Is the Mario Kart 8 Deluxe Expansion Pass Worth It? A Comprehensive Guide
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The question on the minds of many Nintendo Switch owners is this: Is the Mario Kart 8 Deluxe expansion pass worth it? The short answer is a resounding yes, particularly if you’re a dedicated fan of the series or regularly play with friends and family. The Booster Course Pass DLC substantially expands the game, adding a wealth of content that significantly enhances the overall experience. The value it provides, whether as a standalone purchase or through the Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack, is compelling for most players. Let’s delve deeper into what makes this DLC such a worthwhile investment.
Doubling the Fun: What the Booster Course Pass Offers
The primary draw of the Mario Kart 8 Deluxe Booster Course Pass is the sheer volume of content it provides. This isn’t a minor update; we’re talking about a game-changing addition. The expansion introduces twelve additional cups, totaling an impressive 48 additional courses. These aren’t just some hastily put-together tracks either. The vast majority are remastered versions of courses from previous Mario Kart games, including beloved classics from Mario Kart Tour and other entries in the franchise. This means that veteran players will experience a nostalgic rush, while newcomers get to enjoy some of the best tracks from Mario Kart history.
The addition of these new tracks effectively doubles the size of the Mario Kart 8 Deluxe experience. This translates to more gameplay hours, more races with friends, and a greater variety in each gaming session. It prevents the game from feeling stale, even after countless hours on the same original tracks. The courses are varied and well-designed, offering a mix of familiar layouts with new twists and challenges.
More Than Just Tracks: Additional Content
While the expansion’s core strength is the additional tracks, it also provides more than just new race locations. The Booster Course Pass also includes new playable characters, like Diddy Kong, Funky Kong, Pauline, and Peachette in its final wave. These additions offer new ways to play with different stats and looks. Beyond new characters, the DLC also changes gameplay with the addition of a dual item slot in addition to more customization options throughout updates. This alone freshens up the game significantly, especially when compared to the base version without the DLC.
How to Access the Booster Course Pass
There are two primary ways to access the Mario Kart 8 Deluxe – Booster Course Pass. The first is by purchasing the DLC as a one-time purchase for $24.99 USD / $32.99 CAN / £22.49. Once purchased, the DLC content is permanently yours. The second method involves subscribing to Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack. This subscription tier provides access to the Booster Course Pass as part of the membership benefits. This approach is a good value if you already subscribe to the Expansion Pack for other features like retro games from the Nintendo 64 and Game Boy Advance.
For individual memberships, the Expansion Pack costs $49.99 a year, and for a family plan, it costs $79.99 a year. If you plan to use the Switch online services frequently and want to enjoy all the retro games, this is the better option. However, if you’re primarily interested in the Mario Kart DLC, the standalone purchase might be more cost-effective in the long run.
Is it Worth It? A Final Verdict
The Mario Kart 8 Deluxe Booster Course Pass is a fantastic addition to an already superb game. The additional tracks, new characters, and gameplay tweaks combine to create a richer and more engaging experience. If you enjoy Mario Kart 8 Deluxe, whether casually or competitively, this expansion pass is a must-have. For the price, the value is undeniable, especially considering the amount of additional content and the longevity it adds to the game. It’s an investment that will provide countless hours of fun for the single player, as well as making the game more varied and exciting in multiplayer scenarios.
Given the sheer volume of content and the fact that the tracks will continue to be updated until the end of 2023, the Mario Kart 8 Deluxe Booster Course Pass is well worth the investment for any serious or casual fan of the game. It is a worthy addition to one of the most popular games on the Nintendo Switch.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are 15 frequently asked questions that further explore the value and details of the Mario Kart 8 Deluxe expansion pass:
1. Do I need to purchase the DLC if I have the Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack?
No, if you have an active Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack membership, you can access the Booster Course Pass content at no additional cost. It’s included as part of the subscription benefits.
2. Can I play the DLC tracks online even if I don’t own them?
Yes, you can play on the DLC tracks online, even if you don’t own the Booster Course Pass, as long as at least one player in the online lobby has purchased the expansion.
3. Is the Mario Kart 8 Deluxe Booster Course Pass a permanent purchase?
Yes, if you purchase the Booster Course Pass as a standalone DLC, you own it indefinitely. You can continue to play the additional courses without any time restrictions.
4. Will the Booster Course Pass add any more tracks after 2023?
No, the final wave of the Booster Course Pass was released by the end of 2023. There are currently no plans for further track additions.
5. How many tracks does the Booster Course Pass include?
The Booster Course Pass includes 48 additional tracks spread across twelve additional cups, essentially doubling the original game’s content.
6. Does everyone in local multiplayer need the DLC to play the new tracks?
No, only one person needs to own the DLC to play the new tracks in local multiplayer. As long as one player’s Switch has the DLC, everyone else can join them on the new content.
7. Is Mario Kart 8 Deluxe still worth it in 2023 with the Booster Course Pass?
Absolutely, Mario Kart 8 Deluxe remains a must-have title in 2023, and the Booster Course Pass makes it even more engaging. The additional content and updated characters keep the game fresh.
8. How much does the Booster Course Pass cost?
The standalone Booster Course Pass costs $24.99 USD, $32.99 CAD, or £22.49.
9. Are the courses in the Booster Course Pass all new designs?
No, most of the tracks are remastered versions of courses from previous Mario Kart games, including Mario Kart Tour and older console versions.
10. Does the DLC include new characters?
Yes, the final wave of DLC added four new characters, including Diddy Kong, Funky Kong, Pauline, and Peachette.
11. What is the difference between Mario Kart 8 and Deluxe?
Mario Kart 8 Deluxe features all the original courses and characters, additional characters and items, and a revamped battle mode that wasn’t in the original Wii U game. The Deluxe version is considered to be the definitive version.
12. What is the best kart combination in Mario Kart 8 Deluxe?
There isn’t a single “best” combination as it depends on playing style, but popular combinations include Kamek, Teddy Buggy, Roller Wheels, & Paper Glider for competitive play. Other great combinations include Luigi, Streetle, Rollers, & Parachute and Yoshi, Inkstriker, Rollers, & Clouds.
13. How do I unlock all the characters in Mario Kart 8 Deluxe?
To unlock new characters, you need to win a gold trophy in all four cups in a Grand Prix. You can also unlock new karts and characters by completing time trials.
14. Can I get a refund for the Booster Course Pass?
Typically, digital purchases from the Nintendo eShop are not refundable, but it’s recommended to refer to Nintendo’s specific refund policy for confirmation.
15. Is Mario Kart 8 Deluxe free with the Expansion Pack?
No, Mario Kart 8 Deluxe is not free with the Expansion Pack. However, the Booster Course Pass DLC is included at no additional cost with an active Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack membership, but you must already own the base game.