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{{About|the original game|the 2017 Nintendo Switch re-release|Mario Kart 8 Deluxe}}
{{Merge from|Mario Kart 8 Deluxe|Mario Kart 8 Deluxe – Booster Course Pass|date=November 2022|discuss=Talk:Mario Kart 8 Deluxe#Proposed merge of Mario Kart 8 Deluxe – Booster Course Pass and Mario Kart 8 Deluxe into Mario Kart 8}}
{{Short description|2014 video game}}
{{Short description|2014 video game}}
{{Use American English|date=November 2022}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=August 2021}}{{About|the original game|the 2017 Nintendo Switch re-release|Mario Kart 8 Deluxe}}{{Merge from|Mario Kart 8 Deluxe|Mario Kart 8 Deluxe – Booster Course Pass|date=November 2022|discuss=Talk:Mario Kart 8 Deluxe#Proposed merge of Mario Kart 8 Deluxe – Booster Course Pass and Mario Kart 8 Deluxe into Mario Kart 8}}{{Infobox video game
{{Use mdy dates|date=August 2021}}
{{Infobox video game
| image = MarioKart8Boxart.jpg
| image = MarioKart8Boxart.jpg
| caption = Cover art depicting [[Mario]], [[Luigi]], [[Princess Peach]], and [[Bowser]]
| caption = Cover art depicting [[Mario]], [[Luigi]], [[Princess Peach]], and [[Bowser]]
| developer = [[Nintendo EAD]]{{efn|Additional work by [[Bandai Namco Studios]]}}
| developer = {{ubl|[[Nintendo EAD]]{{efn|Additional work by [[Bandai Namco Studios]]|name=Bamco}}|[[Nintendo EPD]]{{efn|name=Bamco}}{{efn|''Deluxe'' only|name=DX}}}}
| publisher = [[Nintendo]]
| publisher = [[Nintendo]]
| director = Kosuke Yabuki
| director = {{ubl|Kosuke Yabuki|Yusuke Shiraiwa{{efn|name=DX}}}}
| producer = {{Unbulleted list|[[Hideki Konno]]|Yasuyuki Oyagi}}
| producer = {{ubl|[[Hideki Konno]]|Yasuyuki Oyagi|Kosuke Yabuki{{efn|name=DX}}}}
| designer =
| designer =
| programmer = Yusuke Shiraiwa
| programmer = Yusuke Shiraiwa
| artist = Masaaki Ishikawa
| artist = {{ubl|Masaaki Ishikawa|Masahiro Kawanishi{{efn|name=DX}}}}
| composer = {{Unbulleted list|Shiho Fujii|Atsuko Asahi|Ryo Nagamatsu|Yasuaki Iwata}}
| composer = {{Unbulleted list|Shiho Fujii|Atsuko Asahi|Ryo Nagamatsu|Yasuaki Iwata|Kenta Nagata{{efn|name=DX}}}}
| series = ''[[Mario Kart]]''
| series = ''[[Mario Kart]]''
| platforms = [[Wii U]]
| platforms = {{ubl|[[Wii U]]|[[Nintendo Switch]]}}
| released = {{Video game release|JP|May 29, 2014|WW|May 30, 2014}}
| released = '''Wii U''' {{Video game release|JP|May 29, 2014|WW|May 30, 2014}}
'''Switch''' {{Video game release|WW|April 28, 2017}}
| genre = [[Kart racing game|Kart racing]]
| genre = [[Kart racing game|Kart racing]]
| modes = [[Single-player]], [[multiplayer]]
| modes = [[Single-player]], [[multiplayer]]
| title = Mario Kart 8
}}
}}


{{nihongo foot|'''''Mario Kart 8'''''|マリオカート8|Mario Kāto Eito|lead=yes|group=lower-alpha}} is a [[kart racing game|kart racing]] [[video game]] developed and published by [[Nintendo]] for the [[Wii U]] in May 2014. It retains ''[[Mario Kart]]'' series [[game mechanics]], where players control [[Mario (franchise)|''Mario'' franchise]] characters in [[kart racing]], collecting a variety of [[Item (gaming)|items]] to hinder opponents or gain advantages in the race. ''Mario Kart 8'' introduces [[anti-gravity]] driving on walls or ceilings, and allows players to bump into each other for a short boost. It has [[single-player]] and [[multiplayer]] modes, including online via the [[Nintendo Network]].
{{nihongo foot|'''''Mario Kart 8'''''|マリオカート8|Mario Kāto Eito|lead=yes|group=lower-alpha}} is a 2014 [[kart racing game]] developed and published by [[Nintendo]] for the [[Wii U]]. It features the ''[[Mario Kart]]'' series' [[game mechanics]], in which players drive [[go-kart]]s using ''[[Mario (franchise)|Mario]]'' franchise characters in various [[kart racing|race]] formats. [[Item (gaming)|Items]] placed along the course may be used to hinder opponents or gain advantages in the race. ''Mario Kart 8'' introduces [[anti-gravity]] driving on walls or ceilings, and allows players to bump into each other for a short boost. It features [[Single-player video game|single-player]] and [[Multiplayer video game|multiplayer]] gameplay, as well as online multiplayer. The game was a critical success. Critics praised its new additions and courses, as well as its graphics and soundtrack. However, they criticized its limited battle mode. Since its release on May 29, 2014, ''Mario Kart 8'' has sold over 8 million units, and is the [[List of best-selling Wii U video games|best-selling Wii U game]]. Post-release, ''Mario Kart 8'' has recieved several [[Software Updates|software updates]] and [[downloadable content]], including additional characters, courses, and vehicles.


On April 28, 2017, Nintendo released {{nihongo foot|'''''Mario Kart 8 Deluxe'''''|マリオカート8 デラックス|Mario Kāto Eito Derakkusu|group=lower-alpha}}, an expanded [[re-release]] of ''Mario Kart 8'' for the [[Nintendo Switch]]. ''Deluxe'' features a revamped battle mode, including five sub-modes. After launch, ''Deluxe'' received several software updates, including the ''Booster Course Pass'', a downloadable season pass which features 48 additional courses split into six waves set to be released by the end of 2023. Since its release, ''Deluxe'' has sold over 48 million units, making it the [[List of best-selling Nintendo Switch video games|best-selling Nintendo Switch game]] and one of the [[List of best-selling video games|best-selling games of all time]]. ''Deluxe'' was critically acclaimed, with many reviewers calling it the best ''Mario Kart'' game or one of the best racing games, though some criticized the lack of new content.
''Mario Kart 8'' was a critical and commercial success. Critics praised its new additions, tracks, graphics, gameplay, and orchestrated soundtrack, but criticized its limited battle mode. It is the [[List of best-selling Wii U video games|best-selling Wii U game]], with more than eight million copies sold worldwide. Nintendo continued to release [[Patch (computing)|patches]] and [[downloadable content]], including additional characters, vehicles, and tracks, and support for Nintendo's [[Amiibo]] figurines. ''[[Mario Kart 8 Deluxe]]'', an enhanced version for the [[Nintendo Switch]], was released in April 2017.


== Gameplay ==
== Gameplay ==
{{See also|Mario Kart#Gameplay|l1=Gameplay in the Mario Kart series}}
{{See also|Mario Kart#Gameplay|label 1=Gameplay of ''Mario Kart''}}
[[File:MK8 Mario Circuit.jpg|thumb|left|Anti-gravity racing introduced in ''Mario Kart 8'']]
[[File:MK8 Mario Circuit.jpg|thumb|left|Anti-gravity racing introduced in ''Mario Kart 8'']]
''Mario Kart 8'' is a [[kart racing game|kart racing video game]]; players control characters from the ''[[Mario (franchise)|Mario]]'' universe to race in [[go-kart]]s around a course. They may hinder their opponents or improve their performance using [[power-up]]s found in item boxes throughout the course.<ref name="kotaku">{{Cite web |last=Fahey |first=Mike |date=2017-04-28 |title=''Mario Kart 8 Deluxe'': The ''Kotaku'' Review |url=https://kotaku.com/mario-kart-8-deluxe-the-kotaku-review-1794746789 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220607175432/https://kotaku.com/mario-kart-8-deluxe-the-kotaku-review-1794746789 |archive-date=2022-06-07 |access-date=2022-11-07 |website=[[Kotaku]] |publisher=[[Univision Communications]] |language=en}}</ref> It includes four different difficulties, each differing in speed, which may be selected before the race.<ref name="USG">{{cite web |last=Williams |first=Mike |date=2017-04-20 |title=''Mario Kart 8 Deluxe'' Review |url=https://www.usgamer.net/articles/mario-kart-8-deluxe-review |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200804084208/https://www.usgamer.net/articles/mario-kart-8-deluxe-review |archive-date=2020-08-04 |access-date=2022-11-07 |website=[[USgamer]] |publisher=[[Gamer Network]]}}</ref><ref name="HCG">{{cite web |last=Swalley |first=Kirstin |date=2017-05-02 |title=Review: ''Mario Kart 8 Deluxe'' |url=https://hardcoregamer.com/2017/05/02/review-mario-kart-8-deluxe/256082/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200317165811/https://hardcoregamer.com/2017/05/02/review-mario-kart-8-deluxe/256082/ |archive-date=2020-03-17 |access-date=2022-11-07 |website=Hardcore Gamer |publisher=[[DoubleJump Publishing]]}}</ref> "Mirror Mode" horizontally inverts all courses.<ref name="GI">{{cite magazine |last=Shea |first=Brian |date=2017-04-20 |title=''Mario Kart 8 Deluxe'' |url=https://www.gameinformer.com/games/mario_kart_8_deluxe/b/switch/archive/2017/04/20/mario-kart-8-deluxe-game-informer-review.aspx |url-status=live |magazine=[[Game Informer]] |publisher=[[GameStop]] |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170708092747/http://www.gameinformer.com/games/mario_kart_8_deluxe/b/switch/archive/2017/04/20/mario-kart-8-deluxe-game-informer-review.aspx |archive-date=2017-07-08 |access-date=2022-11-07}}</ref> Returning features from previous installments include [[motorbike]]s and 12-player racing from ''[[Mario Kart Wii]]'', as well as [[hang glider]]s, underwater racing and vehicle customization from ''[[Mario Kart 7]]''.<ref name="TG">{{cite web |last=Webber |first=Jordan Erica |date=2017-04-20 |title=''Mario Kart 8 Deluxe'' review: the best, most versatile game in the series |url=https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2017/apr/20/mario-kart-8-deluxe-review-nintendo-switch |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200920200333/https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2017/apr/20/mario-kart-8-deluxe-review-nintendo-switch |archive-date=2020-09-20 |access-date=2022-11-07 |website=[[The Guardian]] |publisher=[[Guardian Media Group]]}}</ref><ref name="PG">{{cite web |last=Mundy |first=Jon |date=2017-04-24 |title=''Mario Kart 8 Deluxe'' review – A kart racer with infinite variables |url=https://www.pocketgamer.com/articles/073753/mario-kart-8-deluxe-review-a-kart-racer-with-infinite-variables/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200807184553/https://www.pocketgamer.com/articles/073753/mario-kart-8-deluxe-review-a-kart-racer-with-infinite-variables/ |archive-date=2020-08-07 |access-date=2022-11-07 |website=[[Pocket Gamer]] |publisher=[[Steel Media]]}}</ref> Up to four players can play together on a single system, up to eight can play together through a local wireless connection, and up to twelve can play together via online multiplayer.<ref name=HCG /><ref name=EZA />
Like other ''[[Mario Kart]]'' games, ''Mario Kart 8'' sees characters from the ''[[Mario (franchise)|Mario]]'' universe race in [[go-kart]]s, attempting to hinder their opponents or improve their performance using [[power-up]]s found in item boxes. It includes four different difficulties, each differing in speed, which can be selected before beginning the race to challenge players. Returning features from previous installments include [[motorbike]]s and 12-player racing from ''[[Mario Kart Wii]]'', as well as [[hang glider]]s, underwater racing and vehicle customization from ''[[Mario Kart 7]]''.


New features include [[anti-gravity]] racing, in which certain parts of a track can allow racers to drive on walls and ceilings.<ref name="MK8 at Engadget" /> During these sections, players can bump into other racers or special bumpers to trigger a Spin Boost, which gives them an extra speed boost. New characters include the [[Koopalings]] and Pink Gold [[Princess Peach|Peach]]. In addition to karts and motorbikes, the game also includes [[All-terrain vehicle|ATVs]]. There are four new items: the [[Boomerang]] Flower, which can be thrown to attack players, the [[Piranha Plant]], which attacks nearby racers and obstacles and provides a speed boost, the Crazy Eight, which gives the user eight different items, and the Super Horn, which can be used both to attack nearby opponents and defend against items, including the previously nearly unavoidable [[Blue shell|Spiny Shell]].<ref name="Mario Kart 8 Direct April 30, 2014" /><ref name="Mario Kart 8 – More New Features Trailer" /> The game features 32 tracks spread across eight cups, with an additional 16 tracks later released as [[downloadable content]] (DLC) in four additional cups.
The signature new feature of ''Mario Kart 8'' is [[anti-gravity]] racing, in which certain parts of a course allow racers to drive on walls and ceilings.<ref name="MK8 at Engadget" /> In these sections, players who collide with other racers or special bumpers will trigger a speed boost. New characters include the [[Koopalings]] and Pink Gold [[Princess Peach|Peach]]. In addition to karts and motorbikes, the game also includes [[all-terrain vehicle]]s. There are four new items: the [[Boomerang]] Flower, which can be thrown to attack players; the [[Piranha Plant]], which attacks nearby racers and obstacles and provides a speed boost; the Crazy Eight, which gives the user eight different items; and the Super Horn, which can be used both to attack nearby opponents and defend against items, including the previously nearly unavoidable [[Blue shell|Spiny Shell]].<ref name="Mario Kart 8 Direct April 30, 2014" /><ref name="Mario Kart 8 – More New Features Trailer" />{{Non-primary source needed|date=November 2022}} The game features 32 courses spread across eight cups, with an additional 16 courses later released as [[downloadable content]] (DLC) in four additional cups.{{cn}}


=== ''Mario Kart 8 Deluxe'' ===
Along with local multiplayer, ''Mario Kart 8'' supports online multiplayer with up to twelve players and [[Voice chat in online gaming|voice chat]] outside of races; however, voice chat is only available with friends online. Before Nintendo's [[Miiverse]] social network was discontinued on November 7, 2017, players could set up tournaments with customizable rules and schedules, post race videos there, and earn [[rubber stamp|art stamps]] for decorating Miiverse messages by beating staff times and completing [[Grand Prix motor racing|Grand Prix]] races. Miiverse features have been removed from the game, although downloading [[Glossary of video game terms#Ghost|ghost]] data from friends or top players is still possible.
''Mario Kart 8 Deluxe'' included all [[downloadable content]] (DLC) for ''Mario Kart 8'', including characters, courses, and vehicle components, into a single product for [[Nintendo Switch]].<ref name="IGN">{{cite web |last=Otero |first=Jose |date=2017-04-20 |title=''Mario Kart 8 Deluxe'' Review |url=http://www.ign.com/articles/2017/04/20/mario-kart-8-deluxe-review |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210422025216/http://www.ign.com/articles/2017/04/20/mario-kart-8-deluxe-review |archive-date=2021-04-22 |access-date=2022-11-07 |website=[[IGN]] |publisher=[[Ziff Davis]]}}</ref><ref name="GI" /> These features are accessible upon first starting the game, without the need to be unlocked.<ref name="SN">{{cite web |last=Watts |first=Steve |date=2017-04-20 |title=''Mario Kart 8 Deluxe'' Review: Switch Gears |url=https://www.shacknews.com/article/99743/mario-kart-8-deluxe-review-switch-gears |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200325041642/https://www.shacknews.com/article/99743/mario-kart-8-deluxe-review-switch-gears |archive-date=2020-03-25 |access-date=2022-11-07 |website=[[Shacknews]] |publisher=Gamerhub}}</ref> In addition to previous DLC, several new characters are introduced in ''Deluxe'', including the [[Inkling (Splatoon)|Inklings]] from ''[[Splatoon]]'', [[Bowser Jr.]], [[Dry Bones (character)|Dry Bones]], and [[King boo|King Boo]].<ref name="NLife">{{cite web |last=Whitehead |first=Thomas |date=2017-04-20 |title=''Mario Kart 8 Deluxe'' for Nintendo Switch review |url=https://www.nintendolife.com/reviews/nintendo-switch/mario_kart_8_deluxe |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170421120747/http://www.nintendolife.com/reviews/nintendo-switch/mario_kart_8_deluxe |archive-date=2017-04-21 |access-date=2022-11-07 |website=[[Nintendo Life]] |publisher=Hookshot Media}}</ref><ref name="EGM">{{cite web |last=Schaefer |first=Emma |date=2017-05-01 |title=''Mario Kart 8 Deluxe'' review |url=https://egmnow.com/mario-kart-8-deluxe-review/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210919105840/https://egmnow.com/mario-kart-8-deluxe-review/ |archive-date=2021-09-19 |access-date=2022-11-07 |website=[[Electronic Gaming Monthly]]}}</ref> Other notable changes to the gameplay include being able to be hold two items at once,<ref name="EuroG">{{cite web |last=Robinson |first=Martin |date=2017-04-21 |title=''Mario Kart 8 Deluxe'' review |url=https://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2017-04-21-mario-kart-8-deluxe-review |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200722184758/https://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2017-04-21-mario-kart-8-deluxe-review |archive-date=2020-07-22 |access-date=2022-11-07 |website=[[Eurogamer]] |publisher=[[Gamer Network]]}}</ref><ref name="GRadar">{{cite web |last=Schilling |first=Chris |date=2017-04-20 |title=''Mario Kart 8 Deluxe'' review |url=http://www.gamesradar.com/mario-kart-8-review/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220228061420/https://www.gamesradar.com/mario-kart-8-review/ |archive-date=2022-02-28 |access-date=2022-11-07 |website=[[GamesRadar+]] |publisher=[[Future plc]]}}</ref> and [[accessibility]] features to assist newer players, such as auto-acceleration or smart steering, which prevents players from veering off course.<ref name="NLife" /><ref name="GI" /> ''Deluxe'' also reintroduces the [[Boo (character)|Boo]] item, which allows the player to steal another opponent's item and then temporarily become invisible.<ref name="Destruct">{{cite web |last=Carter |first=Chris |date=2017-04-20 |title=''Mario Kart 8 Deluxe'' review |url=https://www.destructoid.com/review-mario-kart-8-deluxe-430414.phtml |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170421062407/https://www.destructoid.com/review-mario-kart-8-deluxe-430414.phtml |archive-date=2017-04-21 |access-date=2022-11-07 |website=[[Destructoid]] |publisher=[[Gamurs]]}}</ref><ref name="HCG" /> In ''Deluxe''<nowiki/>'s ''Booster Course Pass'', several courses have differing layouts in every lap, condensing multiple variations of a course into one.<ref name="DestructoidWave1">{{Cite web |last=Andriessen |first=CJ |date=2022-03-21 |title=''Mario Kart 8 Deluxe Booster Course Pass'' Wave 1 reviewed and ranked |url=https://www.destructoid.com/reviews/mario-kart-8-deluxe-booster-course-pass-wave-1-reviewed/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221008173805/https://www.destructoid.com/reviews/mario-kart-8-deluxe-booster-course-pass-wave-1-reviewed/ |archive-date=2022-10-08 |access-date=2022-10-06 |website=[[Destructoid]] |publisher=[[Gamurs]] |language=en-CA}}</ref>


