"Mario Kart 8 Deluxe" Review: The Most Fun Racing Experience on the Switch, and a Look at the Nintendo Switch 2

Hello everyone, I am your old friend, a seasoned gamer with over a decade of experience. Today, we're going to talk about a perennial favorite on the Nintendo Switch: "Mario Kart 8 Deluxe." Since its release, this game has been beloved by players and is an excellent choice for parties, entertainment, and relaxation. As a veteran driver, I will provide a detailed review of this game from various perspectives, and combined with my expectations for the Nintendo Switch 2, I will look ahead to the future development of the "Mario Kart" series.

1. "Mario Kart 8 Deluxe": The Racing King of the Switch Platform

"Mario Kart 8 Deluxe" is more than just a game; it's a cultural phenomenon. It inherits the series' consistent joyful atmosphere and innovates and optimizes it to a great extent. Whether it's the depth of gameplay, the exquisite graphics, or the shocking sound effects, it has reached a new level.

1.1 Game Introduction

"Mario Kart 8 Deluxe" is the latest installment in Nintendo's classic racing game series, "Mario Kart." It was initially released on the Wii U platform, and later ported to the Nintendo Switch platform with many new additions, becoming one of the Switch's launch titles. The game allows players to choose various characters from the Mario series, drive karts or motorcycles, and compete on colorful tracks. Players can use various items to interfere with opponents, increase their own speed, and the ultimate goal is to be the first to cross the finish line.

1.2 Key Features

• Rich Character Roster: Offers up to 42 characters, including classic characters such as Mario, Luigi, Princess Peach, and Bowser, as well as guest characters from "The Legend of Zelda" and "Splatoon."
• Diverse Tracks: Includes 48 tracks, including new tracks and remakes of classic tracks, with varied and challenging scenes.
• Exciting Item System: Classic banana peels, green shells, red shells, stars, and other items return, as well as new items to make the race full of variables.
• Multiple Game Modes: In addition to the traditional racing mode, there is also a battle mode where players can engage in item battles on various maps.
• Multiplayer: Supports local and online multiplayer, allowing you to experience the fun of racing with friends or players around the world.
• Smart Steering: Smart steering is available for novice players, which can automatically adjust the direction and avoid falling off, reducing the difficulty of the game.
• Motion Controls: Supports motion control with the Joy-Con controller, allowing players to play the game as if they were driving a real kart.

2. Game Review: Multi-dimensional Analysis of "Mario Kart 8 Deluxe"

Next, I will conduct a detailed review of "Mario Kart 8 Deluxe" from multiple dimensions.

2.1 Gameplay: Easy to Pick Up, Endless Fun

The gameplay design of "Mario Kart 8 Deluxe" is excellent, easy to pick up, but also contains depth. Novice players can easily get started with the smart steering function, while expert players can improve their speed and competitiveness through drifting, gliding, and anti-gravity techniques.

The game's item system is one of its core highlights. The timing and strategy of using various items directly affect the outcome of the race. For example, when about to be overtaken, using banana peels or turtle shells can effectively stop opponents; when behind, using stars can quickly increase speed and become immune to attacks.

2.2 Graphics: Vivid Colors, Rich Details

The graphics of "Mario Kart 8 Deluxe" are excellent, with vivid colors and rich details. The track design is full of imagination, and all kinds of scenes are lifelike. Whether it's a sunny beach, a snowy mountain, or a futuristic city, it's all captivating. On the Nintendo Switch, "Mario Kart 8 Deluxe" runs at 1080p resolution (docked mode), and the picture is very clear and sharp.

2.3 Sound Effects: Dynamic and Immersive

The sound effects of the game are very dynamic, and the background music is cheerful and lively, complementing the atmosphere of the game. The roar of various racing engines, the sound of item usage, and the sound of collisions are all very realistic, enhancing the game's sense of immersion.

2.4 Story: Lighthearted and Humorous, Suitable for All Ages

"Mario Kart 8 Deluxe" doesn't have a complex story, but each character has its own personality and characteristics. The various cutscenes and dialogues in the game are full of lighthearted and humorous elements, suitable for all ages.

2.5 Controls: Smooth and Comfortable, Easy to Master

The game's controls are very smooth and comfortable, and easy to master. Whether using the Joy-Con controller or the Pro controller, you can easily perform various operations. The game supports multiple control methods, including motion control, allowing players to choose according to their preferences.

2.6 Pros and Cons Analysis

Pros:

• Excellent gameplay, easy to pick up, endless fun.
• Beautiful graphics, vivid colors, rich details.
• Dynamic sound effects, strong sense of immersion.
• Rich character roster, diverse tracks.
• Supports multiplayer, you can experience the fun of racing with friends.
• Smart steering function, reduces the difficulty of the game, suitable for novice players.

Cons:

• The item system is too random, which can sometimes affect the fairness of the race.
• The single-player mode has relatively little content and lacks depth.

2.7 Score

Based on the above analysis, I give "Mario Kart 8 Deluxe" a score of 9.5/10. This game almost perfectly combines fun and depth, suitable for players of all ages. Its shortcomings can be ignored, and it is a must-play game on the Switch platform worth owning.

