Mario Kart 8 Deluxe Drops Major Switch 2 Update Featuring 8-Player Split-Screen

Nintendo has released a free Version 4.0.0 update for Mario Kart 8 Deluxe, bringing massive local couch multiplayer upgrades and performance boosts for players on the Nintendo Switch 2.

The headline feature of the patch is local split-screen support for five to eight players on a single display, doubling the previous four-player limit on the original console. The system's extra horsepower carves up the display into eight portrait-style viewports, letting large groups race on the same TV.

Hardware Requirements and CameraPlay Features

Setting up an eight-player race comes with specific hardware details to keep in mind:

Controller Limits: While original Nintendo Switch controllers, including classic Joy-Cons and Pro Controllers, are compatible, the Switch 2 system caps connections to last-gen hardware at seven total devices. For an eight-player match, at least one racer must use a new Switch 2 Pro Controller or Joy-Con 2.
CameraPlay Reactions: Players can connect a compatible USB camera or the official Switch 2 camera to display live face cams on-screen during two to four-player local matches.
Online GameChat: CameraPlay also functions during online play, but live video feeds are restricted strictly to friends via GameChat for safety reasons rather than broadcasting to random online opponents.

Performance Upgrades and Original Switch Updates

Alongside expanded couch multiplayer, the patch delivers noticeable technical upgrades on Switch 2 hardware, including higher overall resolutions, support for high-definition displays, and faster loading times before races and battle modes start.

Original Nintendo Switch owners also receive a few gameplay tweaks under Version 4.0.0:

Base Speed Increase: Overall racer speed across all modes has been tweaked slightly, accelerating players "by the equivalent of one coin".
Marathon GP Option: Players who own the Booster Course Pass can now select a new "96 Races" setting in VS Race mode, allowing them to compete through every track in the game sequentially. Previous versions capped continuous VS Race grand prix runs at 48 consecutive courses.

The free Version 4.0.0 update is available now to download for all players.