[[File:Renegade Roundup.webp|thumb|300x300px|In Renegade Roundup, the authority player [[Bowser Jr.]] (''left''), using a [[Piranha Plant]], aims to capture [[Isabelle (Animal Crossing)|Isabelle]] (''right''), who is trying to free her captured renegade teammates from a cage by driving over a key switch.|alt=Two characters in split-screen view on a concrete surface. On the left is Bowser Jr., a yellow turtle-like creature with a spiked green shell who is riding in a small circular car. In front of him is a Piranha Plant, a venus flytrap-like creature with a white-spotted red head. On the right is Isabelle, a humanoid yellow dog on a motorbike. Isabelle is driving towards a blue switch with a key icon placed below a yellow and blue cage. In the center of the screen is a minimap displaying the characters' location in the course.]]
''Mario Kart 8'' is compatible with the [[Wii U GamePad]], [[Wii Remote]] and [[Wii Remote#Nunchuk|Nunchuk]], [[Wii U Pro Controller]], [[Classic Controller|Wii Classic Controller]], and [[Wii Remote#Wii Wheel|Wii Wheel]].<ref name="Direct" />
The largest addition in ''Mario Kart 8 Deluxe'' is the updated battle mode. ''Deluxe'' includes five new battle mode-exclusive courses, and three battle courses adapted from previous entries in the ''Mario Kart'' series. These battle courses are designed specifically for the mode, featuring layouts that allow for easier item play, rather than repurposing standard race courses like ''Mario Kart 8''.<ref name="GSpot2">{{cite web |last=Plagge |first=Kallie |date=2017-04-20 |title=''Mario Kart 8 Deluxe'' Review |url=https://www.gamespot.com/reviews/mario-kart-8-deluxe-review/1900-6416660/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170724000318/https://www.gamespot.com/reviews/mario-kart-8-deluxe-review/1900-6416660/ |archive-date=2017-07-24 |access-date=2022-11-07 |website=[[GameSpot]] |publisher=[[Red Ventures]]}}</ref> The Feather item, reintroduced from previous entries in the series, is exclusive to this mode and allows the player to get a small boost in height when it is activated.<ref name="GRadar2">{{cite web |last=Schilling |first=Chris |date=2017-04-20 |title=''Mario Kart 8 Deluxe'' review |url=http://www.gamesradar.com/mario-kart-8-review/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220228061420/https://www.gamesradar.com/mario-kart-8-review/ |archive-date=2022-02-28 |access-date=2022-11-07 |website=[[GamesRadar+]] |publisher=[[Future plc]]}}</ref><ref name="Destruct2">{{cite web |last=Carter |first=Chris |date=2017-04-20 |title=''Mario Kart 8 Deluxe'' review |url=https://www.destructoid.com/review-mario-kart-8-deluxe-430414.phtml |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170421062407/https://www.destructoid.com/review-mario-kart-8-deluxe-430414.phtml |archive-date=2017-04-21 |access-date=2022-11-07 |website=[[Destructoid]] |publisher=[[Gamurs]]}}</ref> There are five rulesets in battle mode.<ref name="IGN2">{{cite web |last=Otero |first=Jose |date=2017-04-20 |title=''Mario Kart 8 Deluxe'' Review |url=http://www.ign.com/articles/2017/04/20/mario-kart-8-deluxe-review |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210422025216/http://www.ign.com/articles/2017/04/20/mario-kart-8-deluxe-review |archive-date=2021-04-22 |access-date=2022-11-07 |website=[[IGN]] |publisher=[[Ziff Davis]]}}</ref> In Balloon Battle, players use items to destroy each others' balloons.<ref name="IGN2" /> Unlike in previous incarnations, the mode is point-based rather than [[Last man standing (video games)|last-man-standing]], meaning that the winner is whoever destroys the most balloons before the match ends.<ref name="GSpot2" /><ref name="GTM2">{{cite magazine |date=May 2017 |title=''Mario Kart 8 Deluxe'' |magazine=[[GamesTM]] |publisher=[[Future plc|Future Publishing]] |issue=187 |page=68 |pages=}}</ref><ref name="USG2">{{cite web |last=Williams |first=Mike |date=2017-04-20 |title=''Mario Kart 8 Deluxe'' Review |url=https://www.usgamer.net/articles/mario-kart-8-deluxe-review |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200804084208/https://www.usgamer.net/articles/mario-kart-8-deluxe-review |archive-date=2020-08-04 |access-date=2022-11-07 |website=[[USgamer]] |publisher=[[Gamer Network]]}}</ref> Bob-omb Blast is a variation of Balloon Battle with all the items replaced with bombs.<ref name="GSpot2" /><ref name="NLife-DX" /><ref name="GI2" /> In Shine Thief, players must maintain control of the [[Shine Sprite]] for as long as possible;<ref name="EuroG2">{{cite web |last=Robinson |first=Martin |date=2017-04-21 |title=''Mario Kart 8 Deluxe'' review |url=https://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2017-04-21-mario-kart-8-deluxe-review |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200722184758/https://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2017-04-21-mario-kart-8-deluxe-review |archive-date=2020-07-22 |access-date=2022-11-07 |website=[[Eurogamer]] |publisher=[[Gamer Network]]}}</ref> the player or team who possesses it for the longest wins.<ref name="GI2">{{cite magazine |last=Shea |first=Brian |date=2017-04-20 |title=''Mario Kart 8 Deluxe'' |url=https://www.gameinformer.com/games/mario_kart_8_deluxe/b/switch/archive/2017/04/20/mario-kart-8-deluxe-game-informer-review.aspx |url-status=live |magazine=[[Game Informer]] |publisher=[[GameStop]] |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170708092747/http://www.gameinformer.com/games/mario_kart_8_deluxe/b/switch/archive/2017/04/20/mario-kart-8-deluxe-game-informer-review.aspx |archive-date=2017-07-08 |access-date=2022-11-07}}</ref><ref name="NLife-DX">{{Cite web |last=Whitehead |first=Thomas |date=2017-04-15 |title=Preview: Battle Mode is Back On Form in ''Mario Kart 8 Deluxe'' |url=https://www.nintendolife.com/news/2017/04/preview_battle_mode_is_back_on_form_in_mario_kart_8_deluxe |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170619065636/https://www.nintendolife.com/news/2017/04/preview_battle_mode_is_back_on_form_in_mario_kart_8_deluxe |archive-date=2017-06-19 |access-date=2022-11-09 |website=[[Nintendo Life]] |publisher=Hookshot Media |language=en-GB}}</ref><ref name="PCM">{{Cite web |last=Greenwald |first=Will |date=2017-04-21 |title=''Mario Kart 8 Deluxe'' (for Nintendo Switch) Review |url=https://www.pcmag.com/reviews/mario-kart-8-deluxe-for-nintendo-switch |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220608153542/https://www.pcmag.com/reviews/mario-kart-8-deluxe-for-nintendo-switch |archive-date=2022-06-08 |access-date=2022-11-15 |website=[[PCMag]] |publisher=[[Ziff Davis]] |language=en}}</ref> In Coin Runners, players scavenge coins from around the course and steal them from other players, aiming to have the biggest hoard.<ref name="IGN2" /><ref name="USG2" /><ref name="NLife-DX" /> The final mode is Renegade Roundup, which involves a team of "renegades" trying to avoid the "authorities" armed with [[Piranha Plant]]s, which takes inspiration from the children's game "[[Tag (game)#Cops and robbers|cops and robbers]]".<ref name="EuroG2" /><ref name="NLife-DX" /> Renegades may free their captured teammates by driving over switches under the cages controlled by the authorities.<ref name="NLife-DX" /><ref name="IGN2" /><ref name="TG2">{{cite web |last=Webber |first=Jordan Erica |date=2017-04-20 |title=''Mario Kart 8 Deluxe'' review: the best, most versatile game in the series |url=https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2017/apr/20/mario-kart-8-deluxe-review-nintendo-switch |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200920200333/https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2017/apr/20/mario-kart-8-deluxe-review-nintendo-switch |archive-date=2020-09-20 |access-date=2022-11-07 |website=[[The Guardian]] |publisher=[[Guardian Media Group]]}}</ref><ref name="USG2" />


== Development ==
== Marketing and release ==
[[File:Wii U Console and Gamepad.png|thumb|''Mario Kart 8'' released exclusively for the [[Wii U]]]]
Initially confirmed in a January 2013 [[Nintendo Direct]] presentation, ''Mario Kart 8'' was unveiled at [[E3 2013]]. Some members of [[Bandai Namco Games]] received special thanks in the credits.<ref name="Bandai MK8" /> The "8" in the logo was designed to resemble a [[Möbius strip]], as was Mario Circuit, one of the courses.<ref name="Direct" /> Early in development, the idea of using a drill to penetrate the ground was considered but was quickly discarded for not being as interesting as anti-gravity.<ref name="Hideki Konno, MK8, MTV interview" />[[File:E3 2013 (9020973991).jpg|thumb|A replica of the standard kart seen in ''Mario Kart 8'' at [[E3 2013]]|left]]Nintendo's launch promotions of ''Mario Kart 8'' include a Limited Edition with a Spiny Shell figurine; and special [[Mario]] and [[Luigi]] themed console bundles, with a hat, strategy guide, Wii Remote Plus controller, Wii Wheel, and GamePad protector.<ref name="MK8 bundles at MCVUK" /> In North America, Europe, and Australia, players who purchased and registered ''Mario Kart 8'' on [[Club Nintendo]] before July 31, 2014, received a free download code for a selected Wii U game.<ref name="MK8, free game at MCVUK" /><ref name="MK8, free game at Siliconera" /> As part of a promotional campaign with [[Mercedes-Benz]], Mario, Luigi, and Peach were featured in a series of Japanese commercials for the [[Mercedes-Benz GLA]], and three karts based on past and present Mercedes-Benz vehicles were added as part of a downloadable update on August 27, 2014.<ref name="IGN-Update1" /><ref name="MK8 Mercedes, IGN" /><ref name="MK8 Mercedes, Gamespot" /> In 2014, [[fast food]] company [[McDonald's]] released [[Happy Meal]]-branded toys based on the characters and karts.<ref>{{cite web |last=Pereira |first=Chris |date=June 17, 2014 |title=Mario Kart 8 Toys to Come With McDonald's Happy Meals |url=http://www.gamespot.com/articles/mario-kart-8-toys-to-come-with-mcdonald-s-happy-meals/1100-6420547/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150205093751/http://www.gamespot.com/articles/mario-kart-8-toys-to-come-with-mcdonald-s-happy-meals/1100-6420547/ |archive-date=February 5, 2015 |access-date=April 1, 2015 |website=[[GameSpot]]}}</ref> A soundtrack album containing 68 tracks from the game was made available as an exclusive reward available to [[Club Nintendo]] members shortly preceding the service's discontinuation in 2015.<ref>{{cite web |date=July 27, 2015 |title=Mario Kart 8 Soundtrack CD Club Nintendo Reward Powerslides Into View |url=http://www.nintendolife.com/news/2015/07/mario_kart_8_soundtrack_cd_club_nintendo_reward_powerslides_into_view |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180612141419/http://www.nintendolife.com/news/2015/07/mario_kart_8_soundtrack_cd_club_nintendo_reward_powerslides_into_view |archive-date=June 12, 2018 |access-date=June 7, 2018 |website=Nintendo Life}}</ref>


Game updates added new features and [[user experience]] improvements, such as support for [[Amiibo]] figurines, a 200cc difficulty setting, player statistics, and additional [[Mii]] outfits.<ref name="Amiibo at TheVerge" /><ref>{{Cite web |last=McWhertor |first=Michael |date=2015-04-01 |title=Mario Kart 8 is getting a 200cc speed boost in a free update |url=https://www.polygon.com/2015/4/1/8328223/mario-kart-8-200cc-speed-boost-update |access-date=2022-11-21 |website=Polygon}}</ref><ref name="IGN-Update1" /> Two paid DLC packs added characters, vehicles, and courses to the game. Some characters and courses are based on other [[List of Nintendo franchises|Nintendo franchises]], including [[Link (The Legend of Zelda)|Link]] (''[[The Legend of Zelda]]''), [[Isabelle (Animal Crossing)|Isabelle]] and [[Villager (Animal Crossing)|Villager]] (''[[Animal Crossing]]''), Mute City and Big Blue (''[[F-Zero]]''), and Excitebike Arena (''[[Excitebike]]''), a first for the ''Mario Kart'' series.<ref name="Franchises coming to MK8" /><ref name="Yoshi different color" /><ref>{{Cite web |title=New Mario Kart 8 DLC is racing to your Wii U! |url=https://play.nintendo.com/news-tips/news/new-mario-kart-8-dlc-racing-your-wii-u/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141208065114/https://play.nintendo.com/news-tips/news/new-mario-kart-8-dlc-racing-your-wii-u/ |archive-date=2014-12-08 |access-date=2022-11-21 |website=Nintendo.com}}</ref>
Initially confirmed in a January 2013 [[Nintendo Direct]] presentation, ''Mario Kart 8'' was unveiled at [[E3 2013]]. Some members of [[Bandai Namco Games]] received special thanks in the credits.<ref name="Bandai MK8" /> The "8" in the logo was designed to resemble a [[Möbius strip]], as was Mario Circuit, one of the tracks.<ref name="Direct" /> Early in development, the idea of using a drill to penetrate the ground was considered but was quickly discarded for not being as interesting as anti-gravity.<ref name="Hideki Konno, MK8, MTV interview" />


=== ''Mario Kart 8 Deluxe'' ===
New features and enhancements were added via game updates. The first update, released in August 2014, included rearranged post-race options, an optional course map, a player statistics screen, and improved online stability.<ref name="IGN-Update1" /> The second update, released in November 2014, added support for Nintendo's [[Amiibo]] figures, allowing players to unlock Mii racing outfits based on other Nintendo characters.<ref name="Amiibo at TheVerge" /> The third update, released in April 2015, added a new extra-fast 200cc difficulty class, a first for the series, and additional racing suits unlockable via Amiibo.
[[File:Nintendo-Switch-wJoyCons-BlRd-Standing-FL.jpg|thumb|''Mario Kart 8 Deluxe'' was announced alongside and exclusively released for the [[Nintendo Switch]], a [[hybrid console]] that allows for both [[Handheld game console|handheld]] and [[Home video game console|docked]] play.|alt=The Nintendo Switch in handheld mode. The center tablet is black, and attached on both sides are Joy-Con controllers. The left Joy-Con is blue, with several buttons. The right Joy-Con is red, with several other buttons.]]
After initially being teased alongside the Nintendo Switch's announcement in October 2016,<ref>{{Cite web |last=Dornbush |first=Jonathon |date=2016-10-20 |title=What's New in ''Splatoon'' and ''Mario Kart'' for Nintendo Switch |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2016/10/20/whats-new-in-splatoon-and-mario-kart-for-nintendo-switch |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220907140752/https://www.ign.com/articles/2016/10/20/whats-new-in-splatoon-and-mario-kart-for-nintendo-switch |archive-date=2022-09-07 |access-date=2022-11-09 |website=[[IGN]] |publisher=[[Ziff Davis]] |language=en}}</ref> ''Mario Kart 8 Deluxe'' was formally revealed at the Nintendo Switch Presentation on January 12, 2017.<ref name="USG-DX">{{Cite web |last=Williams |first=Mike |date=2017-01-13 |title=''Mario Kart 8 Deluxe'' Not A Switch Launch Game, Coming April 28 |url=https://www.usgamer.net/articles/mario-kart-8-deluxe-not-a-switch-launch-game-coming-april-28 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220729233839/https://www.usgamer.net/articles/mario-kart-8-deluxe-not-a-switch-launch-game-coming-april-28 |archive-date=2022-07-29 |access-date=2022-11-09 |website=[[USgamer]] |publisher=[[Gamer Network]]}}</ref> The trailer showcased mechanics such as Smart Steering and crossover elements from the ''Splatoon'' series<ref name="IGN-Splatoon">{{Cite web |last=Plagge |first=Kallie |date=2017-01-12 |title=''Mario Kart 8 Deluxe'' Confirmed for Nintendo Switch |url=https://www.gamespot.com/articles/mario-kart-8-deluxe-confirmed-for-nintendo-switch/1100-6446903/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220907141641/http://www.gamespot.com/articles/mario-kart-8-deluxe-confirmed-for-nintendo-switch/1100-6446903/ |archive-date=2022-09-07 |access-date=2022-11-09 |website=[[GameSpot]] |publisher=[[Red Ventures]] |language=en-US}}</ref>—additional crossovers with ''[[The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild]]'' would be added in an update post-launch.<ref>{{Cite web |last=McWhertor |first=Michael |date=2018-07-19 |title=''Mario Kart 8 Deluxe'' update adds Link from ''Breath of the Wild'' |url=https://www.polygon.com/2018/7/19/17593958/mario-kart-8-deluxe-update-link-zelda-breath-of-the-wild-nintendo-switch |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221020094545/https://www.polygon.com/2018/7/19/17593958/mario-kart-8-deluxe-update-link-zelda-breath-of-the-wild-nintendo-switch |archive-date=2022-10-20 |access-date=2022-11-09 |website=[[Polygon (website)|Polygon]] |publisher=[[Vox Media]] |language=en-US}}</ref> The release date was set for April 28, 2017, shortly after the Switch's March 3 launch.<ref name="IGN-Splatoon"/><ref name="USG-DX" /> Nintendo also announced a [[steering wheel]] accessory for the Switch [[Joy-Con]] controller to allow for [[motion controller|motion-controlled steering]].<ref>{{Cite web |last=Copeland |first=Wesley |date=2017-01-13 |title=Nintendo Switch Steering Wheel Accessory Shown Off |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2017/01/13/nintendo-switch-steering-wheel-accessory-shown-off |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220907141129/http://www.ign.com/articles/2017/01/13/nintendo-switch-steering-wheel-accessory-shown-off |archive-date=2022-09-07 |access-date=2022-11-09 |website=[[IGN]] |publisher=[[Ziff Davis]] |language=en-GB}}</ref> An overview trailer revealed details about the game's battle mode including several battle mode-exclusive courses, as well as the return of the Shine Thief mode from ''[[Mario Kart: Double Dash]]''.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Whitehead |first=Thomas |date=2017-03-10 |title=Video: ''Mario Kart 8 Deluxe'' Overview Trailer Shows Off Shine Thief and Lots of Footage |url=https://www.nintendolife.com/news/2017/03/video_mario_kart_8_deluxe_overview_trailer_shows_off_shine_thief_and_lots_of_footage |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171224010506/http://www.nintendolife.com:80/news/2017/03/video_mario_kart_8_deluxe_overview_trailer_shows_off_shine_thief_and_lots_of_footage |archive-date=2017-12-24 |access-date=2022-11-09 |website=[[Nintendo Life]] |publisher=Hookshot Media |language=en-GB}}</ref> After the release of the trailer, several [[internet meme]]s circulated surrounding [[Donkey Kong (character)|Donkey Kong]] appearing to perform a celebratory [[Dab (dance)|dab]].<ref>{{Cite web |last=Alexander |first=Julia |date=2017-03-10 |title=Donkey Kong dabbing returns in new ''Mario Kart 8 Deluxe'' overview trailer |url=https://www.polygon.com/2017/3/10/14880388/donkey-kong-dab-mario-kart-8-deluxe-trailer |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220418150310/https://www.polygon.com/2017/3/10/14880388/donkey-kong-dab-mario-kart-8-deluxe-trailer |archive-date=2022-04-18 |access-date=2022-11-09 |website=[[Polygon (website)|Polygon]] |publisher=[[Vox Media]] |language=en-US}}</ref>


Shortly after launch, Nintendo released a [[Patch (computing)|software update]] that changed one of the victory gestures done by the Inkling Girl. Prior to the update, the Inkling Girl performed a gesture that consisted of placing her hand on a flexed [[Biceps|bicep]] and pumping her fist into the air.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Frank |first=Allegra |date=2017-05-18 |title=''Mario Kart 8 Deluxe'' patch edits out obscene gesture |url=https://www.polygon.com/2017/5/18/15658198/mario-kart-8-deluxe-version-1-1-patch-notes-inkling-girl-animation |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220628151731/https://www.polygon.com/2017/5/18/15658198/mario-kart-8-deluxe-version-1-1-patch-notes-inkling-girl-animation |archive-date=2022-06-28 |access-date=2022-11-08 |website=[[Polygon (website)|Polygon]] |publisher=[[Vox Media]] |language=en-US}}</ref> In Japan, the gesture means something similar to "bring it on!",<ref>{{Cite web |last=Knauer |first=Steve |date=2017-05-18 |title=''Mario Kart 8 Deluxe'' Patch Removes a Gesture That Means Something Different Outside of Japan |url=https://www.gamezone.com/news/mario-kart-8-deluxe-patch-removes-a-gesture-that-means-something-different-outside-of-japan-3453711/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170922095558/http://www.gamezone.com/news/mario-kart-8-deluxe-patch-removes-a-gesture-that-means-something-different-outside-of-japan-3453711 |archive-date=2017-09-22 |access-date=2022-11-08 |website=GameZone |language=en-US}}</ref> though in [[Europe|European]] and [[Latin America|Latin American]] countries,<ref>{{Cite news |last=Phillips |first=Tom |date=2017-05-18 |title=''Mario Kart 8 Deluxe'' patched to remove offensive arm-clench gesture |language=en-gb |work=[[Eurogamer]] |publisher=[[Gamer Network]] |url=https://www.eurogamer.net/mario-kart-8-deluxe-patched-to-remove-offensive-arm-clench-gesture |url-status=live |access-date=2022-11-08 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220730132717/https://www.eurogamer.net/mario-kart-8-deluxe-patched-to-remove-offensive-arm-clench-gesture |archive-date=2022-06-30}}</ref> it was likened to the [[bras d'honneur]], an offensive gesture that can be interpreted as "up your ass", "[[Fuck|fuck you]]", or similar meanings.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Plunkett |first=Luke |date=2017-05-18 |title=''Mario Kart'' Update Removes Offensive Gesture |url=https://www.kotaku.com.au/2017/05/mario-kart-update-removes-offensive-gesture/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181111192814/https://www.kotaku.com.au/2017/05/mario-kart-update-removes-offensive-gesture/ |archive-date=2018-11-11 |access-date=2022-11-08 |website=[[Kotaku Australia]] |publisher=[[Allure Media]] |language=en-AU}}</ref> After the update, the Inkling Girl no longer clenches her fist around her flexed arm, instead simply performing a "[[fist pump]]",<ref>{{Cite web |last=Keefer |first=John |date=2017-05-19 |title=''Mario Kart 8 Deluxe'' 1.1 Patch Makes Inkling Girl Less Offensive |url=https://www.shacknews.com/article/100005/mario-kart-8-deluxe-11-patch-makes-inkling-girl-less-offensive |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170622173052/https://www.shacknews.com/article/100005/mario-kart-8-deluxe-11-patch-makes-inkling-girl-less-offensive |archive-date=2017-06-22 |access-date=2022-11-08 |website=[[Shacknews]] |publisher=Gamerhub |language=en}}</ref> though the rest of the gesture was unchanged.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Nunneley-Jackson |first=Stephany |date=2017-05-18 |title=''Mario Kart 8 Deluxe'' update patches out Inkling Girl's victory gesture deemed offensive in some countries |url=https://www.vg247.com/mario-kart-8-deluxe-update-patches-out-inkling-girls-victory-gesture-deemed-offensive-in-some-countries |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221108040159/https://www.vg247.com/mario-kart-8-deluxe-update-patches-out-inkling-girls-victory-gesture-deemed-offensive-in-some-countries |archive-date=2022-11-08 |access-date=2022-11-08 |website=[[VG247]] |publisher=[[Gamer Network]] |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Dayus |first=Oscar |date=2017-05-18 |title=''Mario Kart 8 Deluxe'' Update Removes Offensive Hand Gesture |url=https://www.gamespot.com/articles/mario-kart-8-deluxe-update-removes-offensive-hand-/1100-6450143/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220907160313/https://www.gamespot.com/articles/mario-kart-8-deluxe-update-removes-offensive-hand-/1100-6450143/ |archive-date=2022-09-07 |access-date=2022-11-08 |website=[[GameSpot]] |publisher=[[Red Ventures]] |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Skrebels |first=Joe |date=2017-05-18 |title=''Mario Kart 8 Deluxe'' Patch Removes Offensive Gesture |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2017/05/18/mario-kart-8-deluxe-patch-removes-offensive-gesture |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220907145538/https://www.ign.com/articles/2017/05/18/mario-kart-8-deluxe-patch-removes-offensive-gesture |archive-date=2022-09-07 |access-date=2022-11-08 |website=[[IGN]] |publisher=[[Ziff Davis]] |language=en}}</ref>
Additional characters and tracks were released as [[downloadable content]]. The first was a free set of [[Mercedes-Benz]]-themed vehicles: the [[Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class|2014 Mercedes-Benz GLA]], [[Mercedes-Benz 300 SL|1957 SL 300 Roadster]], and [[Mercedes-Benz W25|1934 W25 Silver Arrow]], which was released on August 27, 2014, as part of the Version 2.0 update.<ref name="IGN-Update1" /> On August 26, 2014, Nintendo announced two purchasable DLC packs, with each pack containing three additional characters, four additional vehicles, and eight additional tracks; [[Crossover (fiction)|some of which are based on other Nintendo franchises]], including ''[[The Legend of Zelda]]'' (Hyrule Circuit), ''[[Animal Crossing]]'' (Animal Crossing), ''[[F-Zero]]'' (Mute City and Big Blue), and ''[[Excitebike]]'' (Excitebike Arena). The first DLC pack, released in November 2014, features Tanooki Mario, Cat Peach, and [[Link (The Legend of Zelda)|Link]] as playable characters. The second pack, released in April 2015, features Dry Bowser, [[Villager (Animal Crossing)|Villager]], and [[Isabelle (Animal Crossing)|Isabelle]]. Additional multi-colored [[Yoshi]]s and Shy Guys are included with both DLC packs.<ref name="Franchises coming to MK8" /><ref name="Yoshi different color" />


