tracks available. These courses are remastered versions of tracks from previous Mario Kart games, bringing a nostalgic and exciting element to the game.
Now that we’ve covered the basics, let’s tackle some frequently asked questions:
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Does Mario Kart 8 Deluxe come with all DLC courses?
No, Mario Kart 8 Deluxe does not automatically include all DLC courses. It includes the DLC courses that were available for the original Mario Kart 8 on the Wii U. The additional 48 courses are available through the Booster Course Pass.
2. How do I get the Booster Course Pass?
You have two options: Purchase the Booster Course Pass directly from the Nintendo eShop, or subscribe to the Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack.
3. Is the Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack worth it just for Mario Kart 8 Deluxe?
That depends on your gaming habits! The Expansion Pack includes other benefits like access to Nintendo 64 and Sega Genesis games. If you’re a fan of retro gaming in addition to Mario Kart, it might be a worthwhile investment. If you are interested in learning more about the educational possibilities that video games provide, be sure to visit Games Learning Society at GamesLearningSociety.org.
4. Does Mario Kart 8 Deluxe have free DLC?
While the base game doesn’t have ongoing free DLC, the Booster Course Pass is available at no extra cost to those with a Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack membership.
5. How many courses are in Mario Kart 8 Deluxe with DLC?
With the Booster Course Pass, Mario Kart 8 Deluxe boasts a grand total of 96 courses.
6. How many coins do I need to unlock everything?
“Once the total reaches 1500 coins, parts will only unlock for every 100 coins collected. This means 3100 coins are required to unlock (almost) every part.”
7. What is the best kart combination in Mario Kart 8 Deluxe?
There is no objectively “best” combination, as it depends on your play style. However, popular and effective combinations include:
- Kamek, Teddy Buggy, Roller Wheels, & Paper Glider
- Luigi, Streetle, Rollers, & Parachute
Experiment to find what works best for you!
8. How do I unlock Gold Mario?
You can unlock Gold Mario by winning all cups in 200cc mode.
9. How many karts and bikes are unlockable?
There are 23 karts and 17 bikes to unlock in Mario Kart 8 Deluxe.
10. Can I play the Booster Course Pass tracks online if I have the pass and my friend doesn’t?
Yes! You can play the Booster Course Pass tracks online even if your friends don’t have it.
11. What characters are missing from Mario Kart 8 Deluxe?
Pauline, Funky Kong, Petey Piranha, Wiggler, Diddy Kong, Donkey Kong Jr, Honey Queen, Koopa Paratroopa, and R.O.B are not included in Mario Kart 8 Deluxe.
12. Is Mario Kart 8 Deluxe worth it if I already own Mario Kart 8 on the Wii U?
Absolutely! The Deluxe version offers improved visuals, a refined battle mode, all the original DLC, and the option to play on the go with the Nintendo Switch. Plus, the Booster Course Pass adds even more value.
13. Do I need two copies of the game to play multiplayer?
For local wireless play, each Nintendo Switch console requires a copy of Mario Kart 8 Deluxe (physical or digital). However, two players can play on the same console using split-screen with one Joy-Con controller each.
14. What’s the difference between Mario Kart 8 Deluxe and regular Mario Kart 8?
The Deluxe edition includes all the original DLC from Mario Kart 8, adds new characters and vehicles, and features a revamped battle mode. It’s the definitive version of the game.
15. How long does it take to 100% Mario Kart 8 Deluxe?
Completing all main objectives can take around 6 hours. Getting 100% completion, including unlocking everything and mastering all the tracks, can take upwards of 52½ hours.
In Conclusion
Mario Kart 8 Deluxe provides a comprehensive and exhilarating racing experience right from the start. While achieving complete customization requires some coin collecting, and expanding your track selection requires the Booster Course Pass or a Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack subscription, the game offers countless hours of fun for both casual and hardcore players. So, buckle up, choose your racer, and prepare for some kart-racing chaos!