Nintendo has dropped an unexpected free update for Mario Kart 8 Deluxe that introduces an eight-player local splitscreen mode, exclusively for those playing on the Switch 2. The Version 4.0.0 patch, available now, divides the screen into eight portrait-oriented windows, allowing a full group of friends to race side by side on a single television — provided everyone brings their own controller and can find a seat.
The new mode is a technical achievement worth noting. Rendering eight simultaneous racing sessions in real time demands significant processing power, and the update leans heavily on the Switch 2’s upgraded hardware to make it happen. Players can even attempt the chaotic eight-way races in handheld mode, though comfort at that screen size is another matter entirely. As GameSpot noted, the visual spectacle of eight racing feeds crammed onto one display is as impressive as it is absurd.
Beyond the headline feature, the update delivers several Switch 2-specific enhancements. Players will enjoy sharper visuals, reduced loading times, and various quality-of-life improvements under the hood. Nintendo is also introducing CameraPlay, a feature that overlays players’ faces on screen during races using the console’s camera, though this functionality is limited to sessions with two to four participants, as IGN reported.
The continued investment in Mario Kart 8 Deluxe is notable given that its successor, Mario Kart World, has already been on the market. The older title remains Nintendo’s best-selling Switch game of all time and has received a steady stream of updates over the years that have kept it relevant. This latest patch suggests Nintendo sees no reason to stop supporting the title just because a newer entry exists in the franchise.
Mario Kart World, meanwhile, has faced criticism from fans for a relatively thin content pipeline since its launch. There are signs that could change soon, with rumors of a Nintendo Direct later this month potentially bringing news of fresh updates. A new Switch 2 and Mario Kart World bundle is also set to arrive in late September at a slightly higher price point than the original launch package.
For now, though, the spotlight belongs to the decade-old racer that refuses to slow down. Whether Nintendo intended the update as a bridge to future Mario Kart World content or simply a celebration of its enduring flagship, eight-player splitscreen gives fans a compelling reason to dust off their copies and gather a crowd.