Unleash the Racing Mayhem: Understanding the Mario Kart 8 Deluxe Booster Course Pass
The Mario Kart 8 Deluxe Booster Course Pass injects a massive dose of new content into the already stellar Mario Kart 8 Deluxe on the Nintendo Switch. Functionally, it works in two key ways. First, you can purchase the Booster Course Pass outright. This is a one-time purchase that grants you permanent access to all 48 new courses as they are released in six waves. Secondly, you can gain access to the same content through a subscription to Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack. An active membership provides access to the Booster Course Pass courses for as long as your subscription remains valid. Both methods unlock the same races and are a great way to keep the fun rolling on Mario Kart!
Diving Deeper into the Mechanics
The Booster Course Pass dramatically expands the Mario Kart 8 Deluxe experience by doubling the number of available courses. These courses aren’t entirely new creations; instead, they are remastered tracks from previous Mario Kart games across various consoles, bringing a nostalgic charm to the Switch. The content is delivered in six waves, each containing eight courses, making for a total of 48 new tracks. Each wave features a mix of classic courses.
The implications of this expansion are significant. It provides a wealth of fresh content for veteran players while introducing newcomers to iconic tracks from Mario Kart’s rich history. The Booster Course Pass is available through the Nintendo eShop, accessible directly from your Nintendo Switch. If you opt for the Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack, the download is linked to your Nintendo Account and can be initiated through the Nintendo Switch Online section of the eShop.
Choosing Your Path: Purchase vs. Subscription
The decision of whether to buy the Booster Course Pass outright or subscribe to the Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack depends on your individual gaming habits and preferences.
- Buying the Booster Course Pass: This option is ideal for players who want permanent access to the courses and prefer a one-time payment. It’s a great choice for dedicated Mario Kart fans who plan to revisit the game regularly.
- Subscribing to Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack: This option is appealing to those who already subscribe to the Nintendo Switch Online service and are interested in the additional benefits, such as access to classic Nintendo 64, Game Boy Advance and SEGA Genesis games, and other DLC content like Animal Crossing: New Horizons – Happy Home Paradise. If you’re primarily interested in online multiplayer and enjoy retro gaming, the expansion pack offers excellent value.
More Than Just Courses
While the core of the Booster Course Pass is the 48 new courses, it’s worth noting that these courses integrate seamlessly into the existing Mario Kart 8 Deluxe game. They’re available in all game modes, including Grand Prix, Time Trials, Versus Race, and Battle Mode. They also appear in the online multiplayer rotation, so you can race against other players regardless of whether they own the Booster Course Pass.
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FAQs: Mastering the Mario Kart 8 Deluxe Booster Course Pass
Here are 15 frequently asked questions designed to provide you with all the essential information regarding the Mario Kart 8 Deluxe Booster Course Pass.
1. Do I need to buy the Booster Course Pass if I have Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack?
No. An active subscription to Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack grants you access to the Mario Kart 8 Deluxe Booster Course Pass content for the duration of your membership. If you already subscribe, you can download the DLC at no extra cost.
2. What happens to the Booster Course Pass courses if my Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack subscription expires?
If your subscription expires, you will lose access to the Booster Course Pass courses until you renew your subscription or purchase the Booster Course Pass separately.
3. Can other players without the Booster Course Pass play on the new courses with me?
Yes! Even if only one player in a local multiplayer session has the Booster Course Pass, everyone can play on the new courses. Additionally, the courses appear in the online multiplayer rotation for all players, regardless of whether they own the DLC.
4. Is the Booster Course Pass a one-time purchase, or do I have to pay for each wave of courses?
The Booster Course Pass is a one-time purchase that grants you access to all six waves of courses as they are released. You do not need to pay separately for each wave.
5. How many courses are included in the Mario Kart 8 Deluxe Booster Course Pass?
The Booster Course Pass includes a total of 48 courses, doubling the original number of courses in Mario Kart 8 Deluxe.
6. Are the courses in the Booster Course Pass entirely new, or are they from previous Mario Kart games?
The courses are remastered tracks from previous Mario Kart games across various consoles, bringing a nostalgic experience to Mario Kart 8 Deluxe.
7. How do I download the Booster Course Pass if I have Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack?
Open the Nintendo eShop on your Nintendo Switch, navigate to the Nintendo Switch Online section, and download the Mario Kart 8 Deluxe Booster Course Pass for free. Alternatively, search for “Mario Kart 8 Deluxe” in the eShop, and you should find the option to download the Booster Course Pass.
8. Do I need the base game, Mario Kart 8 Deluxe, to use the Booster Course Pass?
Yes. The Booster Course Pass is DLC, meaning it requires the base game, Mario Kart 8 Deluxe, to function.
9. Can I play the Booster Course Pass courses in all game modes?
Yes, the Booster Course Pass courses are integrated into all game modes, including Grand Prix, Time Trials, Versus Race, and Battle Mode.
10. Does everyone in my Nintendo Switch Online family membership get access to the Booster Course Pass if I have the Expansion Pack?
Yes, if you have a Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack family membership, everyone in your family group will have access to the Mario Kart 8 Deluxe Booster Course Pass.
11. How many waves of courses are there in the Booster Course Pass?
There are a total of six waves of courses being released for the Mario Kart 8 Deluxe Booster Course Pass.
12. When were all the waves of the Booster Course Pass released?
All six waves of the Booster Course Pass have now been released, with the final wave arriving in late 2023.
13. Is the Nintendo Switch Online Expansion Pack worth it if I only want the Mario Kart DLC?
Whether the Nintendo Switch Online Expansion Pack is worth it depends on your gaming habits. If you are solely interested in the Mario Kart DLC and don’t care about the other benefits, such as the N64, Game Boy Advance, and SEGA Genesis games, purchasing the Booster Course Pass separately might be more cost-effective. However, if you enjoy the retro games and other DLC content, the Expansion Pack offers good value.
14. What other DLC is included in the Nintendo Switch Online Expansion Pack?
In addition to the Mario Kart 8 Deluxe Booster Course Pass, the Nintendo Switch Online Expansion Pack includes access to DLC such as the Animal Crossing: New Horizons – Happy Home Paradise and Splatoon 2: Octo Expansion.
15. How do I unlock new characters or karts in the Mario Kart 8 Deluxe DLC?
The Mario Kart 8 Deluxe Booster Course Pass primarily adds new courses. Unlocking new characters and kart parts typically involves completing various in-game challenges, such as winning gold trophies in Grand Prix cups. Remember to be the best racer you can be.
By understanding how the Mario Kart 8 Deluxe Booster Course Pass works, you can make informed decisions about how to best enhance your Mario Kart experience. Whether you choose to purchase the pass outright or subscribe to Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack, the additional courses provide countless hours of racing fun.