How to Get Mario Kart 8 Deluxe DLC for Free: A Comprehensive Guide
So, you’re itching to tear up the track on the latest Mario Kart 8 Deluxe courses but want to avoid shelling out extra cash? You’ve come to the right place. The short answer is: you can get the Mario Kart 8 Deluxe – Booster Course Pass DLC for free with a paid Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack membership. This premium tier of Nintendo’s online service grants you access to all the DLC tracks as long as your membership remains active. Let’s delve deeper into how this works and explore other nuances of accessing this content.
The Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack Route
The most straightforward way to access the Booster Course Pass without a direct purchase is by subscribing to the Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack. This membership not only unlocks the DLC but also provides a host of other benefits, making it a potentially worthwhile investment for avid Nintendo Switch users.
What Does the Expansion Pack Offer?
Beyond the Mario Kart 8 Deluxe DLC, the Expansion Pack includes:
- Access to a library of Nintendo 64 games and Game Boy Advance games.
- Access to other DLC such as the Animal Crossing: New Horizons – Happy Home Paradise DLC.
- All the benefits of the standard Nintendo Switch Online membership, including online play, cloud saves, and access to a library of classic NES and SNES games.
Is the Expansion Pack Worth It?
Whether the Expansion Pack is worth it depends on your gaming habits. If you regularly play online, enjoy classic games, and are interested in the other DLC offerings, then the Expansion Pack provides excellent value. However, if you only want the Mario Kart courses and don’t care about the other features, purchasing the Booster Course Pass outright might be more economical.
How to Access the DLC with the Expansion Pack
- Ensure you have an active Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack membership.
- Navigate to the Nintendo eShop on your Nintendo Switch.
- Search for “Mario Kart 8 Deluxe – Booster Course Pass.”
- Instead of a price, you should see an option to “Download” the DLC for free.
- Download the DLC, and the new courses will be available in Mario Kart 8 Deluxe.
Playing Online Without Owning the DLC
Even if you don’t have the Booster Course Pass yourself, you can still experience the new courses online under certain conditions.
Online Multiplayer
If you join an online multiplayer session hosted by someone who owns the Booster Course Pass, you will be able to race on the DLC tracks even if you don’t own it yourself. This is a great way to sample the new courses and decide if you want to invest in the DLC or the Expansion Pack.
Local Multiplayer
Similar to online multiplayer, if you play locally with someone who owns the DLC, all players on the same console can access the new courses. Only one player needs to have the DLC downloaded.
Unlocking Characters and Karts
While the Booster Course Pass primarily adds new courses, it also reintroduced characters from previous Mario Kart games. You can access all courses and characters with a subscription to Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack.
Unlocking Characters Through Gameplay
Beyond DLC-specific characters, Mario Kart 8 Deluxe features a roster of characters that can be unlocked through gameplay. A simple method involves racing in Grand Prix mode. Winning gold trophies in all four cups in a Grand Prix can unlock new characters. Winning a trophy in all cups of the previous Grand Prix can unlock new cups.
Kart Customization
The kart you choose also plays a pivotal role in your racing performance. Different combinations of kart bodies, wheels, and gliders offer varying stats, such as speed, acceleration, handling, and traction. One popular kart combination is the Dry Bones, Biddybuggy, Azure Rollers, and Paper Glider.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Do I have to pay for Mario Kart DLC?
Yes, you generally have to pay for the Mario Kart 8 Deluxe – Booster Course Pass DLC. However, it’s included at no additional cost with a paid Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack membership.
2. Can you play Mario Kart DLC online without owning it?
Yes, you can play the Mario Kart 8 Deluxe DLC courses online if you join a game hosted by someone who owns the Booster Course Pass.
3. Does everyone need the Mario Kart 8 Deluxe DLC to play together?
No, only one player needs to own the Booster Course Pass for everyone playing locally on the same console to access the DLC tracks. The same is true for online play where only the host is required to have it.
4. Can you get Mario Kart DLC without Nintendo Online?
You can purchase the Mario Kart 8 Deluxe – Booster Course Pass as a standalone purchase from the Nintendo eShop without a Nintendo Switch Online membership. However, the Expansion Pack, which includes the DLC, requires a Nintendo Switch Online subscription.
5. Why can’t I play the Mario Kart DLC?
Ensure that the Mario Kart 8 Deluxe – Booster Course Pass is downloaded on your system. If it has been deleted, redownload it from the Nintendo eShop using the account that made the purchase.
6. How much is all the Mario Kart DLC?
The Mario Kart 8 Deluxe – Booster Course Pass typically costs $24.99 USD. However, it’s included with a paid Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack membership.
7. What does DLC stand for?
DLC stands for downloadable content, which refers to additional content that gamers download for video games after their initial release.
8. Are Mario Kart new maps free?
The new maps in the Mario Kart 8 Deluxe – Booster Course Pass are not free unless you have a Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack membership. Otherwise, you need to purchase the DLC.
9. How much money is the DLC for Mario Kart 8 Deluxe?
The Mario Kart 8 Deluxe Booster Course Pass costs $25.
10. What does the Mario Kart DLC give you?
The Mario Kart 8 Deluxe – Booster Course Pass gives you access to 48 additional courses, spread across six waves. It also adds eight playable characters, expanding the roster and providing more variety.
11. Are the new Mario courses free with Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack membership?
Yes, the new Mario Kart 8 Deluxe courses are available at no additional cost with a paid Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack membership.
12. Do both people need Mario Kart DLC to play together locally?
No, only one person needs the DLC for local multiplayer on the same console.
13. How do you unlock the DLC in Mario Kart 8?
You unlock the DLC by either purchasing the Mario Kart 8 Deluxe – Booster Course Pass from the Nintendo eShop or by having an active Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack membership. The DLC then needs to be downloaded to your console to access the content.
14. Can you get DLC characters in Mario Kart 8 Deluxe?
In total, Nintendo added 48 DLC courses and eight characters in the Booster Course Pass.
15. How many coins do you need to unlock everything in Mario Kart 8?
You need 3100 coins to unlock almost every kart part.
Conclusion
Getting the Mario Kart 8 Deluxe DLC for free boils down to the Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack membership. It’s a convenient way to access the additional courses without a separate purchase, provided you find value in the other benefits the membership offers. Remember, you can still enjoy the DLC tracks online and locally even if you don’t own it, as long as someone you’re playing with does. Whether you choose to subscribe or purchase the DLC outright, get ready to rev your engines and enjoy a wealth of new Mario Kart experiences! And remember, understanding game dynamics and the impact of game-based learning can further enhance your appreciation for these experiences. Learn more about how games can be used for education and research at the Games Learning Society website: GamesLearningSociety.org.
Enjoy the courses and become the best racer you can be!