Nintendo Confirms LAN Play, 'Renegade Roundup' and More for Mario Kart 8 Deluxe

I thought we knew already about the LAN mode but official confirmation is good. Still not buying it though(own it on Wii U).

A boost up to four players going online would have been nice, though not a must-have.

Buy it if you don't own it on Wii U. 10/10

I can't wait for this looks awesome And I know its gonna look and play even better on the Switch.

I'll be picking this up. I've got it, and all the DLC on Wii U... Having it portable on the Switch will be insane.

Honestly, the biggest draw for me so far is being able to hold 2 items at a time. It's going to make it feel much more like Mario Kart.

Battle mode looks awesome too. I'm going to guess there's no Block Fort though else we'd have probably seen it by now?

Also - does anyone know if the original battle mode from MK8 has been taken out?

Through Wireless Play, multiple Nintendo Switch consoles can be connected to each other, allowing up to eight people to play together in the same room.

This is basically LAN play already.

The new content is great, but I wish there were new racing tracks... That's the only reason this isn't an absolute buy for me.

"Also new to the series are the Inkling Boy and Inkling Girl from Splatoon 2, who bring new vehicle parts and the new Urchin Underpass course for battle mode, all based on the multiplayer shooter."

Darn! Urchin Underpass, Splatoon's most boring stage, seems to be confirmed returning in Splatoon 2.

I want Rainmaker! And I want Camp Triggerfish! And I want them confirmed now, Nintendo!

who says that you need the LAN adapters for that? it should work just fine over WLAN or even mixed WLAN/LAN.

What's the most players you can get on the least consoles wirelessly connected?

Can I get eight players on two switches?

People buy FIFA, Madden, CoD, etc…year after year with little to no additions to the previous game because they love the games.

Mario Kart 8 is my all time favorite game. And if I can take my game anywhere with little to no additions, I'm a happy gamer

@LegendOfPokemon

"The new content is great, but I wish there were new racing tracks... That's the only reason this isn't an absolute buy for me."

I was hoping for new tracks for a long time too, but now I'd prefer those are saved for what will soon be over due; Mario Kart 9.

MKW: 2008
MK7: 2011
MK8: 2014
MK9: 2017...? sadly, no!

Cool editions. Not really game changers for me. I've played alot of MK8 on WiiU. Portable online at different places sounds awesome though.

Can't we just play over WLAN or Wi-Fi in the same house?

I will consider buying only if new tracks are added at some point. Otherwise, I've already played this extensively.

@NewAdvent The DLC for MK8 was incredible value all round.

So you get all the new racers, battle mode and dlc tracks to enjoy in a portable package.

In fact you would get more out of this release than those of us who got the DLC.

1-2-Switch milking in the house. I have high hopes for a new titles & hope that Switch wouldn't turn into the Wii U remakes machine..

@BornInNorway81 I'm hoping Nintendo break their 'one Mario Kart game' per console rule for Switch! I'd be disappointed if this was it!

@NewAdvent If you didn't purchase the DLC, then definitely. 200cc is like a while new game. The 8 extra courses are great too.

LAN is for e-sports/official competitions. Don't see much of a point otherwise.

Whenever anyone asks 'what are the differences between this and the Wii U version?', I love stating 'you can play it on the bus'.

That pretty much means that I'll re-buy anything that I'm still enjoying. I would love a discount buy hey.

Cool!

Battle Mode and extra stuff and take it on the go. If I had a Switch I'd think about it, but then I'd prob sell my wii U one.
But..... Block Fort from 64?

Needs to be a loyalty program here like...

• transfer data to keep unlocked stuff
• 50% off retail price to upgrade to Deluxe

@Skunkfish

"I'm hoping Nintendo break their 'one Mario Kart game' per console rule for Switch! I'd be disappointed if this was it!"

I agree. But I don't even consider MK8D "one". Not even a half, actually. It's a port with a tiny bit added.

If MK8D counts as one, then Wii U got 3 Zelda games.

MK has arrived with a new iteration regularly, every 3 years, and I hope it stays. If Nintendo followed its earlier pattern, MK9 would arrive in 2017, and MK10 in 2020.

Again, more accessories to buy.

@bonham2

"If you didn't purchase the DLC, then definitely. 200cc is like a while new game. The 8 extra courses are great too."

Sixteen actually, not eight. Each of the two DLC packs had eight tracks.

The MK8 DLC was the best value I have ever seen in DLC!

(SSB4 was the worst value.)

