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Nintendo released a Version 4.0.0 Mario Kart 8 Deluxe patch with Switch 2 support and 8-player multiplayer. It is now available to download and install. The original Switch version of the game is largely unaffected by the updates. Like all other games on the Switch 2, the system will automatically download and install the patch if you’re connected to the Internet and you’ve turned on the Auto-Update Software setting. You’ll need to update to this patch if you want to play online, and if you want to play with friends, you’ll all need to have the same update version.
The big addition here is the increased up-to 8-player multiplayer capacity for the Switch 2 version of Mario Kart 8 Deluxe that allows for increased local play support on a single console and TV. Once you get the patch, you can have between five and eight people playing on the same console. Previously, it was limited to four. The only limitation is that at least one Joy-Con 2 or Switch 2 Pro Controller must be involved in the local session for this to work.
There is another multiplayer adjustment. If you are on a Switch 2 and playing the game online with GameChat, there is now CameraPlay support.
Aside from these Switch 2 specific updates, the 4.0.0 patch also increases “player speed during races by the equivalent of one coin,” buffs Boo, and adds 96 Races to the “VS Race” rule settings if you have the Booster Course Pass. This pass came out in 2022 and added 48 remastered courses from previous Mario Kart titles.
The full patch notes for Mario Kart 8 Deluxe version 4.0.0 were shared on the Nintendo website, and you can read them below:
Support for the Nintendo Switch 2 system
- Added support for the Nintendo Switch 2 display and high-resolution TVs, allowing for clearer visuals.
- Shortened the loading time before races and battles begin.
- Added support for 5–8 players in Multiplayer.
- You can connect up to seven Nintendo Switch controllers (Joy-Con or Nintendo Switch Pro Controllers) to the Nintendo Switch 2 system. In order to play with eight people, you need at least one Joy-Con 2 controller or a Nintendo Switch 2 Pro Controller.
- Added CameraPlay support.
- A USB camera (sold separately) is required to use CameraPlay.
- Players can turn camera ON or OFF in Multiplayer (2-4 players) and Online Play modes.
- In order to use a camera on the internet, players must participate in a GameChat session. The camera footage and microphone audio will be sent only to GameChat members.
- When the camera is ON, the player’s face is displayed during the race.
General
- Increased player speed during races by the equivalent of one coin.
- Players will not slow down while using Boo to become invisible, even when entering an offroad area.
- Players with access to the Mario Kart 8 Deluxe – Booster Course Pass will have “96 Races” added to the “VS Race” rule settings.
Mario Kart 8 Deluxe is available on the Switch and Switch 2.
