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.

Starting today, a free software update is available for the Mario Kart 8 Deluxe game for the Switch, allowing you to use the Toy-Con Motorbike from the Nintendo Labo: Variety Kit to control your in-game vehicles. Enjoy every game mode and every vehicle type with this immersive, interactive controller option that makes you feel like you’re really in the driver’s seat!

But that’s not the only exciting news for Nintendo Labo owners this week! Nintendo is happy to announce the categories for the second Nintendo Labo Creators Contest: “Best Gaming Experience using Toy-Con Garage” and “Best Toy-Con Musical Instrument.”

Fans who submit creations to either of these contests have the opportunity to win some cool limited-edition prizes, including a specially designed, collectible cardboard-inspired Nintendo Switch system! Fans in the U.S. or Canada (excluding Quebec) who are 13 years old or older can enter their creations in the Nintendo Labo Creators Contest No. 2. Learn more about the contest and upload your submissions here.

After downloading the update for Mario Kart 8 Deluxe, simply select the “Nintendo Labo” icon on the game’s title screen to access a menu where you can select Toy-Con as the control type. When racing, turning the handlebars changes direction, twisting the right handlebar accelerates, and the various Joy-Con buttons are used for items, brakes and drifting. Up to four players can play at the same time with Toy-Con Motorbike with their own Toy-Con and Joy-Con controllers. (Nintendo Labo kits and additional Joy-Con are sold separately. Toy-Con Motorbike is part of the Nintendo Labo: Variety Kit.)

Mario Kart 8 Deluxe is the first game outside of Nintendo Labo software to receive Toy-Con support, and more titles will be compatible with Nintendo Labo in the future.

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 is currently available in stores and Nintendo eShop for $59.99.