Introduction
Nintendo has issued a free update for Mario Kart 8 Deluxe that brings expanded local multiplayer and performance improvements when the game runs on the next-generation Switch hardware commonly referred to as Switch 2.
Developed and published by Nintendo (Nintendo EPD led development on Mario Kart 8), Mario Kart 8 Deluxe originally launched for Nintendo Switch on April 28, 2017 as the definitive version of the Wii U original.
What’s in version 4.0.0
Version 4.0.0 of Mario Kart 8 Deluxe adds an eight‑player local split‑screen option, CameraPlay support, and a collection of technical improvements listed in the official patch notes.
Nintendo described the update as delivering "sharper visuals" alongside additional performance and usability enhancements; in journalistic terms, the company framed the patch as a visual and performance uplift for the title on newer hardware.
Technical comparison and verified findings
On the original Switch, Mario Kart 8 Deluxe runs at 60fps with a target resolution of 1080p docked and 720p handheld; the frame rate is reduced during multi‑player split‑screen.
Independent analysis published by YouTube channel ElAnalistaDeBits shows a side‑by‑side comparison of the game running on Switch versus Switch 2 hardware following the 4.0.0 update.
That analysis indicates the game reaches up to 2160p docked and 1080p handheld at a consistent 60fps on the hardware tested, with the frame rate halved during 3–4 player split‑screen and in the new eight‑player split‑screen mode.
ElAnalistaDeBits also documented measurable reductions in loading times on the Switch 2 hardware.
Context and platform history
Mario Kart 8 began on Wii U in 2014 and the Deluxe edition has become one of Nintendo Switch’s most prominent titles since 2017.
The series and developer (Nintendo EPD) have a long track record of post‑launch support, and this update continues that pattern by bringing multiplayer and technical improvements to one of the platform’s flagship racers.
Where to find the update
Nintendo’s official patch notes and eShop listing provide the full itemized changelog for version 4.0.0.
Players can consult those sources for platform‑specific details and to download the update.
Summary
Version 4.0.0 is a notable post‑launch enhancement for Mario Kart 8 Deluxe: it expands local multiplayer to eight players, adds CameraPlay support, and—according to hardware comparison tests—delivers sharper visuals and faster load times on Switch 2 hardware while maintaining the franchise’s 60fps gameplay target.
Nintendo has issued a free update for Mario Kart 8 Deluxe that brings expanded local multiplayer and performance improvements when the game runs on the next-generation Switch hardware commonly referred to as Switch 2.
Developed and published by Nintendo (Nintendo EPD led development on Mario Kart 8), Mario Kart 8 Deluxe originally launched for Nintendo Switch on April 28, 2017 as the definitive version of the Wii U original.
What’s in version 4.0.0
Version 4.0.0 of Mario Kart 8 Deluxe adds an eight‑player local split‑screen option, CameraPlay support, and a collection of technical improvements listed in the official patch notes.
Nintendo described the update as delivering "sharper visuals" alongside additional performance and usability enhancements; in journalistic terms, the company framed the patch as a visual and performance uplift for the title on newer hardware.
Technical comparison and verified findings
On the original Switch, Mario Kart 8 Deluxe runs at 60fps with a target resolution of 1080p docked and 720p handheld; the frame rate is reduced during multi‑player split‑screen.
Independent analysis published by YouTube channel ElAnalistaDeBits shows a side‑by‑side comparison of the game running on Switch versus Switch 2 hardware following the 4.0.0 update.
That analysis indicates the game reaches up to 2160p docked and 1080p handheld at a consistent 60fps on the hardware tested, with the frame rate halved during 3–4 player split‑screen and in the new eight‑player split‑screen mode.
ElAnalistaDeBits also documented measurable reductions in loading times on the Switch 2 hardware.
Context and platform history
Mario Kart 8 began on Wii U in 2014 and the Deluxe edition has become one of Nintendo Switch’s most prominent titles since 2017.
The series and developer (Nintendo EPD) have a long track record of post‑launch support, and this update continues that pattern by bringing multiplayer and technical improvements to one of the platform’s flagship racers.
Where to find the update
Nintendo’s official patch notes and eShop listing provide the full itemized changelog for version 4.0.0.
Players can consult those sources for platform‑specific details and to download the update.
Summary
Version 4.0.0 is a notable post‑launch enhancement for Mario Kart 8 Deluxe: it expands local multiplayer to eight players, adds CameraPlay support, and—according to hardware comparison tests—delivers sharper visuals and faster load times on Switch 2 hardware while maintaining the franchise’s 60fps gameplay target.
