{
  "id": 5171675,
  "title": "Mario Kart 8 Deluxe’s Surprise Switch 2 Update Brings Multiplayer Mayhem",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/02/mario-kart-8-deluxes-surprise-switch-2-update-brings-multiplayer",
  "topic": "tech",
  "section": "Tech",
  "published": "2026-09-02T20:36:36.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "CNET",
    "slug": "cnet",
    "url": "https://www.cnet.com/tech/gaming/mario-kart-8-deluxes-surprise-switch-2-update-brings-multiplayer-mayhem/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Mario Kart 8 Deluxe, a game Nintendo seemingly refuses to abandon, has received a highly anticipated update for the Nintendo Switch 2. The game, first released on the Wii U in 2014 and subsequently updated for the Nintendo Switch in 2017, now features a remarkable eight-player, split-screen option. This new multiplayer mode has taken social media by storm, as players grapple with the challenge of an eight-player race on the Switch 2's compact 7.9-inch screen. While split-screen can be played in handheld mode, it is clearly intended for use with friends on a TV. The update expands Mario Kart 8 Deluxe’s multiplayer capabilities beyond its previous four-player limit, allowing up to eight racers to compete individually using a Joy-Con, Switch Pro Controller, or Switch 2 Pro Controller. Players who purchased the $25 Mario Kart 8 Deluxe – Booster Course Pass will also gain access to all 96 courses in the VS Race multiplayer mode. The update also introduces CameraPlay support, a feature that debuted on the Switch 2. This function enables players to connect a USB camera to their console during multiplayer and online matches, allowing other participants to see their faces while playing. Nintendo sells an official USB camera for the console, but there are numerous alternatives that perform just as effectively. Additionally, the update includes reduced loading times when playing on the Switch 2, resulting in quicker start-ups for races and battles. This update is part of Nintendo's plan to update and optimize its Switch games for the Switch 2. On Monday, Pikmin 3 Deluxe received a similar resolution enhancement update. Tuesday's update aligns with the Switch 2's new price of $500, announced in May due to \"changes in market conditions.\" Various gaming hardware companies, including Nintendo, Sony, Microsoft, and Valve, have faced rising component costs, particularly in memory and storage, a phenomenon dubbed RAMaggedon.",
  "summary": "The surprise update adds eight-player, split-screen competition and other enhancements to Nintendo’s long-running kart racer.",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}