Mario Kart 8 now supports 8-player split-screen on Switch 2

Nintendo has introduced an unprecedented feature in their popular game Mario Kart 8 for the Nintendo Switch 2 - eight-player split-screen multiplayer. This update, available for free, brings a host of improvements to the game including higher resolutions, faster load times, and the ability to support up to eight players in local multiplayer mode.

Mario Kart 8 has a long-standing reputation for its family-friendly four-player split-screen racing, contributing significantly to its success over the years. Since its release 12 years ago, the game has sold approximately 80 million copies. The advanced processing capabilities of the Switch 2 allow for the display of eight screens simultaneously, at a rate of 30 frames per second.

This is a first for the franchise, which is expected to add an extra layer of excitement to family gatherings. Alongside the split-screen update, other enhancements such as a slight increase in game speed and support for CameraPlay have been introduced. While previous entries in the Super Smash Bros. series and the Nintendo Switch version of Sega's Virtua Racing offer similar multiplayer options, Mario Kart 8 remains the only mainstream racing game to feature eight-player split-screen.

The release of this update before the launch of Mario Kart World, Nintendo's key title for the Switch 2, raises questions about the longevity of the newer game. Despite Mario Kart World having sold over 15 million copies, it may not be able to rival Mario Kart 8's impressive sales figure of 80 million. As Nintendo transitions its user base to the Switch 2, owners of the previous game may find the free update more appealing than the $80 MSRP of its successor.

Additionally, those who do not own either game face a $20 price gap, with the cheaper game offering more courses and a unique multiplayer feature. Pikmin 3, another Nintendo Switch title, also received a free Switch 2 update for higher resolutions this week.