Decoding the Mario Kart 8 Deluxe Booster Course Pass: How Much Does It Really Cost?
The Mario Kart 8 Deluxe Booster Course Pass injects a massive dose of adrenaline into an already exhilarating racing experience. But before you peel out onto those remastered tracks, you’re likely wondering: how much is this downloadable content (DLC) going to set me back? Let’s break down the costs and explore all the ways you can get your karting fix without emptying your wallet.
The Booster Course Pass for Mario Kart 8 Deluxe generally costs $24.99 USD / $32.99 CAN / £22.49. However, there’s a catch: a potentially cheaper alternative exists! A subscription to Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack grants you access to the Booster Course Pass at no additional cost as long as your membership remains active. This can represent significant savings, particularly for players already invested in Nintendo’s online services. It’s also often available for around $25 at major retailers like Amazon, Walmart, Best Buy, and Target, if you prefer a one-time purchase through a physical or digital code.
Is the Booster Course Pass Worth the Investment?
Absolutely! The Booster Course Pass dramatically expands the Mario Kart 8 Deluxe experience by adding 48 remastered courses from across the Mario Kart franchise. We’re talking classics from Super Mario Kart, Mario Kart Wii, Mario Kart Tour, and more. This essentially doubles the number of available tracks, providing immense replayability and a fresh challenge for even the most seasoned racers. Beyond the sheer volume of content, the tracks themselves are lovingly recreated and optimized for Mario Kart 8 Deluxe, ensuring a smooth and visually appealing experience. If you’re a dedicated Mario Kart player, it is well worth it.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About the Mario Kart 8 Deluxe Booster Course Pass
Here’s a comprehensive list of frequently asked questions to help you make an informed decision about purchasing the Mario Kart 8 Deluxe Booster Course Pass:
1. What exactly do I get with the Mario Kart 8 Deluxe Booster Course Pass?
The Booster Course Pass adds 48 new courses, divided into 6 waves, each containing 8 tracks. These tracks are remastered versions of courses from previous Mario Kart games, offering a mix of nostalgic favorites and fresh challenges. It also adds new playable characters like Diddy Kong, Funky Kong, Pauline, and Peachette.
2. Is the Mario Kart 8 Deluxe Booster Course Pass a one-time purchase?
Yes, if you purchase the Booster Course Pass outright for $24.99 USD (or equivalent), it’s a one-time purchase. You own the content permanently and can play it as long as you own Mario Kart 8 Deluxe.
3. Can I get the Mario Kart 8 Deluxe Booster Course Pass for free?
Yes, you can access the Booster Course Pass at no additional cost with a paid individual or family membership to Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack. However, you lose access to the DLC if your membership lapses.
4. How do I download the Mario Kart 8 Deluxe Booster Course Pass if I have Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack?
If you have an active Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack membership, you can download the Mario Kart 8 Deluxe – Booster Course Pass DLC for free from the Nintendo Switch Online menu on Nintendo eShop.
5. 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 content. To continue playing the new tracks, you’ll need to either renew your membership or purchase the Booster Course Pass separately.
6. Is the Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack worth it just for the Mario Kart 8 Deluxe Booster Course Pass?
That depends on your gaming habits! If you only play Mario Kart 8 Deluxe occasionally, buying the Booster Course Pass outright is likely the more cost-effective option. However, if you enjoy playing other classic games available through the Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack, or other benefits such as cloud saving and access to online multiplayer, the membership might be a better value. Consider checking out the Games Learning Society for more information about educational games available on the Nintendo Switch Online platform.
7. Are the tracks in the Mario Kart 8 Deluxe Booster Course Pass as good as the original tracks?
While some players might have their preferences, the remastered tracks in the Booster Course Pass are generally well-received. Nintendo has put effort into updating the visuals and gameplay to match the quality of the original Mario Kart 8 Deluxe tracks. However, opinions vary, and some players might find certain tracks less enjoyable than others.
8. Does the Mario Kart 8 Deluxe Booster Course Pass add any new characters or karts?
Yes, the final waves of the Booster Course Pass added new playable characters including Diddy Kong, Funky Kong, Pauline, and Peachette. Unfortunately, it does not add new karts or kart parts.
9. Do I need the base Mario Kart 8 Deluxe game to use the Booster Course Pass?
Yes, the Booster Course Pass is DLC, meaning it requires the base Mario Kart 8 Deluxe game to function. It cannot be used as a standalone game.
10. Can I play the Booster Course Pass tracks online with friends who don’t have the DLC?
Yes, you can! If you have the Booster Course Pass, you can play its tracks online with friends, even if they don’t own the DLC themselves. This means you can share the experience without requiring everyone to purchase the pass.
11. Is Mario Kart 8 Deluxe still worth buying in 2024?
Absolutely! Mario Kart 8 Deluxe remains one of the best-selling and most popular games on the Nintendo Switch. Its accessible gameplay, diverse track selection (especially with the Booster Course Pass), and robust online multiplayer make it a worthwhile purchase for both new and returning players.
12. Will there be a Mario Kart 9?
Rumors and speculation about Mario Kart 9 have been circulating for some time. While Nintendo has yet to officially announce a new entry in the series, many expect a sequel to be released eventually, potentially with new features or mechanics. According to an industry analyst, Mario Kart 9 is currently in “active development” and will have a new twist to the formula.
13. Is the Mario Kart 8 Deluxe Booster Course Pass permanent?
If you purchase the Booster Course Pass, you own it permanently and can play it indefinitely. If you access it through Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack, you can play it for the duration of your active membership.
14. Can I share the Mario Kart 8 Deluxe Booster Course Pass with my family on a family Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack membership?
Yes! If you have a Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack family membership, everyone on the family plan can access the Booster Course Pass content at no additional cost, making it an even more cost-effective option for families.
15. Where can I buy the Mario Kart 8 Deluxe Booster Course Pass?
You can purchase the Booster Course Pass digitally from the Nintendo eShop on your Nintendo Switch, or physically/digitally from retailers like Amazon, Walmart, Best Buy, and Target. You can access it for free with a paid Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack membership.
Ultimately, the decision of whether to purchase the Mario Kart 8 Deluxe Booster Course Pass depends on your individual gaming habits and preferences. However, with its vast array of new tracks, added characters, and the option to access it through the Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack, it’s undoubtedly a worthwhile investment for any serious Mario Kart enthusiast!