Is the Mario Kart Pass a One-Time Purchase?
Yes, the Mario Kart 8 Deluxe Booster Course Pass is a one-time purchase for players who choose to buy it outright. This means that once you’ve bought the Booster Course Pass, you have permanent access to all the included courses. You can continue playing them indefinitely on your Nintendo Switch, as long as you are using the same account that made the purchase. The pass is tied to your Nintendo Account, not to the specific console.
However, there’s a key alternative to purchasing the pass directly. If you have a Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack membership, you gain access to the Booster Course Pass without needing to buy it separately. However, your access to these courses is contingent on maintaining an active membership. If your Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack membership lapses, you will lose access to the Booster Course Pass content until the membership is renewed.
Therefore, the key distinction is this: a direct purchase of the Booster Course Pass offers permanent access, while access through the Expansion Pack subscription is temporary and requires an ongoing subscription.
Understanding the Mario Kart 8 Deluxe Booster Course Pass
The Mario Kart 8 Deluxe Booster Course Pass is a significant piece of downloadable content (DLC) for the popular Nintendo Switch game, Mario Kart 8 Deluxe. It dramatically increases the game’s content, effectively doubling the number of courses available. The DLC was released in six waves from March 18, 2022, to the end of 2023, adding a total of 48 courses to the game, bringing the total course count to a staggering 96. These courses include many fan-favorites from previous entries in the Mario Kart series.
What’s Included in the Booster Course Pass?
Besides the 48 new courses, which are the main draw, the Booster Course Pass also adds:
- New Racers: Four additional racers are available to play with.
- New Music Player: A new in-game feature for enjoying the game’s music.
This pass is the final significant piece of DLC for Mario Kart 8 Deluxe, marking the end of its major content updates. It’s designed to give players a vast library of courses, offering a fresh and exciting experience even for seasoned players.
Accessing the Booster Course Pass: Two Options
There are essentially two avenues for accessing the Booster Course Pass:
- Direct Purchase: This is a one-time transaction where you purchase the pass outright from the Nintendo eShop. This grants you permanent access to all included courses.
- Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack Membership: An active membership grants you access to the pass for the duration of your subscription. If your subscription lapses, access is lost until it’s renewed.
Choosing the Right Option for You
Deciding which method suits you best depends on several factors:
- Long-Term Play: If you plan on playing Mario Kart 8 Deluxe for the long term, buying the Booster Course Pass directly may be more economical. It offers a one-time cost with permanent access.
- Casual Play: If you only play occasionally or are unsure about long-term commitment, the Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack membership might be more suitable. The cost is lower initially, and you can cancel at any time.
- Other Nintendo Benefits: The Expansion Pack also includes access to a library of classic Nintendo 64 and SEGA Genesis games, in addition to other DLCs such as the Animal Crossing: New Horizons – Happy Home Paradise. So, if these extra benefits are appealing, then this option might be ideal for you.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I share the Booster Course Pass if I purchase it?
If you’ve purchased the Booster Course Pass with a Nintendo Account, it will be accessible on any Nintendo Switch console where that account is active. However, you cannot play the same copy of the Booster Course Pass on two separate Nintendo Switch consoles at the same time.
2. How much does the Booster Course Pass cost if I buy it?
The cost is a one-time fee, typically priced around $25 USD. The exact price may vary depending on your region.
3. Is there a monthly subscription for the Mario Kart 8 Deluxe DLC?
No, there isn’t a monthly subscription for the Booster Course Pass itself. It’s either a one-time purchase or accessed through the Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack membership.
4. What happens if my Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack membership expires?
If your membership expires, you will lose access to the Booster Course Pass content until you renew your subscription.
5. Can I download the Booster Course Pass even if I don’t have a membership?
Yes, you can download the pass if you plan to buy it outright. The download itself is not tied to the membership, but access to the content is.
6. Does the Booster Course Pass require an internet connection to play?
You will need an internet connection to download the pass and for some online features. However, you can play the courses offline once they are downloaded.
7. Does the Booster Course Pass include any new gameplay mechanics?
While the primary focus of the pass is new courses and racers, the release of the pass also included the ability to hold two items simultaneously, and this was made available to all players.
8. Do I need to own the base game to use the Booster Course Pass?
Yes, you must own a copy of the full Mario Kart 8 Deluxe game to use the Booster Course Pass.
9. Is the Mario Kart Tour Gold Pass related to the Mario Kart 8 Deluxe Booster Course Pass?
No, they are entirely separate. The Mario Kart Tour Gold Pass is a monthly subscription for the mobile game, Mario Kart Tour, offering different in-game benefits.
10. Is Mario Kart 8 Deluxe a free game with a Nintendo Switch Online membership?
No, Mario Kart 8 Deluxe is not a free game that is bundled with Nintendo Switch Online. You still need to purchase the game separately.
11. How much does a Nintendo Switch Online Expansion Pack membership cost?
The Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack typically costs $49.99 per year and is only available as an annual membership.
12. Does the Booster Course Pass receive further updates?
No, the Booster Course Pass was released in six waves and finished at the end of 2023. Nintendo has not announced any plans for additional updates.
13. Can I play the Booster Course Pass courses with friends who don’t own the DLC?
Yes, if you host a local or online game, friends without the Booster Course Pass can still play on the new tracks with you.
14. Is the Mario Kart 8 Deluxe Booster Course Pass worth it?
This is subjective. However, given the amount of extra content it adds to the base game – 48 new courses, new racers, and the ability to hold 2 items at once – most would agree that it’s a worthwhile purchase for Mario Kart fans.
15. Can I get a free trial of the Booster Course Pass?
There is not a standalone free trial for the Booster Course Pass itself. However, you can test out the course if you sign up for a Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack membership which can sometimes offer a free trial period.