Nintendo has released Version 4.0.0 for Mario Kart 8 Deluxe, adding several improvements designed specifically for Nintendo Switch 2. The update brings faster loading, clearer visuals on higher resolution displays, expanded local multiplayer, CameraPlay support, and a few gameplay adjustments.
For Switch 2 owners, one of the most noticeable changes is improved display support. The game can now take better advantage of the Switch 2 screen and higher resolution TVs, giving races a cleaner presentation than before.
Loading times before races and battles have also been shortened. That should make repeated matches feel quicker, especially during multiplayer sessions where waiting between races can add up.
Eight Player Multiplayer Arrives on Switch 2
Version 4.0.0 expands multiplayer support to as many as eight players on a single Switch 2 system.
You can connect up to seven original Nintendo Switch controllers, including Joy Con and Nintendo Switch Pro Controllers. However, an eight player setup requires at least one Joy Con 2 controller or a Nintendo Switch 2 Pro Controller.
All players also need to be running the same game version for multiplayer compatibility.
| New feature | What changes |
|---|---|
| Switch 2 display support | Clearer visuals on the newer system |
| High resolution TV support | Improved image quality on compatible displays |
| Loading times | Shorter waits before races and battles |
| Local multiplayer | Expanded to five through eight players |
| CameraPlay | USB camera support during supported modes |
| Race speed | Increased by the equivalent of one coin |
| Boo behavior | No slowdown when entering off road areas |
| Booster Course Pass | Adds a 96 Races option in VS Race settings |
CameraPlay is another new addition. With a supported USB camera connected, your face can appear during races.
The feature works in multiplayer matches with two to four players and in Online Play. If you want to use the camera online, you need to join a GameChat session. Camera footage and microphone audio are shared only with people participating in that GameChat session.
Nintendo Also Adjusted Race Behavior
The update makes several changes that affect how races feel even if you are not using the new Switch 2 specific features.
Player speed during races has been increased by an amount equivalent to carrying one coin. Since coins already affect speed in Mario Kart 8 Deluxe, the adjustment gives everyone a small general increase.
Boo has also been changed. When you activate Boo and become invisible, entering an off road area will no longer slow your kart while the effect is active.
Players who own the Booster Course Pass receive another addition. A new 96 Races option is available under the VS Race rules, giving you a much longer race sequence when you want to play through a large portion of the expanded track collection.
The update should install automatically when Auto Update Software is enabled and the console has an active internet connection.
Mario Kart 8 Deluxe originally became one of Nintendo's longest supported Switch releases, and Version 4.0.0 extends that lifespan onto the Switch 2 generation. Instead of releasing only a compatibility patch, Nintendo has added features that make meaningful use of the newer hardware.
Faster loading and improved display support should benefit almost everyone playing on Switch 2, while eight player multiplayer and CameraPlay are aimed more directly at group play. The gameplay changes are smaller, but they still affect every race and give returning players a reason to notice how the game behaves after installing the update.
Discussion (0)
Be the first to comment.