If you thought your couch multiplayer sessions were maxed out, think again. Nintendo has just released Version 4.0.0—a completely free update for Mario Kart 8 Deluxe that brings major feature upgrades, gameplay tweaks, and full readiness for Nintendo’s latest hardware.
Whether you are diving into family game nights or testing your skill online against players around the globe, this update packs a punch. Here is a clear look at everything newly added to the track today.
Big Upgrades for Nintendo Switch 2 Players
The headline feature of this update caters directly to the latest hardware capabilities, giving the classic racer a substantial technical bump:
- 8-Player Local Splitscreen: For the first time ever on a single console, you can run an 8-player local split-screen race. No extra consoles needed—just gather your friends, connect enough controllers, and jump into chaotic full-screen action.
- CameraPlay Support: By connecting a compatible USB camera, player faces can now be displayed directly on-screen during local or online matches using GameChat. Expect to see every reaction and dramatic blue shell target right in real time.
- Enhanced Performance & Visuals: Resolution receives a solid boost across both handheld and docked modes, accompanied by dramatically faster loading times between races.
Key Gameplay Adjustments
Beyond graphics and multiplayer capacity, Nintendo fine-tuned core driving mechanics to keep races fast-paced and fair:
- Universal Speed Buff: Every kart across the board now receives a subtle base speed increase—equivalent to holding an extra coin throughout the entire race.
- Boo Off-Road Advantage: Activating a Boo item now keeps your kart moving at full speed even when taking shortcuts through grass, mud, or off-road tracks.
- The Ultimate 96-Race Challenge: For players who own the Booster Course Pass, VS Mode now allows you to set the race count to 96. That means you can play through every single track in the game continuously in one epic marathon session.
How to Update
Simply highlight Mario Kart 8 Deluxe on your Nintendo Switch Home Menu, press the + Button, select Software Update, and choose Via the Internet.