Do You Need Nintendo Online for Mario Kart 8 DLC?
Mario Kart 8 Deluxe is a highly popular racing game on the Nintendo Switch, and one of the most anticipated releases in recent years. For fans of the game, the Mario Kart 8 Deluxe – Booster Course Pass is a must-have download that adds new tracks to the game. But here’s the question on every gamer’s mind: Do you need Nintendo online to play the Mario Kart 8 DLC?
Is Mario Kart 8 Deluxe – Booster Course Pass the Same as Mario Kart 8 DLC?
Not exactly. The Mario Kart 8 Deluxe – Booster Course Pass is a separately downloadable content (DLC) that adds new tracks to the game, making it a must-have for fans of the series. Mario Kart 8 is a base game, whereas the Booster Course Pass is a DLC that can be purchased separately.
Free or Paid?
But here’s the best part: if you’re already a paid Nintendo Switch Online (NSO) subscription holder, you get to access the Mario Kart 8 Deluxe – Booster Course Pass for free. In other words, if you’ve already paid for a Nintendo Switch Online subscription, you don’t have to pay extra for the booster course pass.
Booster Course Pass Wave List
Here’s a table showing the list of Waves included in the Mario Kart 8 Deluxe – Booster Course Pass:
| Wave | Re-released Tracks |
|---|---|
| Wave 1 | Vanille, Bayside Beach, and Dragon Dasher |
| Wave 2 | Skyline Dash, Peach Gardens, and Sky Arena |
| Wave 3 | Seabed Speedway, Grand Resort, and Wario Mine |
| Wave 4 | Bowser’s Park, Yoshi’s Coast, and Mario Circuit |
| Wave 5 | Bowser’s Castle, Lakitu’s Pier, and Sherbet Rink |
And that’s not all; there are more Waves released regularly, with Wave 6 coming out on November 9, 2023. You can check online for the latest list and schedule.
Access the DLC without NSO, But…
Yes, you can access the DLC without a Nintendo Switch Online subscription, but only through separate purchase. This way, you’ll need to pay $24.99 USD / $32.99 CAN / £22.49 for the Mario Kart 8 Deluxe – Booster Course Pass.
Downloading and Playing the DLC with NSO
Here are the steps to download and play the Mario Kart 8 Deluxe – Booster Course Pass with a Nintendo Switch Online subscription:
- First, make sure you’re connected to the Nintendo eShop on your Switch.
- Go to your downloaded games and look for Mario Kart 8 Deluxe.
- Check the updates section for any DLC updates.
- Press the "Download" button to download the booster course pass.
- Play the game and access the new tracks!
Retention of DLC with NSO
One of the many benefits of having a paid Nintendo Switch Online subscription is the retention of your digital content. This means you’ll keep access to any DLC you’ve downloaded with your subscription, including Mario Kart 8 Deluxe – Booster Course Pass, so even if your subscription lags, you won’t lose your DLC.
Recap: Do You Need Nintendo Online for Mario Kart 8 DLC?
In summary, to summarize the main points:
No, you don’t need a Nintendo Switch Online subscription to play the Mario Kart 8 Deluxe DLC. Yes, having a paid Nintendo Switch Online subscription gives you free access to the Mario Kart 8 Deluxe – Booster Course Pass. No, you won’t lose any DLC you’ve downloaded when your subscription lapses.
To get the most out of your Mario Kart 8 gameplay and retain all of your DLC, a Nintendo Switch Online subscription is well worth the investment. Enjoy racing with your friends on new tracks!