How to Unlock New Levels in Mario Kart 8 Deluxe on Nintendo Switch
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The short answer is: You cannot unlock new levels in the traditional sense in Mario Kart 8 Deluxe on the Nintendo Switch. All 48 tracks are available from the start when you first boot up the game! However, there are ways to expand your track roster, which are explained in detail below.
Understanding the Track System in Mario Kart 8 Deluxe
Unlike previous Mario Kart titles where progression involved unlocking new tracks by winning cups, Mario Kart 8 Deluxe adopts a different approach. From the moment you begin playing, you have access to the full suite of courses. This immediate accessibility makes the game perfect for multiplayer sessions and casual play.
However, the absence of unlockable tracks doesn’t mean there’s nothing left to discover. The game offers unlockable karts, characters, and kart customization options, keeping the gameplay fresh and rewarding. The real excitement, especially in recent years, lies in the downloadable content.
Expanding Your Track Roster with DLC: The Booster Course Pass
While the base game comes packed with a substantial number of tracks, Nintendo introduced the Booster Course Pass to further enrich the experience. This pass provides access to a series of downloadable content waves, adding a significant number of remastered tracks from previous Mario Kart games.
What is the Booster Course Pass?
The Booster Course Pass is a paid downloadable content (DLC) pack that adds a substantial amount of new content to Mario Kart 8 Deluxe. It includes a total of 48 tracks remastered from past Mario Kart games, effectively doubling the number of courses available. These tracks are released in waves over a period, ensuring a consistent stream of new content for players to enjoy.
How to Acquire the Booster Course Pass
There are two primary ways to access the Booster Course Pass:
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Purchase the Booster Course Pass directly: You can purchase the Booster Course Pass from the Nintendo eShop. This is a one-time purchase that grants you access to all the included content as it becomes available. Simply navigate to the Nintendo eShop on your Nintendo Switch, search for Mario Kart 8 Deluxe Booster Course Pass, and follow the purchase instructions.
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Subscribe to Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack: A subscription to Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack includes access to the Booster Course Pass as part of the subscription benefits. This is a great option if you are already subscribed to the service or plan to utilize other features included in the Expansion Pack, such as access to a library of Nintendo 64, Game Boy Advance, and SEGA Genesis games.
What Does the Booster Course Pass Include?
The Booster Course Pass includes 48 remastered tracks from previous Mario Kart games, divided into 12 cups with four tracks each. These tracks span the entire history of the franchise, bringing back fan favorites from the Super Nintendo, Nintendo 64, Game Boy Advance, Nintendo DS, Wii, Nintendo 3DS, and Mario Kart Tour installments.
Some of the noteworthy courses included are:
- Coconut Mall (from Mario Kart Wii)
- Choco Mountain (from Mario Kart 64)
- Tokyo Blur (from Mario Kart Tour)
- Ninja Hideaway (from Mario Kart Tour)
- Maple Treeway (from Mario Kart Wii)
The Booster Course Pass significantly expands the replayability and variety of Mario Kart 8 Deluxe, providing a fresh and exciting experience for both veteran players and newcomers.
Other Ways to Enhance Your Mario Kart 8 Deluxe Experience
While you can’t unlock courses in the traditional sense without the DLC, Mario Kart 8 Deluxe offers plenty of other ways to keep the game interesting and engaging.
Unlocking Characters
While the bulk of the character roster is available from the start, certain characters are unlockable. You unlock new characters by winning Grand Prix races. Continue to complete various cups and you will eventually unlock all available characters. There is no specific cup that unlocks a specific character, it’s just a matter of continuing to win.
Unlocking Karts and Kart Parts
Similar to characters, various karts, wheels, and gliders are unlocked by collecting coins while racing. The number of coins needed to unlock these items varies, so continue to play and collect coins to expand your customization options. The process of unlocking new kart parts adds an element of progression and allows you to fine-tune your kart to your preferred play style.
Mastering Different CC (Engine Classes)
Mario Kart 8 Deluxe features different engine classes, including 50cc, 100cc, 150cc, and 200cc. Higher engine classes offer a greater challenge and require you to adapt your driving style and strategies. You unlock the higher CC by placing first in all cups of the CC level below it. For instance, you unlock 150cc by earning gold trophies in all 100cc cups, and you unlock 200cc by earning gold trophies in all 150cc cups.
