Mario Kart 8 Deluxe DLC Wave 2Screenshot by EG Mum / DS Waluigi Pinball in the Turnip Cup

Old is new again

Fans of each Mario Kart will easily recognize the classics. My kids are still raving about Coconut Mall, although I have to admit I really miss seeing the personalized Miis trying to park their cars outside. The DLC appeals to our sense of nostalgia by bringing back the classics and remastering them to match the ever-increasing manic levels of Mario Kart 8 Deluxe. Additional shortcuts, more prize slots (including the ability to double down), and a solid frame rate helped keep the races updated and to the Mario Kart 8 Deluxe standard.

Screenshot by EG Mum / Coconut Mall in Golden Dash Cup

I’m tempted to release the Wii U and compare the older games and the remastered courses. For example, the Shy Guys now put “doughnuts” in their cars in the parking lot. And have I seen a new shortcut in Mushroom Gorge? Don’t think for a second that you have the advantage of experience. Some of these cups have been modified ever so slightly – enough to level the playing field in the family.

Watch out, shy man! / Screenshot by EG Mum

A world tour from the comfort of your couch

Paris is beautiful. Tokyo is fun. New York is definitely a bit chaotic and seems to capture the magic of Times Square well. But for me, Sydney Sprint is the absolute icing on the cake. This is my hometown. And the next time I drive over the Sydney Harbor Bridge, I may need to moderate my driving.

Image by Nintendo

Including the Mario Kart tour races in the DLC is a stroke of genius. I never played the game on my mobile because it was too small and clunky for my gigantosaurus hands. It works better on the Switch, although I’m considering getting a wheel because the single joy-cons kill my thumbs during family games.

I can’t speak for Paris or Tokyo, but EG Dad says the New York map is accurate enough to be recognizable, and we both say the same thing for Sydney. There’s something so nice about seeing familiarity in your video games. I remember when I played Forza Horizons 3 at an EB Games Convention years ago and slammed on the brakes because I recognized a road on the map. Obviously my subconscious didn’t want me to get caught driving down my in-laws’ main road.

That’s the feeling I get from Sydney Sprint, and I’m sure there are many others who think the same about Paris, New York and Tokyo. Does Sydney look exactly like this? Maybe during the Vivid Festival, but usually not. There are just enough famous landmarks among the cartoonish Mario-like scenery to make it fun. The relative accuracy is quite charming. The Harbor Bridge really goes past an amusement park (Luna Park). The Opera House is located right on the water. Consider this the best option to visit me. And since this is the closest thing to traveling in the next year or so, it makes the DLC worth it.

Screenshot by EG Mom

Is the Mario Kart 8 Deluxe DLC worth my money?

For $24.99 you will receive 48 more courses spread over six (6) waves until the end of 2023. Two waves have already been released and the third wave is planned for later this year. Rumors have been swirling about upcoming courses including London Loop, Peach’s Castle Garden, Berlin Byways and Waluigi Arena – one of my all-time favorites.

If you already have a paid Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack membership, Mario Kart 8 Deluxe Booster Course Pass is free.

Mario Kart has always been high on our “family game time” and having the extra courses is worth the money. By releasing the courses in waves, you have enough time to practice and enjoy each course before the next release. I prefer to pay an amount in advance and enjoy the “unpacking” over a longer period of time.

As a nostalgic Gen-Xer, I also like the mix of new courses with lots of classics. It gives some extra shine to share this with my kids. The latest bonus with jobs from around the world adds a fun “realistic” twist to our game. If London is in the next wave, I can’t wait to compare notes with fellow GeekMom Sophie.

In the meantime I need to practice some more with my Sydney Sprint. I am driving into the city on Monday morning and would like a new exit across the harbor.

My new exit across Sydney Harbour. / Screenshot by EG Mum

For a full review of the original Mario Kart 8 DeluxeGeekDad Z. shared his thoughts in 2017.

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