Mario Kart 8 Deluxe DLC: Price & Content Guide
Hey there, fellow racers! Are you ready to rev up your engines and dive back into the thrilling world of Mario Kart 8 Deluxe? If you're anything like me, you've probably spent countless hours drifting around those vibrant tracks, dodging shells, and battling it out with friends and family. But guess what? The race isn't over yet! Nintendo has given us a fantastic reason to return to the Mushroom Kingdom with the Mario Kart 8 Deluxe Booster Course Pass. Let's break down everything you need to know about this awesome expansion, including how much it'll set you back.
What is the Mario Kart 8 Deluxe Booster Course Pass?
Okay, so what exactly is this Booster Course Pass? Simply put, it's a downloadable content (DLC) pack that adds a whole bunch of new content to Mario Kart 8 Deluxe. We're talking about a whopping 48 additional courses that are being released in waves. That's right, almost doubling the original track list! These aren't just any tracks either; they're a mix of remastered courses from previous Mario Kart games, including classics from the Nintendo 64, Game Boy Advance, Nintendo DS, Wii, and even Mario Kart Tour on mobile. Imagine racing through Coconut Mall from Mario Kart Wii with updated graphics or drifting around the iconic Choco Mountain from Mario Kart 64. The nostalgia is real, guys!
But wait, there's more! The Booster Course Pass isn't just about the tracks. It's about extending the life of one of the best-selling games on the Nintendo Switch. With each new wave of courses, you'll have fresh challenges to conquer, new records to beat, and countless hours of fun ahead. It's like getting a brand-new Mario Kart game without having to buy a whole new game! And let's be honest, who doesn't love more Mario Kart?
Why You Should Consider Getting It
If you're still on the fence about whether to get the Booster Course Pass, let me give you a few compelling reasons. First and foremost, the sheer amount of content you're getting is incredible. 48 courses is a massive addition, and it'll keep you entertained for ages. Whether you're playing solo, with friends locally, or online, there's always something new to discover. Second, the tracks are brilliantly designed and offer a great mix of challenge and fun. Nintendo has done an excellent job of updating these classic courses while still retaining their original charm. You'll find yourself saying, "Oh, I remember this turn!" while also being surprised by new details and features.
Third, the Booster Course Pass offers excellent value for money. Considering how much content you're getting, the price is very reasonable, especially when you compare it to buying a brand-new game. It's a cost-effective way to breathe new life into Mario Kart 8 Deluxe and keep the fun going. Finally, let's not forget the bragging rights! Imagine being the first among your friends to master all the new courses and set the fastest lap times. You'll be the Mario Kart champion in no time!
So, How Much Does the Mario Kart 8 Deluxe Expansion Pack Cost?
Alright, let's get down to the nitty-gritty: how much will this awesome expansion set you back? There are basically two ways to access the Mario Kart 8 Deluxe Booster Course Pass:
- Purchasing it directly: You can buy the Booster Course Pass from the Nintendo eShop for $24.99 USD. This gives you permanent access to all 48 courses as they are released.
 - Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack: If you're a member of Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack, you get access to the Booster Course Pass as part of your membership. This means you don't have to buy it separately! However, keep in mind that if your membership expires, you'll lose access to the courses unless you purchase the Booster Course Pass separately.
 
Breaking Down the Costs
Let's take a closer look at each option to help you decide which one is right for you. If you're not already a member of Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack and you only want the Mario Kart 8 Deluxe courses, then buying the Booster Course Pass for $24.99 is the way to go. It's a one-time purchase, and you'll have access to all the courses forever.
On the other hand, if you're interested in the other benefits of Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack, such as access to classic Nintendo 64 and Sega Genesis games, then the membership might be a better deal. The price for the Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack is $49.99 USD per year for an individual membership or $79.99 USD per year for a family membership (up to 8 accounts). So, if you plan to use the other features of the Expansion Pack, it could be more cost-effective in the long run.
To make it easier, here’s a quick comparison:
- Booster Course Pass (Standalone): $24.99 (one-time purchase)
 - Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack (Individual): $49.99 per year
 - Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack (Family): $79.99 per year
 
