MARIO KART 8 DELUXE GETS FREE SWITCH 2 UPDATE WITH 8-PLAYER SPLIT-SCREEN

The update enables up to eight players to race simultaneously on a single screen using split-screen mode, a significant increase from the original game's four-player local multiplayer limit. Mario Kart 8 Deluxe launched on the original Nintendo Switch in 2014 and became one of the console's best-selling titles. Rather than release a new entry, Nintendo has opted to enhance the existing version for Switch 2, suggesting the company views the game as a platform rather than a standalone release. The update is available immediately as a free download for all Switch 2 owners. Additional improvements or content additions were not announced. The move aligns with Nintendo's strategy of supporting legacy titles across hardware generations, maximizing the value of established franchises.