Clearly taking a leaf out of the (must be imminent switch version of) smash brothers, the initial statistics make a strong case. 42 characters, 48 tracks across 12 cups split between new and retro fitted courses. Whether adapted to take advantage of MK8’s anti gravity hook, or a glorious ‘from the ground up’ face lift, everything from the cobbles or Tarmac to glistening waterfalls, creepy castles or a sun drenched desert looks beautiful and holds upcoming games like Mario odyssey in good stead. These tracks show what a Nintendo game can be from a technical standpoint, and whether on a big TV, now in 1080p or in portable mode, it’s stunning. The orchestral and eclectic soundtrack once again show off the exceptional production values starting with a burst of brass and bass, never being anything less than a thoroughly enjoyable audio as well as visual experience. The core racing of MK 8 has been tweaked here and there, and a few driver assists for novice or younger players aid steering and acceleration. Curiously defaulted and a bit of navigation to change, it shows that Nintendo are encouraging racers of all skill levels to either start or return to their karting. While the menus and lobbies are functional, if minimalist, the main inclusion of a proper battle mode is the main reason for fans to rejoice. The maps are colorful, varied and take from SNES, game cube and DS era, with 5 all new arenas including the Splatoon themed urchin underpass. But, still no block fort… Standard balloon and bomb battles are joined by a capture the flag style ‘shine thief’ and a returning coin collecting fare. Most intriguing of these modes is ‘renegade roundup’, plays out like a game of ‘cops and robbers’- with the ‘authorities’ capturing the ‘renegades’ and throwing them In jail. Renegades can free team mates by driving over release switches. It’s frantic stuff.

For all the tracks, characters, modes and collectibles, the decision on whether to purchase Mario Kart 8 depends somewhat on circumstance. Yes, for the most part, this will be the game Wii U owners spent almost 80 dollars on (including the DLC) almost 3 years ago, and while local multi player was accommodated by a few cross generational peripherals on the Wii U, the Nintendo switch 4 player local experience could become a lot more pricey. A pair of joy cons cost around $80, with the (of course optional) addition of third party joy con grips intended to make the controller more comfortable. A cute little steering wheel bracket, or even purists wanting to have a pro controller each would escalate the price dramatically. However, taking all the optional extras into account shouldn’t detract from one of the main selling points of the system, which comes with two controllers as standard. While they might not be ideal for anyone with even average adult sized hands, it can’t be understated how accessible the game and system are from the get go, and it paves the way for the future success of Nintendo’s multi player games. For one reason or another, not only is MK8D what the Wii u version should have been, it’s the best game in the franchise and one of the most complete and fun racing games ever made. However, with reports of launch switches experiencing weak wifi signal, the online infrastructure and strategy of Nintendo, Mario Kart 8 deluxe will no doubt be under extreme scrutiny and pressure. Despite Wii U owners maybe feeling burnt and reluctant to double dip, this is the definitive version of a superb game, optional expense and unproven online reliability notwithstanding.

Own a Wii U? High taste it.

No Wii U? Tupperware.

+the definitive version of an already great game

+the most technically accomplished game Nintendo has ever made.

+ packed with content

+takes advantage of the new hardware

– Wii U owners may feel burnt

-the need for peripherals could get pricey

-unproven online stability, and some hardware reports of launch hardware issues

-still no block fort