How Many Mario Kart 8 Courses Are There?
Mario Kart 8 and its deluxe version, Mario Kart 8 Deluxe, boast a significant number of courses that have grown considerably since the game’s initial release. This expansion comes from both the original game content and the downloadable content (DLC) that Nintendo has released. So, the question remains: How many courses can you race on?
The answer is: Mario Kart 8 Deluxe boasts a grand total of 96 playable courses. This includes the original 32 courses from Mario Kart 8, 16 DLC courses released later, and an additional 48 courses added through the Booster Course Pass DLC for Mario Kart 8 Deluxe.
Diving Deeper into Mario Kart 8 Course Availability
Let’s break down the course count further to understand how we arrive at the total of 96. This involves looking at the base game, the original DLC, and the more recent Booster Course Pass. Understanding this evolution is crucial for comprehending the sheer amount of content available in the game.
The Original Mario Kart 8
The original Mario Kart 8, released on the Wii U, launched with 32 courses. These tracks were divided into eight cups, each containing four unique courses. These initial courses set the stage for what would become one of the most expansive racing games in the Mario Kart franchise.
Original DLC Additions
Prior to the release of Mario Kart 8 Deluxe, Nintendo released DLC packs for the original Mario Kart 8. This downloadable content added 16 courses, spread across four additional cups. These DLC packs not only expanded the number of available tracks but also introduced new characters and vehicles, enhancing the overall gaming experience.
Mario Kart 8 Deluxe and the Booster Course Pass
Mario Kart 8 Deluxe, released on the Nintendo Switch, included all the original content from Mario Kart 8 plus the previously released DLC. However, the biggest addition came in the form of the Booster Course Pass. This pass provides access to 48 additional courses, doubling the number of available tracks in the game. These tracks are primarily remastered versions of courses from previous Mario Kart games, bringing a nostalgic element to the game while adding substantial new content.
FAQs: Everything You Need to Know About Mario Kart 8 Courses
Here are some frequently asked questions about Mario Kart 8 courses, providing additional details and insights into this extensive racing game.
1. What is the Mario Kart 8 Deluxe – Booster Course Pass?
The Mario Kart 8 Deluxe – Booster Course Pass is a paid DLC that adds 48 more courses to Mario Kart 8 Deluxe. These courses are being released in six waves, with each wave containing eight courses. The release schedule spans until the end of 2023.
2. How do I get the Mario Kart 8 Deluxe DLC?
There are two primary ways to access the Mario Kart 8 Deluxe DLC:
- Purchase the Booster Course Pass: You can buy it outright from the Nintendo eShop for $25.
- Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack Membership: Subscribers of Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack receive the Booster Course Pass as part of their membership.
3. Are the Mario Kart 8 DLC courses permanent?
Yes, if you purchase the Mario Kart 8 Deluxe – Booster Course Pass, you can play the courses indefinitely. If you access the DLC through a Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack membership, you can play the courses as long as your membership is active.
4. How many new courses are in the Mario Kart 8 Deluxe DLC?
The Mario Kart 8 Deluxe DLC, known as the Booster Course Pass, adds 48 courses to the game.
5. Can you unlock more courses on Mario Kart 8?
You cannot unlock additional courses through gameplay alone. The additional courses are only accessible through the Booster Course Pass, either purchased separately or via the Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack membership.
6. Is the Mario Kart DLC worth it?
For Mario Kart fans, the DLC is generally considered worthwhile. It significantly expands the game’s content, providing numerous new tracks to race on and extending the overall gameplay experience.
7. What does DLC stand for?
DLC stands for Downloadable Content, which refers to additional content that players can download for video games after their initial release.
8. Why can’t I play the new courses on Mario Kart 8?
If you’re having trouble accessing the new courses, ensure that the Booster Course Pass is downloaded on your Nintendo Switch. Go to the Nintendo eShop using the Nintendo Account that purchased the pass and redownload it.
9. How many original tracks are in the entire Mario Kart franchise?
Across the eight main console Mario Kart games and the mobile Mario Kart Tour, there are 170 original tracks in the entire franchise.
10. What is the longest course in Mario Kart 8?
The longest track in any Mario Kart game is Rainbow Road in Mario Kart 8. It’s approximately 4.5 kilometers (2.8 miles) long.
11. What is the final wave of Mario Kart 8 Deluxe DLC?
Mario Kart 8 Deluxe – Booster Course Pass Wave 6 is the final wave of DLC and was released in Winter 2023. It adds Diddy Kong, Funky Kong, Pauline, Peachette, and Daisy Circuit from Mario Kart Wii.
12. Does everyone need the Mario Kart 8 Deluxe DLC to play the courses?
Not necessarily. If you have friends who own the Booster Course Pass or are subscribed to Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack, you can play the DLC courses with them online or in local multiplayer, even if you don’t own the pass yourself. However, you need the pass to access them solo or in local play without someone who owns it.
13. What is the difference between Mario Kart 8 and Deluxe?
Mario Kart 8 Deluxe includes all the content from the original Mario Kart 8, plus all previously released DLC. It also adds new characters, vehicles, and gameplay features, such as the ability to hold two items at once and a revamped battle mode.
14. Are the remastered courses in the Booster Course Pass exactly the same as the originals?
While the courses are remastered, meaning they are updated with improved graphics and gameplay mechanics, they generally retain the layout and overall feel of the original tracks. There might be some minor adjustments to accommodate the gameplay of Mario Kart 8 Deluxe.
15. How does the Mario Kart 8 Deluxe – Booster Course Pass content align with educational goals and GamesLearningSociety.org?
The Games Learning Society (https://www.gameslearningsociety.org/) focuses on the intersection of gaming and education. Games like Mario Kart 8 Deluxe with its Booster Course Pass, can be seen to foster several learning skills. The Booster Course Pass’s varied and increasingly difficult courses can enhance strategic thinking, as players must adapt to new track layouts and optimize their kart builds. Problem-solving is key to mastering track features and overcoming obstacles. Moreover, local and online multiplayer modes promote social interaction and collaborative skills, as friends or competitors learn to cooperate and compete respectfully. Mastering courses demands memory skills for learning track details and identifying shortcut routes. By offering diverse and engaging gameplay experiences, the content aligns with the Games Learning Society’s interest in exploring the educational potential of gaming.
Conclusion
With the addition of the Booster Course Pass, Mario Kart 8 Deluxe offers a truly massive amount of content. From the original courses to the remastered classics, there’s always something new to experience. Whether you’re a long-time fan or new to the series, the sheer number of tracks ensures hours of racing fun. So, buckle up, choose your favorite character, and get ready to hit the road on all 96 courses!