Mario Kart 8 Deluxe online now seems to have an advantage for Nintendo Switch 1 players vs. Switch 2
Nintendo released a free update for Mario Kart 8 Deluxe that introduces eight-player splitscreen. While the game is playable on both consoles, reports suggest that players on the original Nintendo Switch 1 may currently hold a competitive advantage over those using the Nintendo Switch 2 in online play. This update arrives as the game continues to maintain a presence across Nintendo hardware generations.
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- ✓ Nintendo released a free update for Mario Kart 8 Deluxe.
- ✓ Eight-player splitscreen is now available in Mario Kart 8 Deluxe.
What changed
Nintendo issued a free update adding eight-player splitscreen to Mario Kart 8 Deluxe.
Live updates
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Mario Kart 8 Deluxe Update Adds Eight-Player Splitscreen
Nintendo released a free update for Mario Kart 8 Deluxe that introduces eight-player splitscreen. While the game is playable on both consoles, reports suggest that players on the original Nintendo Switch 1 may currently hold a competitive advantage over those using the Nintendo Switch 2 in online play. This update arrives as the game continues to maintain a presence across Nintendo hardware generations.
Why it matters
The transition between the Switch 1 and Switch 2 often creates disparities in how legacy titles perform. Maintaining balance in online multiplayer is critical for the competitive integrity of the game.
What is confirmed
- Nintendo released a free update for Mario Kart 8 Deluxe.
- Eight-player splitscreen is now available in Mario Kart 8 Deluxe.
Still unconfirmed
- Nintendo Switch 1 players may have an advantage over Switch 2 players in online matches.
What to watch next
- Nintendo confirmation of online performance disparities between hardware versions
- Further patches addressing hardware-specific advantages in online play
confidence 80%Sources used for this update (7)
- Nintendo Everything — Mario Kart 8 Deluxe online now seems to have an advantage for Nintendo Switch 1 players vs. Switch 2
- nintendo.com — Free update now available for Mario Kart 8 Deluxe
- Polygon.com — Mario Kart 8 Refuses to Let the Switch 2 Rule Nintendo
- IGN — Eight-Player Splitscreen Added to Mario Kart 8 Deluxe
- Gamereactor UK — No surprises like Nintendo
- nintendoeverything.com — Nintendo Switch 2 eShop charts – September 6, 2026 – Orbitals takes down Elden Ring
- nintendoeverything.com — Rain World Anthology announced for Nintendo Switch 2
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