A series of updates added compatibility with [[Nintendo Labo]], a [[toys-to-life]] kit that uses [[cardboard]] to create motion-controlled toys with Joy-Con controllers.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Van Boom |first=Daniel |date=2018-06-28 |title=Mario Kart 8 Deluxe gets Nintendo Labo support |url=https://www.cnet.com/tech/gaming/mario-kart-8-deluxe-gets-nintendo-labo-support/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221108045356/https://www.cnet.com/tech/gaming/mario-kart-8-deluxe-gets-nintendo-labo-support/ |archive-date=2022-11-08 |access-date=2022-11-08 |website=[[CNET]] |publisher=[[Red Ventures]] |language=en}}</ref> The first update enabled the Toy-Con Motorbike as a controller for ''Mario Kart 8 Deluxe'', allowing the player to use the physical [[throttle]], [[Bicycle handlebar|handlebars]], and [[gyroscope]] present on the Toy-Con Motorbike,<ref>{{Cite web |last=Kuchera |first=Ben |date=2018-06-26 |title=Nintendo Labo’s motorcycle controller now works with ''Mario Kart 8 Deluxe'' |url=https://www.polygon.com/2018/6/26/17505298/mario-kart-8-nintendo-switch-labo |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220418044054/https://www.polygon.com/2018/6/26/17505298/mario-kart-8-nintendo-switch-labo |archive-date=2022-04-18 |access-date=2022-11-08 |website=[[Polygon (website)|Polygon]] |publisher=[[Vox Media]] |language=en-US}}</ref> while actions like braking, drifting, and item pickups are still performed using the standard controller buttons.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Vincent |first=Brittany |date=2018-06-25 |title=Jump Into ''Mario Kart 8 Deluxe'' With New Nintendo Labo Toy-Con Motorbike Functionality |url=https://www.shacknews.com/article/105809/jump-into-mario-kart-8-deluxe-with-new-nintendo-labo-toy-con-motorbike-functionality |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201127075048/https://www.shacknews.com/article/105809/jump-into-mario-kart-8-deluxe-with-new-nintendo-labo-toy-con-motorbike-functionality |archive-date=2020-11-27 |access-date=2022-11-08 |website=[[Shacknews]] |publisher=Gamerhub |language=en}}</ref> A later update added compatibility for the Toy-Con Car, Pedal, and Key to control actions like braking, drifting, and using the horn on the steering wheel to launch items.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Bankhurst |first=Adam |date=2018-08-24 |title=Mario Kart 8 to be Compatible with New Nintendo Labo Kit |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2018/08/24/mario-kart-8-to-be-compatible-with-new-nintendo-labo-kit |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220406211647/https://www.ign.com/articles/2018/08/24/mario-kart-8-to-be-compatible-with-new-nintendo-labo-kit |archive-date=2022-04-06 |access-date=2022-11-08 |website=[[IGN]] |publisher=[[Ziff Davis]] |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Craddock |first=Ryan |date=2018-08-24 |title=The Nintendo Labo Vehicle Kit Will Work With Mario Kart 8 Deluxe On Switch |url=https://www.nintendolife.com/news/2018/08/the_nintendo_labo_vehicle_kit_will_work_with_mario_kart_8_deluxe_on_switch |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220201012900/https://www.nintendolife.com/news/2018/08/the_nintendo_labo_vehicle_kit_will_work_with_mario_kart_8_deluxe_on_switch |archive-date=2022-02-01 |access-date=2022-11-08 |website=[[Nintendo Life]] |publisher=Hookshot Media |language=en-GB}}</ref>
== Promotion ==
[[File:E3 2013 (9020973991).jpg|thumb|A replica of the standard kart seen in ''Mario Kart 8'' at [[E3 2013]]]]
Nintendo's launch promotions of ''Mario Kart 8'' include a Limited Edition with a Spiny Shell figurine; and special [[Mario]] and [[Luigi]] themed console bundles, with a hat, strategy guide, Wii Remote Plus controller, Wii Wheel, and GamePad protector.<ref name="MK8 bundles at MCVUK" /> In North America, Europe, and Australia, players who purchased and registered ''Mario Kart 8'' on [[Club Nintendo]] before July 31, 2014, received a free download code for a selected Wii U game.<ref name="MK8, free game at MCVUK" /><ref name="MK8, free game at Siliconera" /> As part of a promotional campaign with [[Mercedes-Benz]], Mario, Luigi, and Peach were featured in a series of Japanese commercials for the [[Mercedes-Benz GLA]], and three karts based on past and present Mercedes-Benz vehicles were added as part of a downloadable update on August 27, 2014.<ref name="IGN-Update1" /><ref name="MK8 Mercedes, IGN" /><ref name="MK8 Mercedes, Gamespot" /> In 2014, [[fast food]] company [[McDonald's]] released [[Happy Meal]]-branded toys based on the characters and karts.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.gamespot.com/articles/mario-kart-8-toys-to-come-with-mcdonald-s-happy-meals/1100-6420547/|title=Mario Kart 8 Toys to Come With McDonald's Happy Meals|website=[[GameSpot]]|first=Chris|last=Pereira|date=June 17, 2014|access-date=April 1, 2015|archive-date=February 5, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150205093751/http://www.gamespot.com/articles/mario-kart-8-toys-to-come-with-mcdonald-s-happy-meals/1100-6420547/|url-status=live}}</ref>


==== ''Booster Course Pass'' ====
A soundtrack album containing 68 tracks from the game was made available as an exclusive reward available to [[Club Nintendo]] members shortly preceding the service's discontinuation in 2015.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.nintendolife.com/news/2015/07/mario_kart_8_soundtrack_cd_club_nintendo_reward_powerslides_into_view|title=Mario Kart 8 Soundtrack CD Club Nintendo Reward Powerslides Into View|date=July 27, 2015|website=Nintendo Life|access-date=June 7, 2018|archive-date=June 12, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180612141419/http://www.nintendolife.com/news/2015/07/mario_kart_8_soundtrack_cd_club_nintendo_reward_powerslides_into_view|url-status=live}}</ref>
During a February 2022 [[Nintendo Direct]], it was announced that ''Mario Kart 8 Deluxe'' would get a paid downloadable content [[Season pass (video games)|season pass]] called the ''Booster Course Pass''. Courses in the ''Booster Course Pass'' are largely remastered from their incarnations in previous ''Mario Kart'' games.<ref name="VGC-BCP">{{Cite web |last=Middler |first=Jordan |date=2022-02-09 |title=''Mario Kart 8 Deluxe Booster Course Pass'' announced |url=https://www.videogameschronicle.com/news/mario-kart-booster-course-pass-announced/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221006172626/https://www.videogameschronicle.com/news/mario-kart-booster-course-pass-announced/ |archive-date=2022-10-06 |access-date=2022-10-06 |website=[[Video Games Chronicle]] |publisher=[[Gamer Network]] |language=en-GB}}</ref> The ''Booster Course Pass'' is set to release in six waves, with each wave containing eight courses split into two cups, totaling to 48 additional tracks to be released by the end of 2023.<ref name="IGN-BCP">{{Cite web |last=Plant |first=Logan |date=2022-02-10 |title=''Mario Kart 8'' Has Over Half of the Tracks Ever Made for ''Mario Kart'' Series |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/mario-kart-8-deluxe-over-half-of-all-tracks |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221008172825/https://www.ign.com/articles/mario-kart-8-deluxe-over-half-of-all-tracks |archive-date=2022-10-08 |access-date=2022-10-07 |website=[[IGN]] |publisher=[[Ziff Davis]] |language=en}}</ref> It can be accessed by purchasing it on the Nintendo Switch's [[Nintendo eShop|eShop]], or by having an active [[Nintendo Switch Online|Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack]] subscription.<ref name="VGC-BCP"/> The first wave of the ''Booster Course Pass'' was released on March 22, 2022, containing the Golden Dash Cup and the Lucky Cat Cup.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Gilliam |first=Ryan |date=2022-03-17 |title=''Mario Kart 8 Deluxe Booster Course Pass'' DLC starts this week |url=https://www.polygon.com/22982861/mario-kart-8-deluxe-dlc-wave-1-release-date-booster-course-pass |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221008080755/https://www.polygon.com/22982861/mario-kart-8-deluxe-dlc-wave-1-release-date-booster-course-pass |archive-date=2022-10-08 |access-date=2022-10-06 |website=[[Polygon (website)|Polygon]] |publisher=[[Vox Media]] |language=en-US}}</ref> Wave 2 of the ''Booster Course Pass'' released on August 4, 2022, containing the Turnip Cup and the Propeller Cup.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Guisao |first=Jason |date=2022-07-28 |title=''Mario Kart 8 Deluxe'' – ''Booster Course Pass'' Wave 2 Races Into Action Next Month |url=https://www.gameinformer.com/2022/07/28/mario-kart-8-deluxe-booster-course-pass-wave-2-races-into-action-next-month |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221010045807/https://www.gameinformer.com/2022/07/28/mario-kart-8-deluxe-booster-course-pass-wave-2-races-into-action-next-month |archive-date=2022-10-10 |access-date=2022-10-07 |publisher=[[GameStop]] |language=en |magazine=[[Game Informer]]}}</ref> Wave 2 also included Sky-High Sundae, an original course not introduced in a previous ''Mario Kart'' game.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Zollner |first=Amelia |date=2022-07-28 |title=''Mario Kart 8 Deluxe Booster Course'' Wave 2 Includes a Brand New Track |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/mario-kart-8-deluxe-booster-course-wave-2-includes-a-brand-new-track |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221009181617/https://www.ign.com/articles/mario-kart-8-deluxe-booster-course-wave-2-includes-a-brand-new-track |archive-date=2022-10-09 |access-date=2022-10-06 |website=[[IGN]] |publisher=[[Ziff Davis]] |language=en}}</ref> Alongside the release of Wave 2, Nintendo released an update to the Wave 1 course Coconut Mall that changed the cars at the end of the course to move in [[Doughnut (driving)|donuts]], rather than remain stationary, except for Time Trials.<ref name="GRCoco">{{Cite web |last=Bailey |first=Dustin |date=2022-08-04 |title=''Mario Kart 8 Deluxe''<nowiki/>'s Coconut Mall gets fixed, and now it's better than the original |url=https://www.gamesradar.com/mario-kart-8-deluxes-coconut-mall-gets-fixed-and-now-its-better-than-the-original/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221019212213/https://www.gamesradar.com/mario-kart-8-deluxes-coconut-mall-gets-fixed-and-now-its-better-than-the-original/ |archive-date=2022-10-19 |access-date=2022-10-19 |website=[[GamesRadar+]] |publisher=[[Future plc]] |language=en}}</ref> This change was widely praised, especially after many were disappointed that the cars were stationary in the ''Booster Course Pass'' to begin with.{{Efn|Supported by mutliple sources:<ref name=GRCoco/><ref>{{Cite web |last=McWhertor |first=Michael |date=2022-08-04 |title=New ''Mario Kart 8'' DLC fixes Coconut Mall's stalled Shy Guys |url=https://www.polygon.com/23292348/mario-kart-8-dlc-booster-course-pass-wave-2-fixes-coconut-mall |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221022141703/https://www.polygon.com/23292348/mario-kart-8-dlc-booster-course-pass-wave-2-fixes-coconut-mall |archive-date=2022-10-22 |access-date=2022-10-19 |website=[[Polygon (website)|Polygon]] |publisher=[[Vox Media]] |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Bechara |first=Diego Ramos |date=2022-08-05 |title=''Mario Kart 8''<nowiki/>'s Coconut Mall Track Got a Wild Update, And the Internet Is Taking Notice |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/mario-kart-8s-coconut-mall-track-got-a-wild-update-and-the-internet-is-taking-notice |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221019052350/https://www.ign.com/articles/mario-kart-8s-coconut-mall-track-got-a-wild-update-and-the-internet-is-taking-notice |archive-date=2022-10-19 |access-date=2022-10-06 |website=[[IGN]] |publisher=[[Ziff Davis]] |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Hagues |first=Alana |date=2022-08-04 |title=Random: Rejoice! ''Mario Kart 8 Deluxe''<nowiki/>'s Coconut Mall Has Been 'Fixed' |url=https://www.nintendolife.com/news/2022/08/random-rejoice-mario-kart-8-deluxes-coconut-mall-has-been-fixed |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221019212218/https://www.nintendolife.com/news/2022/08/random-rejoice-mario-kart-8-deluxes-coconut-mall-has-been-fixed |archive-date=2022-10-19 |access-date=2022-10-19 |website=[[Nintendo Life]] |publisher=Hookshot Media |language=en-GB}}</ref>|name=Coco}} Wave 3 of the ''Booster Course Pass'' is set to release on December 7, 2022.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Hagues |first=Alana |date=2022-09-13 |title=''Mario Kart 8 Deluxe Booster Course Pass'' Wave 3 Will Launch This Holiday |url=https://www.nintendolife.com/news/2022/09/mario-kart-8-deluxe-booster-course-pass-wave-3-will-launch-this-holiday |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221014113924/https://www.nintendolife.com/news/2022/09/mario-kart-8-deluxe-booster-course-pass-wave-3-will-launch-this-holiday |archive-date=2022-10-14 |access-date=2022-10-06 |website=[[Nintendo Life]] |publisher=Hookshot Media |language=en-GB}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Reynolds |first=Ollie |date=November 21, 2022 |title=Mario Kart 8 Deluxe Booster Course Pass Wave 3 Launches Next Month |url=https://www.nintendolife.com/news/2022/11/mario-kart-8-deluxe-booster-course-pass-wave-3-launches-next-month |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221121194830/https://www.nintendolife.com/news/2022/11/mario-kart-8-deluxe-booster-course-pass-wave-3-launches-next-month |archive-date=November 21, 2022 |access-date=November 21, 2022 |website=[[Nintendo Life]] |publisher=Hookshot Media}}</ref>


=== Sales ===
== ''Mario Kart 8 Deluxe'' ==
In its first four days on sale, ''Mario Kart 8'' became the fastest-selling Wii U game, with more than 1.2&nbsp;million copies sold worldwide.<ref name="MK8 Off to a Great Start" /> Within a month, it increased to 2.82&nbsp;million.<ref name="Nintendo Earnings Q1 2014" /> As of September 2021, more than 8.46 million copies were sold worldwide, making it the [[List of best-selling Wii U video games|best-selling Wii U game]].<ref name="sales">{{cite web |title=Top Selling Software Sales Units&nbsp;– Nintendo Wii U Software |url=https://www.nintendo.co.jp/ir/en/sales/software/wiiu.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151028233935/http://www.nintendo.co.jp/ir/en/sales/software/wiiu.html |archive-date=October 28, 2015 |access-date=November 4, 2021 |website=[[Nintendo]]}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last1=McFerran |first1=Damien |title=Mario Kart 8 Has Now Sold 8 Million Units Worldwide |url=http://www.nintendolife.com/news/2016/10/mario_kart_8_has_now_sold_8_million_units_worldwide |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161027142028/http://www.nintendolife.com/news/2016/10/mario_kart_8_has_now_sold_8_million_units_worldwide |archive-date=October 27, 2016 |access-date=October 28, 2016 |website=[[Nintendo Life]]}}</ref> Based on the sales data, more than half of Wii U owners own a copy.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Webster |first1=Andrew |date=April 21, 2017 |title=The 7 best things about Mario Kart 8 Deluxe |url=https://www.theverge.com/2017/4/21/15382628/mario-kart-8-deluxe-nintendo-switch-best-features |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200411055316/https://www.theverge.com/2017/4/21/15382628/mario-kart-8-deluxe-nintendo-switch-best-features |archive-date=April 11, 2020 |access-date=April 3, 2020 |website=[[The Verge]]}}</ref> In the United Kingdom, shortly after the release of ''Mario Kart 8'', week-on-week Wii U console sales rose 662%, with ''Mario Kart 8'' bundles accounting for 82% of consoles sold.<ref name="MK8 UK hardware" />
{{Main|Mario Kart 8 Deluxe}}

