Mario Kart is one of Nintendo‘s most beloved multiplayer franchises, allowing family and friends to battle and race in zany go-kart action. With the latest entry Mario Kart 8 Deluxe on Nintendo Switch, you can now take the Mushroom Kingdom racing experience anywhere, no TV required. This comprehensive guide will provide expert-level insights to help you get the most out of Mario Kart 8 Deluxe in handheld and tabletop modes.
Nintendo Switch Hardware for Mobile Gaming
The ingenious design of the Nintendo Switch makes it uniquely suited for mobile gaming. Some key hardware specs and features include:
- 6.2" 720p capacitive touchscreen for built-in display without a TV
- Nvidia customized Tegra processor provides smooth gameplay and graphics
- Up to 9 hours battery life for extensive handheld game sessions
- USB-C charging lets you play while charging on-the-go
- Supports wireless 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac Wi-Fi for multiplayer
- Bluetooth 4.1 connectivity for pairing controllers
- Detachable Joy-Con controllers for flexible multiplayer
These capabilities allow the Switch to transition seamlessly between the big screen at home and compact on-the-go gaming.
Mario Kart 8 Deluxe – The Definitive Entry
With over 45 million units sold worldwide, Mario Kart 8 Deluxe has become the best-selling game on Nintendo Switch. Critics and fans praise Deluxe as the definitive Mario Kart package.
- 97 metascore on Metacritic based on 113 critic reviews
- Over 22 million units sold as of 2019
- With over 200 million downloads, Mario Kart Tour brought new fans to the franchise
The critical acclaim and rising popularity underscores why Mario Kart 8 Deluxe is the ideal starting point, especially for handheld play.
Deluxe Improvements Over the Wii U Version
Mario Kart 8 was originally released on the Wii U in 2014. For the Switch, Nintendo added a range of enhancements:
- Sharper, more vibrant 1080p graphics in docked mode
- More stable frame rate for faster speeds
- New characters like Splatoon‘s Inklings
- Revamped Battle Mode with 8 arenas
- Play with 2 items at once for more chaos
- Improved driving assist options
- All original DLC courses included
The Deluxe version polishes every aspect for the definitive edition of Mario Kart 8.
Controllers for TV and Handheld Play
The Switch gives you options for how to control Mario Kart based on your play mode:
Joy-Con Controllers
The versatile Joy-Cons offer multiple configurations:
- Attached to Switch – Handheld mode
- Detached – Tabletop mode single player
- Sideways – Share between 2 players
- With grip or wheel – Tabletop multiplayer
Pros:
- Included with every Switch
- Motion controls for steering
- Share 2 Joy-Cons for multiplayer
Cons:
- Smaller size not ideal for long sessions
- No D-pad can make precise control tricky
Pro Controller
Nintendo‘s premium controller offers a traditional feel.
Pros:
- Full-size ergonomic grip
- Solid D-pad and larger buttons/sticks
- 80 hour battery life outlasts Joy-Cons
- Amiibo support
Cons:
- No motion controls
- More expensive at $69.99 USD
The Pro Controller shines for long TV mode sessions, while Joy-Cons are ideal for ad hoc local multiplayer.
Advanced Mario Kart 8 Deluxe Driving Techniques
Mario Kart is easy to pick up, but mastering advanced driving techniques will give you a competitive edge. Here are some expert tips:
Drifting
Drifting is essential for maintaining high speeds by building mini-turbos. Use drifting to:
- Take tight corners without braking
- Charge mini-turbos by wiggling the stick
- Use mini-turbos to blast past rivals
Gliding
When launched off ramps, quickly press and hold the drift button while in the air to activate your glider for extra distance.
Item Strategy
Master item usage to attack opponents or defend yourself:
- Trailing bananas – Drop them as shields against red shells
- Save mushrooms for shortcuts or speed boosts
- Time lightning bolts ahead of dense groups
Shortcuts
Many courses have shortcuts you can discover to gain an edge. Look for opportunities to:
- Glide over gaps
- Use mushrooms to boost through off-road routes
- Access paths only karts of certain size can fit through
Practice relentlessly to maximize your racing lines, drifts, items and shortcuts.
Multiplayer Options
Mario Kart thrives as a social experience. The Switch gives you multiple ways to race friends and family:
Local Wireless
- 2-4 players on a single Switch via split-screen
- Up to 8 players with 8 Switch systems connected wirelessly
- LAN races with 12 players across 12 Switch consoles
Online
A Nintendo Switch Online membership enables online multiplayer worldwide, including:
- Global and regional matchmaking
- Ranked matches and tournaments
- Voice chat with the Nintendo Switch Online app
LAN Setup
For the ultimate local multiplayer, connect 12 Switch consoles together in a wired LAN configuration:
- Use a gigabit Ethernet router and Ethernet cables for each system
- Have a TV or monitor for each player
- Dock each Switch or use USB-to-Ethernet adapters in handheld mode
- Set static IPs addresses for each Switch
This creates an intense multiplayer environment — like a high-tech Mario Kart LAN center!
Optimizing Performance
To ensure smooth performance while mobile, check these Switch settings:
- Set TV Resolution to 720p when docked
- Turn vibration off to conserve battery life
- Lower in-game audio volume to avoid distortion
- Adjust brightness based on lighting conditions
Avoid wireless interference by turning off other wireless devices. Place the Switch closer to routers or hotspots and keep the path clear.
Voice Chat Options
Here are some ways to chat with friends while racing:
- Nintendo Switch Online app – Voice chat on mobile device
- Discord on Phone – Talk via headset connected to phone
- Local Wireless Headsets – Sync headsets to console for nearby chat
The Switch doesn‘t have built-in voice support, so use these creative solutions to stay social while racing online.
Multiplayer Etiquette
When racing online, keep these sportsmanship tips in mind:
- No cheating with illegal mods or exploits
- Avoid offensive/inappropriate content in usernames, vehicles, etc.
- Don‘t rage quit matches or Grand Prix races
- Allow faster friends to overtake you
- Rematch if there was a close battle
Most importantly, be gracious whether you finish 1st or 8th! Say "Good game!" and make rivals into friends.
Accessories for Tabletop and Handheld
For enhanced multiplayer mobility, consider these add-ons:
- Joy-Con Steering Wheel – Realistic motion steering
- Grip Case – More comfortable handheld sessions
- Playstand – Adjustable angles in tabletop mode
- Portable Dock – Hook up to any TV on the go
- Car Charger – Charge while commuting
With the right accessories, you can play Mario Kart anywhere anytime.
Final Tips
Here are my top recommendations for getting started with Mario Kart 8 Deluxe multiplayer using your Switch in handheld or tabletop modes:
- Pick up Mario Kart 8 Deluxe for its massive content and refinements
- Try different control options like Joy-Con wheels or the Pro Controller
- Connect multiple Switch systems for on-the-go 4-8 player wireless races
- Go online with friends worldwide if you have a Nintendo Switch Online membership
- Practice advanced techniques like drifting, gliding, and item strategy
- Use voice chat apps or headsets to stay social while racing
- Look into accessories to enhance portable play like battery packs and cases
With this guide, you now have the roadmap you need to experience Mario Kart multiplayer mania anywhere your Switch can go. Good luck, drive safe, and I‘ll see you on the racetrack!
