Hori’s Mario Kart Racing Wheel Pro Deluxe and Pro Mini Bring Authentic Arcade Racing to Nintendo Switch

Hori’s Mario Kart Racing Wheel Pro Deluxe and Pro Mini Bring Authentic Arcade Racing to Nintendo Switch The Nintendo Switch has established itself as a versatile platform with a rapidly expanding library of kart racers and racing simulators.

As racing fans crave a more immersive gameplay experience, leading accessory manufacturer Hori has stepped up with two officially licensed peripherals: the Mario Kart Racing Wheel Pro Deluxe and the Mario Kart Racing Wheel Pro Mini.

Tailored to deliver an arcade-style experience in your home, these Switch racing wheels aim to satisfy both seasoned enthusiasts and younger gamers alike. Official Features and Build Distinction The Mario Kart Racing Wheel Pro Deluxe and Pro Mini are crafted to closely replicate the sensation of arcade racing setups, similar to the thrill found in classic cabinets like Mario Kart Arcade GP DX or Cruis’n USA.

Both wheels integrate essential controls, including the full array of Nintendo Switch face buttons and dual shifters on the rear, which default to the L and R button functions.

These shifters are particularly useful for boosting, drifting, or tossing items in Mario Kart 8 Deluxe. One of the major differences lies in size and build quality.

The Pro Deluxe boasts a substantially larger wheel—about three inches wider than the Mini—featuring rubber grips for enhanced comfort and durability.

The Pro Mini, designed with younger gamers in mind, offers a lighter, smaller 180-degree wheel with softer pedal resistance, making it accessible for children, while the larger Deluxe offers a 270-degree turning radius and firmer pedals to provide authentic feedback for more serious racers. Configurability and Compatibility Both racing wheels are equipped with extensive customization options.

The D-pad can be toggled to emulate the left or right analogue stick, and all button and pedal assignments are fully programmable, ensuring compatibility with various Switch racing titles.

Each device features a 10-foot USB cable for connectivity, ensuring minimal input lag and reliable performance.

Both wheels are bundled with their own pedal set, which matches the size of the wheel—smaller and lighter for the Mini, heavier and more resistant for the Deluxe. The Pro Mini appeals to younger players not only through its streamlined design but also via features like the Mario “M” button at the center, which functions as the ZL button.

Additionally, the Mini includes four suction cups for stability, though some users may notice occasional detachment during intense gaming.

The Deluxe, meanwhile, ups the ante with an adjustable clamp and five detachable suction cups, ensuring a secure fit on most surfaces.

Its pedals also include a fold-out stabilizer flap, minimizing unwanted movement. Practical Arcade Experience and Supported Games During extensive testing with Mario Kart 8 Deluxe on Nintendo Switch, both wheels delivered a highly responsive and engaging experience, though the steeper learning curve of the Deluxe required a short adjustment period.

Hori has provided a practical solution—by activating QuickMode (holding the ZR and Assign buttons together for three seconds), users can shorten the Deluxe’s turning range to mirror the Mini’s, making it more suitable for Mario Kart’s tight tracks. While the wheels are optimized for Mario Kart 8 Deluxe, Hori also confirms compatibility for most standard Switch racing games, such as Crash Team Racing: Nitro-Fueled.

The capability to reprogram button layouts means games with unconventional configurations remain playable.

However, titles that heavily rely on analogue sticks and camera manipulation, like Rocket League, are less suited to the wheel’s configuration, as nuanced vehicle control is limited without traditional stick input. Bringing the Arcade Home for All Ages Nearly three years into the Switch’s life cycle, its robust catalog of racing titles and the impressive success of Mario Kart 8 Deluxe have driven demand for high-quality, traditional racing wheels.

Hori’s Mario Kart Racing Wheel Pro Deluxe and Pro Mini stand out by offering usability for both adults and children.

The Deluxe model is ideal for players seeking a premium, authentic racing experience, while the Mini provides an approachable gateway for younger gamers or those with less space. By blending robust build quality, official licensing, and wide-ranging game compatibility, Hori cements its position as a top accessory maker for Nintendo platforms, ensuring every Switch racing fan can enjoy a true arcade experience from their own living room.

Mario Kart Nintendo Switch Nintendo Mario Switch Hori Kart Mario Kart Racing Wheel Pro Deluxe Mario Kart Racing Wheel Pro Mini Mario Kart 8 Deluxe Crash Team Racing Nitro-Fueled Rocket League Nintendo eShop