''Mario Kart 8 Deluxe'' is an enhanced [[Nintendo Switch]] version, released worldwide on April 28, 2017.<ref name="The Verge">{{cite news|last1=Gartenberg|first1=Chaim|title=Mario Kart 8 Deluxe is coming to the Nintendo Switch|url=https://www.theverge.com/2017/1/13/14243370/mario-kart-8-deluxe-announced-nintendo-switch-event|access-date=January 13, 2017|work=The Verge|date=January 13, 2017|archive-date=September 21, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190921084929/https://www.theverge.com/2017/1/13/14243370/mario-kart-8-deluxe-announced-nintendo-switch-event|url-status=live}}</ref> It includes all previously released DLC, additional content, gameplay tweaks, [[1080p]] graphics while docked,<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.nintendolife.com/news/2017/03/mario_kart_8_deluxe_runs_at_60fps_in_1080p_when_docked|title=Mario Kart 8 Deluxe Runs at 60fps in 1080p When Docked|last=Forde|first=Matt|date=March 13, 2017|work=Nintendo Life|access-date=August 17, 2017|language=en-GB|archive-date=August 18, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170818090400/http://www.nintendolife.com/news/2017/03/mario_kart_8_deluxe_runs_at_60fps_in_1080p_when_docked|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name=":0">{{cite web|url=https://venturebeat.com/2017/01/13/mario-kart-8-deluxe-on-nintendo-switch-runs-at-1080p-and-60-fps-on-tv-720p60-fps-in-handheld-mode/|title=Mario Kart 8 Deluxe on Nintendo Switch runs at 1080p and 60 FPS on TV; 720p/60 FPS in handheld mode|date=January 14, 2017|website=VentureBeat|language=en-US|access-date=July 1, 2019|archive-date=July 1, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190701092208/https://venturebeat.com/2017/01/13/mario-kart-8-deluxe-on-nintendo-switch-runs-at-1080p-and-60-fps-on-tv-720p60-fps-in-handheld-mode/|url-status=live}}</ref> and [[720p]] in handheld mode.<ref name=":0" /> Some features in ''Mario Kart 8 Deluxe'' are reworked or restored from previous ''Mario Kart'' games. Battle Mode now has eight new arenas and several gameplay modes; replacing the original, which used the racing tracks as arenas. The [[Boo (character)|Boo]] and Feather items were restored, and players can store two items at once, up from the initial one. Five additional playable characters were added to the roster, including [[Bowser Jr.]], Dry Bones, [[King Boo]], the [[Inkling (Splatoon)|Inkling Boy and Girl]] from ''[[Splatoon]]'', and an unlockable Gold Mario costume for [[Metal Mario]]. ''Mario Kart 8 Deluxe'' also includes a new ''Splatoon'' racing suit for [[Mii]] characters unlocked via [[Amiibo]], and additional kart parts for customization.<ref name="The Verge" /> Nintendo's head of software development, Shinya Takahashi, confirmed in July 2018 that ''Mario Kart 8 Deluxe'' would receive further updates,<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.gamespot.com/articles/mario-kart-8-deluxe-getting-more-updates-on-ninten/1100-6460414/|title=Mario Kart 8 Deluxe Getting More Updates On Nintendo Switch|first=Eddie|last=Makuch|date=July 20, 2018|access-date=July 23, 2018|archive-date=July 23, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180723212516/https://www.gamespot.com/articles/mario-kart-8-deluxe-getting-more-updates-on-ninten/1100-6460414/|url-status=live}}</ref> with the first, a new vehicle and alternate costume for Link based on those seen in ''[[The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild]]'', being released the same month.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.polygon.com/2018/7/19/17593958/mario-kart-8-deluxe-update-link-zelda-breath-of-the-wild-nintendo-switch|title=Mario Kart 8 Deluxe update adds Link from Breath of the Wild|first=Michael|last=McWhertor|date=July 19, 2018|website=Polygon|access-date=July 23, 2018|archive-date=July 24, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180724032159/https://www.polygon.com/2018/7/19/17593958/mario-kart-8-deluxe-update-link-zelda-breath-of-the-wild-nintendo-switch|url-status=live}}</ref> A later update added support for [[Nintendo Labo]] peripherals as compatible controllers.<ref name="labo">{{Cite news|url=https://kotaku.com/mario-kart-8-deluxe-now-supports-nintendo-labo-1827121784|title=Mario Kart 8 Deluxe Now Supports Nintendo Labo|last=Plunkett|first=Luke|date=June 25, 2018|work=Kotaku|access-date=June 26, 2018|language=en-US|archive-date=July 4, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200704031232/https://kotaku.com/mario-kart-8-deluxe-now-supports-nintendo-labo-1827121784|url-status=live}}</ref> ''Mario Kart 8 Deluxe'' also received DLC known as the ''[[Mario Kart 8 Deluxe – Booster Course Pass|Booster Course Pass]]'', which adds 48 additional tracks split into six waves set to be released by the end of 2023.<ref name=":3">{{Cite web |last=Middler |first=Jordan |date=2022-02-09 |title=''Mario Kart 8 Deluxe Booster Course Pass'' announced |url=https://www.videogameschronicle.com/news/mario-kart-booster-course-pass-announced/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221006172626/https://www.videogameschronicle.com/news/mario-kart-booster-course-pass-announced/ |archive-date=2022-10-06 |access-date=2022-10-06 |website=[[Video Games Chronicle]] |publisher=[[Gamer Network]] |language=en-GB}}</ref>
''Mario Kart 8 Deluxe'' sold 459,000 copies in the United States on its launch day, making it the fastest-selling entry in the ''Mario Kart'' series, ahead of 2008's ''[[Mario Kart Wii]]'' by 25,000 units.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Dornbush |first=Jonathon |date=2017-05-01 |title=Mario Kart 8 Deluxe Nintendo Switch Launch Sales Announced |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2017/05/01/mario-kart-8-deluxe-nintendo-switch-launch-sales-announced |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220907140720/http://www.ign.com/articles/2017/05/01/mario-kart-8-deluxe-nintendo-switch-launch-sales-announced |archive-date=2022-09-07 |access-date=2022-11-09 |website=[[IGN]] |publisher=[[Ziff Davis]] |language=en}}</ref> Roughly one year after launch, ''Deluxe'' had sold 9.22 million copies.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Oxford |first=Nadia |date=2018-04-26 |title=Switch Sales Near 18 Million, with ''Mario Odyssey'' and ''Mario Kart 8 Deluxe'' the Most Popular Titles |url=https://www.usgamer.net/articles/switch-sales-near-18-million-with-mario-odyssey-and-mario-kart-8-deluxe-the-most-popular-titles |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220729233838/https://www.usgamer.net/articles/switch-sales-near-18-million-with-mario-odyssey-and-mario-kart-8-deluxe-the-most-popular-titles |archive-date=2022-07-29 |access-date=2022-11-09 |website=[[USgamer]] |publisher=[[Gamer Network]] |language=en}}</ref> It surpassed ''[[Super Mario Odyssey]]'' as the [[List of best-selling Nintendo Switch video games|best-selling game on the Nintendo Switch]] in 2019,<ref>{{Cite web |last=Craddock |first=Ryan |date=2019-04-25 |title=Here Are The Top Ten Best-Selling Nintendo Switch Games As Of March 2019 |url=https://www.nintendolife.com/news/2019/04/here_are_the_top_ten_best-selling_nintendo_switch_games_as_of_march_2019 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211129085905/https://www.nintendolife.com/news/2019/04/here_are_the_top_ten_best-selling_nintendo_switch_games_as_of_march_2019 |archive-date=2021-11-29 |access-date=2022-11-09 |website=[[Nintendo Life]] |publisher=Hookshot Media |language=en-GB}}</ref> and ''Mario Kart Wii'' as the best-selling ''Mario Kart'' game in 2021.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Robinson |first=Andy |date=2021-11-04 |title=''8 Deluxe'' is officially the best-selling Mario Kart ever |url=https://www.videogameschronicle.com/news/8-deluxe-is-officially-the-best-selling-mario-kart-ever/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221025132351/https://www.videogameschronicle.com/news/8-deluxe-is-officially-the-best-selling-mario-kart-ever/ |archive-date=2022-10-25 |access-date=2022-11-09 |website=[[Video Games Chronicle]] |publisher=[[Gamer Network]] |language=en-GB}}</ref> Since its release in 2017, ''Deluxe'' has been a consistent top-selling game on the Nintendo Switch.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Bankhurst |first=Adam |date=2020-01-30 |title=Nintendo Switch Sales Cross 50 Million, ''Pokémon Sword'' and ''Shield'' Sales Pass 16 Million |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/nintendo-switch-sales-cross-50-million-pokemon-sword-and-shield-sales-pass-16-million |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220825230054/https://www.ign.com/articles/nintendo-switch-sales-cross-50-million-pokemon-sword-and-shield-sales-pass-16-million |archive-date=2022-08-25 |access-date=2022-11-09 |website=[[IGN]] |publisher=[[Ziff Davis]] |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Bankhurst |first=Adam |date=2021-02-01 |title=Nintendo Switch Console Sales Have Passed 3DS, ''Animal Crossing: New Horizons'' Has Sold 31 Million Copies |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/nintendo-switch-console-sales-have-passed-3ds-animal-crossing-new-horizons-has-sold-31-million-copies |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220907140428/https://www.ign.com/articles/nintendo-switch-console-sales-have-passed-3ds-animal-crossing-new-horizons-has-sold-31-million-copies |archive-date=2022-09-07 |access-date=2022-11-09 |website=[[IGN]] |publisher=[[Ziff Davis]] |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Grubb |first=Jeff |date=2021-05-06 |title=Nintendo sold 10.6 million copies of ''Mario Kart 8 Deluxe'' last year |url=https://venturebeat.com/games/nintendo-sold-10-6-million-copies-of-mario-kart-8-deluxe-last-year/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221107061332/https://venturebeat.com/games/nintendo-sold-10-6-million-copies-of-mario-kart-8-deluxe-last-year/ |archive-date=2022-11-07 |access-date=2022-11-09 |website=[[VentureBeat]] |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Fanelli |first=Jason |date=2022-05-10 |title=''Mario Kart 8 Deluxe'' Passes 45 Million Units Sold, Remains Best-Selling Switch Game Ever |url=https://www.gamespot.com/articles/mario-kart-8-deluxe-passes-45-million-units-sold-remains-best-selling-switch-game-ever/1100-6503283/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220914092838/https://www.gamespot.com/articles/mario-kart-8-deluxe-passes-45-million-units-sold-remains-best-selling-switch-game-ever/1100-6503283/ |archive-date=2022-09-14 |access-date=2022-11-09 |website=[[GameSpot]] |publisher=[[Red Ventures]] |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Batchelor |first=James |date=2022-08-03 |title=Nintendo Q1 sales fall 4.7% to $2.3bn, Switch sales down 23% |url=https://www.gamesindustry.biz/nintendo-q1-sales-fall-47-to-23bn-switch-sales-down-23 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220805213240/https://www.gamesindustry.biz/nintendo-q1-sales-fall-47-to-23bn-switch-sales-down-23 |archive-date=2022-08-05 |access-date=2022-11-09 |website=[[GamesIndustry.biz]] |publisher=[[Gamer Network]]}}</ref> {{As of|2022|09|30|df=US}}<!--Do not add another sentence when you update these sales figures. Shift the old reference to the previous sentence and add the new reference to this one-->, ''Mario Kart 8 Deluxe'' has sold 48.41 million units, making it the best-selling Nintendo Switch game, as well as one of the [[List of best-selling video games|best-selling games of all time]].<ref>{{Cite web |last=Bankhurst |first=Adam |date=2022-11-08 |title=Nintendo Switch Sales Cross 114 Million, ''Mario Kart 8 Deluxe'' Nears 50 Million Units Sold |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/nintendo-switch-sales-cross-114-million-mario-kart-8-deluxe-nears-50-million-units-sold |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221109003400/https://www.ign.com/articles/nintendo-switch-sales-cross-114-million-mario-kart-8-deluxe-nears-50-million-units-sold |archive-date=2022-11-09 |access-date=2022-11-09 |website=[[IGN]] |publisher=[[Ziff Davis]] |language=en}}</ref>


== Reception ==
== Reception ==
{{Video game reviews
{{Video game reviews
| na = true
| WIIU = true
| NS = true
<!-- Reviewers -->
<!-- Reviewers -->
| 4P = 85/100<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.4players.de/4players.php/dispbericht_fazit/Wii_U/Test/Fazit_Wertung/Wii_U/34858/80474/Mario_Kart_8.html|first=Jan|last=Wöbbeking|date=May 15, 2014|title=Test: Mario Kart 8 (Rennspiel)|website=4Players.de|access-date=August 6, 2020|archive-date=October 31, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211031110640/https://www.4players.de/4players.php/dispbericht_fazit/Wii_U/Test/Fazit_Wertung/Wii_U/34858/80474/Mario_Kart_8.html|url-status=live}}</ref>
| Destruct_WIIU = 9/10<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.destructoid.com/review-mario-kart-8-274239.phtml|title=Mario Kart 8 review|publisher=Destructoid|access-date=May 15, 2014|archive-date=May 15, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140515132401/http://www.destructoid.com/review-mario-kart-8-274239.phtml|url-status=live}}</ref>
| Destruct_NS = 9.5/10<ref name=Destruct/>
| Destruct = 9/10<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.destructoid.com/review-mario-kart-8-274239.phtml|title=Mario Kart 8 review|publisher=Destructoid|access-date=May 15, 2014|archive-date=May 15, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140515132401/http://www.destructoid.com/review-mario-kart-8-274239.phtml|url-status=live}}</ref>
| EGM_WIIU = {{rating|3|5}}<ref>{{cite web|url=https://egmnow.com/egm-review-mario-kart-8/|first=Andrew|last=Fitch|date=May 16, 2014|title=Mario Kart 8 review|website=Electronic Gaming Monthly|access-date=August 6, 2020|archive-date=October 1, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201001182742/https://egmnow.com/egm-review-mario-kart-8/|url-status=live}}</ref>
| Edge = 9/10<ref name="MK8 at Edge Online" />
| EGM_NS = {{rating|4|5}}<ref name=EGM/>
| EGM = {{rating|3|5}}<ref>{{cite web|url=https://egmnow.com/egm-review-mario-kart-8/|first=Andrew|last=Fitch|date=May 16, 2014|title=Mario Kart 8 review|website=Electronic Gaming Monthly|access-date=August 6, 2020|archive-date=October 1, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201001182742/https://egmnow.com/egm-review-mario-kart-8/|url-status=live}}</ref>
| EuroG = 10/10<ref name="MK8 at Eurogamer" />
| EuroG_WIIU = 10/10<ref name="MK8 at Eurogamer" />
| GI = 9.25/10<ref name="MK8 at GameInformer" />
| EuroG_NS = Essential<ref name=EuroG/>
| EZA_NS = {{rating|4.5|5}}<ref name=EZA/>
| GameRev = 5/5<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.gamerevolution.com/review/64082-mario-kart-wii-u-review#/slide/1|first=Daniel|last=Bischoff|date=May 15, 2014|title=Mario Kart 8 Review|website=Game Revolution|access-date=August 6, 2020|archive-date=April 14, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210414071642/https://www.gamerevolution.com/review/64082-mario-kart-wii-u-review#/slide/1|url-status=live}}</ref>
| GSpot = 8/10<ref name="MK8 at GameSpot" />
| GI_WIIU = 9.25/10<ref name="MK8 at GameInformer" />
| GRadar = {{Rating|4|5}}<ref name="MK8 at Gamesradar" />
| GI_NS = 9.25/10<ref name=GI/>
| GameRev_WIIU = 5/5<ref name="GameRevU">{{cite web|url=https://www.gamerevolution.com/review/64082-mario-kart-wii-u-review#/slide/1|first=Daniel|last=Bischoff|date=May 15, 2014|title=Mario Kart 8 Review|website=Game Revolution|access-date=August 6, 2020|archive-date=April 14, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210414071642/https://www.gamerevolution.com/review/64082-mario-kart-wii-u-review#/slide/1|url-status=live}}</ref>
| GT = 8.6/10<ref name="MK8 at Gametrailers" />
| GameRev_NS = 4/5<ref name=GameRev/>
| GTM = 9/10<ref>{{cite magazine|date=June 2014|title=Mario Kart 8|magazine=[[GamesTM]]|publisher=[[Future plc|Future Publishing]]|issue=148|pages=97}}</ref>
| GB = {{rating|4|5}}<ref name="Giant Bomb review" />
| GSpot_WIIU = 8/10<ref name="MK8 at GameSpot" />
| GSpot_NS = 9/10<ref name=GSpot/>
| HCG = 4.5/5<ref>{{cite web|url=https://hardcoregamer.com/2014/06/04/review-mario-kart-8/87305/|first=Dermot|last=Creegan|date=June 4, 2014|title=Review: Mario Kart 8|website=Hardcore Gamer|access-date=August 6, 2020|archive-date=August 7, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200807151100/https://hardcoregamer.com/2014/06/04/review-mario-kart-8/87305/|url-status=live}}</ref>
| GRadar_WIIU = {{Rating|4|5}}<ref name="MK8 at Gamesradar" />
| Hyper = 90/100<ref>{{cite magazine|date=August 2014|title=Mario Kart 8|magazine=[[Hyper (magazine)|Hyper]]|publisher=[[Future plc|Future Publishing]]|issue=250|pages=58}}</ref>
| IGN = 9/10<ref name="MK8 at IGN UK" />
| GRadar_NS = {{Rating|5|5}}<ref name=GRadar/>
| GTM_WIIU = 9/10<ref>{{cite magazine|date=June 2014|title=Mario Kart 8|magazine=[[GamesTM]]|publisher=[[Future plc|Future Publishing]]|issue=148|pages=97}}</ref>
| Joystiq = {{Rating|4.5|5}}<ref name="MK8 at Joystiq" />
| GTM_NS = 9/10<ref name=GTM/>
| NLife = {{rating|9|10}}<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.nintendolife.com/reviews/wiiu/mario_kart_8|first=Thomas|last=Whitehead|date=May 15, 2014|title=Mario Kart 8 2014|website=Nintendo Life|access-date=August 6, 2020|archive-date=August 7, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200807011533/https://www.nintendolife.com/reviews/wiiu/mario_kart_8|url-status=live}}</ref>
| GB_WIIU = {{rating|4|5}}<ref name="Giant Bomb review" />
| NWR = 7.5/10<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.nintendoworldreport.com/review/37427/mario-kart-8-review|first=Neal|last=Ronaghan|date=May 15, 2014|title=Mario Kart 8 for Wii U review|publisher=Nintendo World Report|access-date=May 15, 2014|archive-date=May 17, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140517063358/http://www.nintendoworldreport.com/review/37427/mario-kart-8-review|url-status=live}}</ref>
| ONM = 96%<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.officialnintendomagazine.co.uk/57852/reviews/mario-kart-8-review-review/?page=5|title=Mario Kart 8 review|website=Official Nintendo Magazine|access-date=August 6, 2020|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140715043111/http://www.officialnintendomagazine.co.uk/57852/reviews/mario-kart-8-review-review/?page=5| first=Joe | last=Skrebels | date=May 15, 2014 | archive-date=July 15, 2014}}</ref>
| HCG_WIIU = 4.5/5<ref>{{cite web|url=https://hardcoregamer.com/2014/06/04/review-mario-kart-8/87305/|first=Dermot|last=Creegan|date=June 4, 2014|title=Review: Mario Kart 8|website=Hardcore Gamer|access-date=August 6, 2020|archive-date=August 7, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200807151100/https://hardcoregamer.com/2014/06/04/review-mario-kart-8/87305/|url-status=live}}</ref>
| HCG_NS = 4.5/5<ref name=HCG/>
| Poly = 9/10<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.polygon.com/2014/5/15/5673346/mario-kart-8-wii-u-review|first=Philip|last=Kollar|date=May 15, 2014|title=MARIO KART 8 REVIEW: SHELL GAME|website=Polygon|access-date=August 6, 2020|archive-date=August 25, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200825064803/https://www.polygon.com/2014/5/15/5673346/mario-kart-8-wii-u-review|url-status=live}}</ref>
| IGN_WIIU = 9/10<ref name="IGN Wii U" />
| SN = 8/10<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.shacknews.com/article/84513/mario-kart-8-review-up-to-speed|first=Steve|last=Watts|date=May 15, 2014|title=Mario Kart 8 review: up to speed|website=Shacknews|access-date=August 6, 2020|archive-date=August 13, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200813182010/https://www.shacknews.com/article/84513/mario-kart-8-review-up-to-speed|url-status=live}}</ref>
| IGN_NS = 9.3/10<ref name=IGN/>
| TG = {{rating|5|5}}<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2014/may/16/mario-kart-8-review-the-best-drive-ever|first=Rick|last=Stanton|date=May 16, 2014|title=Mario Kart 8 review – the best drive ever?|website=The Guardian|access-date=August 6, 2020|archive-date=May 24, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200524125727/https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2014/may/16/mario-kart-8-review-the-best-drive-ever|url-status=live}}</ref>
| USG = 4.5/5<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.usgamer.net/articles/mario-kart-8-wii-u-review-where-were-going-we-dont-need-gravity|first=Mike|last=Williams|title=Mario Kart 8 Wii U Review: Where We're Going, We Don't Need Gravity|website=USgamer|access-date=August 6, 2020|archive-date=August 3, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200803085701/https://www.usgamer.net/articles/mario-kart-8-wii-u-review-where-were-going-we-dont-need-gravity|url-status=live}}</ref>
| NLife_WIIU = {{rating|9|10}}<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.nintendolife.com/reviews/wiiu/mario_kart_8|first=Thomas|last=Whitehead|date=May 15, 2014|title=Mario Kart 8 2014|website=Nintendo Life|access-date=August 6, 2020|archive-date=August 7, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200807011533/https://www.nintendolife.com/reviews/wiiu/mario_kart_8|url-status=live}}</ref>
| NLife_NS = {{Rating|10|10}}<ref name=NLife/>
| VB = 85/100<ref>{{cite web|url=https://venturebeat.com/2014/05/15/mario-kart-8-review/|title=Mario Kart 8 is beautiful, fast, and missing something (review)|first=Jeff|last=Grubb|date=May 15, 2014|website=VentureBeat|access-date=August 7, 2020|archive-date=October 25, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201025052222/https://venturebeat.com/2014/05/15/mario-kart-8-review/|url-status=live}}</ref>
| PG_NS = {{Rating|4.5|5}}<ref name=PG/>
| VG = 9/10<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.videogamer.com/reviews/mario_kart_8_review.html|title=Mario Kart 8 Review|first=Simon|last=Miller|date=May 15, 2014|website=VideoGamer|access-date=August 6, 2020|archive-date=August 8, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200808092359/https://www.videogamer.com/reviews/mario_kart_8_review.html|url-status=live}}</ref>
| SN_WIIU = 8/10<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.shacknews.com/article/84513/mario-kart-8-review-up-to-speed|first=Steve|last=Watts|date=May 15, 2014|title=Mario Kart 8 review: up to speed|website=Shacknews|access-date=August 6, 2020|archive-date=August 13, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200813182010/https://www.shacknews.com/article/84513/mario-kart-8-review-up-to-speed|url-status=live}}</ref>
<!-- Aggregators -->
| SN_NS = 9/10<ref name=SN/>
| MC = 88/100{{efn|Based on 82 reviews<ref name="metacritic" />}}<ref name="metacritic" />
| TG_WIIU = {{rating|5|5}}<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2014/may/16/mario-kart-8-review-the-best-drive-ever|first=Rick|last=Stanton|date=May 16, 2014|title=Mario Kart 8 review – the best drive ever?|website=The Guardian|access-date=August 6, 2020|archive-date=May 24, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200524125727/https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2014/may/16/mario-kart-8-review-the-best-drive-ever|url-status=live}}</ref>
<!-- Custom Reviewers limit is set to 10-->
| TG_NS = {{Rating|5|5}}<ref name=TG/>
<!-- Awards No Limit -->
| USG_WIIU = 4.5/5<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.usgamer.net/articles/mario-kart-8-wii-u-review-where-were-going-we-dont-need-gravity|first=Mike|last=Williams|title=Mario Kart 8 Wii U Review: Where We're Going, We Don't Need Gravity|website=USgamer|access-date=August 6, 2020|archive-date=August 3, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200803085701/https://www.usgamer.net/articles/mario-kart-8-wii-u-review-where-were-going-we-dont-need-gravity|url-status=live}}</ref>
| award1Pub = [[British Academy of Film and Television Arts|BAFTA]]
| USG_NS = 5/5<ref name=USG/>
| award1 = 2014 Children's Game Award<ref name="bafta award">{{cite web|url=http://awards.bafta.org/award/2014/childrens/game|title=2014 Children's Game|website=BAFTA|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141124205749/http://awards.bafta.org/award/2014/childrens/game|archive-date=November 24, 2014|access-date=November 24, 2014}}</ref>
| VB_WIIU = 85/100<ref>{{cite web|url=https://venturebeat.com/2014/05/15/mario-kart-8-review/|title=Mario Kart 8 is beautiful, fast, and missing something (review)|first=Jeff|last=Grubb|date=May 15, 2014|website=VentureBeat|access-date=August 7, 2020|archive-date=October 25, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201025052222/https://venturebeat.com/2014/05/15/mario-kart-8-review/|url-status=live}}</ref>
}}
| VB_NS = 90/100<ref name=VB/>
<!-- Aggregators -->| MC_WIIU = 88/100<ref name="metacritic" />{{efn|Score based on 82 reviews<ref name="metacritic" />|name=MCWIIU}}
| MC_NS = 92/100<ref name=MC/>{{Efn|Score based on 95 reviews<ref name=MC/>|name=MCScore}}
<!-- Custom Reviewers limit is set to 10-->}}