@TruenoGT : Local multiplayer only. If Download Play were an option, then Nintendo would have announced it by now. I strongly doubt that Download Play will be a commonly supported feature on the Switch considering the large amount of data that would need to be wirelessly sent to other systems compared to the smaller scale productions of the DS/3DS (we're talking potentially hundreds of megabytes compared to a few megabytes or so at most for DS/3DS download play).

Don't get me wrong, I would LOVE to have Download Play, but local tabletop multiplayer is a nice alternative in its absence. I hope that Download Play isn't abandoned entirely on Switch, at least for smaller scale titles.

My big question is "can we transfer our WiiU saves to this version"?

Does anyone know? Has it been stated and I missed it?

I know that I don't want to unlock everything all over again.

@Hikingguy : It will add to the overall cost of production, and it is an extremely niche feature likely to be used by only a very, very small portion of the userbase, so it is arguably not worth including in the base hardware. Even if it costs say, a dollar to include it, multiplied by two million consoles… that's two million out of Nintendo's pocket. I'm not here to make a sob story for a multi-billion dollar company, but this is the reality of the situation.

@JimmyFleck : You cannot transfer your save data, however, all tracks and characters (except for Gold Mario) will be unlocked from the start.

I will have to build up my friend list in order to convince me to double dip. Everyone I know already has it on wiiu. Plus there are no gamers in my department. (kill me now)

Also, LAN adapter for Wii/Wii U is also compatible with Switch

@BornInNorway81 comment 27
I hope your right. I've played Mario kart 8 a lot online. I'm ready for Mario kart 9

I wonder if you can do 4 player to a screen in tabletop mode? That would honestly be horrible so I'm glad they aren't pushing it. Recently saw them post a photo of 4 people "playing" (read actors and a superimposed screen) Bomberman in the kitchen huddled around the screen. Didn't look like it was possible without squinting.

You know what I'm thinking? I'm thinking they'll announce a DLC season pass the week before release. You know they're going to add more tracks to this game, they can't resist it.

I don't see what the dismay about the LAN mode is. You can connect 8 consoles wirelessly, which is probably more than you normally have. And to have more than 8 people together all with their own televisions is probably less likely than the little LAN connector. That's a lot of TVs. I am definitely looking forward to MK8 deluxe, as is my daughter (it was her favorite game on Wii U ).

@Yorumi : Smart steering is aimed at young children and (I assume) people with other handicapabilities. For example, my sister, who is severely disabled, may finally be able to play a Mario Kart game. I for one am particularly hopeful that Nintendo will continue to make games more accessible and accommodating for people of all abilities and skill levels.

@Bengals76 well no, you don't have to buy it do you? You could use the Joy-Con without the wheel, or just play it on a regular controller. They'll likely be bundled at little more than the price of the standalone retail copy anyway.

EDIT: err, unless you meant the LAN adaptor, well then yeah, that sucks tbh.

@NewAdvent Well the play on the go is an amazing addition for many people - but other than that there's the full battle mode now too.

One of my fave franchises. So much replay value. Can't wait to play this on the switch, particularly in table top mode.

Lan connection is for tv play only it seems and can have up to 12 players, while wireless can be up to 8 players but i guess no tv play

@Hikingguy If you have a decent wireless setup you can still get 10-15ms... for Mario Kart this is way more than fine. I don't see the fuss with LAN for most console games.. BUT yes, would have expected it on the dock.

"Online multiplayer makes a return, allowing for up to two local racers to get involved in 12-player races with others around the world"

..anyone know how this will work? The last Mario Kart I played was MK-Wii, where Player 1 would receive an online ranking, but Player 2 was just an unranked 'Guest'...will both players be ranked in MK8 Deluxe? ..what was it like on the Wii U version?

Any info would be greatly appreciated! So excited to get karting again next month!!

While I own Mario kart 8 and the dlc on Wii U, I think I'll get this version for sure. My son is 2 and loves racing but always falls of the track. I think this is gonna be awesome for him with that kid assist feature

So does Wireless Play work when docked or not?

I have been asking this question for months: Do you need a game card for each Switch engaged in Wireless Play?

I could see maybe getting my kids their own Switches, but buying 3 copies of MK8+ for the household is not happening....

Really wish Nintendo would provide a definitive answer.

Looks like a nice upgrade but at the end of the day this is the game we really should've had all the way back in 2014.
Just hope MK 9 is heavily in development.

Honestly think it would have been nice for Nintendo to give a discount to Wii U owners who have purchased this game + the DLC. That way, even if people went physical, there would still be the DLC to show Nintendo that this particular user does own the game! Never gonna happen but hey, 1 day Nintendo will catch up

@Moshugan this is a good question that I've been wondering too. If I go to a friends house will I be able to play them on their TV while I have my own screen? Will I be able to play someone in my house in another room both of us on a TV? Has anyone tried this out with Bomberman or doesn't it allow local wireless play?

