Is the Mario Kart 8 Deluxe Booster Course Pass Free? A Comprehensive Guide
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The short answer is: the Mario Kart 8 Deluxe Booster Course Pass is not inherently free. While it can be accessed without additional cost, this access is dependent on having an active subscription to the Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack membership. Without this specific membership, you will need to purchase the Booster Course Pass separately. Let’s delve deeper into the nuances of accessing these exciting additional tracks.
Understanding Access to the Booster Course Pass
The Mario Kart 8 Deluxe Booster Course Pass is a DLC (Downloadable Content) pack that dramatically expands the game by adding 48 new courses, effectively doubling the original game’s track selection. These courses are remastered from previous Mario Kart titles, introducing a mix of nostalgia and fresh challenges.
There are two primary ways to enjoy these added courses:
- Purchase the Booster Course Pass: You can buy the Booster Course Pass directly from the Nintendo eShop. This is a one-time purchase that grants you permanent access to all the DLC content. Once purchased, you own the content and can play it indefinitely.
- Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack Membership: This higher tier of Nintendo’s online subscription service provides access to the Booster Course Pass as part of the benefits package. As long as your membership remains active, you can play all the additional tracks. However, if your subscription lapses, your access to the DLC will also cease, unless you decide to purchase the Booster Course Pass independently.
The Importance of the Expansion Pack
The Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack is more than just online multiplayer. It includes a library of classic Nintendo 64 and SEGA Genesis games, access to the Animal Crossing: New Horizons – Happy Home Paradise DLC, and, crucially, the Mario Kart 8 Deluxe Booster Course Pass. This makes it an attractive option for those looking to get the most out of their Nintendo Switch experience.
Free Access? The Catch
While you do not need to make an additional payment beyond your existing subscription for Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack, technically, the Booster Course Pass is not free. The cost is embedded within your higher-tier subscription, and it only remains accessible with an active subscription. If you let your membership lapse, your access to the Booster Course Pass will also lapse.
In essence, accessing the DLC “for free” is an included benefit for Expansion Pack subscribers; it is not a freely available standalone offering.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About the Mario Kart 8 Deluxe Booster Course Pass
Let’s address some common questions to further clarify how you can access and enjoy the Mario Kart 8 Deluxe Booster Course Pass.
1. How do I get the Mario Kart 8 Booster Course Pack for free?
You can download the Mario Kart 8 Deluxe – Booster Course Pass DLC without an additional purchase if you have an active Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack membership. Navigate to the Nintendo Switch Online menu in the Nintendo eShop to download. Remember, the content is only accessible during an active membership.
2. Do you have to pay for the Mario Kart 8 expansion pack?
Yes, you either have to pay for the Booster Course Pass as a standalone purchase or subscribe to the Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack membership. There is no other way to officially access the DLC.
3. Is the Mario Kart booster pack a one-time purchase?
Yes, if you buy the Mario Kart 8 Deluxe – Booster Course Pass DLC, it’s a one-time purchase that provides permanent access. However, if you access it through the Expansion Pack, access is only available as long as your membership remains active.
4. How much is the Mario Kart 8 Deluxe Booster Course Pass?
The Booster Course Pass typically costs $25 USD. Pricing might vary slightly depending on the retailer or region.
5. Is the Mario Kart 8 Deluxe Booster Course Pass worth it?
Many gamers believe the Booster Course Pass is well worth the expense. It effectively doubles the number of tracks in the game, adding significant replay value and offering a wealth of new racing experiences.
6. Do I need to download the Booster Course Pass even if I have the Expansion Pack?
Yes, you still need to download the Mario Kart 8 Deluxe – Booster Course Pass to your system from the Nintendo eShop, even if you have a Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack membership.
7. Can you play the Mario Kart DLC online without owning it?
Yes, if a player in an online lobby has the Booster Course Pass, you can play the DLC tracks even if you don’t own it. However, you cannot host an online session with the DLC if you do not own it or have an active Expansion Pack membership.
8. Is the Booster Course Pass permanent if I buy it separately?
Yes, purchasing the Booster Course Pass is a permanent acquisition. You can play all the courses as long as you own Mario Kart 8 Deluxe.
9. Can you play Mario Kart DLC in local multiplayer with only one copy?
Yes, only one player needs to own the Booster Course Pass for all players in a local multiplayer session to be able to play the DLC tracks. All players must be using the same console.
10. What is included in the Mario Kart 8 Deluxe Booster Course Pass?
The Booster Course Pass adds 48 courses remastered from previous Mario Kart games. These courses are released in six waves, each containing eight tracks.
11. How do I unlock characters in Mario Kart 8 Deluxe?
Characters in Mario Kart 8 Deluxe, including the ones in the Booster Pass DLC, are unlocked primarily by collecting coins and winning cups in Grand Prix mode. To unlock a new character, you need to win a gold trophy in all four cups in a Grand Prix.
12. What is the difference between Mario Kart 8 Deluxe and the Booster Course Pass?
Mario Kart 8 Deluxe is the base game. The Booster Course Pass is DLC that adds 48 more tracks to the base game.
13. What is the difference between the base game Mario Kart 8 and the Deluxe version?
Mario Kart 8 Deluxe includes all original Mario Kart 8 DLC plus new characters, karts, and five new battle courses, and three adapted from previous titles.
14. What happens to the Booster Course Pass if my Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack membership expires?
If your membership expires, your access to the Booster Course Pass will be revoked until you renew your subscription, or purchase the DLC outright.
15. What is the best kart setup in Mario Kart 8 Deluxe?
There isn’t one single “best” setup as it is subjective based on the player’s skill and preferences. However, popular choices include combinations of characters like Kamek, Luigi, and Rosalina paired with karts like the Teddy Buggy, Streetle, or Inkstriker, utilizing rollers or azure roller wheels, and gliders like the Paper Glider or Clouds.
Conclusion
The Mario Kart 8 Deluxe Booster Course Pass is a fantastic addition that breathes new life into a classic game. While it isn’t technically free, the ability to access it through the Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack makes it an appealing option for many Switch owners. Whether you choose to purchase it outright or subscribe to the higher-tier service, these additional tracks offer countless hours of fun and competition. Understanding your options ensures you can choose the best way to enjoy all that the Booster Course Pass has to offer.