''Mario Kart 8'' received "generally favorable" reviews, according to [[review aggregator]] [[Metacritic]],<ref name="metacritic" />{{Efn|name=MCWIIU}} whereas ''Deluxe'' received "universal acclaim".<ref name="MC">{{cite web |title=''Mario Kart 8 Deluxe'' for Switch reviews |url=http://www.metacritic.com/game/switch/mario-kart-8-deluxe |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170428080143/http://www.metacritic.com/game/switch/mario-kart-8-deluxe |archive-date=2017-04-27 |access-date=2022-11-07 |website=[[Metacritic]] |publisher=[[Fandom, Inc.]]}}</ref>{{Efn|name=MCScore}} Overall, reviewers held ''Mario Kart 8'' in high esteem among racing games,{{Efn|Supported by multiple sources:<ref name="MK8 at Eurogamer" /><ref name="GameRevU"/><ref name="MK8 at GameInformer" /><ref name="Giant Bomb review" />}} but considered ''Deluxe'' to be the definitive version of the title.{{Efn|Supported by multiple sources:<ref name="EGM" /><ref name="GI" /><ref name="GSpot" /><ref name="kotaku" /><ref name="Destruct" /><ref name="GRadar" /><ref name="IGN" /><ref name="NLife" /><ref name="SN" />|name=Upgrade}} ''Deluxe'' was further called one of the best games in the ''Mario Kart'' series or one of the best racing games of all time.{{Efn|1=Supported by multiple sources:<ref name="EZA" /><ref name="EuroG" /><ref name="Destruct" /><ref name="GRadar" /><ref name="HCG" /><ref name="IGN" /><ref name="NLife" /><ref name="PG" /><ref name="SN" /><ref name="USG" />|name=SeriesBest}} Some reviewers considered the game to be an essential purchase for Nintendo Switch owners.<ref name="GameRev">{{cite web |last=Vacheron |first=Griffin |date=2017-04-20 |title=''Mario Kart 8 Deluxe'' Review |url=https://www.gamerevolution.com/review/72125-mario-kart-8-deluxe-review |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200805164107/https://www.gamerevolution.com/review/72125-mario-kart-8-deluxe-review |archive-date=2020-08-05 |access-date=2022-11-07 |website=[[GameRevolution]] |publisher=[[CraveOnline]]}}</ref><ref name="GTM" /><ref name="HCG" /> Improvements in ''Deluxe'' made certain features of ''Mario Kart 8'' feel worse in retrospect.<ref name="EZA" /><ref name="kotaku" /> However, many reviewers criticized the lack of new content in ''Deluxe'' compared to ''Mario Kart 8''.{{Efn|Supported by multiple sources:<ref name="EGM" /><ref name="GTM" /><ref name="kotaku" /><ref name="PG" />|name=NoNew}}
''Mario Kart 8'' received "generally favorable" reviews, according to [[review aggregator]] [[Metacritic]].<ref name="metacritic" /> Described by ''[[Eurogamer]]'' as "the most vibrant home console racing game in years", it was praised for its "exquisite details", vast sense of scale, orchestrated soundtrack, and gameplay.<ref name="MK8 at Eurogamer" /> Digital Foundry deemed it "near perfection" with "phenomenal attention to detail", featuring a "magnificent visual package" and "magical playability". Their technical analysis attributes the smoothness of motion and overall gameplay to the typically high performance of 60 [[frames per second]] (FPS), with the split-screen mode's effective 30 FPS nonetheless comparing favorably with industry standard.<ref name="MK8 at Digital Foundry" /> [[GameSpot]] praised the game, but criticized its battle mode for reusing the main race courses instead of bespoke battle arenas as prior ''Mario Kart'' games had done.<ref name="MK8 at GameSpot" />


The main racing mode of ''Mario Kart 8'' was widely praised. ''[[Eurogamer]]'' called it the "most vibrant home console racing game in years".<ref name="MK8 at Eurogamer" /> The [[Rubber banding (games)|rubber-banding]] mechanics present in the game's [[AI]] competitors was criticized,<ref name="EZA" /><ref name="PG" /> though ''[[Game Informer]]'' noted that "fans accepted that pitfall as a series mainstay long ago".<ref name="GI" /> Finding the core racing unchanged, they said ''Deluxe'' is still "the same great title from the Wii U".<ref name="GI" /> ''GameSpot'' and ''[[Nintendo Life]]'' also considered ''Deluxe''<nowiki/>'s racing to be as strong as the original.<ref name="GSpot">{{cite web |last=Plagge |first=Kallie |date=2017-04-20 |title=''Mario Kart 8 Deluxe'' Review |url=https://www.gamespot.com/reviews/mario-kart-8-deluxe-review/1900-6416660/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170724000318/https://www.gamespot.com/reviews/mario-kart-8-deluxe-review/1900-6416660/ |archive-date=2017-07-24 |access-date=2022-11-07 |website=[[GameSpot]] |publisher=[[Red Ventures]]}}</ref><ref name="NLife" /> Minor mechanical changes, such as the ability to hold two items,<ref name="EuroG" /><ref name="kotaku" /> were praised, with many liking how it added more strategy to ''Deluxe''<nowiki/>'s item play.{{Efn|Supported by multiple sources:<ref name="Destruct" /><ref name="GameRev" /><ref name="GSpot" /><ref name="GTM" /><ref name="SN" /><ref name="TG" />|name=DoubleItem}} Accessibility options like smart steering and auto-acceleration received mixed feedback. Many felt that the additions made ''Deluxe'' the most accessible ''Mario Kart'' game,<ref name="EZA" /><ref name="GI" /> and others appreciated how they helped less experienced players enjoy the game, despite making the game too easy for veteran players.{{Efn|Supported by multiple sources:<ref name="EGM" /><ref name="IGN" /><ref name="NLife" /><ref name="GTM" />|name=HelpNewPlayers}} However, some reviewers disliked how smart steering was enabled by default,<ref name="EGM" /><ref name="IGN" /><ref name="kotaku" /> and how it could overcorrect or interfere with precision inputs.<ref name="SN" /><ref name="USG" />
=== Internet meme ===
"Luigi's death stare" is an [[Internet meme]] describing the automatic facial expression displayed by [[Luigi]] toward other characters upon attacking or passing them during a race, in which he gives them a disapproving [[Glaring|glare]] in passing. It was featured in several viral [[YouTube]] videos and animated [[GIF]]s,<ref>{{cite web | first=Abigail | last=Elise | title=Luigi Death Stare In 'Mario Kart 8' Goes Viral | work=International Business Times | date=June 6, 2014 | url=http://www.ibtimes.com/luigi-death-stare-mario-kart-8-goes-viral-1595456 | access-date=June 6, 2014 | archive-date=June 8, 2014 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140608074717/http://www.ibtimes.com/luigi-death-stare-mario-kart-8-goes-viral-1595456 | url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite news | first=Christopher | last=Hooton | title=Luigi's 'death stare' will instantly make you want to buy Mario Kart 8 | work=The Independent | date=June 2, 2014 | url=https://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/gadgets-and-tech/gaming/luigis-death-stare-will-make-you-want-to-buy-mario-kart-8-9469361.html | access-date=June 8, 2014 | archive-date=June 6, 2014 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140606220730/http://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/gadgets-and-tech/gaming/luigis-death-stare-will-make-you-want-to-buy-mario-kart-8-9469361.html | url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web | first=Alexa Ray | last=Corriera | title=Luigi isn't playing games with his 'death stare' in Mario Kart 8 | publisher=Polygon | date=June 2, 2014 | url=http://www.polygon.com/2014/6/2/5772704/luigi-death-stare-mario-kart-8-wii-u-nintendo | access-date=June 6, 2014 | archive-date=June 5, 2014 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140605022414/http://www.polygon.com/2014/6/2/5772704/luigi-death-stare-mario-kart-8-wii-u-nintendo | url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web | first=Patrick | last=Purcell | title=Luigi's death stare from Mario Kart 8&nbsp;– our video guide to the best memes and gifs | work=Mirror | date=June 7, 2014 | url=https://www.mirror.co.uk/incoming/luigis-death-stare-mario-kart-3657967 | access-date=June 8, 2014 | archive-date=June 8, 2014 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140608042744/http://www.mirror.co.uk/incoming/luigis-death-stare-mario-kart-3657967 | url-status=live }}</ref> and the phenomenon was covered by [[WNYW]] in early June 2014.<ref>{{cite web | first=Luke | last=Plunkett | title=Luigi's Death Stare Makes TV News | publisher=Kotaku UK | date=June 4, 2014 | url=http://www.kotaku.co.uk/2014/06/04/luigis-death-stare-makes-tv-news | access-date=June 6, 2014 | archive-date=June 6, 2014 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140606221120/http://www.kotaku.co.uk/2014/06/04/luigis-death-stare-makes-tv-news | url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web | first=Damien | last=McFerran | title=Weirdness: Luigi's Mario Kart 8 'Death Stare' Is Deemed Noteworthy By Fox News | publisher=Nintendo Life | date=June 4, 2014 | url=http://www.nintendolife.com/news/2014/06/weirdness_luigis_mario_kart_8_death_stare_is_deemed_noteworthy_by_fox_news | access-date=June 8, 2014 | archive-date=June 6, 2014 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140606230309/http://www.nintendolife.com/news/2014/06/weirdness_luigis_mario_kart_8_death_stare_is_deemed_noteworthy_by_fox_news | url-status=live }}</ref> The meme was acknowledged by Nintendo during their [[Electronic Entertainment Expo 2014|E3 2014]] digital event.<ref>{{cite web | first=Yannick | last=LeJacq | title=Luigi's Death Stare Made A Cameo in Nintendo's E3 Address | publisher=Kotaku | date=June 10, 2014 | url=http://kotaku.com/luigis-death-stare-made-a-cameo-in-nintendos-e3-address-1588836916 | access-date=June 17, 2014 | archive-date=June 13, 2014 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140613091856/http://kotaku.com/luigis-death-stare-made-a-cameo-in-nintendos-e3-address-1588836916 | url-status=live }}</ref> ''[[Venture Beat]]'' praised Nintendo's handling of the meme, noting that it was a "slick way" of acknowledging fan culture.<ref>{{cite web | first=Jeffery | last=Grubb | title=How Nintendo used the Luigi Death Stare without ruining fans' fun | publisher=[[VentureBeat]] | date=June 12, 2014 | url=https://venturebeat.com/2014/06/12/how-nintendo-used-the-luigi-death-stare-without-ruining-fans-fun/ | access-date=June 18, 2014 | archive-date=June 17, 2014 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140617081247/http://venturebeat.com/2014/06/12/how-nintendo-used-the-luigi-death-stare-without-ruining-fans-fun/ | url-status=live }}</ref> The meme was nominated for the Best Gaming Moment at the 32nd [[Golden Joystick Awards]].<ref>{{cite web |last1=Reynolds |first1=Matthew |title=Golden Joystick Awards 2014 public voting now open |url=http://www.digitalspy.com/gaming/news/a598215/golden-joystick-awards-2014-public-voting-now-open/ |website=DigitalSpy.com |access-date=September 1, 2018 |archive-date=September 2, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180902013551/http://www.digitalspy.com/gaming/news/a598215/golden-joystick-awards-2014-public-voting-now-open/ |url-status=live }}</ref>


The main criticism levied at ''Mario Kart 8'' was its battle mode, which was noticeably worse than previous entries. ''[[Easy Allies]]'' called it "abysmal",<ref name="EZA" /> and ''[[Kotaku]]'' said it was "borderline unplayable".<ref name="kotaku" /> ''[[Giant Bomb]]'' panned the recycling of existing courses for battle mode, which made it difficult to find opponents to engage with, instead of creating new arenas that are more intentionally designed for this mode.<ref name="Giant Bomb review" /> By contrast, ''Deluxe''<nowiki/>'s revamped battle mode received widespread acclaim. ''Easy Allies'' and ''Kotaku'' claimed that the new battle mode far outshined the original game,<ref name="EZA" /><ref name="kotaku" /> and ''[[Pocket Gamer]]'' said that ''Deluxe'' returned battle mode to its "original arena-battling glory".<ref name="PG" /> ''[[VentureBeat]]'' said that they remedied the issue with the original ''Mario Kart 8''<nowiki/>'s battle courses.<ref name="VB">{{cite web |last=Minotti |first=Mike |date=2017-04-20 |title=''Mario Kart 8 Deluxe'' is Nintendo's master class on releasing an older game |url=https://venturebeat.com/2017/04/20/mario-kart-8-deluxe-is-nintendos-master-class-on-releasing-an-older-game/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200812040443/https://venturebeat.com/2017/04/20/mario-kart-8-deluxe-is-nintendos-master-class-on-releasing-an-older-game/ |archive-date=2020-08-12 |access-date=2022-11-07 |website=[[VentureBeat]]}}</ref> However, ''[[Electronic Gaming Monthly]]'' said that the battle mode was "not so much a point for ''Deluxe'' that these modes are included as it is a retroactive demerit for the original ''Mario Kart 8''".<ref name="EGM" /> Many critics considered Renegade Roundup to be the best of ''Deluxe''<nowiki/>'s battle modes,{{Efn|Supported by multiple sources:<ref name="EuroG" /><ref name="Destruct" /><ref name="GRadar" /><ref name="IGN" /><ref name="PG" /><ref name="SN" />|name=Renegade}} though ''[[GameRevolution]]'' and ''[[USgamer]]'' said it was their least favorite.<ref name="GameRev" /><ref name="USG" />
=== Sales ===

In its first four days on sale, ''Mario Kart 8'' became the fastest-selling Wii U game, with more than 1.2&nbsp;million copies sold worldwide.<ref name="MK8 Off to a Great Start" /> Within a month, it increased to 2.82&nbsp;million.<ref name="Nintendo Earnings Q1 2014" /> By the end of September 2021, more than 8.46&nbsp;million copies were sold worldwide, making it the [[List of best-selling Wii U video games|best-selling Wii U game]].<ref name="sales">{{cite web |url=https://www.nintendo.co.jp/ir/en/sales/software/wiiu.html |title=Top Selling Software Sales Units&nbsp;– Nintendo Wii U Software |website=[[Nintendo]] |access-date=November 4, 2021 |archive-date=October 28, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151028233935/http://www.nintendo.co.jp/ir/en/sales/software/wiiu.html |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last1=McFerran|first1=Damien|title=Mario Kart 8 Has Now Sold 8 Million Units Worldwide|url=http://www.nintendolife.com/news/2016/10/mario_kart_8_has_now_sold_8_million_units_worldwide|website=[[Nintendo Life]]|access-date=October 28, 2016|archive-date=October 27, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161027142028/http://www.nintendolife.com/news/2016/10/mario_kart_8_has_now_sold_8_million_units_worldwide|url-status=live}}</ref> Based on the sales data, more than half of Wii U owners own a copy.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Webster |first1=Andrew |title=The 7 best things about Mario Kart 8 Deluxe |url=https://www.theverge.com/2017/4/21/15382628/mario-kart-8-deluxe-nintendo-switch-best-features |website=[[The Verge]] |access-date=April 3, 2020 |date=April 21, 2017 |archive-date=April 11, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200411055316/https://www.theverge.com/2017/4/21/15382628/mario-kart-8-deluxe-nintendo-switch-best-features |url-status=live }}</ref> In the United Kingdom, shortly after the release of ''Mario Kart 8'', week-on-week Wii U console sales rose 662%, with ''Mario Kart 8'' bundles accounting for 82% of consoles sold.<ref name="MK8 UK hardware" />
Reviewers also focused on the graphics and visual style of the game. ''[[Eurogamer]]'' praised both the vast sense of scale and the "exquisite details" of the courses.<ref name="MK8 at Eurogamer" /> ''[[Digital Foundry]]'' deemed it "near perfection" with "phenomenal attention to detail", featuring a "magnificent visual package" and "magical playability". Their technical analysis attributes the smoothness of motion and overall gameplay to the consistent performance of 60 [[frames per second]] (FPS), with the split-screen mode's effective 30 FPS nonetheless comparing favorably with industry standard.<ref name="MK8 at Digital Foundry" /> Reviewers for ''Deluxe'' echoed this praise,{{Efn|Supported by multiple sources:<ref name="GI" /><ref name="GameRev" /><ref name="GTM" /><ref name="NLife" />|name=Pretty}} with some saying that the graphics of ''Deluxe'' were an upgrade from the Wii U original.<ref name="GameRev" /><ref name="GTM" /> ''GamesTM'' praised the "incredible" [[lighting]] of ''Deluxe'', saying that courses like [[Rainbow Road (Mario Kart)|Rainbow Road]] and Electrodrome stood out as "fantastic showcases for the Nintendo universe and its creative spirit".<ref name="GTM">{{cite magazine |date=May 2017 |title=''Mario Kart 8 Deluxe'' |magazine=[[GamesTM]] |publisher=[[Future plc|Future Publishing]] |issue=187 |page=68 |pages=}}</ref> ''IGN'' felt that the "great art direction" in ''Mario Kart 8'' and ''Deluxe'' was "a major reason" for the game's graphics remaining "gorgeous".<ref name="IGN" /> ''Easy Allies'' called the soundtrack "something special", saying that both original and returning songs were "fantastic and downright catchy".<ref name="EZA">{{cite web |last=Damiani |first=Michael |date=2017-05-22 |title=Review: ''Mario Kart 8 Deluxe'' |url=https://easyallies.com/#!/review/mario-kart-8-deluxe |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210924174639/https://easyallies.com/#!/review/mario-kart-8-deluxe |archive-date=2021-09-24 |access-date=2022-11-07 |website=[[Easy Allies]]}}</ref> ''Eurogamer'' called the game's soundtrack "outrageously upbeat", and that ''Deluxe''<nowiki/>'s "defining moment" was the game's live band rendition of ''[[Super Mario Kart]]''<nowiki/>'s main theme.<ref name="EuroG" />

==== ''Booster Course Pass'' ====
[[File:MK8D Base Game vs. Wave 1.jpg|thumb|The graphical differences between the base game courses (Moo Moo Meadows, left) and the courses in the ''Booster Course Pass'' (Shroom Ridge, a Wave 1 course, right) was a point of contention. |alt=A series of screenshots demonstrates the graphical differences between courses from the base game and the DLC. The left screenshot shows Donkey Kong on the Moo Moo Meadows stage from the base game, set on a sunset, with textured grass and a dirt road. The right screenshot shows Donkey Kong on the Shroom Ridge course from the DLC, nearing a cliff on a curved road in daylight. Donkey Kong is on a flat, asphalt road with a white stripe, with grass in front of him more brightly colored than the grass on Moo Moo Meadows.]]
Upon announcement, the ''Booster Course Pass'' received mixed reception from fans. Many fans disliked that additional content for a previous game was being prioritized over a new entry in the series, citing how it had been nearly eight years since ''Mario Kart 8'' first released on the [[Wii U]].<ref name="GR-BCP">{{Cite web |last1=Young |first1=Georgina |last2=Jones |first2=Ali |date=2022-02-10 |title=''Mario Kart 8 Booster Course Pass'' has split fans' opinions |url=https://www.gamesradar.com/mario-kart-8-booster-course-pass-has-split-fans-opinions/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221007040237/https://www.gamesradar.com/mario-kart-8-booster-course-pass-has-split-fans-opinions/ |archive-date=2022-10-07 |access-date=2022-10-07 |website=[[GamesRadar+]] |publisher=[[Future plc]] |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last1=Wald |first1=Heather |last2=West |first2=Josh |date=2022-02-09 |title=Nintendo doesn't need ''Mario Kart 9'' when ''Deluxe'' is still such a good time |url=https://www.gamesradar.com/mario-kart-9-rumors-mario-kart-8-deluxe-dlc-booster-course-pass/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221010100055/https://www.gamesradar.com/mario-kart-9-rumors-mario-kart-8-deluxe-dlc-booster-course-pass/ |archive-date=2022-10-10 |access-date=2022-10-07 |website=[[GamesRadar+]] |publisher=[[Future plc]] |language=en}}</ref> The graphics of the courses in the ''Booster Course Pass'' were also a point of contention, with some saying that they fell short of the standards set by ''Deluxe''.<ref name="GR-BCP" />

