Mario Kart 8 Deluxe DLC: Price & Worth It?
Hey guys! Ever wondered about zooming around those extra tracks in Mario Kart 8 Deluxe with the Booster Course Pass? Or maybe you're on the fence about whether it's worth your hard-earned cash? Well, buckle up, because we're diving deep into the Mario Kart 8 Deluxe Expansion Pack, breaking down the cost, the content, and whether it’s a must-have for every Mario Kart fanatic.
What's Included in the Mario Kart 8 Deluxe Expansion Pack?
The Mario Kart 8 Deluxe Booster Course Pass isn't just a simple add-on; it's a massive injection of fresh content designed to keep your racing experience exhilarating. For those who might be new to the kart racing scene, Mario Kart 8 Deluxe is the definitive Mario Kart experience on the Nintendo Switch, boasting a huge roster of characters, karts, and tracks right out of the box. But the Booster Course Pass takes things to a whole new level. It introduces a whopping 48 additional courses, effectively doubling the number of tracks available in the base game. That's like getting an entirely new Mario Kart game!
These aren't just any tracks, either. Nintendo has pulled courses from across the Mario Kart series, including classics from Mario Kart 64, Mario Kart: Double Dash!!, Mario Kart Wii, Mario Kart 7, and Mario Kart Tour. This means you get a delightful mix of nostalgia and fresh experiences, all wrapped up in the polished Mario Kart 8 Deluxe engine. Imagine drifting through the vibrant streets of Paris Promenade from Mario Kart Tour, then launching off ramps on the iconic Rainbow Road from Mario Kart 64. The variety is incredible, ensuring there's always something new to discover. The courses are released in waves, typically containing eight courses each. This staggered release schedule keeps the game feeling fresh and gives players something to look forward to. Each wave is themed, adding to the excitement and anticipation. Whether you're a seasoned Mario Kart veteran or a newcomer to the series, the sheer volume of content offered in the Booster Course Pass is undeniably impressive.
Breaking Down the Cost: How Much Will It Set You Back?
Alright, let's talk money. The big question: How much does this treasure trove of tracks actually cost? There are essentially two ways to get your hands on the Mario Kart 8 Deluxe Booster Course Pass. You can either purchase it outright, or you can gain access to it through a Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack membership. Let's break down both options:
Purchasing the Booster Course Pass
The most straightforward method is to simply buy the Booster Course Pass from the Nintendo eShop. The price for the pass is typically around $24.99 USD. This grants you permanent access to all 48 courses as they are released. Once you've purchased the pass, the courses are yours to keep and play whenever you want, regardless of your Nintendo Switch Online status. This is a great option for players who prefer to own their content outright and aren't necessarily interested in the other benefits offered by the Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack membership. Plus, there's no ongoing subscription to worry about – a one-time purchase and you're set! Keep an eye out for deals and promotions on the Nintendo eShop, as you might be able to snag the Booster Course Pass for a discounted price during certain times of the year. Considering the amount of content you get – essentially doubling the number of tracks in the game – $24.99 is a pretty reasonable price for many Mario Kart fans.
Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack
Alternatively, you can access the Mario Kart 8 Deluxe Booster Course Pass as part of the Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack membership. This is a premium tier of Nintendo's online service that offers a range of additional benefits beyond the standard Nintendo Switch Online membership. In addition to online play, cloud saves, and access to a library of classic NES and SNES games, the Expansion Pack includes access to Nintendo 64 and Sega Genesis games, as well as downloadable content for select Switch titles, including the Mario Kart 8 Deluxe Booster Course Pass. The price for the Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack membership is $49.99 USD per year for an individual membership or $79.99 USD per year for a Family Membership (up to 8 users). This is significantly more expensive than the standard Nintendo Switch Online membership, but it offers a lot more value if you're interested in the additional benefits. If you're already paying for Nintendo Switch Online and are interested in retro games and the Mario Kart DLC, upgrading to the Expansion Pack might be a worthwhile investment. However, keep in mind that your access to the Booster Course Pass is tied to your active subscription. If your membership lapses, you'll lose access to the DLC until you renew your subscription. This is an important consideration when deciding whether to purchase the Booster Course Pass outright or access it through the Expansion Pack.
Is the Expansion Pack Worth It? A Deep Dive
Okay, so we know what's included and how much it costs, but is the Mario Kart 8 Deluxe Booster Course Pass actually worth the investment? Let's weigh the pros and cons to help you make an informed decision. For starters, let's consider the sheer volume of content you're getting. 48 additional courses effectively double the number of tracks in the game, providing countless hours of new racing experiences. If you're a hardcore Mario Kart fan who regularly plays the game with friends and family, this is a huge plus. The variety of courses is also a major selling point. With tracks pulled from across the Mario Kart series, there's something for everyone, whether you prefer the classic circuits of Mario Kart 64 or the more modern designs of Mario Kart 7. The staggered release of courses in waves also keeps the game feeling fresh and exciting, giving you something to look forward to over time. But what about the drawbacks? Well, the most obvious one is the cost. $24.99 for the Booster Course Pass or $49.99/$79.99 per year for the Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack is a significant investment, especially if you're only interested in the Mario Kart DLC. If you only play Mario Kart occasionally, it might not be worth the price. Another potential drawback is that the quality of the DLC courses isn't always consistent with the base game. Some players have criticized certain courses for having simpler designs or less detailed graphics compared to the original tracks. However, Nintendo has generally done a good job of updating and polishing the DLC courses over time, addressing many of the initial concerns. Ultimately, whether the Mario Kart 8 Deluxe Booster Course Pass is worth it depends on your individual preferences and play style. If you're a die-hard Mario Kart fan who plays the game regularly, the sheer volume of content and the variety of courses make it a worthwhile investment. But if you're a casual player or are on a tight budget, you might want to think twice before shelling out the cash.
Making the Right Choice for You
Deciding whether to grab the Mario Kart 8 Deluxe Booster Course Pass really boils down to how much you love Mario Kart and how often you play. If you're someone who's constantly racing with friends, family, or online, then the extra 48 courses are going to feel like a goldmine. Think about all the new strategies you can develop, the different shortcuts to master, and the fresh challenges to conquer. Plus, let's be honest, who doesn't love a bit of nostalgia? Cruising through retro tracks from Mario Kart 64 or Mario Kart: Double Dash!! is a guaranteed trip down memory lane. On the other hand, if Mario Kart is more of a once-in-a-while kind of game for you, maybe when you have guests over or during the holidays, then the Booster Course Pass might not be the best investment. You'd be paying for content that you're not really using to its full potential. In that case, you might want to stick with the base game and its already impressive selection of tracks. Also, consider the Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack. If you're already interested in the other benefits it offers, like the retro game libraries and online play for other games, then getting the Expansion Pack for the Mario Kart DLC might be a good value proposition. But if you're only interested in the Mario Kart courses, then buying the Booster Course Pass outright is probably the more cost-effective option. Ultimately, the decision is yours. Weigh the pros and cons, think about your playing habits, and choose the option that makes the most sense for you. Happy racing!