Mario Kart 8 Deluxe Booster Course Pass Wave 5 Hits Nintendo Switch with New Tracks and Racers

Mario Kart 8 Deluxe Booster Course Pass Wave 5 is now available on Nintendo Switch, delivering a fresh batch of content for the best-selling kart racer.

Released on July 12, 2023, this latest wave brings eight new tracks and introduces three additional racers, continuing Nintendo’s tradition of expanding the Mario Kart universe with creative updates and nostalgia-rich features. The Booster Course Pass DLC has been a focal point of Mario Kart 8 Deluxe since its announcement, revitalizing the Nintendo Switch title and providing players with new racing experiences.

With over 53 million copies sold as of March 2023, Mario Kart 8 Deluxe remains not only the most popular game in the franchise but also a staple of the Nintendo Switch library.

The addition of Wave 5 reinforces Nintendo’s commitment to keeping the game fresh for both newcomers and longtime fans. Among the new racers featured in Wave 5 is Kamek, the infamous wizard from the Mario series.

In a detail sure to delight fans of classic Nintendo games, Kamek's horn sound is a direct reference to his debut in Super Mario World 2: Yoshi's Island.

Instead of emitting the standard horn honk, activating Kamek’s horn (by pressing the ZL button without holding an item) plays a distinctive, repeated four-note melody, echoing the character's signature motif from the original title.

This nostalgic callback continues a trend seen in Mario Kart 8 Deluxe, where characters such as King Boo also feature custom horn sounds—King Boo’s notable horn, for example, is a familiar scream reminiscent of Super Mario Sunshine. The inclusion of unique, character-specific touches like Kamek’s horn not only pays homage to Nintendo’s storied catalog but also rewards attentive players with memorable Easter eggs.

Nintendo continues to leverage these features to foster engagement and highlight its rich history, while ensuring that updates to established titles feel meaningful. Wave 5’s release follows ongoing support for Mario Kart 8 Deluxe through the Booster Course Pass, which is available for purchase via the Nintendo eShop or as part of the Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack.

The new tracks and racers join an already robust roster, further solidifying Mario Kart 8 Deluxe’s reputation as a must-play title for Switch owners. As the Mario Kart 8 Deluxe Booster Course Pass continues to roll out new content, Nintendo demonstrates its expertise in curating both nostalgia and innovation.

For those eager to experience Kamek’s debut as a playable racer—and perhaps discover more hidden Easter eggs—Wave 5 of the Booster Course Pass is available now on Nintendo Switch.

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