After release, critics were mixed—according to Metacritic, Wave 1 received "mixed or average reviews",<ref name="MetaWave1">{{Cite web |title=''Mario Kart 8 Deluxe: Booster Course Pass'' – Wave 1 |url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/switch/mario-kart-8-deluxe-booster-course-pass---wave-1 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221006184315/https://www.metacritic.com/game/switch/mario-kart-8-deluxe-booster-course-pass---wave-1 |archive-date=2022-10-06 |access-date=2022-10-06 |website=[[Metacritic]] |publisher=[[Fandom (website)|Fandom]] |language=en}}</ref>{{Efn|Score based on 10 reviews<ref name= MetaWave1/>|name=Score 1|group=lower-alpha}} and Wave 2 received "generally favorable reviews".<ref name="MetaWave2">{{Cite web |title=''Mario Kart 8 Deluxe: Booster Course Pass'' – Wave 2 |url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/switch/mario-kart-8-deluxe-booster-course-pass---wave-2 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221006232829/https://www.metacritic.com/game/switch/mario-kart-8-deluxe-booster-course-pass---wave-2 |archive-date=2022-10-06 |access-date=2022-10-06 |website=[[Metacritic]] |publisher=[[Fandom (website)|Fandom]] |language=en}}</ref>{{Efn|Score based on 7 reviews<ref name= "MetaWave2"/>|name=Score 2|group=lower-alpha}} Criticism focused on the graphics, which were lower in detail compared to courses from the main game.<ref name="NLifeWave1">{{Cite web |last=Whitehead |first=Thomas |date=2022-03-18 |title=Review: ''Mario Kart 8 Deluxe Booster Course Pass'' Wave 1 - A 'Safe' Start To The 48-Track DLC Pack |url=https://www.nintendolife.com/reviews/switch-eshop/mario-kart-8-deluxe-booster-course-pass-wave-1 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221009172813/https://www.nintendolife.com/reviews/switch-eshop/mario-kart-8-deluxe-booster-course-pass-wave-1 |archive-date=2022-10-09 |access-date=2022-10-06 |website=[[Nintendo Life]] |publisher=Hookshot Media |language=en-GB}}</ref><ref name="EG-BCP">{{Cite web |last=Mackenzie |first=Oliver |date=2022-08-17 |title=''Mario Kart 8''<nowiki/>'s new ''Booster Course Pass'' tracks betray their mobile origins |url=https://www.eurogamer.net/digitalfoundry-2022-mario-kart-8s-new-booster-course-pass-tracks-betray-their-mobile-origins |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221009170033/https://www.eurogamer.net/digitalfoundry-2022-mario-kart-8s-new-booster-course-pass-tracks-betray-their-mobile-origins |archive-date=2022-10-09 |access-date=2022-10-06 |work=[[Eurogamer]] |publisher=[[Gamer Network]] |language=en-gb}}</ref><ref name="C3-BCP">{{Cite web |last=Flynn |first=Neil |date=2022-03-20 |title=''Mario Kart 8 Deluxe Booster Course Pass'' – Wave 1 (Nintendo Switch) Review |url=http://www.cubed3.com/review/6608/1/mario-kart-8-deluxe-booster-course-pass--wave-1-nintendo-switch.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221019205849/http://www.cubed3.com/review/6608/1/mario-kart-8-deluxe-booster-course-pass--wave-1-nintendo-switch.html |archive-date=2022-10-19 |access-date=2022-10-19 |website=Cubed3}}</ref> ''Digital Foundry'' attributed this to the courses being built upon their versions from ''[[Mario Kart Tour]]''.<ref name="EG-BCP" /> On the other hand, many reviewers felt that the courses that originated in ''Tour'' were among the best gameplay-wise,{{Efn|Supported by multiple sources:<ref name="GS-BCP" /><ref name="NLifeWave1" /><ref name="C3-BCP2">{{Cite web |last=Flynn |first=Neil |date=2022-06-08 |title=''Mario Kart 8 Deluxe Booster Course Pass'' – Wave 2 (Nintendo Switch) Review |url=http://www.cubed3.com/review/6691/1/mario-kart-8-deluxe-booster-course-pass--wave-2-nintendo-switch.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221007001722/http://www.cubed3.com/review/6691/1/mario-kart-8-deluxe-booster-course-pass--wave-2-nintendo-switch.html |archive-date=2022-10-07 |access-date=2022-10-06 |website=Cubed3}}</ref><ref name="C3-BCP" />}} and Ninja Hideaway in particular was praised as a highlight of Wave 1.{{Efn|Supported by multiple sources:<ref name="NLifeWave1" /><ref name="DestructoidWave1" /><ref name="C3-BCP2" /><ref name="C3-BCP" />}} Some courses in Wave 2 were lauded, with ''Nintendo Life'' calling Waluigi Pinball's graphics "stunning".<ref name="NLifeWave2">{{Cite web |last=Reynolds |first=Ollie |date=2022-08-04 |title=Review: ''Mario Kart 8 Deluxe Booster Course Pass'' Wave 2 – Harmless Fun, But More 'B-Side Filler' |url=https://www.nintendolife.com/reviews/nintendo-switch/mario-kart-8-deluxe-booster-course-pass-wave-2 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221009165243/https://www.nintendolife.com/reviews/nintendo-switch/mario-kart-8-deluxe-booster-course-pass-wave-2 |archive-date=2022-10-09 |access-date=2022-10-06 |website=[[Nintendo Life]] |publisher=Hookshot Media |language=en-GB}}</ref> Another common disappointment was that courses did not include ''Mario Kart 8''<nowiki/>'s signature anti-gravity or underwater features.{{Efn|Supported by multiple sources:<ref name="EG-BCP" /><ref name="NLifeWave1" /><ref name="DestructoidWave1" /><ref name="C3-BCP" />}} ''GameSpot'' lamented how the ''Booster Course Pass'' only introduced new courses, rather than new characters or customization parts.<ref name="GS-BCP">{{Cite web |last=Watts |first=Steve |date=2022-03-21 |title=''Mario Kart 8 Deluxe Booster Pass'' Wave 1 Review |url=https://www.gamespot.com/articles/mario-kart-8-deluxe-booster-pass-wave-1-review/1100-6501757/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221006184325/https://www.gamespot.com/articles/mario-kart-8-deluxe-booster-pass-wave-1-review/1100-6501757/ |archive-date=2022-10-06 |access-date=2022-10-06 |website=[[GameSpot]] |publisher=[[Fandom (website)|Fandom]] |language=en-US}}</ref> ''Nintendo Life'' praised the audio design, calling it "stellar"<ref name="NLifeWave2" /> and "a delight",<ref name="NLifeWave1" /> and ''Destructoid'' called Sydney Sprint's soundtrack "the best" music of the ''Booster Course Pass''.<ref name="DestructoidWave2">{{Cite web |last=Andriessen |first=CJ |date=2022-08-08 |title=''Mario Kart 8 Deluxe Booster Course Pass'' Wave 2 reviewed and ranked |url=https://www.destructoid.com/reviews/mario-kart-8-dlc-wave-2-reviewed-and-ranked/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221006232829/https://www.destructoid.com/reviews/mario-kart-8-dlc-wave-2-reviewed-and-ranked/ |archive-date=2022-10-07 |access-date=2022-10-06 |website=[[Destructoid]] |publisher=[[Gamurs]] |language=en-CA}}</ref> The addition of courses that vary every lap was praised by critics, with ''Nintendo Life'' wishing it would become a "mainstay" feature of the series.<ref name="NLifeWave2" />

=== Fan response ===
"Luigi's death stare" is an [[Internet meme]] describing the automatic facial expression displayed by [[Luigi]] toward other characters upon attacking or passing them during a race, in which he gives them a disapproving [[Glaring|glare]] in passing. It was featured in several [[Viral video|viral videos]] and animated [[GIF]]s,<ref>{{cite web |last=Elise |first=Abigail |date=June 6, 2014 |title=Luigi Death Stare In 'Mario Kart 8' Goes Viral |url=http://www.ibtimes.com/luigi-death-stare-mario-kart-8-goes-viral-1595456 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140608074717/http://www.ibtimes.com/luigi-death-stare-mario-kart-8-goes-viral-1595456 |archive-date=June 8, 2014 |access-date=June 6, 2014 |work=International Business Times}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last=Hooton |first=Christopher |date=June 2, 2014 |title=Luigi's 'death stare' will instantly make you want to buy Mario Kart 8 |work=The Independent |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/gadgets-and-tech/gaming/luigis-death-stare-will-make-you-want-to-buy-mario-kart-8-9469361.html |url-status=live |access-date=June 8, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140606220730/http://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/gadgets-and-tech/gaming/luigis-death-stare-will-make-you-want-to-buy-mario-kart-8-9469361.html |archive-date=June 6, 2014}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last=Corriera |first=Alexa Ray |date=June 2, 2014 |title=Luigi isn't playing games with his 'death stare' in Mario Kart 8 |url=http://www.polygon.com/2014/6/2/5772704/luigi-death-stare-mario-kart-8-wii-u-nintendo |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140605022414/http://www.polygon.com/2014/6/2/5772704/luigi-death-stare-mario-kart-8-wii-u-nintendo |archive-date=June 5, 2014 |access-date=June 6, 2014 |publisher=Polygon}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last=Purcell |first=Patrick |date=June 7, 2014 |title=Luigi's death stare from Mario Kart 8&nbsp;– our video guide to the best memes and gifs |url=https://www.mirror.co.uk/incoming/luigis-death-stare-mario-kart-3657967 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140608042744/http://www.mirror.co.uk/incoming/luigis-death-stare-mario-kart-3657967 |archive-date=June 8, 2014 |access-date=June 8, 2014 |work=Mirror}}</ref> and the phenomenon was covered by [[WNYW]] in early June 2014.<ref>{{cite web |last=Plunkett |first=Luke |date=June 4, 2014 |title=Luigi's Death Stare Makes TV News |url=http://www.kotaku.co.uk/2014/06/04/luigis-death-stare-makes-tv-news |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140606221120/http://www.kotaku.co.uk/2014/06/04/luigis-death-stare-makes-tv-news |archive-date=June 6, 2014 |access-date=June 6, 2014 |publisher=Kotaku UK}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last=McFerran |first=Damien |date=June 4, 2014 |title=Weirdness: Luigi's Mario Kart 8 'Death Stare' Is Deemed Noteworthy By Fox News |url=http://www.nintendolife.com/news/2014/06/weirdness_luigis_mario_kart_8_death_stare_is_deemed_noteworthy_by_fox_news |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140606230309/http://www.nintendolife.com/news/2014/06/weirdness_luigis_mario_kart_8_death_stare_is_deemed_noteworthy_by_fox_news |archive-date=June 6, 2014 |access-date=June 8, 2014 |publisher=Nintendo Life}}</ref> Nintendo referenced the meme in their [[Electronic Entertainment Expo 2014|E3 2014]] digital event.<ref>{{cite web |last=LeJacq |first=Yannick |date=June 10, 2014 |title=Luigi's Death Stare Made A Cameo in Nintendo's E3 Address |url=http://kotaku.com/luigis-death-stare-made-a-cameo-in-nintendos-e3-address-1588836916 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140613091856/http://kotaku.com/luigis-death-stare-made-a-cameo-in-nintendos-e3-address-1588836916 |archive-date=June 13, 2014 |access-date=June 17, 2014 |website=[[Kotaku]] |publisher=[[Univision Communications]]}}</ref> ''[[Venture Beat]]'' praised Nintendo's handling of the meme, noting that it was a "slick way" of acknowledging fan culture.<ref>{{cite web |last=Grubb |first=Jeffery |date=June 12, 2014 |title=How Nintendo used the Luigi Death Stare without ruining fans' fun |url=https://venturebeat.com/2014/06/12/how-nintendo-used-the-luigi-death-stare-without-ruining-fans-fun/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140617081247/http://venturebeat.com/2014/06/12/how-nintendo-used-the-luigi-death-stare-without-ruining-fans-fun/ |archive-date=June 17, 2014 |access-date=June 18, 2014 |publisher=[[VentureBeat]]}}</ref> The meme was nominated for the Best Gaming Moment at the 32nd [[Golden Joystick Awards]].<ref>{{cite web |last1=Reynolds |first1=Matthew |title=Golden Joystick Awards 2014 public voting now open |url=http://www.digitalspy.com/gaming/news/a598215/golden-joystick-awards-2014-public-voting-now-open/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180902013551/http://www.digitalspy.com/gaming/news/a598215/golden-joystick-awards-2014-public-voting-now-open/ |archive-date=September 2, 2018 |access-date=September 1, 2018 |website=DigitalSpy.com}}</ref>

<!-- A lot of outlets cover mods in a one-off fashion, two "generally reliable" sources at [[WP:VG/RS]] should cover a mod to warrant inclusion here -->Several [[Video game modding|mods]] have been created for ''Mario Kart 8 Deluxe''. In February 2022, a mod was created that added [[Kirby (character)|Kirby]]'s Mouthful Mode car transformation ([[Colloquialism|colloquially]] known as "Carby") from ''[[Kirby and the Forgotten Land]]'' as a selectable kart and character.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Zwiezen |first=Zack |date=2022-02-12 |title=Someone Already Modded Carby Into ''Mario Kart 8'' |url=https://kotaku.com/carby-kirby-mouthful-mode-switch-mario-kart-8-mod-1848528653 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220924031857/https://kotaku.com/carby-kirby-mouthful-mode-switch-mario-kart-8-mod-1848528653 |archive-date=2022-09-24 |access-date=2022-11-14 |website=[[Kotaku]] |publisher=[[G/O Media]] |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Bellingham |first=Hope |date=2022-02-14 |title=This is not a drill, car Kirby has been modded into ''Mario Kart 8'' |url=https://www.gamesradar.com/this-is-not-a-drill-car-kirby-has-been-modded-into-mario-kart-8/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220311033650/https://www.gamesradar.com/this-is-not-a-drill-car-kirby-has-been-modded-into-mario-kart-8/ |archive-date=2022-03-11 |access-date=2022-11-14 |website=[[GamesRadar+]] |publisher=[[Future plc]] |language=en}}</ref> In June 2022, a mod was published that added [[Green Hill Zone]] from the ''[[Sonic the Hedgehog]]'' series as a course.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Reynolds |first=Ollie |date=2022-06-15 |title=Random: ''Mario Kart 8 Deluxe Mod'' Adds Awesome ''Sonic'' 'Green Hill Zone' Course |url=https://www.nintendolife.com/news/2022/06/random-mario-kart-8-deluxe-mod-adds-awesome-sonic-green-hill-zone-course |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220707112212/https://www.nintendolife.com/news/2022/06/random-mario-kart-8-deluxe-mod-adds-awesome-sonic-green-hill-zone-course |archive-date=2022-07-07 |access-date=2022-11-14 |website=[[Nintendo Life]] |publisher=Hookshot Media |language=en-GB}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Morrow |first=Emily |date=2022-06-15 |title=Modder creates epic Green Hill Zone track in ''Mario Kart 8'' |url=https://dotesports.com/general/news/modder-creates-epic-green-hill-zone-track-in-mario-kart-8 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221114213430/https://dotesports.com/general/news/modder-creates-epic-green-hill-zone-track-in-mario-kart-8 |archive-date=2022-11-14 |access-date=2022-11-14 |website=[[Dot Esports]] |publisher=[[Gamurs]] |language=en-US}}</ref>

=== Accolades ===
Readers and staff of ''[[Eurogamer]]'' voted ''Mario Kart 8'' their game of the year,<ref>{{cite web |author=Eurogamer staff |date=January 1, 2015 |title=Eurogamer's Game of the Year 2014 |url=http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2014-12-31-eurogamers-game-of-the-year-2014 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141214013301/http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2014-12-31-eurogamers-game-of-the-year-2014 |archive-date=December 14, 2014 |access-date=August 7, 2020 |work=[[Eurogamer]]}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last=Robinson |first=Martin |date=December 22, 2015 |title=Reader's top 50 games of 2014 |url=https://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2015-01-02-readers-top-50-games-of-2014 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150103131228/http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2015-01-02-readers-top-50-games-of-2014 |archive-date=January 3, 2015 |access-date=August 7, 2020 |website=[[Eurogamer]] |publisher=Gamer Network}}</ref> and GameSpot gave it the award of "Best Wii U Game".<ref>{{cite web |author=GameSpot Staff |date=December 13, 2014 |title=Mario Kart 8 – Wii U Game of the Year |url=https://www.gamespot.com/articles/mario-kart-8-wii-u-game-of-the-year/1100-6423917/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141214004324/http://www.gamespot.com/articles/mario-kart-8-wii-u-game-of-the-year/1100-6423917/ |archive-date=December 14, 2014 |access-date=August 7, 2020 |website=[[GameSpot]]}}</ref> It was nominated for "Best Wii U Exclusive" in GameTrailers' 2014 Game of the Year Awards;<ref>{{cite AV media |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gKZgY_zqB_4 |title=Game of the Year Awards 2014 – Best Wii U Exclusive |date=July 19, 2016 |author=GameTrailers |access-date=March 4, 2018 |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211118/gKZgY_zqB_4 |archive-date=2021-11-18 |url-status=live |via=[[YouTube]]}}{{cbignore}}</ref> for "Best Game" in [[Giant Bomb]]'s 2014 Game of the Year Awards;<ref>{{cite web |author=Game Bomb Staff |date=December 30, 2014 |title=Giant Bomb's 2014 Game of the Year Awards: Day Five Text Recap |url=https://www.giantbomb.com/articles/giant-bomb-s-2014-game-of-the-year-awards-day-five/1100-5126/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141231183918/http://www.giantbomb.com/articles/giant-bomb-s-2014-game-of-the-year-awards-day-five/1100-5126/ |archive-date=December 31, 2014 |access-date=December 31, 2014 |website=Giant Bomb |publisher=CBS Interactive}}</ref> and for "Overall Game of the Year" and "Wii U Retail Game of the Year" in ''[[Nintendo Life]]''{{'s}} Reader Awards 2014,<ref>{{cite web |last=Whitehead |first=Thomas |date=December 25, 2014 |title=Game of the Year: Nintendo Life's Reader Awards 2014 |url=http://www.nintendolife.com/news/2014/12/game_of_the_year_nintendo_lifes_reader_awards_2014 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141226010149/http://www.nintendolife.com/news/2014/12/game_of_the_year_nintendo_lifes_reader_awards_2014 |archive-date=December 26, 2014 |access-date=August 7, 2020 |website=[[Nintendo Life]]}}</ref> and it won both awards for both categories in their Staff Awards 2014.<ref>{{cite web |last=Whitehead |first=Thomas |date=December 24, 2014 |title=Game of the Year: Nintendo Life's Staff Awards 2014 |url=https://www.nintendolife.com/news/2014/12/game_of_the_year_nintendo_lifes_staff_awards_2014 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141224185336/http://www.nintendolife.com/news/2014/12/game_of_the_year_nintendo_lifes_staff_awards_2014 |archive-date=December 24, 2014 |access-date=August 7, 2020 |website=Nintendo Life}}</ref> It won "Game of the Year" by ''[[The Guardian]]''.<ref>{{cite web |last=Stuart |first=Keith |date=December 19, 2014 |title=The 25 best video games of 2014 |url=https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2014/dec/15/the-best-video-games-of-2014 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141222174505/http://www.theguardian.com/technology/2014/dec/15/the-best-video-games-of-2014 |archive-date=December 22, 2014 |access-date=August 7, 2020 |website=The Guardian}}</ref> In IGN's Best of 2014 Awards, it was nominated for "Best Multiplayer" and "Best Racing",<ref>{{cite web |date=January 13, 2015 |title=Super Smash Bros. for Wii U |url=http://www.ign.com/lists/best-of-games-achievement/competitive-multi/super-smash-bros-for-wii-u |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150113202014/http://www.ign.com/lists/best-of-games-achievement/competitive-multi/super-smash-bros-for-wii-u/ |archive-date=January 13, 2015 |access-date=January 13, 2015 |website=IGN}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |date=January 13, 2015 |title=Forza Horizon 2 |url=http://www.ign.com/lists/best-of-games-genre/racing/forza-horizon-2 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150113200635/http://www.ign.com/lists/best-of-games-genre/racing/forza-horizon-2 |archive-date=January 13, 2015 |access-date=January 13, 2015 |website=IGN}}</ref> and won the award for "Best Wii U Game".<ref>{{cite web |date=January 13, 2015 |title=Mario Kart 8 |url=http://www.ign.com/lists/best-of-games-platform/wii-u/mario-kart-8 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150113195929/http://www.ign.com/lists/best-of-games-platform/wii-u/mario-kart-8 |archive-date=January 13, 2015 |access-date=January 13, 2015 |website=IGN}}</ref>


''Mario Kart 8 Deluxe'' also earned recognition at year-end awards in the 2017-2018 season. The game was nominated for "Best Switch Game" and "Best Remake/Remaster" in [[IGN#IGN 'Best of' awards|''IGN''<nowiki/>'s Best of 2017 Awards]].<ref>{{cite web |date=2017-12-20 |title=Best of 2017 Awards: Best Switch Game |url=http://www.ign.com/wikis/best-of-2017-awards/Best_Switch_Game |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171205064321/http://www.ign.com/wikis/best-of-2017-awards/Best_Switch_Game |archive-date=2017-12-06 |access-date=2018-01-19 |website=[[IGN]] |publisher=[[Ziff Davis]]}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |date=2017-12-20 |title=Best of 2017 Awards: Best Remake/Remaster |url=http://www.ign.com/wikis/best-of-2017-awards/Best_Remake/Remaster |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180108143541/http://www.ign.com/wikis/best-of-2017-awards/Best_Remake/Remaster |archive-date=2018-01-08 |access-date=2018-01-19 |website=[[IGN]] |publisher=[[Ziff Davis]]}}</ref> ''[[Destructoid]]'' nominated the game for its "Best Switch Game" in their Game of the Year Awards in 2017,<ref>{{cite web |last=Valdez |first=Nick |date=2017-12-14 |title=Nominees for Destructoid's Best Switch Game of 2017 |url=https://www.destructoid.com/nominees-for-destructoid-s-best-switch-game-of-2017-476543.phtml |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180502160648/https://www.destructoid.com/nominees-for-destructoid-s-best-switch-game-of-2017-476543.phtml |archive-date=2018-05-02 |access-date=2018-01-19 |website=[[Destructoid]] |publisher=[[Gamurs]]}}</ref> and the game was awarded "Old Game of the Year" at ''[[Giant Bomb]]''<nowiki/>'s 2017 Game of the Year Awards.<ref>{{cite web |author=Giant Bomb staff |date=2017-12-25 |title=Game of the Year 2017 Day One: Old, Disappointing, Shopkeepers, and Looks |url=https://www.giantbomb.com/articles/game-of-the-year-2017-day-one-old-disappointing-sh/1100-5699/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.is/20171226024701/https://www.giantbomb.com/articles/game-of-the-year-2017-day-one-old-disappointing-sh/1100-5699/ |archive-date=2017-12-26 |access-date=2020-08-07 |website=[[Giant Bomb]] |publisher=[[Red Ventures]]}}</ref>
=== Awards ===
Readers and staff of ''[[Eurogamer]]'' voted ''Mario Kart 8'' their game of the year,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2014-12-31-eurogamers-game-of-the-year-2014|title=Eurogamer's Game of the Year 2014|work=[[Eurogamer]]|author=Eurogamer staff|date=January 1, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141214013301/http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2014-12-31-eurogamers-game-of-the-year-2014|archive-date=December 14, 2014|access-date=August 7, 2020|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Reader's top 50 games of 2014|url=https://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2015-01-02-readers-top-50-games-of-2014|first=Martin|last=Robinson|date=December 22, 2015|website=[[Eurogamer]]|publisher=Gamer Network|access-date=August 7, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150103131228/http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2015-01-02-readers-top-50-games-of-2014|archive-date=January 3, 2015|url-status=live}}</ref> and GameSpot gave it the award of "Best Wii U Game".<ref>{{cite web|author=GameSpot Staff|date=December 13, 2014|url=https://www.gamespot.com/articles/mario-kart-8-wii-u-game-of-the-year/1100-6423917/|title=Mario Kart 8 – Wii U Game of the Year |website=[[GameSpot]] |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141214004324/http://www.gamespot.com/articles/mario-kart-8-wii-u-game-of-the-year/1100-6423917/ |archive-date=December 14, 2014 |access-date=August 7, 2020 |url-status=live}}</ref> It was nominated for "Best Wii U Exclusive" in GameTrailers' 2014 Game of the Year Awards;<ref>{{cite AV media |author=GameTrailers |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gKZgY_zqB_4|archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211118/gKZgY_zqB_4| archive-date=2021-11-18|url-status=live|title=Game of the Year Awards 2014 – Best Wii U Exclusive |date=July 19, 2016 |via=[[YouTube]] |access-date=March 4, 2018}}{{cbignore}}</ref> for "Best Game" in [[Giant Bomb]]'s 2014 Game of the Year Awards;<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.giantbomb.com/articles/giant-bomb-s-2014-game-of-the-year-awards-day-five/1100-5126/|author=Game Bomb Staff|date=December 30, 2014|title=Giant Bomb's 2014 Game of the Year Awards: Day Five Text Recap|website=Giant Bomb|publisher=CBS Interactive|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141231183918/http://www.giantbomb.com/articles/giant-bomb-s-2014-game-of-the-year-awards-day-five/1100-5126/|archive-date=December 31, 2014|url-status=live|access-date=December 31, 2014}}</ref> and for "Overall Game of the Year" and "Wii U Retail Game of the Year" in ''[[Nintendo Life]]''{{'s}} Reader Awards 2014,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.nintendolife.com/news/2014/12/game_of_the_year_nintendo_lifes_reader_awards_2014|title=Game of the Year: Nintendo Life's Reader Awards 2014|last=Whitehead|first=Thomas|date=December 25, 2014|website=[[Nintendo Life]]|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141226010149/http://www.nintendolife.com/news/2014/12/game_of_the_year_nintendo_lifes_reader_awards_2014|archive-date=December 26, 2014|url-status=live|access-date=August 7, 2020}}</ref> and it won both awards for both categories in their Staff Awards 2014.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.nintendolife.com/news/2014/12/game_of_the_year_nintendo_lifes_staff_awards_2014|title=Game of the Year: Nintendo Life's Staff Awards 2014|last=Whitehead|first=Thomas|date=December 24, 2014|website=Nintendo Life|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141224185336/http://www.nintendolife.com/news/2014/12/game_of_the_year_nintendo_lifes_staff_awards_2014|archive-date=December 24, 2014|url-status=live|access-date=August 7, 2020}}</ref> It won "Game of the Year" by ''[[The Guardian]]''.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2014/dec/15/the-best-video-games-of-2014|first=Keith|last=Stuart|date=December 19, 2014|title=The 25 best video games of 2014|website=The Guardian|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141222174505/http://www.theguardian.com/technology/2014/dec/15/the-best-video-games-of-2014|archive-date=December 22, 2014|url-status=live|access-date=August 7, 2020}}</ref> In IGN's Best of 2014 Awards, it was nominated for "Best Multiplayer" and "Best Racing",<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.ign.com/lists/best-of-games-achievement/competitive-multi/super-smash-bros-for-wii-u|title=Super Smash Bros. for Wii U|date=January 13, 2015|website=IGN|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150113202014/http://www.ign.com/lists/best-of-games-achievement/competitive-multi/super-smash-bros-for-wii-u/|archive-date=January 13, 2015|url-status=live|access-date=January 13, 2015}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.ign.com/lists/best-of-games-genre/racing/forza-horizon-2|title=Forza Horizon 2|date=January 13, 2015|website=IGN|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150113200635/http://www.ign.com/lists/best-of-games-genre/racing/forza-horizon-2|archive-date=January 13, 2015|url-status=live|access-date=January 13, 2015}}</ref> and won the award for "Best Wii U Game".<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.ign.com/lists/best-of-games-platform/wii-u/mario-kart-8|title=Mario Kart 8|date=January 13, 2015|website=IGN|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150113195929/http://www.ign.com/lists/best-of-games-platform/wii-u/mario-kart-8|archive-date=January 13, 2015|url-status=live|access-date=January 13, 2015}}</ref>


