Mario Kart Nintendo Switch: Worth It? Price, Best Game & More

You pull out a Joy-Con, a friend grabs another, and within seconds you’re hurling shells at each other on Rainbow Road — that’s the magic of Mario Kart on Nintendo Switch, a game that’s been a party staple for eight years. But with a $59.99 price tag that rarely drops and a shiny new Mario Kart World on the horizon for Switch 2, this guide breaks down the value, the competition, and what comes next.

Price (MSRP): $59.99 / £49.99 · Total tracks (base + DLC): 96 · Playable characters: 42 · Release year: 2017 · Metacritic score: 92/100 · Global sales: over 60 million copies

Key facts: Mario Kart 8 Deluxe

Six specs, one takeaway: this is a packed racing package that hasn’t aged a day.

The implication: Nintendo has kept the core product stable while adding value through DLC — a rare move in the industry.

Is Mario Kart on Switch worth it?

Eight years after launch, Mario Kart 8 Deluxe still commands full retail price. But the content library has grown massively since 2017.

What makes Mario Kart 8 Deluxe a long-lasting title

• 96 total tracks when you include the Booster Course Pass (YouTube DLC comparison (gaming analyst))
• 42 playable characters — every major Mario character plus Inkling, Link, and others (YouTube review)
• Active online matchmaking and regular tournaments keep the community engaged (GameFAQs community discussion)

The price per track works out to about $0.63 if you buy the base game and DLC separately — cheaper than a single coffee per track. That’s exceptional value for a AAA title.

Comparing value across Nintendo Switch life cycle

Mario Kart 8 Deluxe launched alongside the Switch in 2017 and has never seen a permanent price cut. Nintendo’s first-party titles rarely go on sale, which means early adopters paid the same as buyers today — but today’s buyer gets 48 extra tracks for free (via the Booster Course Pass included with the Expansion Pack).

• 2017 buyer: $59.99 for 48 tracks
• 2025 buyer: $59.99 for 96 tracks (with the DLC included in the Expansion Pack subscription)

The catch: you need a Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack membership ($49.99/year) to access the DLC without buying it separately. For a family sharing the subscription, the per-person cost drops significantly.

The pattern: long-term fans benefit from the DLC inclusion, but new buyers must weigh the subscription cost.

Is Mario Kart free on Switch?

Short answer: no. But the ecosystem offers some free-to-play alternatives — just not on the Nintendo Switch itself.

Free-to-play options on Nintendo Switch

• Mario Kart 8 Deluxe requires a purchase: $59.99 MSRP (YouTube review)
• No free trial or demo of the full game is available on the eShop
• Nintendo Switch Online does not include any Mario Kart game in its free library

Mario Kart Tour is free-to-play, but it’s a mobile game with gacha mechanics — not the console experience you get on Switch.

Mario Kart Tour vs Mario Kart 8 Deluxe

• Mario Kart Tour is available on iOS and Android only, with different controls and track design
• Mario Kart 8 Deluxe offers local multiplayer, 4K-capable graphics (on Switch 2), and full online play
• Tour’s monetization is based on loot boxes and a monthly Gold Pass; 8 Deluxe is a one-time purchase with optional DLC

For Switch owners, the only full Mario Kart experience is the paid one. The free mobile version is a different game entirely.

What’s the best Mario Kart game on Switch?

There’s really only one contender for the full console experience, but the mobile spin-off exists for on-the-go play.

Mario Kart 8 Deluxe vs Mario Kart Tour

• Mario Kart 8 Deluxe: 96 tracks, 42 characters, 12-player online, local split-screen
• Mario Kart Tour: ~100+ tracks (rotating), different controls, microtransactions
• 8 Deluxe is the only one with proper competitive multiplayer on a TV

The verdict: if you want a true Mario Kart experience on Switch, 8 Deluxe is the only choice. Tour is a different beast designed for mobile gaming.

Why Mario Kart 8 Deluxe is the definitive Switch entry

• It includes all DLC from the Wii U version plus new content
• Battle mode has been overhauled with dedicated arenas
• Smart Steering and Auto-Accelerate make it accessible for all ages

As a YouTube gaming critic noted, “Mario Kart 8 Deluxe is the package the Wii U version should have been.”

