# Mario Kart 8 Deluxe gets a surprise Switch 2 update, bringing eight-player split-screen to the evergreen racing game

- URL: https://talkfuse.com/story/mario-kart-8-deluxe-gets-a-surprise-switch-2-update-bringing-eight-player-split-screen-to-the-evergreen-racing-game/
- Published: 2026-09-03T03:37:04+00:00
- Updated: 2026-09-03T09:43:19+00:00
- Original publisher: Eurogamer
- Original article: https://www.eurogamer.net/mario-kart-8-switch-2-update-eight-player-split-screen-nintendo
- Topics: Art, Culture, Entertainment, Gaming, Software, Technology

## Key points

- Mario Kart 8 Deluxe now supports eight-player split-screen via free update
- Update also improves visuals, load times and adds GameShare/CameraPlay support
- Part of a wider wave of free Switch 2 updates for older Nintendo titles

## Summary

Nintendo has released a surprise free Switch 2 update for Mario Kart 8 Deluxe, with the headline feature being support for eight-player split-screen racing on a single console. This doubles the previous local multiplayer limit of four players and marks a notable enhancement for a title still hugely popular nearly a decade after its original release, forming part of Nintendo's broader push to refresh its back catalogue for Switch 2 owners.

The update also brings improved image quality and faster loading times on Switch 2 hardware, plus support for GameShare and CameraPlay when playing with two to four people. Eight-player split-screen requires a Switch 2 console and at least one Joy-Con 2 or Nintendo Switch 2 Pro Controller. Smaller tweaks include a "96 Races" custom match option for Booster Course Pass owners, a fix preventing slowdown when Boo steals items, and a small universal speed boost. The patch arrived alongside a similar free Switch 2 update for Pikmin 3 Deluxe and a smaller online-focused patch for Super Smash Bros. Ultimate, which did not receive Switch 2-specific enhancements.

## Coverage

- [Eurogamer: Mario Kart 8 Deluxe gets a surprise Switch 2 update, bringing eight-player split-screen to the evergreen racing game](https://www.eurogamer.net/mario-kart-8-switch-2-update-eight-player-split-screen-nintendo)
- [GamesRadar+: Mario Kart 8's surprise Switch 2 update makes everyone faster "by the equivalent of one coin," decimating world records everywhere](https://www.gamesradar.com/games/super-mario/mario-kart-8s-surprise-switch-2-update-makes-everyone-faster-by-the-equivalent-of-one-coin-decimating-world-records-everywhere/)
- [Nintendo Life: Video: Mario Kart 8 Deluxe Version 4.0.0 Side-By-Side Comparison (Switch 2 & Switch)](https://www.nintendolife.com/news/2026/09/video-mario-kart-8-deluxe-version-4-0-0-side-by-side-comparison-switch-2-and-switch)

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Summarised by TalkFuse (https://talkfuse.com/). Quote the original publisher for the reporting and link this page for the summary and discussion.