{| class="wikitable mw-collapsible"
{| class="wikitable mw-collapsible"
Line 104: Line 136:
! Awards
! Awards
! Category
! Category
! Nominee(s)
! Result
! Result
! Ref.
! Ref.
|-
|-
| rowspan="3" align="center" | 2014
| rowspan="3" align="center" | 2014
| [[11th British Academy Games Awards]]
| [[British Academy Children's Awards]]
| Best Game
| Best Game
| ''Mario Kart 8''
| {{won}}
| {{won}}
| align="center" | <ref name="bafta award">{{cite web|url=http://awards.bafta.org/award/2014/childrens/game|title=2014 Children's Game|website=BAFTA|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141124205749/http://awards.bafta.org/award/2014/childrens/game|archive-date=November 24, 2014|access-date=November 24, 2014}}</ref>
| align=center|<ref name="bafta award" />
|-
|-
| rowspan="2"| [[The Game Awards 2014]]
| rowspan="2" | [[The Game Awards 2014]]
| Best Family Game
| Best Family Game
| ''Mario Kart 8''
| {{won}}
| {{won}}
| rowspan="2" align=center|<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/erikkain/2014/12/06/all-the-winners-of-the-2014-game-awards/|title=All The Winners of the 2014 Game Awards|last=Kain|first=Erik|date=December 6, 2014|website=[[Forbes]]|access-date=December 11, 2014|archive-date=December 14, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141214100049/http://www.forbes.com/sites/erikkain/2014/12/06/all-the-winners-of-the-2014-game-awards/|url-status=live}}</ref>
| rowspan="2" align="center" | <ref>{{cite web |last=Kain |first=Erik |date=December 6, 2014 |title=All The Winners of the 2014 Game Awards |url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/erikkain/2014/12/06/all-the-winners-of-the-2014-game-awards/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141214100049/http://www.forbes.com/sites/erikkain/2014/12/06/all-the-winners-of-the-2014-game-awards/ |archive-date=December 14, 2014 |access-date=December 11, 2014 |website=[[Forbes]]}}</ref>
|-
|-
| Best Sports/Racing Game
| Best Sports/Racing Game
| ''Mario Kart 8''
| {{won}}
| {{won}}
|-
|-
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| [[D.I.C.E. Awards]]
| [[D.I.C.E. Awards]]
| Racing Game of the Year
| Racing Game of the Year
| ''Mario Kart 8''
| {{won}}
| {{won}}
| align="center" |<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.nintendolife.com/news/2015/02/nintendo_picks_up_three_gongs_at_the_dice_awards|title=Nintendo Picks Up Three Gongs at the D.I.C.E. Awards|last=Whitehead|first=Thomas|date=February 6, 2015|website=Nintendo Life|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150206194522/http://www.nintendolife.com/news/2015/02/nintendo_picks_up_three_gongs_at_the_dice_awards|archive-date=February 6, 2015|url-status=live|access-date=February 6, 2015}}</ref>
| align="center" | <ref>{{cite web |last=Whitehead |first=Thomas |date=February 6, 2015 |title=Nintendo Picks Up Three Gongs at the D.I.C.E. Awards |url=http://www.nintendolife.com/news/2015/02/nintendo_picks_up_three_gongs_at_the_dice_awards |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150206194522/http://www.nintendolife.com/news/2015/02/nintendo_picks_up_three_gongs_at_the_dice_awards |archive-date=February 6, 2015 |access-date=February 6, 2015 |website=Nintendo Life}}</ref>
|-
|-
| rowspan="4"| [[11th British Academy Video Games Awards]]
| rowspan="4" | [[11th British Academy Games Awards]]
| Best Game
| Best Game
| ''Mario Kart 8''
| {{nom}}
| {{nom}}
| rowspan="4" align=center|<ref>{{cite web|url=http://awards.bafta.org/award/2015/games|title=Games in 2015|date=February 10, 2015|website=BAFTA|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150212004122/http://awards.bafta.org/award/2015/games|archive-date=February 12, 2015|url-status=live|access-date=April 7, 2015}}</ref>
| rowspan="4" align="center" | <ref>{{cite web |date=February 10, 2015 |title=Games in 2015 |url=http://awards.bafta.org/award/2015/games |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150212004122/http://awards.bafta.org/award/2015/games |archive-date=February 12, 2015 |access-date=April 7, 2015 |website=BAFTA}}</ref>
|-
|-
| Audio Achievement
| Audio Achievement
| ''Mario Kart 8''
| {{nom}}
| {{nom}}
|-
|-
| Family Game
| Family Game
| ''Mario Kart 8''
| {{nom}}
| {{nom}}
|-
|-
| Multiplayer Game
| Multiplayer Game
| ''Mario Kart 8''
| {{nom}}
| {{nom}}
|-
|-
| [[2015 Kids' Choice Awards]]
| [[2015 Kids' Choice Awards]]
| Most Addicting Game
| Most Addicting Game
| ''Mario Kart 8''
| {{nom}}
| {{nom}}
| align=center |<ref>{{cite news|last=Macatee|first=Rebecca|date=February 20, 2015|title=2015 Nickelodeon's Kids' Choice Awards Honor Nick Jonas, Meryl Streep: See the Complete List of Nominees!|url=http://www.eonline.com/news/627610/2015-nickelodeon-s-kids-choice-awards-honor-nick-jonas-meryl-streep-see-the-complete-list-of-nominees|access-date=February 23, 2015|publisher=E!|archive-date=November 16, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161116211709/http://www.eonline.com/news/627610/2015-nickelodeon-s-kids-choice-awards-honor-nick-jonas-meryl-streep-see-the-complete-list-of-nominees|url-status=live}}</ref>
| align="center" | <ref>{{cite news |last=Macatee |first=Rebecca |date=February 20, 2015 |title=2015 Nickelodeon's Kids' Choice Awards Honor Nick Jonas, Meryl Streep: See the Complete List of Nominees! |publisher=E! |url=http://www.eonline.com/news/627610/2015-nickelodeon-s-kids-choice-awards-honor-nick-jonas-meryl-streep-see-the-complete-list-of-nominees |url-status=live |access-date=February 23, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161116211709/http://www.eonline.com/news/627610/2015-nickelodeon-s-kids-choice-awards-honor-nick-jonas-meryl-streep-see-the-complete-list-of-nominees |archive-date=November 16, 2016}}</ref>
|-
| rowspan="4" | 2017
| rowspan="2" | [[Golden Joystick Awards]]
| Studio of the Year
| Nintendo EPD
| {{won}}
| rowspan="2" align="center" | <ref>{{cite web |last=Gaito |first=Eri |date=November 13, 2017 |title=Golden Joystick Awards 2017 Nominees |url=https://www.bestinslot.co/golden-joystick-awards-2017-nominees/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180110003232/https://www.bestinslot.co/golden-joystick-awards-2017-nominees/ |archive-date=January 10, 2018 |access-date=January 19, 2018 |website=Best in Slot}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last=Weber |first=Rachel |date=November 17, 2017 |title=The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild scores big at the 35th Golden Joystick Awards presented with OMEN by HP |url=http://www.gamesradar.com/the-legend-of-zelda-breath-of-the-wild-scores-big-at-the-35th-golden-joystick-awards-presented-with-omen-by-hp/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171117181142/http://www.gamesradar.com/the-legend-of-zelda-breath-of-the-wild-scores-big-at-the-35th-golden-joystick-awards-presented-with-omen-by-hp/ |archive-date=November 17, 2017 |access-date=January 19, 2018 |website=[[GamesRadar+]] |publisher=[[Future plc]]}}</ref>
|-
| Nintendo Game of the Year
| ''Mario Kart 8 Deluxe''
| {{nom}}
|-
| rowspan="2" | [[The Game Awards 2017]]
| Best Family Game
| ''Mario Kart 8 Deluxe''
| {{nom}}
| rowspan="2" align="center" | <ref>{{cite web |last=Makuch |first=Eddie |date=2017-12-08 |title=The Game Awards 2017 Winners Headlined By ''Zelda: Breath Of The Wild''<nowiki/>'s Game Of The Year |url=https://www.gamespot.com/articles/the-game-awards-2017-winners-headlined-by-zelda-br/1100-6455467/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171209043912/https://www.gamespot.com/articles/the-game-awards-2017-winners-headlined-by-zelda-br/1100-6455467/ |archive-date=2017-12-09 |access-date=2018-01-19 |website=[[GameSpot]] |publisher=[[Red Ventures]]}}</ref>
|-
|Best Multiplayer
| ''Mario Kart 8 Deluxe''
|{{nom}}
|-
| rowspan="2" | 2018
| [[21st Annual D.I.C.E. Awards]]
| Racing Game of the Year
| ''Mario Kart 8 Deluxe''
| {{won}}
| align="center" | <ref>{{cite web |last=Makuch |first=Eddie |date=2022-02-22 |title=''Legend Of Zelda: Breath Of The Wild'' Wins Game Of The Year At DICE Awards |url=https://www.gamespot.com/articles/legend-of-zelda-breath-of-the-wild-wins-game-of-th/1100-6456956/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180223161253/https://www.gamespot.com/articles/legend-of-zelda-breath-of-the-wild-wins-game-of-th/1100-6456956/ |archive-date=2018-02-23 |access-date=2018-02-23 |website=[[GameSpot]] |publisher=[[Red Ventures]]}}</ref>
|-
| [[2018 Kids' Choice Awards]]
| Favorite Video Game
| ''Mario Kart 8 Deluxe''
| {{nom}}
| align="center" | <ref>{{cite web |last=Drysdale |first=Jennifer |date=2018-03-24 |title=2018 Kids' Choice Awards: The Complete Winners List |url=http://www.etonline.com/2018-kids-choice-awards-the-complete-winners-list-99000 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180325052000/http://www.etonline.com/2018-kids-choice-awards-the-complete-winners-list-99000 |archive-date=2018-03-25 |access-date=2018-03-15 |website=[[Entertainment Tonight]] |publisher=[[CBS Media Ventures]]}}</ref>
|}
|}


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<ref name="MK8 at GameInformer">{{cite web |url=http://www.gameinformer.com/games/mario_kart_8/b/wii_u/archive/2014/05/15/mario-kart-8-review.aspx |title=Another Great Lap&nbsp;– Mario Kart 8&nbsp;– Wii U |publisher=GameInformer |date=May 15, 2014 |access-date=May 15, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140516234533/http://www.gameinformer.com/games/mario_kart_8/b/wii_u/archive/2014/05/15/mario-kart-8-review.aspx |archive-date=May 16, 2014 |url-status=dead}}</ref>
<ref name="MK8 at GameInformer">{{cite web |url=http://www.gameinformer.com/games/mario_kart_8/b/wii_u/archive/2014/05/15/mario-kart-8-review.aspx |title=Another Great Lap&nbsp;– Mario Kart 8&nbsp;– Wii U |publisher=GameInformer |date=May 15, 2014 |access-date=May 15, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140516234533/http://www.gameinformer.com/games/mario_kart_8/b/wii_u/archive/2014/05/15/mario-kart-8-review.aspx |archive-date=May 16, 2014 |url-status=dead}}</ref>
<ref name="metacritic">{{cite web |url=http://www.metacritic.com/game/wii-u/mario-kart-8 |title=Mario Kart 8 for Wii U Reviews |publisher=Metacritic |access-date=August 30, 2014 |archive-date=November 12, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201112011247/http://www.metacritic.com/game/wii-u/mario-kart-8 |url-status=live }}</ref>
<ref name="metacritic">{{cite web |url=http://www.metacritic.com/game/wii-u/mario-kart-8 |title=Mario Kart 8 for Wii U Reviews |publisher=Metacritic |access-date=August 30, 2014 |archive-date=November 12, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201112011247/http://www.metacritic.com/game/wii-u/mario-kart-8 |url-status=live }}</ref>
<ref name="MK8 at Joystiq">{{cite web |last=Schulenberg |first=Thomas |url=http://www.joystiq.com/2014/05/15/mario-kart-8-review-hover-conversion/ |title=Mario Kart 8 review: Hover conversion |publisher=Joystiq |date=April 28, 2014 |access-date=May 15, 2014 |archive-date=May 18, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140518013945/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/05/15/mario-kart-8-review-hover-conversion/ |url-status=live }}</ref>
<ref name="IGN Wii U">{{cite web |url=hhttps://www.ign.com/articles/2014/05/15/mario-kart-8-review |title=Mario Kart 8 Review |website=[[IGN]] |publisher=[[Ziff Davis]] |date=2014-05-15 |access-date=2022-11-23 |archive-date=2022-11-09 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221109060714/https://www.ign.com/articles/2014/05/15/mario-kart-8-review |url-status=live }}</ref>
<ref name="MK8 at IGN UK">{{cite web |url=http://uk.ign.com/games/mario-kart-8/wii-u-122262 |title=Mario Kart 8&nbsp;– Wii U |publisher=IGN UK |date=April 30, 2014 |access-date=May 15, 2014 |archive-date=October 10, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221010210841/https://www.ign.com/games/mario-kart-8 |url-status=live }}</ref>
<ref name="MK8 at Gamesradar">{{cite web |first=Justin |last=Towell on May 15, 2014 |url=http://www.gamesradar.com/mario-kart-8-review/ |title=Mario Kart 8 review |publisher=GamesRadar |date=February 13, 2014 |access-date=May 15, 2014 |archive-date=May 15, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140515202017/http://www.gamesradar.com/mario-kart-8-review/ |url-status=live }}</ref>
<ref name="MK8 at Gamesradar">{{cite web |first=Justin |last=Towell on May 15, 2014 |url=http://www.gamesradar.com/mario-kart-8-review/ |title=Mario Kart 8 review |publisher=GamesRadar |date=February 13, 2014 |access-date=May 15, 2014 |archive-date=May 15, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140515202017/http://www.gamesradar.com/mario-kart-8-review/ |url-status=live }}</ref>
<ref name="MK8 at Gametrailers">{{cite web |url=http://www.gametrailers.com/reviews/e4jeez/mario-kart-8-review |title=Mario Kart 8 Review |publisher=GameTrailers |date=April 30, 2014 |access-date=May 15, 2014 |archive-date=May 17, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140517130933/http://www.gametrailers.com/reviews/e4jeez/mario-kart-8-review |url-status=live }}</ref>
<ref name="MK8 at Eurogamer">{{cite web |last=Parkin |first=Simon |url=http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2014-05-15-mario-kart-8-review |title=Mario Kart 8 review |publisher=Eurogamer |date=May 15, 2014 |access-date=May 15, 2014 |archive-date=May 17, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140517135113/http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2014-05-15-mario-kart-8-review |url-status=live }}</ref>
<ref name="MK8 at Eurogamer">{{cite web |last=Parkin |first=Simon |url=http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2014-05-15-mario-kart-8-review |title=Mario Kart 8 review |publisher=Eurogamer |date=May 15, 2014 |access-date=May 15, 2014 |archive-date=May 17, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140517135113/http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2014-05-15-mario-kart-8-review |url-status=live }}</ref>
<ref name="MK8 at GameSpot">{{cite web |last=McShea |first=Tom |url=http://www.gamespot.com/reviews/mario-kart-8/1900-6415760/ |title=Mario Kart 8 Review |publisher=GameSpot |date=May 15, 2014 |access-date=May 24, 2014 |archive-date=May 15, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140515132401/http://www.gamespot.com/reviews/mario-kart-8/1900-6415760/ |url-status=live }}</ref>
<ref name="MK8 at GameSpot">{{cite web |last=McShea |first=Tom |url=http://www.gamespot.com/reviews/mario-kart-8/1900-6415760/ |title=Mario Kart 8 Review |publisher=GameSpot |date=May 15, 2014 |access-date=May 24, 2014 |archive-date=May 15, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140515132401/http://www.gamespot.com/reviews/mario-kart-8/1900-6415760/ |url-status=live }}</ref>
<ref name="MK8 at Edge Online">{{cite web |url=http://www.edge-online.com/review/mario-kart-8-review/ |title=Mario Kart 8 review |publisher=Edge Online |date=May 15, 2014 |access-date=May 24, 2014 |archive-date=May 17, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140517151448/http://www.edge-online.com/review/mario-kart-8-review/ |url-status=live }}</ref>
<ref name="Giant Bomb review">{{cite web |last=Navarro |first=Alex |date=May 15, 2014 |url=http://www.giantbomb.com/reviews/mario-kart-8-review/1900-639/ |title=Mario Kart 8 Review |publisher=[[Giant Bomb]] |access-date=June 26, 2014 |archive-date=June 19, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140619090908/http://www.giantbomb.com/reviews/mario-kart-8-review/1900-639/ |url-status=live }}</ref>
<ref name="Giant Bomb review">{{cite web |last=Navarro |first=Alex |date=May 15, 2014 |url=http://www.giantbomb.com/reviews/mario-kart-8-review/1900-639/ |title=Mario Kart 8 Review |publisher=[[Giant Bomb]] |access-date=June 26, 2014 |archive-date=June 19, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140619090908/http://www.giantbomb.com/reviews/mario-kart-8-review/1900-639/ |url-status=live }}</ref>


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== External links ==
== External links ==
* {{Official website}}
* {{Official website|https://mariokart8.nintendo.com/|name=Official website of ''Mario Kart 8 Deluxe''}}


{{Mario racing games}}
{{Mario Kart}}
{{Animal Crossing series}}
{{The Legend of Zelda}}
{{Splatoon}}
{{Authority control}}
{{Portal bar|Video games|2010s}}
{{Portal bar|Video games|2010s}}
{{Authority control}}


[[Category:2014 video games]]
[[Category:2014 video games]]

Revision as of 02:44, 25 November 2022

Mario Kart 8
Cover art depicting Mario, Luigi, Princess Peach, and Bowser
Developer(s)
Publisher(s)Nintendo
Director(s)
  • Kosuke Yabuki
  • Yusuke Shiraiwa[b]
Producer(s)
Programmer(s)Yusuke Shiraiwa
Artist(s)
  • Masaaki Ishikawa
  • Masahiro Kawanishi[b]
Composer(s)
  • Shiho Fujii
  • Atsuko Asahi
  • Ryo Nagamatsu
  • Yasuaki Iwata
  • Kenta Nagata[b]
SeriesMario Kart
Platform(s)
ReleaseWii U
  • JP: May 29, 2014
  • WW: May 30, 2014
Switch
  • WW: April 28, 2017
Genre(s)Kart racing
Mode(s)Single-player, multiplayer

Mario Kart 8[c] is a 2014 kart racing game developed and published by Nintendo for the Wii U. It features the Mario Kart series' game mechanics, in which players drive go-karts using Mario franchise characters in various race formats. Items placed along the course may be used to hinder opponents or gain advantages in the race. Mario Kart 8 introduces anti-gravity driving on walls or ceilings, and allows players to bump into each other for a short boost. It features single-player and multiplayer gameplay, as well as online multiplayer. The game was a critical success. Critics praised its new additions and courses, as well as its graphics and soundtrack. However, they criticized its limited battle mode. Since its release on May 29, 2014, Mario Kart 8 has sold over 8 million units, and is the best-selling Wii U game. Post-release, Mario Kart 8 has recieved several software updates and downloadable content, including additional characters, courses, and vehicles.

