Mario Kart 8 Deluxe Gets Eight-Player Local Multiplayer in Free Switch 2 Update

Nintendo has released Version 4.0.0 for Mario Kart 8 Deluxe, a free update that significantly expands the game's capabilities on Switch 2.

The headline addition is local split-screen support for five to eight players on a single system, up from the four-player cap on the original Switch. As Nintendo confirmed on its official site, players just need a Switch 2 and enough controllers to make it happen.

The controller requirements are worth knowing before you gather the group.

As reported by Nintendo Life, up to seven original Switch controllers (Joy-Con or Pro Controllers) can connect to the Switch 2, but running a full eight-person race requires at least one Joy-Con 2 or Nintendo Switch 2 Pro Controller.

CameraPlay Comes to Mario Kart

The update also brings CameraPlay to Mario Kart 8 Deluxe, a feature Switch 2 owners with a compatible USB camera can use to display player faces on screen during local multiplayer. Camera support covers two-to-four player local sessions and online play.

For online use, camera footage is restricted to GameChat sessions with friends — it cannot be broadcast to strangers in open matchmaking.

Sharper Visuals and Faster Load Times on Switch 2

Switch 2 players also get improved visuals through support for the system's display and high-resolution TVs. Load times before races and battles have been cut as well, meaning less waiting between sessions.

VGC notes these performance improvements are exclusive to the new hardware.

General Changes for All Players

Not everything in Version 4.0.0 is Switch 2-only. Vooks reports three general adjustments applicable to all platforms. Player speed during races has been increased by the equivalent of one coin.

The Boo item no longer causes slowdown when entering off-road areas while active. Those are small but practical tuning changes.

A 96-Race VS Marathon for Booster Course Pass Owners

The most substantial all-platform addition is a new 96 Races option in VS Race settings, available to anyone with the Mario Kart 8 Deluxe Booster Course Pass. Previously capped at 48 races per VS session, the game can now run through all 96 courses in sequence.

That's a proper endurance test.

Nintendo Life noted this is the second free Switch 2 enhancement Nintendo has rolled out for an existing Switch title within the same week, following a similar update for Pikmin 3 Deluxe. Version 4.0.0 is available now.

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