Mario Kart 8 Deluxe Reviews

Mario Kart 8 Deluxe is ranked in the 100th percentile of games scored on OpenCritic.
GamingBolt
Top Critic
9 / 10.0
May 4, 2017

If you are just jumping in for the very first time, prepare to have your mind blown away. A true modern multiplayer classic, Mario Kart 8 Deluxe stands as one of the greatest games that Nintendo has ever made.

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9 / 10.0
May 4, 2017

Mario Kart 8 Deluxe on the Nintendo Switch is a no-brainer for fans and/or Switch owners - easily the best version of Mario Kart released to date on any platform and yet another killer app for Nintendo's fledgling hardware.

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4.5 / 5.0
May 2, 2017

Mario Kart 8 Deluxe has taken all the best parts from the Wii U version and improves quite a bit upon where it needed some adjustments.

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9 / 10.0
Apr 24, 2017

Mario Kart 8 arrives to Switch in the Deluxe version: bigger, funnier and more beautiful than ever.

Review in Italian | Read full review

9 / 10.0
Apr 20, 2017

Mario Kart 8 remains one of the highlights of the franchise and while it would have been nice for The Switch to get a new title rather than a Deluxe repackage, this thing plays like a dream and is overflowing with content.

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games(TM)
games™ Team
Top Critic
9 / 10
Jan 19, 2018

the definitive edition of the definitive karting game

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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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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

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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9 / 10
Apr 26, 2017

Mario Kart 8 Deluxe is the perfect follow up to The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild. It's fun regardless of whether you're playing alone, with friends on the couch or taking the race online. It lends itself perfectly to the portability of the Nintendo Switch and there's just enough new content to warrant a purchase for those that owned the original game on the Nintendo Wii U.

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9 / 10.0
Apr 20, 2017

Mario Kart 8 Deluxe is solid and enjoyable, with small tweaks that mean it easily surpasses the Wii U's original release. Should you get a Switch for it? Yes. Yes you should — especially if you've got friends who're up for a race themselves.

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9 / 10.0
May 3, 2017

Mario Kart 8 Deluxe is the definitive Mario Kart experience. It's got the most complete roster of characters, tons of tracks, a litany of game modes, and an ultra-polished presentation mixed with pitch-perfect gameplay. A must play for all Switch owners.

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4.5 / 5.0
May 1, 2017

Mario Kart 8 Deluxe may be based off of a three year old game, but it feels fresh on Nintendo's hybrid console. Being able to take the excellent experience on the go is a huge draw, and there's a decent amount of new content at the same time.

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Emma Schaefer
Top Critic
9 / 10.0
May 1, 2017

With a fresh coat of paint and a couple of tune-ups, Mario Kart 8 Deluxe makes itself a great definitive edition of an already pretty-good game. Smart Steering, though awkwardly on by default, is a godsend for those who play with younger and less-skilled racers, and the revised Battle Mode fills a hole in the game's heart. A lack of additional race courses and content may deter those who already own the original Wii U version of the game, however.

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9 / 10.0
Apr 26, 2017

Mario Kart 8 Deluxe is still that same gorgeous game filled with great courses, characters, and karts. There are a few new game elements that augment the game slightly, and an awesome battle mode that is instantly addicting, but on the whole, Mario Kart 8 Deluxe is almost too similar to the game we fell in love with on the Wii U.

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Will Greenwald
Top Critic
Apr 21, 2017

Mario Kart 8 Deluxe is the second must-buy game on the Nintendo Switch (after The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild), and it's the most comprehensive Mario Kart game to date.

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Apr 20, 2017

Mario Kart 8 Deluxe's improved Battle Mode is bound to bring out some people's inner child in the best way (this author very much included). As for the rest of the racing action, the tight and polished multiplayer action is as good as it's ever been - and the ability to take it on-the-go is like a dream come true.

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9 / 10
Apr 27, 2017

Mario Kart 8 Deluxe improves on everything that made the original an excellent game and reinforces its status as the greatest game in the Mario Kart series. Increasing on its content and bringing back the battle mode as it once was, this edition also adds technical improvements to make it fit with the Nintendo Switch. This all adds up to a magnificent entry that no player should overlook.

Review in Portuguese | 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 / 10.0
May 12, 2017

Mario Kart 8 Deluxe takes the franchise to a new level, and makes further argument that the Switch is a fantastic portable console.

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