Mario Kart 8 Deluxe Gets Major Boost on Switch 2 with Eight-Player Splitscreen Support
The definitive kart racer has just reached a new level of chaotic fun. Nintendo has officially released a free update for Mario Kart 8 Deluxe on the Switch 2, introducing a highly requested feature that expands local multiplayer beyond the traditional four-player limit: eight-player splitscreen.
For years, the four-person limit has been the standard for couch gaming, but this new update effectively doubles the action. By carving up the screen into eight individual portrait-style windows, Nintendo is turning living rooms into full-blown race circuits. While the technical requirement of gathering eight controllers and finding enough seating for seven rivals might prove challenging, the update ensures that big groups no longer have to pass the controller or trade off turns.
More Than Just Splitscreen: Introducing ‘CameraPlay’
Beyond the massive increase in local player count, the update leverages the upgraded hardware of the Switch 2 to introduce “CameraPlay.” This new feature allows players to display their friends’ faces on-screen in real-time during a race. It’s a clever, interactive touch that adds a layer of personality and banter to local sessions, though Nintendo notes that this specific feature is limited to two-to-four-player games.
In addition to these gameplay expansions, the update delivers significant technical polish. Players can expect to see enhanced visual fidelity throughout the game, alongside noticeably shorter load times, making the high-speed experience smoother than ever.
A Racing Masterpiece
The timing of this update comes shortly after Mario Kart 8 Deluxe secured a prestigious spot in IGN’s 30th-anniversary round-up of the greatest racing games ever made. For those looking to dive deeper into the genre, the game remains a benchmark for multiplayer design.
Whether you are looking to dominate the track with a full house of friends or enjoy the improved performance on new hardware, this eight-player splitscreen update is available to download now. Just be prepared to figure out who gets the best spot on the couch—and who has to settle for the floor.
