Mario Kart 8 on the WiiU was an outstanding game, Mario Kart 8 Deluxe on the Nintendo Switch is a perfect game.
Normally I would re-publish my old review and add some extra notes about the refurbed edition, however the new Mario Kart 8 for Nintendo Switch is something different entirely. The Wii U was the little console that couldn’t, plagued my whining gamers who didn’t like the touch and feel of the gamepad, the console struggled to make its mark. It did however produce quality games with critical successes like Super Smash Bros., Donkey Kong Tropical Freeze, Splatoon, Captain Toad Treasure Tracker, Bayonetta 2 and Mario Kart 8.
Fortunately we are seeing some games get a remastered version for their brand new console the Nintendo Switch, and Mario Kart 8 Deluxe represents the first Wii U port to come to the new portable console. The Nintendo Switch has become Nintendo’s fastest selling console ever coming in at around 2.5 million in just under a month. A whole new generation is coming to Nintendo and enjoying the best racing game ever made.
Mario Kart 8 Deluxe is the latest instalment in a long line of kart racing games from Nintendo. Players can choose from a wide range of first party Nintendo characters and race them through some colourful Nintendo themed tracks. Apart from racing and placing first, there are also objects to collect and shoot at other racers along with power ups, it brings a whole new experience to the racing genre. Your kart may be fast and you may be skilled at sliding around corners to get the boost to be first, but if someone gets the horrid blue shell they can knock you out of first place.
The unique controls of the Nintendo Switch system make this the easiest version of Mario Kart to play. Wether you use the joycons and tilt controls, the handles attached to the tablet or the pro controller, the steering and reaction time to buttons if smooth and consistent regardless. As with most racing games, timing is everything and the unique controllers on the Switch system make it fun to play.
Using the Joy-Con controls as multiplayer makes this such a great game to play in remote locations. Taking my Switch to work on Saturday’s, break times became a joy involving the rest of the office in lunch time Tournaments. Online multiplayer is just as easy and straightforward as it was on the Wii U, although the lack and ease of being able to play easily with your online friends made it a little harder to play.
With gorgeous graphics, Amiibo support and utilising the unique controls of the Nintendo Switch, Mario Kart 8 Deluxe is a solid entry in the launch library for the new console. Nintendo Australia are holding Tournaments every Friday, Saturday and Sunday nights. Make sure you jump on to their Facebook page here to get the code to join and see me on most nights.
Mario Kart 8 Deluxe is available exclusively on the Nintendo Switch now.