@BornInNorway81 The Mario Kart team has been busy with other projects I think. The series director is heading Nintendo's mobile efforts, while the rest of the bulk of the team are working on ARMS, as well as the new battle mode, presumably.

0.o

Gold Mario?

@G0dlike Technically I don't think you need to own the game to buy the DLC. Would love a discount though! Won't be picking it up at launch for just the new Battle mode and characters.

@BensonUii no. that's not what this is about. the 8 player wireless refers to 8 players who set up an ad-hoc network between each other. in the LAN mode you are all connected to the same local network and you can just as well connect to that network via WLAN. so as long as you have a good wireless access point you should be able to connect to that with 12 people, no LAN adapters needed. (or you can have some players using the LAN adapter and some not)

This looks really good. But I'm content with my Wii U version. Unless a discount comes down the road, then I'll be inclined to snag it for my Switch.

So, I have yet to buy a switch, but was thinking I would pick it up when MK8 released. The plan will be to buy four as soon as possible. I am looking forward to future iterations of the switch. I want a consolized non-portable model with greater connectivity (IE LAN ports built in) and more processing power. A portable only version, and a bare bones home only console, also need to be included in the lineup. Nintendo has set themselves up to be able to offer many options for the switch, and I want to see where they go from here.

My question is, can we play 5+ people locally on two Switches and divide them as we please?
Have 4 on tv one on handheld or 3 on tv and 2 on handheld.

Good thing I've aced those 200cc on the Wii U version.
I bet it'll be that Gold Mario we saw. Not really excited for him.

I've already got it on Wii U, but I want this for the Switch. Portable Mario Kart is always the best, and the extra content is enough incentive for me to double dip. Plus, my boy Bowser Jr is back! Yay!

@Yorumi Good question. I too was playing Mario proficiently at a young age (along with my cousin). So it isn't a novel concept for those under 10 to be really good at games. Maybe this is in response to online gaming and gaming becoming more technical and geared toward a hardcore/professional crowd?

Or it maybe a way of shortening that learning curve and avoiding younger crowds losing interest in a game when they have so many other forms of entertainment at their disposal. Back in the late 80's/early 90's, we didn't have Youtube or iPads or Netflix to turn to when a game became boring or frustrating. So it was no big deal sitting there and dying at the same spot dozens of times before mastering it

@Yorumi : I was speaking mainly about people of different (or otherwise impaired) ability. People with intellectual disabilities and/or motor impairments would struggle with games such as Mario Kart (which requires focus and quick reflexes), especially if these impairments continue to worsen with age. Not everybody has the same degree of hand-eye coordination, not everybody possesses equal sensory capability, not everybody possesses the same intellectual capacity and not everybody has experienced or is able to relate to those who have been raised under a different set of circumstances which are often of no fault of the individual.

My sister suffers from spastic cerebral palsy, strabismus, osteoporosis and is intellectually impaired, so I for one am happy to see any kind of activity that will enable her to engage with others and feel included whilst having her leisurely experience tailored in such a fashion that establishes equity as far as her skill and capability is concerned (relative to those of average capability), and I would imagine that others with similar impairments would also appreciate the option, however severe or benign they may be.

Including options to make games more accessible for others (not just children) is not hindering your or my experience in any shape or form. The "smart steering" feature is not aimed at you or I, so I don't understand why you have such a problem with it.

@BornInNorway81 I wouldn't be surprised to see them push Mario Kart as more of an evolving service, rather than release MK9 for switch. I'm thinking they may just release another DLC pack. I'm a sucker, so I'm buying this either way (Strictly for portability), but I do wish this also had a few new race tracks as well. There really isn't much incentive for Wii U owner to buy this... other than my own stupidity.

Pre-ordered mine yesterday. Sold my Wii U copy of MK8 on eBay to help pay for it. Plus, my Amazon Prime membership saves me 20% on pre-orders.

It says 48 tracks from the start. Is that implying future DLC or is that just wishful thinking on my part?

Worth it for portability and battle mode. Too bad games are so expensive in Canada, $80 ffs.

Totally worth buying even if you have the WiiU version simply because you'll have traded in your WiiU by Christmas, Battle Mode is back and to top it off its flipping portable.

As long as Gold Mario is in a drop down menu from Metal Mario, I think I'll be ok with him.

Just sold my Wii U copy of MK8 on ebay minutes ago to help recoup the cost of the upgrade to Deluxe. Haven't played 8 with much consistency in a while, so I'm really looking forward to jumping back into this one.

