Mario Kart 8 Deluxe gets the 4.0.0 update with Switch 2 improvements

Nintendo released the 4.0.0 update for Mario Kart 8 Deluxe. It's free for everyone, but most of its improvements are exclusive to players on Switch 2.

Graphics and performance on Switch 2

The game now supports the Switch 2 display and high-resolution TVs, with sharper visuals — according to the update itself, 2160p docked and 1080p handheld at a consistent 60fps. Load times before races and battles were also shortened.

Up to 8-player multiplayer

The update adds support for 5-to-8-player multiplayer on Switch 2. Reaching 8 players requires at least one Joy-Con 2 controller or a Nintendo Switch 2 Pro Controller.

CameraPlay and other changes

CameraPlay support is added, which requires a USB camera (sold separately). Players with the Booster Course Pass get "96 Races" added to the VS Race rule settings, and racer speed gets a slight bump during races — the equivalent of one extra coin.

The update is available to all Switch players, but most of these changes only show up when playing on Switch 2.