Mario Kart 8 Deluxe Reviews

Mario Kart 8 Deluxe is ranked in the 100th percentile of games scored on OpenCritic.
9 / 10.0
May 12, 2017

Even for those who own the original Mario Kart 8, after re-evaluating my score, I'd still give the game an 8 overall, and I think that says a lot about what's actually in the game. Plus, we have the Splatoon inklings, Zelda's Link, and Animal Crossing characters available altogether now, without being in a Smash Bros game. Really, what more do you want?

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8.5 / 10.0
May 10, 2017

Mario Kart 8 Deluxe is a fun, exciting and high quality game which can entertain you for a long itme. Although compared to Wii U version the graphic of the game hasn't changed a lot but in terms of gameplay, the game is extremely smooth and engaging. The tracks are beautiful and colorful and addition of new characters makes the game a great experience. If you are looking for a pure fun and entertainment, you have to try Mario Kart 8 Deluxe.

Review in Persian | Read full review

9 / 10.0
May 10, 2017

Mario Kart 8 Deluxe puts the pedal to the metal by creating the most accessible racer in the series, or any racing game for that matter, to date. Smart steering and auto-acceleration lets little kids join in on the fun without being too overpowered. The return of a full-fledged battle mode also makes it a more complete Mario Kart experience. It might not have enough new features to entice folks who still own the Wii U version. Overall, though, this is arguably the best Mario Kart game to date.

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9.5 / 10.0
May 9, 2017

Mario Kart 8 Deluxe, not Breath of the Wild, is the absolute best reason to own the Switch.

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Olly Smith
Top Critic
9 / 10.0
May 9, 2017

For a port of an older Wii U title, Mario Kart 8 Deluxe feels like a brand new game that everyone can enjoy. Whether this is your first Mario Kart or your eighth, there's enough here to satisfy your thirst for racing.

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8.5 / 10.0
May 9, 2017

Nearly impossible to put down, chock full of content yet hindered by an archaic online system. Mario kart 8 Deluxe is another phenomenal game in the growing switch library, yet an ominous precedent for the future of Switch online games.

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A or higher
May 8, 2017

Mario Kart 8 Deluxe is the definitive version of it. Everything that made Mario Kart 8 special has returned and been amplified, and the additions (including new characters, plus one secret one that I won't spoil) make for an even richer and varied experience. Along with Breath of the Wild, Mario Kart 8 Deluxe is a must-have for Switch owners.

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May 8, 2017

...if we’re comparing Mario Kart from the 90’s to Mario Kart now, you honestly can’t have it any better. Switch owners finally have a definitive library piece other than Zelda, and the game definitely will hold its place as a leader in couch co-op for years to come.

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May 8, 2017

Auch auf der Nintendo Switch ist Mario Kart 8 ein Garant für monatelangen Spielspaß sowohl offline als auch online - und dank einiger neuer Inhalte und Features wie dem Battle Mode auch für Wii-U-Besitzer einen zweiten Blick wert.

Review in German | Read full review

May 8, 2017

"Mario Kart has never had this much content."

Review in Finnish | Read full review

5 / 5.0
May 8, 2017

Not only are you getting everything that Mario Kart 8 had to offer, you also get a few new characters, a greatly enhanced Battle mode, and the ability to play wherever you go.

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9 / 10.0
May 8, 2017

The original Mario Kart 8 on Wii U has most of the content that can be found on Mario Kart 8 Deluxe with over 10 new characters and karts and you’ll also gain 16 brand new tracks, previously was only on DLC. What you receive are 48 tracks that will give you plenty of hours of entertainment. A total of 24 tracks is upgraded tracks from previous Mario Kart games. As with the original, there are various classes and Nintendo has added an even faster and craze filled 200cc class. The game also now features a reworked and polished Battle mode which Mario Kart 8 on the Wii U forced you to play on normal tracks instead of the arenas everybody wanted to play, well now there are eight arenas and five are brand new levels while the other arenas are based on previous 3DS, GameCube and SNES.

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9.5 / 10.0
May 8, 2017

While small scuffs to the online multiplayer experience prevent it from reaching perfection, Deluxe is a crowd cheering victory lap to the Wii U’s wondrous warm-up every Switch owner deserves to get behind the wheel of.

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May 7, 2017

Mario Kart 8 Deluxe makes the small changes needed to differentiate itself from its inferior Wii U version. It's a worthy purchase regardless of the time you've spent playing the same tracks on the Wii U, as the battle mode will keep you entertained for years to come. For any fan of local Mario Kart multiplayer, this is a no brainer. Still, I can't fully recommend buying it for online play until Nintendo resolves poor connectivity issues.

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10 / 10.0
May 7, 2017

Best Mario Kart game ever made

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9 / 10.0
May 7, 2017

Best and greatest Mario Kart... But the Japanese are not stupid and leave themselves a wicket for Mario Kart 9. Will it be even better, even more and even more beautiful? GIVE IT TO ME!

Review in Polish | Read full review

8.5 / 10.0
May 6, 2017

Overall though, there’s not a lot I can fault Mario Kart 8 Deluxe for. It’s a remake, sure, but it’s also the best the series has ever been and now a family favorite in my house. Oh, and I barely even mentioned the return of the excellent Battle Mode and all its arena-based kart combat fun. This one is highly recommended, and I only hopes Nintendo releases more content in the future.

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9 / 10.0
May 5, 2017

Mario Kart 8 Deluxe is almost a "Mario Kart: Greatest Hits" with an absolute tonne of content in terms of tracks, characters and modes, you will be playing Mario Kart by yourself or with others for months to come. A must-buy for your Nintendo Switch!

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9 / 10.0
May 5, 2017

If you already own Wii U and know Mario Kart 8 there's not much reason for you to buy it again. But in case this is your first encounter with this series and you have a bunch of gamer friends to spend time with, it is a must buy for you. Yet another great game for Nintendo Switch.

Review in Polish | Read full review

Evan Norris
Top Critic
Unscored
May 5, 2017

This Deluxe version retains everything that made the original so spectacular: opulent, verdant visuals; a jazzy, animated soundtrack; and anti-gravity mechanics that provide spatial freedom uncommon to the genre. It's Nintendo's best racer, made better.

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