Is the Mario Kart 8 Deluxe Booster Course Pass a One-Time Purchase? The Definitive Guide
The burning question on every Mario Kart enthusiast’s mind: Is the Mario Kart 8 Deluxe Booster Course Pass a one-time purchase? The answer is YES, if you choose to buy it outright. For a fixed price, you gain permanent access to all the included courses. However, there’s also a subscription-based access method via the Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack. Let’s dive into the details to understand how it all works.
Two Paths to Racing Glory: Purchase vs. Subscription
You essentially have two distinct avenues to experiencing the Booster Course Pass:
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The One-Time Purchase: This is the straightforward option. You pay a single fee, and the Booster Course Pass is yours forever, regardless of your Nintendo Switch Online subscription status. All content, as it releases in waves, becomes available for download and immediate play. You can think of it like buying a standalone game expansion.
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The Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack Route: With a subscription to this premium tier of Nintendo’s online service, the Booster Course Pass is included as a perk. As long as your subscription remains active, you have access to the tracks. However, should your subscription lapse, you will lose access to the Booster Course Pass content. It’s akin to renting the DLC, rather than owning it.
Choosing the right path depends on your gaming habits. If you’re a dedicated Mario Kart player who plans on enjoying the game for years to come, the one-time purchase is likely the more economical choice in the long run. If you’re more of a casual player, or primarily interested in the other benefits of the Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack (like access to classic Nintendo 64 and Sega Genesis games), the subscription model might be a better fit.
Understanding the Content and Release Schedule
The Booster Course Pass significantly expands the Mario Kart 8 Deluxe experience. It includes:
- 48 Additional Courses: These aren’t just any courses; they’re remastered tracks from the entire Mario Kart series’ history, spanning various consoles and eras. Expect a healthy dose of nostalgia alongside fresh challenges.
- Six Waves of Content: The courses are being released in six separate waves, each containing eight courses. These waves are rolled out periodically, keeping the game fresh and exciting over time.
- Additional Playable Characters: Starting with Wave 4, the pass also added eight playable characters, further enhancing the roster and providing new karting combinations to experiment with.
All six waves were released by the end of 2023, so all the content is now available.
Is It Worth It? A Deep Dive into Value
Is the Booster Course Pass worth the investment? For most Mario Kart 8 Deluxe players, the answer is a resounding YES. The addition of 48 tracks essentially doubles the amount of content in the game, offering a vastly expanded racing playground. These aren’t just hastily thrown-together tracks, either. They’re lovingly remastered versions of classic courses, with updated graphics and gameplay tweaks to suit the Mario Kart 8 Deluxe engine.
The variety of courses is also a major selling point. From the twisting turns of Coconut Mall to the gravity-defying antics of Big Blue, the Booster Course Pass offers a diverse range of racing experiences. This keeps the game fresh and engaging, even for seasoned Mario Kart veterans.
Furthermore, the ability to play these courses both locally and online adds tremendous value. Whether you’re racing against friends on the couch or competing against players from around the world, the Booster Course Pass offers countless hours of entertainment.
Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack: Weighing the Options
The inclusion of the Booster Course Pass in the Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack is a compelling perk. However, it’s crucial to understand the implications:
- Access is Tied to Your Subscription: As long as you maintain an active Expansion Pack subscription, you can access and play the Booster Course Pass courses.
- Subscription Lapses Result in Loss of Access: If you cancel your subscription, or it expires, you’ll lose access to the Booster Course Pass content until you renew your subscription or purchase the pass separately.
- Consider the Other Benefits: The Expansion Pack also includes access to a library of classic Nintendo 64, Game Boy Advance and Sega Genesis games, as well as other DLC like Animal Crossing: New Horizons – Happy Home Paradise. Weigh these additional benefits when deciding if the Expansion Pack is the right choice for you.
Multiplayer Considerations
The good news is that when playing local multiplayer, only one player needs to own the Booster Course Pass for everyone to enjoy the new tracks. This makes it much easier to share the experience with friends and family. If playing online with a friend far away, they need to buy the Booster Course Pass to play with you.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are some frequently asked questions about the Mario Kart 8 Deluxe Booster Course Pass:
1. How much does the Booster Course Pass cost?
The Booster Course Pass is available for purchase for approximately $25 USD. Prices may vary slightly depending on your region and local currency.
2. Do I need to own Mario Kart 8 Deluxe to use the Booster Course Pass?
Yes, the Booster Course Pass is DLC for the Mario Kart 8 Deluxe game. You must own the base game to use the Booster Course Pass.
3. Can I buy the Booster Course Pass waves individually?
No, the Booster Course Pass is only available as a complete package. You cannot purchase the waves separately.
4. What happens if my Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack subscription expires?
If your subscription expires, you will lose access to the Booster Course Pass content until you renew your subscription or purchase the pass separately.
5. Do both players need the Booster Course Pass for local multiplayer?
No, only one player needs to own the Booster Course Pass to play the new courses in local multiplayer.
6. Can I play the Booster Course Pass courses online?
Yes, you can play the Booster Course Pass courses in both local and online multiplayer modes.
7. How do I download the Booster Course Pass?
You can download the Booster Course Pass from the Nintendo eShop on your Nintendo Switch. If you have Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack, you can access it through the Nintendo Switch Online menu in the eShop.
8. How much storage space does the Booster Course Pass require?
The Booster Course Pass requires approximately 2 GB of storage space on your Nintendo Switch.
9. Are the Booster Course Pass tracks new or remastered?
The Booster Course Pass tracks are remastered versions of classic courses from previous Mario Kart games.
10. Are there any new characters included in the Booster Course Pass?
Yes, starting with Wave 4, the Booster Course Pass introduced eight new playable characters from previous Mario Kart games.
11. Is the Booster Course Pass region-locked?
The Booster Course Pass is generally region-free, but it’s always a good idea to purchase it from the eShop of your region to ensure compatibility.
12. Will there be more Booster Course Pass waves after Wave 6?
No, Wave 6 was the final wave of content for the Mario Kart 8 Deluxe Booster Course Pass. No additional waves are planned.
13. Can I gift the Booster Course Pass to someone?
Yes, you can purchase the Booster Course Pass as a digital gift for another Nintendo Switch user.
14. How do I redownload the Booster Course Pass if I accidentally deleted it?
You can redownload the Booster Course Pass from the Nintendo eShop using the Nintendo Account that originally purchased it.
15. Where can I learn more about the impact of gaming on learning and society?
To explore the broader implications of gaming and its potential for education and societal development, consider visiting the Games Learning Society website at https://www.gameslearningsociety.org/, where you can find research, articles, and insights into the field. Also, by joining GamesLearningSociety.org you can also find the newest discoveries in the field of gaming and learning.
Final Lap: Make Your Choice!
The Mario Kart 8 Deluxe Booster Course Pass is a fantastic addition to an already stellar game. Whether you choose to purchase it outright or access it through the Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack, the 48 additional tracks offer hours of racing fun. Consider your gaming habits, budget, and subscription needs to determine the best approach for you. Whichever path you choose, get ready to rev your engines and experience the ultimate Mario Kart adventure!