Is the Mario Kart 8 Deluxe Booster Course Pass Permanent?
The short answer is yes, the Mario Kart 8 Deluxe Booster Course Pass is a permanent addition to the game. The tracks included in the pass are not going anywhere, so you can enjoy them indefinitely!
What is the Booster Course Pass and Why Does it Matter?
The Mario Kart 8 Deluxe Booster Course Pass is downloadable content (DLC) that significantly expands the base game. It adds 48 remastered courses from previous Mario Kart titles, doubling the available tracks and offering a huge amount of new content. This influx of classic courses has been incredibly popular, breathing new life into a game already known for its replayability. The Booster Course Pass is crucial because it provides a continuous stream of content, enhancing the gaming experience for both long-time fans and newcomers.
The Permanence of the Pass: A Relief for Gamers
The confirmation that the Booster Course Pass is permanent is a significant relief for players. Unlike temporary events or limited-time content, the tracks you unlock with the pass will remain accessible as long as you own Mario Kart 8 Deluxe and the DLC. Nintendo hasn’t made any announcements suggesting the removal of the pass or its content, indicating a long-term commitment to its availability. This permanence allows players to invest in the pass without worrying about its expiration, ensuring long-lasting enjoyment of the added courses.
What This Means for Future Mario Kart Games
The success of the Booster Course Pass raises important questions about the future of the Mario Kart franchise. Will Nintendo continue to support Mario Kart 8 Deluxe with further DLC, or will they shift focus to a new installment? While the future remains uncertain, the positive reception of the Booster Course Pass suggests that Nintendo may explore similar content expansions in future Mario Kart games. Perhaps we’ll see legacy courses becoming a staple of the series, either through DLC or as base content in the next installment. This model would allow Nintendo to cater to nostalgia while introducing fresh ideas, keeping the Mario Kart formula innovative and engaging.
Navigating the Purchase Options
You have two main options for accessing the Booster Course Pass:
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Purchasing the Pass Individually: You can buy the Booster Course Pass as a standalone DLC from the Nintendo eShop. This gives you permanent access to all 48 courses once downloaded.
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Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack: The Booster Course Pass is included as part of the Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack subscription. As long as you maintain your subscription, you’ll have access to the courses. However, if your subscription lapses, you will lose access until you renew it or purchase the Booster Course Pass separately.
Considering the Value Proposition
The decision of whether to purchase the Booster Course Pass individually or subscribe to the Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack depends on your gaming habits and preferences. If you primarily play Mario Kart 8 Deluxe and value owning the content outright, purchasing the pass individually is likely the better option. However, if you enjoy other games included in the Expansion Pack, such as classic Nintendo 64 and Sega Genesis titles, the subscription may offer better value.
A Cost-Effective Choice?
Consider the long-term cost. Over several years, paying a subscription to the Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack could end up costing more than purchasing the Booster Course Pass outright. Factor in the cost of the annual subscription fee against the one-time purchase of the pass. If you plan to play the courses for a long time, the one-time purchase is undoubtedly the most cost-effective choice.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are 15 frequently asked questions about the Mario Kart 8 Deluxe Booster Course Pass:
1. Do I need the base game to use the Booster Course Pass?
Yes, you need to own Mario Kart 8 Deluxe on the Nintendo Switch to use the Booster Course Pass. The pass is DLC and doesn’t function as a standalone game.
2. How many courses are included in the Booster Course Pass?
The Booster Course Pass includes 48 remastered courses from previous Mario Kart games.
3. Are the Booster Course Pass courses available in all game modes?
Yes, the courses are available in all game modes, including Grand Prix, Time Trials, Versus, and online multiplayer.
4. Can I play the Booster Course Pass courses online with friends who don’t have the pass?
Yes, if one player in a group has the Booster Course Pass, everyone in the group can play the new courses together online.
5. Will there be more waves of courses added after Wave 6?
Nintendo has stated that Wave 6 was the final wave of the Booster Course Pass. There are no plans for additional courses.
6. How much does the Booster Course Pass cost?
The Booster Course Pass typically costs around $24.99. Prices may vary slightly depending on your region.
7. If I have the Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack, do I need to buy the Booster Course Pass?
No, the Booster Course Pass is included as part of the Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack. However, you need to maintain your subscription to access the courses.
8. What happens to the Booster Course Pass courses if my Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack subscription expires?
If your subscription expires, you will lose access to the Booster Course Pass courses until you renew your subscription or purchase the pass separately.
9. Are the courses in the Booster Course Pass brand new?
No, the courses are remastered versions of tracks from previous Mario Kart games, such as Mario Kart 64, Mario Kart: Double Dash!!, and Mario Kart Tour.
10. Does the Booster Course Pass improve the graphics of the base game?
No, the Booster Course Pass only adds new courses. It doesn’t affect the graphics of the base game itself.
11. Where can I purchase the Booster Course Pass?
You can purchase the Booster Course Pass from the Nintendo eShop on your Nintendo Switch console or through the Nintendo website.
12. Can I gift the Booster Course Pass to someone?
Yes, you can purchase a digital code for the Booster Course Pass and gift it to someone.
13. Are there any new characters included in the Booster Course Pass?
While the courses were the main addition, some waves added new characters like Birdo, Kamek, and Petey Piranha.
14. Does the Booster Course Pass take up a lot of storage space on my Nintendo Switch?
The Booster Course Pass requires a moderate amount of storage space. It’s recommended to have at least a few gigabytes of free space on your console or microSD card.
15. Can I play the Booster Course Pass tracks in local wireless multiplayer?
Yes, you can play the new tracks in local wireless multiplayer, as long as all players have access to the Booster Course Pass (either through purchase or the Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack).
The Enduring Appeal of Mario Kart 8 Deluxe
The addition of the Booster Course Pass has significantly extended the lifespan of Mario Kart 8 Deluxe, providing hours of additional gameplay and rekindling the enthusiasm of long-time fans. The permanent nature of the pass ensures that players can enjoy the remastered tracks for years to come, solidifying Mario Kart 8 Deluxe‘s position as one of the best and most enduring racing games on the Nintendo Switch. The variety, challenge, and nostalgia offered by the Booster Course Pass make it an excellent investment for any Mario Kart enthusiast.