Mario Kart 8 Deluxe free Switch 2 update adds wild 8-player split-screen
Nintendo has surprised Mario Kart 8 Deluxe players with a free update that introduces an eight-player split-screen mode, along with a range of performance improvements tailored to the Switch 2. The arrival of version 4.0.0 comes more than a year after the console launched, and the headline feature lets up to eight people race on a single television, with the screen divided into sections to accommodate everyone. The same mode can also be played in handheld mode, though the smaller display means a lot of simultaneous action to track.
The update is a notable technical feat. Rendering eight separate viewpoints in real time is a heavy load, and the fact that the game manages it on the Switch 2 has been widely praised. For comparison, even four players on screen at once previously demanded significant processing power, so the expansion to eight is seen as a major step forward for local multiplayer. The new mode is free to download, and it arrives as part of a broader package of enhancements that make use of the Switch 2’s stronger hardware.
Beyond the split-screen addition, version 4.0.0 brings sharper graphics and shorter load times before races. The game also now supports CameraPlay for online races, provided players have a compatible webcam. Several smaller adjustments have been made to the base game as well. The Boo item animation no longer slows players down, and player speed has been increased during races by the equivalent of one coin. The exact meaning of that speed change has not been fully explained, but it appears to be a subtle tweak designed to keep races flowing a little faster.
A fresh claim to the top spot
The update gives Mario Kart 8 Deluxe a renewed argument for being the best Mario Kart game, even after the release of Mario Kart World last year. That newer title offers sprawling courses that take advantage of the Switch 2’s hardware and more complex racing mechanics, but it has been criticised for feeling light on content. Fans have pointed out that the amount of additional material added to Mario Kart World since its launch has been limited, and many have been waiting for a substantial DLC push that has not yet arrived. In the meantime, Mario Kart 8 Deluxe remains a feature-packed alternative, and this latest update is likely to keep it near the top of Nintendo’s lineup for a while longer.
Rumours of a Nintendo Direct
Speculation is building that a Nintendo Direct could arrive later this month, and some players are hoping that Mario Kart World will receive some form of update as part of it. Nothing has been confirmed, but the timing of the rumoured presentation has led to expectations that the newer game might finally get fresh content. For now, though, the attention is firmly on Mario Kart 8 Deluxe and its surprising new mode.
A new bundle on the horizon
For those who have not yet picked up a Switch 2, a new bundle that includes the console and Mario Kart World is scheduled to launch in late September. The bundle is priced at $550, which is $50 more than the original launch bundle. It is not stated whether the price difference reflects additional content or changes to the hardware, but the new package is set to arrive within the next few weeks.
The update is available now for all Mario Kart 8 Deluxe owners on Switch 2, and it does not require any payment. With eight-player split-screen, improved visuals, faster load times and a handful of gameplay tweaks, it stands as one of the most substantial free updates the game has received. Whether it will be enough to hold off the challenge from Mario Kart World remains an open question, but for now, the older title has a fresh reason for players to return.