On April 28, 2017, Nintendo released Mario Kart 8 Deluxe[d], an expanded re-release of Mario Kart 8 for the Nintendo Switch. Deluxe features a revamped battle mode, including five sub-modes. After launch, Deluxe received several software updates, including the Booster Course Pass, a downloadable season pass which features 48 additional courses split into six waves set to be released by the end of 2023. Since its release, Deluxe has sold over 48 million units, making it the best-selling Nintendo Switch game and one of the best-selling games of all time. Deluxe was critically acclaimed, with many reviewers calling it the best Mario Kart game or one of the best racing games, though some criticized the lack of new content.

Gameplay

Anti-gravity racing introduced in Mario Kart 8

Mario Kart 8 is a kart racing video game; players control characters from the Mario universe to race in go-karts around a course. They may hinder their opponents or improve their performance using power-ups found in item boxes throughout the course.[1] It includes four different difficulties, each differing in speed, which may be selected before the race.[2][3] "Mirror Mode" horizontally inverts all courses.[4] Returning features from previous installments include motorbikes and 12-player racing from Mario Kart Wii, as well as hang gliders, underwater racing and vehicle customization from Mario Kart 7.[5][6] Up to four players can play together on a single system, up to eight can play together through a local wireless connection, and up to twelve can play together via online multiplayer.[3][7]

The signature new feature of Mario Kart 8 is anti-gravity racing, in which certain parts of a course allow racers to drive on walls and ceilings.[8] In these sections, players who collide with other racers or special bumpers will trigger a speed boost. New characters include the Koopalings and Pink Gold Peach. In addition to karts and motorbikes, the game also includes all-terrain vehicles. There are four new items: the Boomerang Flower, which can be thrown to attack players; the Piranha Plant, which attacks nearby racers and obstacles and provides a speed boost; the Crazy Eight, which gives the user eight different items; and the Super Horn, which can be used both to attack nearby opponents and defend against items, including the previously nearly unavoidable Spiny Shell.[9][10][non-primary source needed] The game features 32 courses spread across eight cups, with an additional 16 courses later released as downloadable content (DLC) in four additional cups.[citation needed]

Mario Kart 8 Deluxe

Mario Kart 8 Deluxe included all downloadable content (DLC) for Mario Kart 8, including characters, courses, and vehicle components, into a single product for Nintendo Switch.[11][4] These features are accessible upon first starting the game, without the need to be unlocked.[12] In addition to previous DLC, several new characters are introduced in Deluxe, including the Inklings from Splatoon, Bowser Jr., Dry Bones, and King Boo.[13][14] Other notable changes to the gameplay include being able to be hold two items at once,[15][16] and accessibility features to assist newer players, such as auto-acceleration or smart steering, which prevents players from veering off course.[13][4] Deluxe also reintroduces the Boo item, which allows the player to steal another opponent's item and then temporarily become invisible.[17][3] In Deluxe's Booster Course Pass, several courses have differing layouts in every lap, condensing multiple variations of a course into one.[18]

Two characters in split-screen view on a concrete surface. On the left is Bowser Jr., a yellow turtle-like creature with a spiked green shell who is riding in a small circular car. In front of him is a Piranha Plant, a venus flytrap-like creature with a white-spotted red head. On the right is Isabelle, a humanoid yellow dog on a motorbike. Isabelle is driving towards a blue switch with a key icon placed below a yellow and blue cage. In the center of the screen is a minimap displaying the characters' location in the course.
In Renegade Roundup, the authority player Bowser Jr. (left), using a Piranha Plant, aims to capture Isabelle (right), who is trying to free her captured renegade teammates from a cage by driving over a key switch.

The largest addition in Mario Kart 8 Deluxe is the updated battle mode. Deluxe includes five new battle mode-exclusive courses, and three battle courses adapted from previous entries in the Mario Kart series. These battle courses are designed specifically for the mode, featuring layouts that allow for easier item play, rather than repurposing standard race courses like Mario Kart 8.[19] The Feather item, reintroduced from previous entries in the series, is exclusive to this mode and allows the player to get a small boost in height when it is activated.[20][21] There are five rulesets in battle mode.[22] In Balloon Battle, players use items to destroy each others' balloons.[22] Unlike in previous incarnations, the mode is point-based rather than last-man-standing, meaning that the winner is whoever destroys the most balloons before the match ends.[19][23][24] Bob-omb Blast is a variation of Balloon Battle with all the items replaced with bombs.[19][25][26] In Shine Thief, players must maintain control of the Shine Sprite for as long as possible;[27] the player or team who possesses it for the longest wins.[26][25][28] In Coin Runners, players scavenge coins from around the course and steal them from other players, aiming to have the biggest hoard.[22][24][25] The final mode is Renegade Roundup, which involves a team of "renegades" trying to avoid the "authorities" armed with Piranha Plants, which takes inspiration from the children's game "cops and robbers".[27][25] Renegades may free their captured teammates by driving over switches under the cages controlled by the authorities.[25][22][29][24]

Marketing and release

Mario Kart 8 released exclusively for the Wii U

Initially confirmed in a January 2013 Nintendo Direct presentation, Mario Kart 8 was unveiled at E3 2013. Some members of Bandai Namco Games received special thanks in the credits.[30] The "8" in the logo was designed to resemble a Möbius strip, as was Mario Circuit, one of the courses.[31] Early in development, the idea of using a drill to penetrate the ground was considered but was quickly discarded for not being as interesting as anti-gravity.[32]

A replica of the standard kart seen in Mario Kart 8 at E3 2013

Nintendo's launch promotions of Mario Kart 8 include a Limited Edition with a Spiny Shell figurine; and special Mario and Luigi themed console bundles, with a hat, strategy guide, Wii Remote Plus controller, Wii Wheel, and GamePad protector.[33] In North America, Europe, and Australia, players who purchased and registered Mario Kart 8 on Club Nintendo before July 31, 2014, received a free download code for a selected Wii U game.[34][35] As part of a promotional campaign with Mercedes-Benz, Mario, Luigi, and Peach were featured in a series of Japanese commercials for the Mercedes-Benz GLA, and three karts based on past and present Mercedes-Benz vehicles were added as part of a downloadable update on August 27, 2014.[36][37][38] In 2014, fast food company McDonald's released Happy Meal-branded toys based on the characters and karts.[39] A soundtrack album containing 68 tracks from the game was made available as an exclusive reward available to Club Nintendo members shortly preceding the service's discontinuation in 2015.[40]

Game updates added new features and user experience improvements, such as support for Amiibo figurines, a 200cc difficulty setting, player statistics, and additional Mii outfits.[41][42][36] Two paid DLC packs added characters, vehicles, and courses to the game. Some characters and courses are based on other Nintendo franchises, including Link (The Legend of Zelda), Isabelle and Villager (Animal Crossing), Mute City and Big Blue (F-Zero), and Excitebike Arena (Excitebike), a first for the Mario Kart series.[43][44][45]

Mario Kart 8 Deluxe

The Nintendo Switch in handheld mode. The center tablet is black, and attached on both sides are Joy-Con controllers. The left Joy-Con is blue, with several buttons. The right Joy-Con is red, with several other buttons.
Mario Kart 8 Deluxe was announced alongside and exclusively released for the Nintendo Switch, a hybrid console that allows for both handheld and docked play.

After initially being teased alongside the Nintendo Switch's announcement in October 2016,[46] Mario Kart 8 Deluxe was formally revealed at the Nintendo Switch Presentation on January 12, 2017.[47] The trailer showcased mechanics such as Smart Steering and crossover elements from the Splatoon series[48]—additional crossovers with The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild would be added in an update post-launch.[49] The release date was set for April 28, 2017, shortly after the Switch's March 3 launch.[48][47] Nintendo also announced a steering wheel accessory for the Switch Joy-Con controller to allow for motion-controlled steering.[50] An overview trailer revealed details about the game's battle mode including several battle mode-exclusive courses, as well as the return of the Shine Thief mode from Mario Kart: Double Dash.[51] After the release of the trailer, several internet memes circulated surrounding Donkey Kong appearing to perform a celebratory dab.[52]

Shortly after launch, Nintendo released a software update that changed one of the victory gestures done by the Inkling Girl. Prior to the update, the Inkling Girl performed a gesture that consisted of placing her hand on a flexed bicep and pumping her fist into the air.[53] In Japan, the gesture means something similar to "bring it on!",[54] though in European and Latin American countries,[55] it was likened to the bras d'honneur, an offensive gesture that can be interpreted as "up your ass", "fuck you", or similar meanings.[56] After the update, the Inkling Girl no longer clenches her fist around her flexed arm, instead simply performing a "fist pump",[57] though the rest of the gesture was unchanged.[58][59][60]

A series of updates added compatibility with Nintendo Labo, a toys-to-life kit that uses cardboard to create motion-controlled toys with Joy-Con controllers.[61] The first update enabled the Toy-Con Motorbike as a controller for Mario Kart 8 Deluxe, allowing the player to use the physical throttle, handlebars, and gyroscope present on the Toy-Con Motorbike,[62] while actions like braking, drifting, and item pickups are still performed using the standard controller buttons.[63] A later update added compatibility for the Toy-Con Car, Pedal, and Key to control actions like braking, drifting, and using the horn on the steering wheel to launch items.[64][65]

Booster Course Pass

During a February 2022 Nintendo Direct, it was announced that Mario Kart 8 Deluxe would get a paid downloadable content season pass called the Booster Course Pass. Courses in the Booster Course Pass are largely remastered from their incarnations in previous Mario Kart games.[66] The Booster Course Pass is set to release in six waves, with each wave containing eight courses split into two cups, totaling to 48 additional tracks to be released by the end of 2023.[67] It can be accessed by purchasing it on the Nintendo Switch's eShop, or by having an active Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack subscription.[66] The first wave of the Booster Course Pass was released on March 22, 2022, containing the Golden Dash Cup and the Lucky Cat Cup.[68] Wave 2 of the Booster Course Pass released on August 4, 2022, containing the Turnip Cup and the Propeller Cup.[69] Wave 2 also included Sky-High Sundae, an original course not introduced in a previous Mario Kart game.[70] Alongside the release of Wave 2, Nintendo released an update to the Wave 1 course Coconut Mall that changed the cars at the end of the course to move in donuts, rather than remain stationary, except for Time Trials.[71] This change was widely praised, especially after many were disappointed that the cars were stationary in the Booster Course Pass to begin with.[e] Wave 3 of the Booster Course Pass is set to release on December 7, 2022.[75][76]

Sales

In its first four days on sale, Mario Kart 8 became the fastest-selling Wii U game, with more than 1.2 million copies sold worldwide.[77] Within a month, it increased to 2.82 million.[78] As of September 2021, more than 8.46 million copies were sold worldwide, making it the best-selling Wii U game.[79][80] Based on the sales data, more than half of Wii U owners own a copy.[81] In the United Kingdom, shortly after the release of Mario Kart 8, week-on-week Wii U console sales rose 662%, with Mario Kart 8 bundles accounting for 82% of consoles sold.[82]

Mario Kart 8 Deluxe sold 459,000 copies in the United States on its launch day, making it the fastest-selling entry in the Mario Kart series, ahead of 2008's Mario Kart Wii by 25,000 units.[83] Roughly one year after launch, Deluxe had sold 9.22 million copies.[84] It surpassed Super Mario Odyssey as the best-selling game on the Nintendo Switch in 2019,[85] and Mario Kart Wii as the best-selling Mario Kart game in 2021.[86] Since its release in 2017, Deluxe has been a consistent top-selling game on the Nintendo Switch.[87][88][89][90][91] As of September 30, 2022, Mario Kart 8 Deluxe has sold 48.41 million units, making it the best-selling Nintendo Switch game, as well as one of the best-selling games of all time.[92]

Reception

Mario Kart 8 received "generally favorable" reviews, according to review aggregator Metacritic,[113][f] whereas Deluxe received "universal acclaim".[114][g] Overall, reviewers held Mario Kart 8 in high esteem among racing games,[h] but considered Deluxe to be the definitive version of the title.[i] Deluxe was further called one of the best games in the Mario Kart series or one of the best racing games of all time.[j] Some reviewers considered the game to be an essential purchase for Nintendo Switch owners.[98][103][3] Improvements in Deluxe made certain features of Mario Kart 8 feel worse in retrospect.[7][1] However, many reviewers criticized the lack of new content in Deluxe compared to Mario Kart 8.[k]

The main racing mode of Mario Kart 8 was widely praised. Eurogamer called it the "most vibrant home console racing game in years".[95] The rubber-banding mechanics present in the game's AI competitors was criticized,[7][6] though Game Informer noted that "fans accepted that pitfall as a series mainstay long ago".[4] Finding the core racing unchanged, they said Deluxe is still "the same great title from the Wii U".[4] GameSpot and Nintendo Life also considered Deluxe's racing to be as strong as the original.[100][13] Minor mechanical changes, such as the ability to hold two items,[15][1] were praised, with many liking how it added more strategy to Deluxe's item play.[l] Accessibility options like smart steering and auto-acceleration received mixed feedback. Many felt that the additions made Deluxe the most accessible Mario Kart game,[7][4] and others appreciated how they helped less experienced players enjoy the game, despite making the game too easy for veteran players.[m] However, some reviewers disliked how smart steering was enabled by default,[14][11][1] and how it could overcorrect or interfere with precision inputs.[12][2]

The main criticism levied at Mario Kart 8 was its battle mode, which was noticeably worse than previous entries. Easy Allies called it "abysmal",[7] and Kotaku said it was "borderline unplayable".[1] Giant Bomb panned the recycling of existing courses for battle mode, which made it difficult to find opponents to engage with, instead of creating new arenas that are more intentionally designed for this mode.[104] By contrast, Deluxe's revamped battle mode received widespread acclaim. Easy Allies and Kotaku claimed that the new battle mode far outshined the original game,[7][1] and Pocket Gamer said that Deluxe returned battle mode to its "original arena-battling glory".[6] VentureBeat said that they remedied the issue with the original Mario Kart 8's battle courses.[112] However, Electronic Gaming Monthly said that the battle mode was "not so much a point for Deluxe that these modes are included as it is a retroactive demerit for the original Mario Kart 8".[14] Many critics considered Renegade Roundup to be the best of Deluxe's battle modes,[n] though GameRevolution and USgamer said it was their least favorite.[98][2]

Reviewers also focused on the graphics and visual style of the game. Eurogamer praised both the vast sense of scale and the "exquisite details" of the courses.[95] Digital Foundry deemed it "near perfection" with "phenomenal attention to detail", featuring a "magnificent visual package" and "magical playability". Their technical analysis attributes the smoothness of motion and overall gameplay to the consistent performance of 60 frames per second (FPS), with the split-screen mode's effective 30 FPS nonetheless comparing favorably with industry standard.[115] Reviewers for Deluxe echoed this praise,[o] with some saying that the graphics of Deluxe were an upgrade from the Wii U original.[98][103] GamesTM praised the "incredible" lighting of Deluxe, saying that courses like Rainbow Road and Electrodrome stood out as "fantastic showcases for the Nintendo universe and its creative spirit".[103] IGN felt that the "great art direction" in Mario Kart 8 and Deluxe was "a major reason" for the game's graphics remaining "gorgeous".[11] Easy Allies called the soundtrack "something special", saying that both original and returning songs were "fantastic and downright catchy".[7] Eurogamer called the game's soundtrack "outrageously upbeat", and that Deluxe's "defining moment" was the game's live band rendition of Super Mario Kart's main theme.[15]

Booster Course Pass

A series of screenshots demonstrates the graphical differences between courses from the base game and the DLC. The left screenshot shows Donkey Kong on the Moo Moo Meadows stage from the base game, set on a sunset, with textured grass and a dirt road. The right screenshot shows Donkey Kong on the Shroom Ridge course from the DLC, nearing a cliff on a curved road in daylight. Donkey Kong is on a flat, asphalt road with a white stripe, with grass in front of him more brightly colored than the grass on Moo Moo Meadows.
The graphical differences between the base game courses (Moo Moo Meadows, left) and the courses in the Booster Course Pass (Shroom Ridge, a Wave 1 course, right) was a point of contention.

Upon announcement, the Booster Course Pass received mixed reception from fans. Many fans disliked that additional content for a previous game was being prioritized over a new entry in the series, citing how it had been nearly eight years since Mario Kart 8 first released on the Wii U.[116][117] The graphics of the courses in the Booster Course Pass were also a point of contention, with some saying that they fell short of the standards set by Deluxe.[116]

After release, critics were mixed—according to Metacritic, Wave 1 received "mixed or average reviews",[118][p] and Wave 2 received "generally favorable reviews".[119][q] Criticism focused on the graphics, which were lower in detail compared to courses from the main game.[120][121][122] Digital Foundry attributed this to the courses being built upon their versions from Mario Kart Tour.[121] On the other hand, many reviewers felt that the courses that originated in Tour were among the best gameplay-wise,[r] and Ninja Hideaway in particular was praised as a highlight of Wave 1.[s] Some courses in Wave 2 were lauded, with Nintendo Life calling Waluigi Pinball's graphics "stunning".[125] Another common disappointment was that courses did not include Mario Kart 8's signature anti-gravity or underwater features.[t] GameSpot lamented how the Booster Course Pass only introduced new courses, rather than new characters or customization parts.[123] Nintendo Life praised the audio design, calling it "stellar"[125] and "a delight",[120] and Destructoid called Sydney Sprint's soundtrack "the best" music of the Booster Course Pass.[126] The addition of courses that vary every lap was praised by critics, with Nintendo Life wishing it would become a "mainstay" feature of the series.[125]

Fan response

"Luigi's death stare" is an Internet meme describing the automatic facial expression displayed by Luigi toward other characters upon attacking or passing them during a race, in which he gives them a disapproving glare in passing. It was featured in several viral videos and animated GIFs,[127][128][129][130] and the phenomenon was covered by WNYW in early June 2014.[131][132] Nintendo referenced the meme in their E3 2014 digital event.[133] Venture Beat praised Nintendo's handling of the meme, noting that it was a "slick way" of acknowledging fan culture.[134] The meme was nominated for the Best Gaming Moment at the 32nd Golden Joystick Awards.[135]

Several mods have been created for Mario Kart 8 Deluxe. In February 2022, a mod was created that added Kirby's Mouthful Mode car transformation (colloquially known as "Carby") from Kirby and the Forgotten Land as a selectable kart and character.[136][137] In June 2022, a mod was published that added Green Hill Zone from the Sonic the Hedgehog series as a course.[138][139]

Accolades

Readers and staff of Eurogamer voted Mario Kart 8 their game of the year,[140][141] and GameSpot gave it the award of "Best Wii U Game".[142] It was nominated for "Best Wii U Exclusive" in GameTrailers' 2014 Game of the Year Awards;[143] for "Best Game" in Giant Bomb's 2014 Game of the Year Awards;[144] and for "Overall Game of the Year" and "Wii U Retail Game of the Year" in Nintendo Life's Reader Awards 2014,[145] and it won both awards for both categories in their Staff Awards 2014.[146] It won "Game of the Year" by The Guardian.[147] In IGN's Best of 2014 Awards, it was nominated for "Best Multiplayer" and "Best Racing",[148][149] and won the award for "Best Wii U Game".[150]

Mario Kart 8 Deluxe also earned recognition at year-end awards in the 2017-2018 season. The game was nominated for "Best Switch Game" and "Best Remake/Remaster" in IGN's Best of 2017 Awards.[151][152] Destructoid nominated the game for its "Best Switch Game" in their Game of the Year Awards in 2017,[153] and the game was awarded "Old Game of the Year" at Giant Bomb's 2017 Game of the Year Awards.[154]

List of awards and nominations
Year Awards Category Nominee(s) Result Ref.
2014 British Academy Children's Awards Best Game Mario Kart 8 Won [155]
The Game Awards 2014 Best Family Game Mario Kart 8 Won [156]
Best Sports/Racing Game Mario Kart 8 Won
2015 D.I.C.E. Awards Racing Game of the Year Mario Kart 8 Won [157]
11th British Academy Games Awards Best Game Mario Kart 8 Nominated [158]
Audio Achievement Mario Kart 8 Nominated
Family Game Mario Kart 8 Nominated
Multiplayer Game Mario Kart 8 Nominated
2015 Kids' Choice Awards Most Addicting Game Mario Kart 8 Nominated [159]
2017 Golden Joystick Awards Studio of the Year Nintendo EPD Won [160][161]
Nintendo Game of the Year Mario Kart 8 Deluxe Nominated
The Game Awards 2017 Best Family Game Mario Kart 8 Deluxe Nominated [162]
Best Multiplayer Mario Kart 8 Deluxe Nominated
2018 21st Annual D.I.C.E. Awards Racing Game of the Year Mario Kart 8 Deluxe Won [163]
2018 Kids' Choice Awards Favorite Video Game Mario Kart 8 Deluxe Nominated [164]

Notes

  1. ^ a b Additional work by Bandai Namco Studios
  2. ^ a b c d e Deluxe only
  3. ^ Japanese: マリオカート8, Hepburn: Mario Kāto Eito
  4. ^ マリオカート8 デラックス, Mario Kāto Eito Derakkusu
  5. ^ Supported by mutliple sources:[71][72][73][74]
  6. ^ a b Score based on 82 reviews[113]
  7. ^ a b Score based on 95 reviews[114]
  8. ^ Supported by multiple sources:[95][97][96][104]
  9. ^ Supported by multiple sources:[14][4][100][1][17][16][11][13][12]
  10. ^ Supported by multiple sources:[7][15][17][16][3][11][13][6][12][2]
  11. ^ Supported by multiple sources:[14][103][1][6]
  12. ^ Supported by multiple sources:[17][98][100][103][12][5]
  13. ^ Supported by multiple sources:[14][11][13][103]
  14. ^ Supported by multiple sources:[15][17][16][11][6][12]
  15. ^ Supported by multiple sources:[4][98][103][13]
  16. ^ Score based on 10 reviews[118]
  17. ^ Score based on 7 reviews[119]
  18. ^ Supported by multiple sources:[123][120][124][122]
  19. ^ Supported by multiple sources:[120][18][124][122]
  20. ^ Supported by multiple sources:[121][120][18][122]

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