Does Nintendo Switch Online Have Mario Kart?
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The short answer is yes, and no, it’s complicated. Nintendo Switch Online doesn’t directly include the Mario Kart 8 Deluxe game itself as part of the basic subscription. However, a Nintendo Switch Online membership is essential to enjoy the online features of Mario Kart 8 Deluxe, which many consider the core of the game experience. Additionally, a separate tier of Nintendo Switch Online, called the Expansion Pack, does provide access to the Mario Kart 8 Deluxe – Booster Course Pass DLC at no additional cost. Let’s dive deeper into the nuances of how Mario Kart and Nintendo Switch Online intersect.
Understanding Nintendo Switch Online
Nintendo Switch Online is a subscription service that provides several benefits to Nintendo Switch owners. These include:
- Online Play: The most critical feature for many, it enables multiplayer gameplay in titles like Mario Kart 8 Deluxe, Splatoon 3, and Super Smash Bros. Ultimate.
- Classic Games: Access to a library of classic NES and Super NES games, which can often be played online with friends.
- Save Data Cloud Backup: Securely store your game save files in the cloud, allowing you to easily retrieve them if you need to switch consoles.
- Smart Device App: A companion app for voice chat and other features in select games.
- Special Offers: Exclusive deals and content.
However, a standard Nintendo Switch Online subscription does not grant you a copy of Mario Kart 8 Deluxe. You need to purchase the game separately to play it.
Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack
The Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack is a more expensive tier of the service that adds further features:
- Nintendo 64 and SEGA Genesis Games: Expands the classic game library to include titles from these retro consoles, also with online play.
- DLC Access: Most relevant to our discussion, this includes access to the Mario Kart 8 Deluxe – Booster Course Pass, and Animal Crossing: New Horizons – Happy Home Paradise DLC at no extra cost.
- All Standard NSO Benefits: It includes everything offered in the standard Nintendo Switch Online subscription.
Therefore, if you have the Expansion Pack, you can download and play all the additional tracks from the Booster Course Pass, enriching your Mario Kart 8 Deluxe experience without paying the extra cost of buying the DLC outright.
How It All Connects to Mario Kart 8 Deluxe
Here is a simplified view:
- Own Mario Kart 8 Deluxe game: You must purchase the base Mario Kart 8 Deluxe game separately, whether physically or digitally.
- Standard NSO: Required for online play. If you want to race with other people online, you need to have a standard Nintendo Switch Online membership.
- NSO Expansion Pack: Provides free access to the Mario Kart 8 Deluxe – Booster Course Pass. If you have an NSO Expansion Pack, you can download and play all the new tracks, doubling the content of the base game.
Important Considerations
- No, Mario Kart 8 Deluxe is not free with either a base or an Expansion Pack subscription.
- The Booster Course Pass is free only with an active Expansion Pack subscription. If you do not have this, you will need to purchase the Booster Course Pass separately.
- You don’t need the Booster Course Pass to play online. Even if you don’t have it, you can still race with others online, even on the new DLC tracks, as long as at least one person in the group does have access to them.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I play Mario Kart 8 Deluxe online without a Nintendo Switch Online membership?
No, you need a Nintendo Switch Online membership to access the online features of Mario Kart 8 Deluxe, which allows you to play multiplayer races with other players over the internet. You will still be able to play single-player offline modes without the membership, however.
2. Is Mario Kart 8 Deluxe included for free with Nintendo Switch Online?
No, the base Mario Kart 8 Deluxe game is not included with either the standard or the Expansion Pack Nintendo Switch Online memberships. You need to purchase the game separately.
3. What does the Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack include in relation to Mario Kart?
The Expansion Pack provides access to the Mario Kart 8 Deluxe – Booster Course Pass DLC at no extra cost. This includes 48 extra tracks, which greatly expands your Mario Kart 8 Deluxe experience.
4. Do I need to buy the Booster Course Pass separately if I have the Expansion Pack?
No, if you have an active Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack subscription, you can download and access the Booster Course Pass tracks for free through the eShop.
5. Can I still play online if I don’t have the Mario Kart 8 Deluxe Booster Course Pass?
Yes, you can still play Mario Kart 8 Deluxe online with a standard Nintendo Switch Online membership. You’ll be able to race with players who have the Booster Course Pass tracks; they just cannot play with you on their DLC courses.
6. Is the Mario Kart 8 Deluxe Booster Course Pass a one-time purchase?
Yes, if you choose to purchase the Booster Course Pass separately, it’s a one-time purchase. This means you will get all the 48 courses that come with it. You will need to purchase an active Nintendo Online Membership, however, to make use of any of its online features.
7. Can I play the original Super Mario Kart online with Nintendo Switch Online?
While the base Mario Kart 8 Deluxe game is not included, Nintendo Switch Online (basic) offers a selection of classic Super NES games, including the Super Mario Kart. This version can also be played online through Nintendo Online.
8. How much does the Nintendo Switch Online membership cost?
The standard Nintendo Switch Online membership is offered at different price points, ranging from a one month, three month, to a yearly membership, with discounts for family plans. The Expansion Pack tier is more expensive but provides additional content, including the Mario Kart 8 Deluxe – Booster Course Pass.
9. Is it worth getting the Nintendo Switch Online Expansion Pack?
This depends on your gaming habits. If you are interested in the additional N64 and SEGA Genesis retro games, as well as the Animal Crossing: New Horizons and the Mario Kart 8 Deluxe DLC at no extra cost, the Expansion Pack might be worth the upgrade. If these are not important to you, the base service is likely sufficient.
10. What is the difference between Nintendo Switch Online and Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack?
The main difference lies in the added benefits of the Expansion Pack: N64 and SEGA Genesis games and the included Animal Crossing and Mario Kart DLC. The regular service includes online play, NES/SNES games, save data cloud, app connectivity, and special offers.
11. Can I play Mario Kart Tour online without a Nintendo Switch Online subscription?
Mario Kart Tour is a mobile game, separate from Mario Kart 8 Deluxe. It does not require a Nintendo Switch Online subscription to play online and is free to download with optional in-game purchases.
12. Can I play split-screen multiplayer on Mario Kart 8 Deluxe without Nintendo Switch Online?
Yes, you can play local split-screen multiplayer on Mario Kart 8 Deluxe without a Nintendo Switch Online membership. Only online multiplayer requires the subscription.
13. Can I use the Mario Kart 8 Deluxe booster course on multiplayer without a Nintendo Switch Online membership?
You can play in a multiplayer mode with others who are playing on the Booster Course Pass, but only if they choose the courses for you, since you do not own the courses. You will also require a base Nintendo Switch Online Membership to utilize online multiplayer.
14. What is DLC?
DLC stands for Downloadable Content. This refers to additional content added to video games after their initial release, like the Mario Kart 8 Deluxe – Booster Course Pass.
15. Can I play Mario Kart 8 Deluxe on PC?
While there might be fan-made PC versions of the original Mario Kart, you cannot play the official Mario Kart 8 Deluxe on PC. It is exclusive to the Nintendo Switch console.