Mario Kart 8 Deluxe
Games review
As of Oct 19, 2026, Mario Kart 8 Deluxe is rated 92/100 on Metacritic (99 critic reviews), and 91/100 on OpenCritic (133 critic reviews). Each source is shown in its own units, never blended into one score.
Different sources measure different things, so each is shown in its own units and never merged into one number.
Is Mario Kart 8 Deluxe worth it in 2026?
Mario Kart 8 Deluxe earns strong review aggregates, holding a 92 on Metacritic and a 91 on OpenCritic, driven by its chaotic multiplayer racing and a substantially improved battle mode. Multiple sampled reviewers consider this release the definitive version of the game, highlighting its new content additions. However, five sampled reviewers caution that returning players who already experienced the 2014 original may find limited reason to buy it again. Coupled with at least one reviewer reporting an unimproved online experience, this package represents an essential purchase for newcomers rather than an overhaul for veterans.
Newcomers and local multiplayer groups seeking the most complete edition of the racer with a revamped battle mode.
Returning Wii U owners face limited new incentive to repurchase, and at least one reviewer noted the online play remains unimproved.
AI-generated editorial synthesis of the source scores and sampled review themes, not a hands-on test. Reviewer experiences and allegations are not independently verified facts.
Pros
- definitive edition6
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- With multiple new additions and important improvements, Mario Kart 8 Deluxe is the definitive version of one of the Wii U's best games
- Mario Kart 8 Deluxe makes significant updates to the original that make its racing chaos the definitive version.
- When it comes to passing final judgement on a re-release like this it's tricky - do we scale back praise because it's content we've mostly seen before, or simply judge a release on...
- new content additions6
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- Mario Kart 8 Deluxe is an amazing game for all the same reasons I mentioned in our original review. It's still a gorgeous kart racer and every bit as addictive as it was in 2014. T...
- The blockbuster Mario Kart series makes its debut on the Nintendo Switch with an upgraded port, albeit one filled with a bunch of new and noteworthy content for fans.
- With multiple new additions and important improvements, Mario Kart 8 Deluxe is the definitive version of one of the Wii U's best games
- improved battle mode5
see reviews +-
- Mario Kart 8 Deluxe is an amazing game for all the same reasons I mentioned in our original review. It's still a gorgeous kart racer and every bit as addictive as it was in 2014. T...
- When it comes to passing final judgement on a re-release like this it's tricky - do we scale back praise because it's content we've mostly seen before, or simply judge a release on...
- This is how you spiff up an older game. What could have been a cynical attempt to double-dip into Nintendo fans' wallets actually turns out to be the Mario Kart series' definitive...
- fun multiplayer racing3
see reviews +-
- Mario Kart 8 Deluxe makes significant updates to the original that make its racing chaos the definitive version.
- 'Mario Kart 8 Deluxe' bring racing chaos, and great multiplayer to the Switch.
- It seems that Nintendo Switch was made for a game like Mario Kart 8 Deluxe. Racing is fun and multiplayer (8 local/ 12 online) is unbeatable. Nevertheless, the only improvements fr...
Cons
- limited returning player appeal5
see reviews +-
- Mario Kart 8 Deluxe is an amazing game for all the same reasons I mentioned in our original review. It's still a gorgeous kart racer and every bit as addictive as it was in 2014. T...
- This is the best Mario Kart game ever made, expanding an already great Wii U title into a near-perfect racing game. Even so, players who have the original on Wii U may want to wait...
- At the end of the day, Mario Kart 8 Deluxe is a Mario Kart game and (predictably) fantastic. With a fully upgraded Battle Mode and all the portability that comes with Nintendo Swit...
Themes and quotes are drawn from 19 sampled reviews with text. Each score above uses its source's displayed count. Theme counts are how many of the sampled reviews mention each point.
Rated near Mario Kart 8 Deluxe
Closest scores in games, on the same source.