Is Mario Kart Free with the Expansion Pack? Unveiling the Details
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The short answer is: not exactly. Mario Kart 8 Deluxe itself is not free with the Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack. You still need to purchase the base game separately. However, the Booster Course Pass DLC, which adds a plethora of new tracks to Mario Kart 8 Deluxe, is included as a perk of the Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack membership. Think of it as getting a huge expansion for free if you’re already a subscriber to the higher-tier online service.
Decoding the Mario Kart 8 Deluxe Landscape
Mario Kart 8 Deluxe is a massively popular title on the Nintendo Switch, beloved for its accessible gameplay, vibrant tracks, and chaotic multiplayer fun. To keep the experience fresh and engaging, Nintendo released the Booster Course Pass, a DLC pack that introduces a whopping 48 additional courses, doubling the original track count. This pass breathes new life into the game, offering a constant stream of new challenges and environments for players to explore.
There are essentially two ways to access these extra courses:
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Purchase the Mario Kart 8 Deluxe – Booster Course Pass: This is a one-time purchase that permanently unlocks all the added courses for your game.
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Subscribe to Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack: With an active membership, you gain access to the Booster Course Pass courses for the duration of your subscription. As long as your membership is active, you can enjoy all the DLC tracks.
The Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack is a premium tier of Nintendo’s online service. It includes all the benefits of the standard Nintendo Switch Online membership (online play, cloud saves, access to a library of classic NES and SNES games) plus a selection of Nintendo 64, Sega Genesis, and Game Boy Advance titles, and select DLC for certain first-party Nintendo games. This is where the Mario Kart 8 Deluxe Booster Course Pass comes in.
Weighing Your Options: Purchase vs. Subscription
Deciding which option is best for you depends on your gaming habits and preferences.
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Casual Players: If you only play Mario Kart 8 Deluxe occasionally, subscribing to the Expansion Pack might not be the most cost-effective option. Purchasing the Booster Course Pass outright would grant you permanent access without the recurring subscription fee.
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Dedicated Racers: If you are a hardcore Mario Kart fan, frequently engage in online races, and enjoy the classic games offered through the Expansion Pack, the subscription might be the better value. The yearly fee grants access to a wealth of content, including the Booster Course Pass, making it a potentially more economical choice over time.
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Family Accounts: For families with multiple Nintendo Switch users, a family membership to the Expansion Pack can be particularly beneficial. The cost is spread across multiple accounts, making it a more affordable way to access the added content for everyone.
In essence, the “free” access to the Booster Course Pass with the Expansion Pack is a compelling incentive for players who are already considering subscribing to the premium online service. It enhances the value proposition of the subscription, providing a tangible bonus for dedicated Nintendo fans.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Does the Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack include the base Mario Kart 8 Deluxe game?
No, the Expansion Pack does not include the base Mario Kart 8 Deluxe game. You must purchase the game separately. The Expansion Pack only provides access to the Booster Course Pass DLC.
2. How much does the Mario Kart 8 Deluxe Booster Course Pass cost if I don’t have the Expansion Pack?
The Booster Course Pass typically costs around $24.99 USD. Prices may vary depending on your region.
3. What happens to the Booster Course Pass courses if my Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack subscription expires?
If your subscription lapses, you will lose access to the Booster Course Pass courses. To regain access, you’ll need to renew your subscription or purchase the Booster Course Pass separately.
4. Can I play the Booster Course Pass tracks online without the Expansion Pack if someone in the lobby has it?
Yes, you can play the Booster Course Pass tracks online even without owning the DLC or having an Expansion Pack subscription, if someone in the online lobby has access to the courses. The game will include tracks from all possible sources. You can also play with friends that have access to the Pass.
5. Are there any free ways to play Mario Kart on the Nintendo Switch?
Mario Kart Tour is a free-to-play mobile game available on smartphones, but it is not the same as Mario Kart 8 Deluxe on the Nintendo Switch. There are no free versions of Mario Kart 8 Deluxe for the Switch.
6. What does the Mario Kart 8 Deluxe Booster Course Pass include?
The Booster Course Pass includes 48 additional courses, remastered from previous Mario Kart games across various platforms. It essentially doubles the number of tracks available in the game.
7. How do I download the Mario Kart 8 Deluxe Booster Course Pass?
If you have a Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack membership or have purchased the Booster Course Pass, you can download it from the Nintendo eShop. Simply search for “Mario Kart 8 Deluxe Booster Course Pass” and follow the instructions to download.
8. Is the Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack worth it if I only want the Mario Kart 8 Deluxe Booster Course Pass?
That depends on how long you plan to use the courses, and if you would take advantage of the other features offered in the expansion pack. Consider if the cost of the membership is justified when compared to purchasing the Booster Course Pass outright.
9. Can I use a single Joy-Con to play Mario Kart 8 Deluxe?
Yes, you can use a single Joy-Con (either the left or right) to play Mario Kart 8 Deluxe. This is particularly useful for local multiplayer, where two players can share a single pair of Joy-Cons.
10. Does the Nintendo Switch Lite support the Mario Kart 8 Deluxe Booster Course Pass?
Yes, the Nintendo Switch Lite supports the Mario Kart 8 Deluxe Booster Course Pass. You can access and play the added courses on the Switch Lite just like you would on the standard Nintendo Switch.
11. What other benefits does the Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack offer besides the Mario Kart 8 Deluxe Booster Course Pass?
In addition to the Booster Course Pass, the Expansion Pack provides access to a library of classic Nintendo 64, Sega Genesis, and Game Boy Advance games, as well as DLC for other select Nintendo titles.
12. How much does the Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack cost?
A 12-month individual membership for the Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack typically costs around $49.99 USD. A family membership is also available for a higher price, covering multiple accounts.
13. If I buy the Booster Course Pass, do I keep it forever?
Yes, if you purchase the Booster Course Pass, you own it permanently. You can access the added courses even if you don’t have an active Nintendo Switch Online membership.
14. Can I play the new racers included in the booster pass without paying?
Only certain waves of the pass include new racers. With an active Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack membership, racers can access all of the new courses, racers, and music.
15. Is there any free game in Nintendo Switch?
There are many free-to-play games available on the Nintendo Switch, such as Fortnite, Rocket League, and certain Switch Online exclusives like Tetris 99 and Pac-Man 99. These games typically feature microtransactions for cosmetic items or other in-game content.
In conclusion, while Mario Kart 8 Deluxe itself isn’t free with the Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack, the inclusion of the Booster Course Pass is a significant value-add for subscribers, especially for dedicated Mario Kart fans and families.