Mario Kart 8 Deluxe gets a free Switch 2 update adding an eight-player split-screen mode
Sharper visuals, camera support, fast loading and a new VS marathon have also been added
Nintendo has released a free Switch 2 update for Mario Kart 8 Deluxe.
The new Version 4.0.0 update is available for all Switch users, but the majority of the changes are exclusively available to those playing on Switch 2.
The most notable addition in the new update is local support for 5-8 players on one display on Switch 2, as opposed to the 1-4 player support on Switch.
This means, assuming there are enough players and enough controllers, an eight-player split-screen race is now possible due to the Switch 2’s increased power and resolution.
While players can use original Nintendo Switch controllers (such as Switch Joy-Cons and Pro Controllers) for these multiplayer races, only seven last-gen controllers can connect to the Switch 2, meaning if an 8-player race is selected at least one player needs to have a Switch 2 Pro Controller or Joy-Con 2.
As well as this, CameraPlay support has been added, meaning players who own the Switch 2 camera or any other compatible USB camera can now use it to show their face during 2-4 player local multiplayer and Online Play modes.
For security reasons, players using their camera online can only do so with their friends in GameChat, rather than with random players online.
The update also increases the game’s resolution on Switch 2, and shortens the loading time before races and battles begin.
Players on the original Switch aren’t entirely unaffected by the Version 4.0.0 update. The game has been made slightly faster, with player speed increased during races “by the equivalent of one coin”.
A new ’96 Races’ option has also been added to the VS Race setting for players with the Booster Course Pass, meaning they can take part in a marathon GP consisting of all 96 races in order. Before the update, only a maximum of 48 races could be played in a row in VS Race.
