How Many Levels Are In Mario Kart 8 Deluxe on Nintendo Switch?

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The Nintendo Switch’s Mario Kart 8 Deluxe boasts a staggering number of courses, making it the definitive Mario Kart experience. Initially, the game comes with 48 tracks but, with the addition of the Booster Course Pass DLC, the total number of playable tracks skyrockets to a whopping 96 courses. This abundance of content ensures hours upon hours of racing fun for both casual and hardcore players.

Diving Deep into the Mario Kart 8 Deluxe Course List

Mario Kart 8 Deluxe is more than just a game; it’s a celebration of the entire Mario Kart franchise. The base game includes a fantastic selection of 32 new and returning courses, spread across eight cups. These tracks showcase the series’ evolution and provide a solid foundation for the racing experience.

The Booster Course Pass: A Game Changer

However, the true game-changer is the Booster Course Pass. This DLC adds an additional 48 courses, doubling the amount of content available. These tracks are drawn from previous Mario Kart games across various consoles, including the SNES, Nintendo 64, Game Boy Advance, GameCube, Wii, and even Mario Kart Tour on mobile devices. The courses were rolled out in six waves, each containing eight additional courses divided into two cups. The Booster Course Pass injects a huge dose of nostalgia while offering a plethora of fresh racing challenges.

Base Game Cups

The base game’s cups include fan favorites that have been revamped:

• Mushroom Cup: Mario Kart Stadium, Water Park, Sweet Sweet Kingdom, Mario Circuit
• Flower Cup: Toad Harbor, Twisted Mansion, Shy Guy Falls, Sunshine Airport
• Star Cup: Dolphin Shoals, Electrodrome, Mount Wario, Cloudtop Cruise
• Special Cup: Bone-Dry Dunes, Bowser’s Castle, Rainbow Road

DLC Cups

The DLC doubles the fun! The Booster Course Pass includes the following courses:

• Golden Dash Cup: Paris Promenade (Tour), Toad Circuit (3DS), Choco Mountain (N64), Coconut Mall (Wii)
• Lucky Cat Cup: Tokyo Blur (Tour), Shroom Ridge (DS), Sky Garden (GBA), Ninja Hideaway (Tour)
• Turnip Cup: New York Minute (Tour), Mario Circuit 3 (SNES), Kalimari Desert (N64), Waluigi Pinball (DS)
• Propeller Cup: Sydney Sprint (Tour), Snow Land (GBA), Mushroom Gorge (Wii), Sky-High Sundae (Tour)
• Rock Cup: Tour Athens Dash, GCN Daisy Cruiser, Wii Moonview Highway, Squeaky Clean Sprint
• Moon Cup: Tour Los Angeles Laps, GBA Sunset Wilds, Wii Koopa Cape, Tour Vancouver Velocity
• Fruit Cup: Tour Bangkok Rush, DS Mario Circuit, GCN Waluigi Stadium, Tour Singapore Speedway
• Boomerang Cup: Tour Amsterdam Drift, GBA Riverside Park, Wii DK Summit, Yoshi’s Island

FAQs About Mario Kart 8 Deluxe Courses

Here are some frequently asked questions to further clarify the course situation in Mario Kart 8 Deluxe:

1. Are all 96 tracks available from the start? No, while all tracks are pre-installed, the 48 courses from the Booster Course Pass require either purchasing the DLC or subscribing to the Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack to access.
2. Do I need to purchase the Booster Course Pass to play the DLC tracks with friends? If you have the Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack, you can play the Booster Course Pass tracks online or locally with friends, even if they don’t own the DLC, as long as you are the host.
3. What if my Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack subscription expires? If your subscription expires, you will lose access to the Booster Course Pass tracks until you renew your subscription or purchase the DLC.
4. Are the DLC tracks as polished as the original tracks? While the DLC tracks are remastered, some players have noted slight differences in visual fidelity compared to the original courses. However, the gameplay remains faithful to the original tracks.
5. How long does it take to learn all 96 tracks? Mastering all 96 tracks takes considerable time and practice. Each track has its own unique layout, shortcuts, and challenges that require dedicated effort to master. The Games Learning Society is a great resource for research and education in the gaming world.
6. Which are considered the hardest tracks in the game? Tracks like Rainbow Road, Hyrule Circuit, Mount Wario, and some of the retro courses from the Booster Course Pass are often cited as being particularly challenging due to their complex layouts and demanding turns.
7. Are there any tracks that are exclusive to the Battle Mode? Yes, there are eight Battle Mode exclusive courses.
8. Can you unlock new levels in Mario Kart 8 Deluxe? You do not unlock new levels in the traditional sense. All courses are available from the start, but you need the Booster Course Pass to access the additional 48 courses, either by purchasing it or subscribing to Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack.
9. How much does the Booster Course Pass cost? The Booster Course Pass typically costs $24.99 USD.
10. Is Mario Kart 8 Deluxe worth it if I already own Mario Kart 8 on Wii U? If you enjoy Mario Kart and want access to all the DLC, a revamped Battle Mode, and the convenience of playing on the Nintendo Switch, then Mario Kart 8 Deluxe is definitely worth it.
11. Are there any shortcuts in the tracks? Yes, each track features multiple shortcuts that can give you an edge. Mastering these shortcuts is key to achieving faster lap times. Experiment and watch videos to discover them all!
12. Does the game have a story mode? Mario Kart 8 Deluxe does not have a story mode. The primary focus is on racing and battling with other players. While there is no traditional narrative, the game offers a compelling progression system through unlocking characters, kart parts, and achieving high scores.
13. Are there any differences between the Switch and Wii U versions of the original tracks? The Switch version boasts enhanced graphics and improved performance compared to the Wii U version. Additionally, certain gameplay tweaks and balancing adjustments have been implemented.
14. Do the characters affect the game that much? While it’s true that some characters might have very slight advantages, the key to winning in the game comes down to skill and the kart itself.
15. Can I buy cups individually? No, the courses are only available through the Booster Course Pass, which must be purchased as a whole.

Conclusion: A Kart Racing Paradise

With a staggering 96 tracks to choose from, Mario Kart 8 Deluxe on the Nintendo Switch offers an unparalleled kart racing experience. Whether you’re a seasoned veteran or a newcomer to the series, the sheer amount of content guarantees endless hours of fun and excitement. The Booster Course Pass only solidifies this notion by bringing a surge of nostalgia and new challenges to the table. So, buckle up, choose your favorite character and kart, and prepare for the ultimate Mario Kart adventure. As you dive into the vast world of gaming, remember to explore resources like GamesLearningSociety.org to learn more about the intersection of education and the gaming industry.