Unlock the Thrill: Expanding Your Mario Kart 8 Deluxe Track Collection
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So, you’re burning rubber on Mario Kart 8 Deluxe and craving new circuits to conquer? You’re not alone! The game is fantastic, but the hunger for fresh racing experiences is real. There are primarily two routes to expand your track selection on the Nintendo Switch: the Booster Course Pass and a Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack membership. Let’s break them down:
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Booster Course Pass: This is a one-time purchase (around $25) that grants you access to 48 additional courses, remastered from previous Mario Kart games. These tracks are released in waves, with all six waves now available. Purchasing this pass gives you permanent access to these tracks, regardless of your Nintendo Switch Online status. You can find it on the Nintendo eShop.
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Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack: This is a subscription service that, among other benefits, gives you access to the Booster Course Pass courses as long as your subscription is active. If your membership lapses, you lose access to the DLC tracks until you renew or purchase the Booster Course Pass outright.
In essence, you either buy the courses directly or rent them with a subscription. The best choice depends on how often you plan to play and whether you’re interested in the other perks of the Expansion Pack, such as access to classic Nintendo 64, Game Boy Advance, and Sega Genesis games. Let’s explore this further and answer your burning questions on how to unlock the full potential of your Mario Kart 8 Deluxe experience.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Unlocking Tracks on Mario Kart 8 Deluxe
1. How do I actually get the Booster Course Pass once I purchase it?
After purchasing the Booster Course Pass from the Nintendo eShop, you need to download it. Go to the eShop, search for “Mario Kart 8 Deluxe Booster Course Pass“, and select the download option. Ensure you have enough storage space on your Nintendo Switch. Once downloaded, the new tracks will seamlessly integrate into your game. If you have an active Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack membership, you should be able to find and download the Booster Course Pass content for free via the Nintendo Switch Online menu on the Nintendo eShop.
2. Do I need to finish specific cups or races to unlock the DLC tracks?
No, you don’t. Once you’ve downloaded the Booster Course Pass or have an active Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack membership, all the new tracks are immediately available. No need to grind through Grand Prix modes or achieve specific rankings. Just fire up the game and start racing!
3. What happens if my Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack membership expires?
If your Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack membership expires, you will lose access to the Booster Course Pass tracks. To regain access, you need to either renew your membership or purchase the Booster Course Pass separately.
4. Can other players on my Nintendo Switch access the DLC tracks if I purchase the Booster Course Pass?
Yes, if you purchase the Booster Course Pass on your Nintendo Switch, all user profiles on that console will be able to access the new tracks. This applies to both digital and physical copies of the game. This also holds true if you gain access to the tracks via the Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack Membership.
5. Are the DLC tracks available in online multiplayer?
Absolutely! The Booster Course Pass tracks are fully integrated into online multiplayer. You can race with friends and other players from around the world on these new courses. This is where the real fun begins! Remember that all players do not need the booster pass in order to play online together on the new courses.
6. How many total tracks are there in Mario Kart 8 Deluxe with the Booster Course Pass?
With the base game offering 48 tracks and the Booster Course Pass adding another 48, you’ll have a grand total of 96 tracks to race on. That’s a huge amount of content to keep you entertained for countless hours!
7. What are some of the most popular tracks included in the Booster Course Pass?
The Booster Course Pass features a fantastic selection of fan-favorite tracks from previous Mario Kart games. Some popular choices include:
- Coconut Mall (Wii): A shopping center with chaotic escalators and tricky turns.
- Maple Treeway (Wii): A scenic course set in an autumn forest, filled with giant Wigglers.
- Rainbow Road (SNES): A classic, challenging course with no guardrails.
- DK Summit (Wii): A snowy mountain course with half-pipes and jumps.
- Toad Circuit (3DS): A simple race track that is great for beginners.
These are just a few examples, and the pass includes many more equally exciting tracks.
8. Will there be more DLC tracks released for Mario Kart 8 Deluxe in the future?
No, Nintendo has confirmed that the sixth and final wave of the Booster Course Pass has been released at the end of 2023, and there are no plans for additional tracks beyond that. However, 96 tracks is an incredible amount of content!
9. Is the Booster Course Pass worth the price?
That depends on your racing appetite! If you’re a hardcore Mario Kart fan who enjoys playing regularly, the Booster Course Pass is definitely worth the investment. It doubles the number of tracks, adding significant replay value to the game. However, if you only play occasionally, the Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack might be a more cost-effective option, assuming you’re interested in the other benefits it offers.
10. Can I play the DLC tracks with friends who don’t have the Booster Course Pass?
Yes, there are a couple of ways to do this:
- Local Multiplayer: If you’re playing in local multiplayer, only one player needs to own the Booster Course Pass for everyone to access the tracks.
- Online Multiplayer: While not guaranteed, the game occasionally selects DLC tracks for online races. Even if you don’t own the pass, you might get a chance to race on them.
11. Do I need to update my Mario Kart 8 Deluxe game to access the DLC tracks?
Yes, you need to ensure that your Mario Kart 8 Deluxe game is updated to the latest version. This is usually done automatically when your Nintendo Switch is connected to the internet. If not, you can manually check for updates in the system settings.
12. Where can I find the newly added tracks in the game?
The Booster Course Pass tracks are organized into new cups within the game’s Grand Prix mode. You’ll find them alongside the original cups. They are also integrated into the course selection for Versus mode and online multiplayer.
13. Are there any new characters included in the Booster Course Pass?
Yes! The Booster Course Pass includes the addition of new characters such as Birdo, Petey Piranha, Wiggler, and Kamek.
14. Is the Booster Course Pass a one-time purchase or a recurring subscription?
The Booster Course Pass is a one-time purchase. Once you buy it, you own the tracks forever, regardless of your Nintendo Switch Online status. This is different from the Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack, which is a recurring subscription.
15. Can I get a physical copy of the Booster Course Pass?
No, the Booster Course Pass is only available as a digital download from the Nintendo eShop. There is no physical version available. For more insights into the world of games and their educational applications, consider visiting the Games Learning Society at GamesLearningSociety.org.
Hopefully, this comprehensive guide has answered all your questions about unlocking more tracks on Mario Kart 8 Deluxe. Now, get out there and dominate those new courses!