• IGN Rating: 8.2/10 (https://www.ign.com/articles/2017/04/26/mario-kart-8-deluxe-review)
• Metacritic Rating: 83/100 (https://www.metacritic.com/game/switch/mario-kart-8-deluxe)

3. Game Guide: From Beginner to Expert

Want to become a top racer in "Mario Kart 8 Deluxe"? Then, please read the following guide carefully.

3.1 Beginner's Guide

• Choose the Right Character: Different characters have different attributes, and choosing the right character is very important.
• Familiarize Yourself with the Tracks: Familiarize yourself with every corner and shortcut of the track to effectively increase your speed.
• Master Drifting Techniques: Drifting is one of the core techniques of the "Mario Kart" series. Drifting can provide acceleration.
• Use Items Wisely: The timing and strategy of using items directly affect the outcome of the race.
• Use Gliding and Anti-Gravity: Gliding in the air and driving in anti-gravity areas can effectively increase speed.
• Turn on Smart Steering: If you are a novice player, it is recommended to turn on the smart steering function, which can automatically adjust the direction and avoid falling off.

3.2 Advanced Skills and Strategies

• Perfect Start: Press the acceleration button instantly before the countdown ends to get the acceleration effect of a perfect start.
• Drift Boost: By drifting continuously, you can get a higher acceleration effect.
• Use the Terrain: Use the various terrains on the track, such as ramps and acceleration strips, to increase speed.
• Predict Items: Predict the opponent's item attacks to effectively avoid being hit.
• Teamwork: In team mode, cooperate with teammates to win more easily.

3.3 Walkthroughs for Specific Levels or Challenges

• Rainbow Road: Rainbow Road is one of the most classic tracks in the "Mario Kart" series, requiring very high driving skills. It is recommended to use a high-speed character and be familiar with every corner of the track.
• N64 Bowser's Castle: N64 Bowser's Castle is a challenging track with many traps and obstacles. It is recommended to use a defensive character and be careful to avoid various traps.

3.4 Best Equipment and Skill Combinations

• Tires: Slick tires + small kart, can improve speed and acceleration.
• Glider: Paper Glider, can increase gliding distance.
• Character: Waluigi, has higher speed and acceleration.

3.5 Speedrun Tips and Hidden Element Guide

• Use Shortcuts: There are many shortcuts hidden on the track, and using these shortcuts can greatly shorten the race time.
• Unlock Hidden Characters: Complete specific challenges to unlock hidden characters.
• Collect Coins: Collect coins on the track to unlock new karts and parts.

4. Game Recommendations: The "Mario Kart" That's Right for You

"Mario Kart 8 Deluxe" is a game suitable for players of all ages. Whether you are a casual player or a hardcore player, you can find fun in this game.

4.1 Recommendations Based on User Preferences

• Like Racing: If you like racing games, then "Mario Kart 8 Deluxe" is definitely not to be missed.
• Like Multiplayer: If you like playing games with friends, then "Mario Kart 8 Deluxe" is the best choice.
• Like Casual Games: If you like casual games, then "Mario Kart 8 Deluxe" can also help you relax.

4.2 Game Purchase Advice for Different Budgets and Types

• Sufficient Budget: If the budget is sufficient, you can directly buy the physical or digital version of "Mario Kart 8 Deluxe."
• Limited Budget: If the budget is limited, you can consider buying a used physical version or waiting for the game to go on sale.

4.3 Analysis of Game Value for Money

"Mario Kart 8 Deluxe" has a very high value for money. It is a content-rich and highly replayable game that can keep you playing for a long time.

5. Nintendo Switch 2 Outlook: The Future of "Mario Kart"

With the upcoming release of the Nintendo Switch 2, we are full of expectations for the future of the "Mario Kart" series.

5.1 Expectations for the Nintendo Switch 2

As a veteran player, I am full of expectations for the upcoming Nintendo Switch 2. I hope that the Nintendo Switch 2 can have more powerful performance, higher resolution, smoother graphics, and richer game content.

5.2 Possibilities of "Mario Kart" on the Nintendo Switch 2

I expect the "Mario Kart" series to usher in new breakthroughs on the Nintendo Switch 2. For example, more characters, tracks, items, and game modes can be added. In addition, the powerful performance of the Nintendo Switch 2 can be used to achieve more realistic picture effects and smoother operation experience. Nintendo Switch 2 may consider compatibility with existing games, detailed information can refer to nintendo switch2 compatibility.

5.3 Predicted Evaluation of the New "Mario Kart" Game

If Nintendo can launch a brand new "Mario Kart" game on the Nintendo Switch 2, I believe it will become a phenomenal work. I expect this new work to inherit the advantages of the series and make bold innovations on this basis, bringing players a brand new racing experience.

Regarding the price information of Nintendo Switch 2, you can refer to nintendo switch2 price related reports. If you want to get a glimpse of the Nintendo Switch 2 in advance, you can pay attention to the latest news on nintendo switch2 first look.

6. Summary

All in all, "Mario Kart 8 Deluxe" is a rare masterpiece on the Nintendo Switch platform. It has excellent gameplay, beautiful graphics, dynamic sound effects, and rich game content. Whether you are a casual player or a hardcore player, you can find fun in this game. With the upcoming release of the Nintendo Switch 2, we are full of expectations for the future of the "Mario Kart" series. I believe that the "Mario Kart" series will usher in new glory on the Nintendo Switch 2.