Why is Mario Kart so expensive?

Nintendo’s pricing strategy is famously rigid. First-party titles rarely see discounts, and Mario Kart 8 Deluxe has held its MSRP for eight years.

Nintendo’s pricing strategy for first-party titles

• Nintendo treats its games as premium content — no price drops, rare sales (YouTube Switch 2 review)
• Physical copies retain resale value, often selling for $40-50 used
• Digital sales on eShop are infrequent; Black Friday deals can shave off $10-15

Compare this to PlayStation or Xbox games, which often drop to $20 within two years. Nintendo’s strategy relies on evergreen appeal — and it works.

Long-term value: DLC included vs separate purchases

• Booster Course Pass costs $24.99 if bought separately (YouTube DLC comparison)
• Included with Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack ($49.99/year) (YouTube DLC comparison)
• For a family of four, the Expansion Pack costs $12.50 per person per year — cheaper than buying the DLC outright

The paradox: Mario Kart 8 Deluxe is expensive upfront, but its cost per hour of fun is exceptionally low. A typical player might log 100+ hours, putting the cost under $1 per hour.

The implication: Nintendo’s premium pricing is justified by the game’s long shelf life and low cost per hour.

Is Mario Kart better than Smash Bros.?

Both are all-time greats, but they serve different gaming tastes. Let’s compare them directly.

Core gameplay differences

The table below highlights the key contrasts between the two Nintendo heavyweights.

The pattern: Mario Kart is the pick for casual fun and quick sessions; Smash Bros. rewards dedicated practice and has a deeper competitive scene.

Which game offers more replayability?

• Mario Kart’s random item system keeps each race different, even on the same track
• Smash Bros. has a massive roster and stage library, but competitive play can be intimidating
• Sales data: Mario Kart 8 Deluxe is the best-selling Switch game (over 60 million copies), while Smash Ultimate is second (GameFAQs discussion)

Why this matters: for most families, Mario Kart wins on accessibility. For competitive players, Smash is the deeper experience. The best game depends entirely on who’s playing.

Mario Kart 8 Deluxe is the ultimate party racer — it’s impossible not to have fun, even if you’re losing.

— YouTube reviewer (gaming critic), Mario Kart 8 Deluxe Review

I bought a Switch just for Smash and Mario Kart, and I don’t regret it. Both are must-haves.

— GameFAQs user, forum discussion

The takeaway: both games are top sellers, but Mario Kart’s broader appeal makes it the safer investment for most households.

Pros and cons of Mario Kart 8 Deluxe

Overall, Mario Kart 8 Deluxe remains a strong choice despite its age, especially for those who can leverage the Expansion Pack.

What’s clear — and what isn’t

Based on the available information, here’s what we know for sure and what remains uncertain.

Confirmed facts

• Mario Kart 8 Deluxe retails at $59.99 / £49.99 MSRP
• Booster Course Pass adds 48 tracks (YouTube DLC comparison)
• 42 playable characters, 4-player local split-screen

What’s unclear

• Whether Mario Kart 8 Deluxe will receive further updates after the Booster Course Pass
• Future standalone pricing of Mario Kart World if sold separately
• How the Switch 2 version of Mario Kart 8 Deluxe will be handled (free upgrade? paid?)
• Whether Mario Kart World is truly bundled with the Switch 2 at launch

Summary: Should you buy Mario Kart on Nintendo Switch in 2025?

Mario Kart 8 Deluxe offers outstanding value — 96 tracks, 42 characters, years of online play — for a one-time price that works out to pennies per hour. The main competition is its own successor, Mario Kart World, which launches at $80 and remains unproven. For families and casual players, buying the current game today delivers immediate fun at a proven price. For competitive players who want the latest graphics and an open-world twist, waiting for the Switch 2 bundle might make more sense. For the average buyer in the US or UK, the choice is clear: pick up Mario Kart 8 Deluxe now, or pay $80 for a gamble on the future.

Frequently asked questions