With Nintendo Switch, fans can enjoy the definitive version of Mario Kart 8 anywhere, anytime, even with up to eight friends in local wireless multiplayer.

All your favorite tracks and characters return from the Wii U version, plus all DLC tracks and characters, and new characters join the roster, too: Inkling Girl and Inkling Boy from Splatoon, as well as King Boo, Dry Bones and Bowser Jr.!

Plus, Battle mode has been revamped and includes Balloon Battle and Bob-omb Blast, with new courses such as Urchin Underpass and Battle Stadium, and returning ones like GCN Luigi’s Mansion and SNES Battle Course

Players can now carry two items at a time, including new items returning from previous Mario Kart games such as Boo (the item-stealing ghost) and the Feather, which gives players a high jump in Battle mode. Players can even choose to use a new Smart Steering feature, which makes driving and staying on the track easy for novice players and kids, even at 200cc.

The five new characters (Inkling Girl, Inkling Boy, King Boo, Dry Bones and Bowser Jr.) bring the total number of racers to 42, a record for the beloved series. New karts inspired by Splatoon, the ability to hold two items at once, returning items like the item-stealing Boo and jumping Feather, a new Smart Steering control option, and even more awesome features truly make this the definitive version of an already classic game.

One of the most robust new features in Mario Kart 8 Deluxe is the addition of a revamped Battle mode that can be played both locally and online*. The multiplayer Battle modes in Mario Kart 8 Deluxe offer a variety of fun options across eight colorful and well-designed Battle courses.

• Renegade Roundup: Making its debut in Mario Kart 8 Deluxe, this new mode has one team trying to capture the other and put them into jail before time runs out. The opposing team must try to escape and can break their own teammates out of prison by pressing a button under the jail cell.
• Balloon Battle: In this oldie but goodie, players earn points by popping balloons on the back of their opponents’ karts.
• Bob-omb Blast: Originally seen in the Mario Kart: Double Dash!! game, this mode finds players throwing a barrage of Bob-ombs at opponents.
• Coin Runners: By racing across the Battle course, players try to collect the most coins as possible in this fast and frenetic mode introduced in Mario Kart Wii.
• Shine Thief: Steal the coveted Shine Sprite and try to hold onto it for a 20 count in this classic multiplayer Battle mode.

The multiplayer options in Mario Kart 8 Deluxe are as plentiful and diverse as the colors in Rainbow Road. Traditional split-screen returns with up to four players (additional accessories are required and are sold separately) by docking the Nintendo Switch system, but players can also undock the system, detach the Joy-Con controllers and use them horizontally to play anywhere comfortably with two players. In addition, races can be played online or hosted in LAN multiplayer sessions with up to 12 players (additional games and systems are required). Two players can even share one Nintendo Switch system when experiencing LAN play. Playing with friends and family members has never been this easy and accessible.

Key Features:

• Race your friends in the definitive version of Mario Kart 8, only on Nintendo Switch!
• Race as every character on every track from the Wii U version, including DLC characters and tracks.
• Pop some balloons in the revamped Battle mode, complete with Balloon Battle and Bob-omb Blast.
• Battle on new courses, like Urchin Underpass and Battle Stadium, or returning ones, such as GCN Luigi’s Mansion and SNES Battle Course 1.
• Inkling Girl & Inkling Boy from Splatoon, King Boo, Dry Bones, and Bowser Jr. join the roster!
• Players can choose a new Smart Steering feature which makes driving and staying on the track easy for novice players and kids even at 200cc.
• Three new vehicles have been added, two are even inspired by Splatoon
• Carry two items at the same time.
• Returning items include Boo, the item stealing ghost, and the Feather, which gives you a high jump in battle mode.
• Play your friends in local wireless multiplayer with up to 8 players.
• Drive through in 1080p HD quality in TV mode.
• Play on the go with handheld mode and play anytime, anywhere.  

Mario Kart 8 Deluxe launches in stores and Nintendo eShop on April 28 for $59.99, at which time Nintendo will also release the Joy-Con Wheel accessory at a suggested retail price of $14.99 for a set of two.