Is Mario Kart 8 Deluxe Still Worth It in 2023? Absolutely!
Absolutely! Even in 2023, Mario Kart 8 Deluxe remains a phenomenal purchase for anyone owning a Nintendo Switch. Its enduring appeal stems from its refined gameplay, wealth of content, and consistent online community, making it a timeless classic that continues to deliver hours of fun.
Why Mario Kart 8 Deluxe Remains a Must-Have
The staying power of Mario Kart 8 Deluxe is no accident. Several factors contribute to its continued relevance and make it a worthwhile investment, even years after its initial release.
Polished and Addictive Gameplay
At its core, Mario Kart 8 Deluxe offers a deeply satisfying racing experience. The kart handling is intuitive yet offers enough depth to reward skilled players. Mastering drifting, item usage, and track shortcuts provides a constant sense of progression and mastery. The addition of anti-gravity sections adds a unique twist to the track design, creating thrilling and memorable moments.
Massive Content Offering
The sheer amount of content available in Mario Kart 8 Deluxe is staggering. The base game includes 48 tracks, a diverse roster of characters, and a wide selection of karts and customization options. But the real game-changer is the Booster Course Pass, which adds another 48 tracks, effectively doubling the available content. This ensures that the game feels fresh and exciting, even after countless hours of play.
Vibrant Online Community
One of the most significant aspects of Mario Kart 8 Deluxe is its thriving online community. Whether you’re racing against friends or challenging players from around the world, the online multiplayer is always active and engaging. The competitive nature of online races, combined with the unpredictable chaos of item usage, creates a truly unique and addictive experience. It’s very easy to find people online to race against, at any time of day or night.
Enduring Family Fun
Mario Kart 8 Deluxe is perfect for family gatherings and social events. Its accessible gameplay makes it easy for players of all skill levels to pick up and play, while its competitive elements ensure that everyone remains engaged. The game’s vibrant visuals and lighthearted tone make it a crowd-pleaser that can be enjoyed by players of all ages.
The Booster Course Pass: A Game-Changer
The Booster Course Pass significantly enhances the value of Mario Kart 8 Deluxe. The tracks included in the pass are a mix of fan favorites from previous Mario Kart games and entirely new creations. Each wave of tracks is carefully designed and adds a fresh and exciting dimension to the game. The fact that you can get this content with a Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack subscription, or buy it separately, is a huge win.
A Timeless Classic
Ultimately, Mario Kart 8 Deluxe is more than just a game; it’s a cultural phenomenon. Its enduring appeal and widespread popularity have cemented its place as one of the most iconic and beloved racing games of all time. Even with the possibility of Mario Kart 9 on the horizon, the sheer amount of content and community surrounding this title makes it worthwhile today. Learning through games and enjoying them with friends and family are important to people of all ages, and organizations such as the Games Learning Society are committed to researching and celebrating this.
You can find more about the organization at: GamesLearningSociety.org.
Mario Kart 8 Deluxe – Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are 15 frequently asked questions to help you decide if Mario Kart 8 Deluxe is right for you in 2023:
1. Is the Mario Kart 8 DLC worth it in 2023?
Absolutely! The Booster Course Pass adds a wealth of new tracks and content, significantly extending the game’s lifespan and providing great value for money. It’s a blast and there’s always people online to race against.
2. When does the Mario Kart 8 Deluxe Wave 6 DLC release?
The Mario Kart 8 Deluxe Wave 6 DLC was released on November 9, 2023.
3. Is there a new Mario Kart game coming out soon?
While there’s no official announcement of Mario Kart 9, rumors and speculation suggest it could be in development. However, given the continued support for Mario Kart 8 Deluxe, a new title is unlikely before 2024 at the earliest.
4. What is the best Mario Kart 8 Deluxe combination?
There’s no single “best” combination, as it depends on your play style. However, popular and effective combinations include Kamek, Teddy Buggy, Roller Wheels, & Paper Glider, and Luigi, Streetle, Rollers, & Parachute.
5. Who is the fastest character in Mario Kart 8 Deluxe?
According to the official stats, Bowser is the fastest character in the game.
6. How many coins do I need to unlock everything in Mario Kart 8 Deluxe?
You’ll need to collect around 3100 coins to unlock nearly all the vehicle parts.
7. Is the Mario Kart 8 DLC permanent?
Yes, once you purchase the Mario Kart 8 Deluxe – Booster Course Pass DLC, you can play it indefinitely.
8. What are some tips for beating Mario Kart 8 Deluxe?
- Master the drifting system.
- Utilize the slipstream system.
- Learn track shortcuts.
- Collect coins.
- Gain speed using stunt boosts.
9. What is the difference between Mario Kart 8 and Mario Kart 8 Deluxe?
Deluxe includes all the original tracks and characters from Mario Kart 8, plus additional characters, karts, and a revamped battle mode with exclusive courses.
10. Is the Mario Kart 8 DLC free?
The Mario Kart 8 Deluxe – Booster Course Pass DLC is not free, but you can access it for free with a Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack membership.
11. How do I unlock all characters in Mario Kart 8 Deluxe?
The easiest way to unlock new characters is to race in Grand Prix mode and win gold trophies.
12. Is Mario Kart 8 luck-based?
While skill and strategy are important, Mario Kart 8 also has a significant element of luck due to item distribution.
13. How do I 100% complete Mario Kart 8 Deluxe?
- Unlock every vehicle part.
- Get 3 stars on every cup on 150cc, mirror mode, and 200cc.
- Beat every staff ghost on 150cc and 200cc.
- Get 99,999 VR in both races and battle mode.
- Play 50 matches with tilt controls.
14. Is Diddy Kong in Mario Kart 8 Deluxe?
Yes, Diddy Kong is one of the playable characters in Mario Kart 8 Deluxe.
15. What are the best kart combo builds in Mario Kart 8 Deluxe?
Some of the best kart combo builds include:
- Toadette, Flame Rider, Ancient Tires & Flower Glider.
- Bowser, B Dasher, Gold Tires, & Super Glider.
- Rosalina, P-Wing, Cyber Slick Tires, & Bowser Kite.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Mario Kart 8 Deluxe remains an excellent purchase in 2023. Its polished gameplay, massive content offering (especially with the Booster Course Pass), vibrant online community, and enduring family appeal make it a timeless classic that continues to deliver hours of fun. Whether you’re a long-time fan or new to the series, Mario Kart 8 Deluxe is a must-have for any Nintendo Switch owner.