Nearly a decade after its original release, Mario Kart 8 Deluxe is proving that Nintendo is not ready to leave the game behind. A surprise Version 4.0.0 update released on September 1, 2026 adds several Nintendo Switch 2-specific improvements, with eight-player local split-screen racing standing out as the biggest new feature.
The update is free for existing owners and also introduces sharper visuals, faster loading times, and CameraPlay support. While it does not transform Mario Kart 8 Deluxe into an entirely different game, these improvements make one of Nintendo’s longest-running racers feel surprisingly relevant on newer hardware.
Eight Players Can Now Race on One Switch 2
The headline feature is support for five to eight players in local multiplayer.
Previously, local split-screen on one console was limited to four racers. On Nintendo Switch 2, a group of up to eight players can now compete together on a single display, provided enough compatible controllers are available.
There is one important hardware requirement. Nintendo says Switch 2 can connect up to seven original Switch controllers at once. Therefore, an eight-player setup requires at least one Joy-Con 2 or Nintendo Switch 2 Pro Controller.
From a gameplay perspective, eight-player split-screen sounds intentionally chaotic. Individual sections of the screen naturally become much smaller, particularly when using a regular television, but the feature is clearly designed for parties rather than competitive precision.
For groups gathering in the same room, it is arguably one of the most meaningful additions Mario Kart 8 Deluxe has received in years.
Better Visuals and Faster Loading
Version 4.0.0 also makes better use of Switch 2 hardware.
Nintendo has added support for the higher-resolution Switch 2 display and high-resolution televisions, resulting in a clearer image than when running the original Switch presentation through backward compatibility alone. Loading times before races and Battle Mode matches have also been reduced.
These changes are less dramatic than additional multiplayer support, but they matter for a game built around repeatedly jumping between short races.
Faster loading keeps multiplayer sessions moving, while improved image clarity helps courses filled with colorful scenery and small environmental details look cleaner on modern displays.
CameraPlay Adds More Personality to Multiplayer
Another interesting addition is CameraPlay.
Players can connect a compatible USB camera to Nintendo Switch 2 and display their faces during races. In local multiplayer, CameraPlay is supported for two to four players rather than the full eight-player configuration.
Camera functionality can also be used when playing online through GameChat, although this requires an internet connection, Nintendo Account, and Nintendo Switch Online membership.
It is not an essential gameplay feature, but Mario Kart has always been at its best when players can immediately see or hear their friends reacting to a perfectly timed Blue Shell or last-second overtake. CameraPlay attempts to bring that social element directly onto the game screen.
The Core Racing Remains Excellent
The most important point is that none of these additions replace what made Mario Kart 8 Deluxe successful.
Its handling remains accessible without becoming completely shallow, while drifting, item management, shortcuts, and track knowledge provide enough depth for experienced players.
The enormous selection of racers, vehicles, and tracks also continues to make it one of the most complete Mario Kart packages available.
With Mario Kart World now serving as the newer entry on Switch 2, Nintendo could easily have stopped supporting Mario Kart 8 Deluxe. Instead, Version 4.0.0 gives owners another reason to keep it installed. The decision makes sense considering Mario Kart 8 Deluxe remains the best-selling Nintendo Switch game and continues to maintain a large audience.
Strengths
-Eight-player local split-screen is excellent for large groups.
-Faster loading improves the pace between races.
-Sharper Switch 2 presentation gives the game a welcome visual boost.
-CameraPlay adds personality to multiplayer sessions.
-The update is completely free for existing owners.
Weaknesses
-Eight-player split-screen can make each player’s view extremely small.
-Major improvements are focused on Nintendo Switch 2.
-CameraPlay local support is limited to two to four players.
-No major new tracks or characters are included.
Mario Kart 8 Deluxe Version 4.0.0 Score
| Category | Score |
|---|---|
| Racing Gameplay | 9.4/10 |
| Local Multiplayer | 9.7/10 |
| Visual Improvements | 8.8/10 |
| Loading Performance | 9.2/10 |
| CameraPlay | 8.2/10 |
| New Content | 7.8/10 |
| Replay Value | 9.6/10 |
| Overall Score | 9.2/10 |
Final Verdict
Mario Kart 8 Deluxe Version 4.0.0 is not a giant expansion, but it is a surprisingly valuable update for such an established game.
Eight-player split-screen is the highlight and turns Switch 2 into an even stronger local multiplayer machine. Faster loading, enhanced visuals, and CameraPlay may be smaller additions, yet together they make the experience feel more polished on Nintendo’s newer console.
For players who already own Mario Kart 8 Deluxe, there is little reason not to download the update. And for groups that regularly play together in the same room, eight-player racing may be enough to make an old favorite feel chaotic and fresh all over again.