Time Trials and Ghost Data
Participating in Time Trials allows you to race against your own best times or the ghost data of other players. This mode is excellent for improving your skills and mastering individual tracks. You can also download the ghost data of top players to study their racing lines and strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Do I need to beat all cups to unlock tracks in Mario Kart 8 Deluxe?
No, all 48 tracks in the base game of Mario Kart 8 Deluxe are available from the start. You do not need to beat any cups to access them.
2. How do I unlock the extra tracks in Mario Kart 8 Deluxe?
You unlock additional tracks by purchasing the Booster Course Pass from the Nintendo eShop or by subscribing to Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack, which includes the Booster Course Pass.
3. How many tracks are included in the Booster Course Pass?
The Booster Course Pass includes 48 remastered tracks from previous Mario Kart games.
4. Is the Booster Course Pass a one-time purchase or a subscription?
You can either purchase the Booster Course Pass as a one-time purchase or access it through a subscription to Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack.
5. What happens if my Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack subscription expires?
If your Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack subscription expires, you will lose access to the Booster Course Pass tracks unless you purchase the pass separately or renew your subscription.
6. Are the Booster Course Pass tracks different from the original Mario Kart 8 tracks?
The Booster Course Pass tracks are remastered versions of tracks from previous Mario Kart games. They have been updated with enhanced graphics and gameplay features, but they are based on the original course designs.
7. Can I play the Booster Course Pass tracks online with friends who don’t have the pass?
Yes, if you have the Booster Course Pass, you can play the tracks online with friends who don’t have the pass. During online play, if one player chooses a track from the Booster Course Pass, all players in the room will be able to race on that track, even if they don’t own the DLC.
8. How do I unlock the gold kart in Mario Kart 8 Deluxe?
You unlock the gold kart by earning a gold trophy in every cup in 150cc, completing all Time Trials on 200cc, and collecting a large number of coins (usually several thousand).
9. How many characters are unlockable in Mario Kart 8 Deluxe?
Most characters are available from the start. However, certain characters like Gold Mario are unlockable by achieving specific milestones in the game, such as winning every cup at 200cc with a gold trophy.
10. How do I unlock 200cc in Mario Kart 8 Deluxe?
You unlock 200cc by earning a gold trophy in all 150cc cups.
11. Can I play as Gold Mario in Mario Kart 8 Deluxe?
Yes, you can play as Gold Mario in Mario Kart 8 Deluxe, but he is an unlockable character. You must finish all cups in mirror mode with a gold trophy to unlock Gold Mario.
12. Are there any hidden modes or features in Mario Kart 8 Deluxe?
Mario Kart 8 Deluxe includes various modes and features, but most are readily accessible. The main hidden “feature” is unlocking all of the hidden characters and kart parts.
13. How do I drift effectively in Mario Kart 8 Deluxe?
To drift effectively, press and hold the drift button (R) while turning. As you drift, you’ll accumulate sparks. Release the drift button when you have blue, orange, or pink sparks to receive a boost. Practice using Smart Steering (if enabled, tap the L button to disable) to improve your control and avoid walls.
14. What are the best kart combinations in Mario Kart 8 Deluxe?
The “best” kart combination is subjective and depends on your driving style. However, popular choices often prioritize speed and mini-turbo stats. Some effective combinations include:
- Character: Wario, Bowser, or Dry Bowser
- Kart: The Duke, Mach 8, or Blue Falcon
- Wheels: Slick or Roller wheels
- Glider: Cloud Glider or Wario Wing
Experiment to find what works best for you.
15. How do I collect coins quickly in Mario Kart 8 Deluxe?
To collect coins quickly, play races and battle modes. Playing online can yield more coins than playing offline. Also, try to maintain a good position during races, as higher placements reward more coins. The max coins you can earn is 10,000 and after reaching that, the coins don’t carry any more value to you.
In conclusion, while you don’t unlock tracks in Mario Kart 8 Deluxe in the traditional sense, the Booster Course Pass offers a substantial expansion to the game’s content. Combined with unlocking characters, karts, and mastering different engine classes, there’s plenty to keep you engaged and racing for hours on end.