If we aren't getting any new tracks now expect DLC(was teased by NOE a while back) and possibly a Mario Kart 9 in another year or 2.

I traded in MK8 on wii u to eb games for $50 credit - making this upgrade only about $25. So that's worth it to me for the portability and battle mode.

Renegade battle sounds awesome.

This and Smash for Switch need more characters unlockable. My biggest issue with these games on Wii U was the lack of surprise. It's fun to unlock soundtracks and parts, but unlocking characters just felt magical in these games, especially Smash.

@SLIGEACH_EIRE We know you aren't buying it. You've said so on nearly every article relating to MK8 Deluxe.

This is what MK8 should've been

Looks smart and I will get it because I love Wario Kart.
Disappointing I cant use WiiU controllers on it and no new courses, but I'm sure it'll be great!
Hope this doesn't mean no number 9...

I'm actually getting excited to play Mario Kart 8 again!

"Up to 12 consoles in TV mode can be connected via LAN Play*, with one or two players per connected Nintendo Switch".

Does mean up to 24 player local multiplayer?

@Yorumi I think that's part of it. It seems to be a chicken/egg situation. Are dumb downed games contributing to the problem of a supposed player/barrier or is the dumbing down of games a response to the changing player type/styles?

Yeah the pesky LAN adapters...

So much more annoying to carry around than A TELEVISION. It's 8 player local wifi and 12 on TV with LAN for tournaments.

You guys are really idiots sometimes.

Although I assumed this information was common knowledge and went without saying, official confirmation is always settling. However, I will still not be purchasing this because it is essentially the same game that I purchased for my Wii U console in 2013 known simply as Mario Kart 8.

Hmm, I really hope we get a proper new Mariokart in a couple of years. I have 8 already, don't need to buy it a second time!

Renegade Round-Up actually looks pretty cool. There's more additions to the game than I was expecting, but still not much.

I'll be picking it up anyway though. Mario Kart 8 was a blast on the Wii U. Having the ability to play it anywhere makes it so much better.

This will be fun, even for a second time around. Hopefully I can add some people on the friends list!

I know it's unlikely, but I wish they'd backport a few of the new features to the Wii U version, even as DLC (perhaps a sample of the new Battle Mode tracks; dual items; Splatoon characters; etc.).

"Anytime, Anywhere, with Anyone."

Woah, I think we stepped back in time to the suggestive advertisements of the 90's/00's....

"Hey sugar, want to play with me? I'm available anytime, anywhere to hook up."

"Sure baby, what are your rates?"

"You have to beat me at Mario Kart 8 Deluxe, using just your tiny little JoyToy... I mean JoyCon. Hope you got a Nintendo'S Whatever before they sold out."

@NewAdvent
If you bought on Wii U, you can trade it in towards this version so there's incentive number one- it'll only cost you half as much.

Incentive number two is that you're getting an HD handheld version. Standard definition 3DS releases of Wii U games cost $40, yet here we have an HD console-quality handheld version for even less than that (again, assuming you bought on Wii U).

Incentive number three is that the game runs at 1080p now, not 720p.

Incentive four is the added battle mode with arenas, the included DLC and new characters.

Incentive number five would be seamlessly transitioning between console and handheld without dealing with a save transfer tool (assuming we would even be lucky enough to get one with a 3DS release)

Whether those incentives are enough for you personally is a decision only you can make.

While racing in Mario Kart is always awesome, I actually enjoyed playing the battle modes more. That's why Mario Kart 8 disappointed me more than other MK titles. The game is still great, with stunning graphics, creative tracks, and a plethora of characters/karts/customizations, but the lack of real battle stages was a massive letdown.

While Mario Kart 8 Deluxe is not a new title, the inclusion of a fully fleshed out battle mode is exciting for me, especially with the new "Renegade Roundup" mode.

Already own it on Wii U but I really don't mind Double-Dipping, mainly because of the portability aspect and LAN play!

Although I already have the Wii U Version, I'm absolutely gonna double dip. This game is just too good!

I was hoping they changed the way that courses are selected online.

@SLIGEACH_famicom Bloody hell..... A parody account on NL? Now I've seen everything.

Anyway.... Again, already paid for and shipping it's way to me on launch. Same with ARMS, same with Splatoon 2, same with Xenoblade 2, same with Super Mario Odyssey.

I'm all-in.

If Petey Piranha was brought to Deluxe, it would have been instabuy but nty, I have MK8 + DLC on WiiU so sticking with it.

That line about LAN play threw me at first, but it doesn't seem like a big deal.
I'm guessing it's intended more for tournament play (which is great to see them taking into consideration) rather than casual play... and for casual play the 8-player wireless should be more than enough in the vast majority of cases.