Nintendo reveals new Mario Kart 8 Deluxe Switch features, content

Hold onto your seats Nintendo Switch players and Mario Kart fans, Mario Kart 8 Deluxe is definitely looking to be the definitive kart racing experience when it launches later next month on April 28th.

Nintendo this morning revealed all the new features and enhancements that players can expect when they get their hands on the Nintendo Switch version (and Joy-Con Wheel accessory).  We’re talking new character, enhanced multiplayer (online and local), new control options and race items, the new and improved Battle Mode and more.

Read on for the details!

3-2-1 ? GO! The definitive version of Mario Kart 8 is coming to the Nintendo Switch console on April 28 with new features, new characters, new karts, new modes and enhanced visuals. The Mario Kart 8 Deluxe game contains every character, track and kart from the Wii U version ? including all the previously released DLC ? with the addition of even more content. Even previous owners of Mario Kart 8 will find fun new surprises around every hairpin turn while playing Mario Kart 8 Deluxe. And with the portability of Nintendo Switch, for the first time ever, players can take the game?s anti-gravity action anywhere they go!

Mario Kart 8 Deluxe is overflowing with new content. The five new characters (Inkling Girl, Inkling Boy, King Boo, Dry Bones and Bowser Jr.) bring the total number of racers to 42, a record for the beloved series. New karts inspired by Splatoon, the ability to hold two items at once, returning items like the item-stealing Boo and jumping Feather, a new Smart Steering control option, and even more awesome features truly make this the definitive version of an already classic game.

One of the most robust new features in Mario Kart 8 Deluxe is the addition of a revamped Battle mode that can be played both locally and online*. The multiplayer Battle modes in Mario Kart 8 Deluxe offer a variety of fun options across eight colorful and well-designed Battle courses.

• Renegade Roundup: Making its debut in Mario Kart 8 Deluxe, this new mode has one team trying to capture the other and put them into jail before time runs out. The opposing team must try to escape and can break their own teammates out of prison by pressing a button under the jail cell.
• Balloon Battle: In this oldie but goodie, players earn points by popping balloons on the back of their opponents? karts.
• Bob-omb Blast: Originally seen in the Mario Kart: Double Dash!! game, this mode finds players throwing a barrage of Bob-ombs at opponents.
• Coin Runners: By racing across the Battle course, players try to collect the most coins as possible in this fast and frenetic mode introduced in Mario Kart Wii.
• Shine Thief: Steal the coveted Shine Sprite and try to hold onto it for a 20 count in this classic multiplayer Battle mode.

The multiplayer options in Mario Kart 8 Deluxe are as plentiful and diverse as the colors in Rainbow Road. Traditional split-screen returns with up to four players (additional accessories are required and are sold separately) by docking the Nintendo Switch system, but players can also undock the system, detach the Joy-Con controllers and use them horizontally to play anywhere comfortably with two players. In addition, races can be played online or hosted in LAN multiplayer sessions with up to 12 players (additional games and systems are required). Two players can even share one Nintendo Switch system when experiencing LAN play. Playing with friends and family members has never been this easy and accessible.

Mario Kart 8 Deluxe launches in stores and Nintendo eShop on Nintendo Switch on April 28 at a suggested retail price of $59.99. When Mario Kart 8 Deluxe launches on April 28, Nintendo will also release the Joy-Con Wheel accessory at a suggested retail price of $14.99 for a set of two. For more information about the game, visit http://mariokart8.nintendo.com/.

*Online services require a Nintendo Account. Starting in fall 2017, some online services will also require a paid subscription. Online service availability, including online gameplay limited based on location.