Mario Kart 8 Deluxe Gets 8-Player Split-Screen on Switch 2

Nintendo has given Mario Kart 8 Deluxe a surprising new lease on life with a free update for Nintendo Switch 2, adding one of the game's biggest local multiplayer upgrades yet. Version 4.0.0 is now available and allows up to eight players to race together on a single console using split-screen.

Eight players, one console

The headline feature in this update is undoubtedly the new eight-player local multiplayer mode. With a Nintendo Switch 2 and enough compatible controllers, a full group can now jump into the same race without needing multiple consoles or copies of the game. The expanded player count takes advantage of the additional power and higher-resolution capabilities of Nintendo's newer hardware.

Players using the original Switch Joy-Con or Pro Controller can also join the fun, although there is an important limitation: only seven last-generation controllers can connect to a Switch 2 simultaneously. Consequently, an eight-player session requires at least one Switch 2 controller, such as a Joy-Con 2 or Switch 2 Pro Controller.

For anyone who has ever tried squeezing a four-player Mario Kart session into a living room, doubling the player count could make for some wonderfully chaotic races.

CameraPlay brings faces into the race

The Switch 2 update also introduces CameraPlay support to Mario Kart 8 Deluxe. With a compatible USB camera connected to the console, players can display their faces on-screen during local multiplayer. CameraPlay works with two to four players in local multiplayer and can also be used during online play through Nintendo's GameChat feature. Nintendo notes that online camera functionality is restricted to friends using GameChat rather than random online opponents. That means your friends can now watch your reaction as they steal first place with a perfectly timed Blue Shell. 

Sharper visuals and faster loading

Version 4.0.0 isn't just about multiplayer. Nintendo has also optimized Mario Kart 8 Deluxe for the Switch 2 display and high-resolution TVs, resulting in sharper visuals. Loading times have also been reduced, allowing players to get from menus to the starting grid more quickly. 

The free update is available now, making Mario Kart 8 Deluxe an even more compelling local multiplayer option on Nintendo Switch 2. While Mario Kart World is the platform's newer entry, Nintendo's continued support for its enormously popular predecessor shows that Mario Kart 8 Deluxe still has plenty of mileage left in its tank. Of course, if you want to have some fun adn race to your heart's content alongside seven friends, we highly recommend you to use our comparator to find the best deals for Mario Kart 8 Deluxe.