Mario Kart 8 Deluxe can now turn a single Switch 2 screen into an eight-player local race through Nintendo’s free Version 4.0.0 update. The original Switch remains limited to four players on one display, giving larger local groups a clear reason to try the newer hardware.
Version 4.0.0 is available for all Switch users, although most of its new features are exclusive to Switch 2. Local multiplayer now supports between 5 and 8 players on a single display, provided there are enough racers and controllers available.
Mario Kart 8 Deluxe Version 4.0.0 changes
Players can use original Switch Joy-Cons and Pro Controllers for these races, but Switch 2 can connect only seven last-generation controllers at once. An eight-player race will need at least one Switch 2 Pro Controller or Joy-Con 2 in the mix.
CameraPlay support also arrives with the update. A Switch 2 camera or another compatible USB camera can show players’ faces during 2-4 player local multiplayer and Online Play. Online camera use is restricted to friends in GameChat for security reasons, so random online opponents will not appear on camera.
Switch 2 users also get higher game resolution and shorter loading times before races and battles begin. Players on the original Switch receive a smaller gameplay adjustment, with race speed increasing by the equivalent of one coin.
Version 4.0.0 gives Booster Course Pass owners a new 96 Races option in VS Race. It allows a marathon run through all 96 courses in order, doubling the previous maximum of 48 consecutive races.
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