Think about how often you play Mario Kart 8 Deluxe and whether you'd use the other features of the Expansion Pack. If you're a hardcore Mario Kart fan and you want to keep racing for years to come, the standalone Booster Course Pass is a great choice. But if you're looking for a more comprehensive online experience with access to a library of classic games, then the Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack might be the better option.
What Do You Get With the Booster Course Pass?
Okay, so we know it costs $24.99 if purchased separately, but what exactly do you get for your money? As I mentioned earlier, the Booster Course Pass includes 48 additional courses, which are being released in six waves. Each wave contains eight courses, and they're all a mix of brand-new tracks and remastered classics from previous Mario Kart games. Here's a quick rundown of what you can expect:
- Classic Tracks: Get ready to revisit some of your favorite tracks from Mario Kart 64, Mario Kart: Double Dash!!, Mario Kart Wii, Mario Kart DS, Mario Kart 7, and Mario Kart Tour. These tracks have been updated with improved graphics and gameplay, but they still retain the charm and nostalgia of the originals.
 - New Tracks: In addition to the classic tracks, there are also some brand-new courses that have been designed specifically for the Booster Course Pass. These tracks offer fresh challenges and surprises, and they're a great way to keep the game feeling new and exciting.
 - Updated Graphics: All of the tracks in the Booster Course Pass have been updated with improved graphics and textures, so they look better than ever before. The colors are more vibrant, the details are sharper, and the overall visual quality is significantly improved.
 - Gameplay Enhancements: Nintendo has also made some subtle gameplay enhancements to the tracks in the Booster Course Pass. These changes are designed to make the races more exciting and challenging, and they include things like new obstacles, updated shortcuts, and improved AI for the computer-controlled racers.
 
The Booster Course Pass isn't just about adding more content to Mario Kart 8 Deluxe; it's about enhancing the overall experience and making the game even more fun to play. Whether you're a long-time fan of the series or a newcomer, you're sure to find something to love in this awesome expansion.
A Closer Look at Some of the Courses
To give you a better idea of what to expect, let's take a closer look at some of the courses that are included in the Booster Course Pass. These are just a few examples, but they should give you a good sense of the variety and quality of the tracks:
- Coconut Mall (Mario Kart Wii): This iconic track is a fan favorite, and it's easy to see why. With its catchy music, vibrant colors, and challenging layout, Coconut Mall is a joy to race on. The Booster Course Pass version has been updated with improved graphics and textures, but it still retains the charm and nostalgia of the original.
 - Choco Mountain (Mario Kart 64): This classic track is a staple of the Mario Kart series, and it's always a blast to race on. With its steep hills, tight turns, and chocolate-themed obstacles, Choco Mountain is a challenging but rewarding track. The Booster Course Pass version has been updated with improved graphics and gameplay, but it still retains the charm and nostalgia of the original.
 - Tokyo Blur (Mario Kart Tour): This track is based on the real-life city of Tokyo, and it's a visual feast. With its bright lights, bustling streets, and iconic landmarks, Tokyo Blur is a stunning track to race on. The Booster Course Pass version has been updated with improved graphics and textures, and it's even more immersive than the original.
 
These are just a few examples of the many amazing courses that are included in the Booster Course Pass. Whether you're a fan of classic tracks or new tracks, you're sure to find something to love in this awesome expansion.
Is the Mario Kart 8 Deluxe Expansion Pack Worth It?
So, the big question: is the Mario Kart 8 Deluxe Expansion Pack worth the investment? In my opinion, absolutely! For $24.99, you're getting an incredible amount of content that will significantly extend the life of one of the best racing games on the Nintendo Switch. The 48 additional courses offer a great mix of nostalgia and new challenges, and they're all beautifully designed and a blast to race on. Whether you're a casual player or a hardcore fan, you're sure to get your money's worth out of this expansion.
If you're already a member of Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack, then the Booster Course Pass is an even better deal, as you get access to all the courses as part of your membership. Just keep in mind that if your membership expires, you'll lose access to the courses unless you purchase the Booster Course Pass separately.
Ultimately, the decision of whether or not to buy the Mario Kart 8 Deluxe Expansion Pack comes down to your personal preferences and gaming habits. But if you're a fan of Mario Kart and you're looking for a way to keep the fun going, then I highly recommend checking it out. You won't be disappointed!
Final Thoughts
The Mario Kart 8 Deluxe Booster Course Pass is a fantastic addition to an already amazing game. With its wealth of new content, updated graphics, and enhanced gameplay, it's a must-have for any Mario Kart fan. So, what are you waiting for? Get out there and start racing! And don't forget to let me know in the comments which courses are your favorites. Happy racing, guys!