Last verified 2026-09-22 by ReviewGamers Editorial
Nintendo shipped a free software update for Mario Kart 8 Deluxe in early September 2026 — Ver. 4.0.0, dated 1 September 2026 on Nintendo’s support page and announced via a separate news post the following day. The headline changes are Nintendo Switch 2-specific: sharper visuals, faster load times, an eight-player local multiplayer mode, and CameraPlay video-chat support. A handful of smaller balance fixes apply to every player, on any Switch console. Here’s exactly what changed, what needs which hardware, and whether it’s worth installing.
Quick facts
- Update: Ver. 4.0.0
- Released: 1 September 2026 (support page changelog) / announced 2 September 2026 (Nintendo news)
- Platform: Nintendo Switch 2 (headline features) and original Nintendo Switch (general fixes only)
- Cost: Free
- Required for: Online play and GameChat-based CameraPlay
- Source: Nintendo (AU/UK news pages), Nintendo Americas support page
Load times and visuals — Switch 2 only
The most-advertised parts of this update are exclusive to Nintendo Switch 2. Nintendo’s support page describes “enhanced display and TV compatibility with clearer visuals” and “faster race/battle loading times” as Switch 2-specific improvements. If you’re still playing on an original Switch, this update does not add these visual or loading-speed changes to your copy of the game — you get the balance fixes below, not the graphical or performance upgrade.
New multiplayer for Switch 2: up to eight in split-screen
Switch 2 owners can now race in split-screen with up to eight players on a single console. Nintendo’s support documentation is specific about the hardware needed for the full eight-player count: a Joy-Con 2 or Nintendo Switch 2 Pro Controller per player. The general multiplayer range supported is 5–8 players depending on controller availability. This is a genuine step up — Mario Kart 8 Deluxe on the original Switch tops out well below that for local split-screen.
CameraPlay: video chat while racing
Also new to Switch 2 is CameraPlay. Connect a compatible USB camera (sold separately — it isn’t bundled) and you can see other players on-screen while racing. Nintendo specifies this works with 2–4 players locally, and can extend to online races through GameChat, which requires a Nintendo Switch Online membership and a Nintendo Account. There’s no CameraPlay support on the original Switch.
Balance changes that apply to everyone
Away from the Switch 2 headline features, the changelog lists three general changes that apply regardless of which console you’re on:
- Player speed increased by the equivalent of one coin.
- Boo’s invisibility power-up no longer causes an unintended slowdown when used in off-road terrain.
- A new “96 Races” option was added to VS Race rule settings, for players who own the Booster Course Pass.
Online play now requires the update
Installing Ver. 4.0.0 is mandatory for online play — Nintendo’s support page states all players must be running the same software version to play together. Offline local multiplayer works on any installed version, but matchmaking, ranked play and GameChat-linked CameraPlay all require the current update.
How to update
From the Switch or Switch 2 HOME Menu, highlight the Mario Kart 8 Deluxe icon without launching it, press + or − to bring up the version number, then select “Software Update” → “Via the Internet.” If Auto-Update Software is enabled in system settings, the update should already have downloaded in the background. Save data carries over automatically; no separate backup step is needed. Nintendo’s support page doesn’t list a download size for this release, so budget some free storage before updating rather than assuming it’s a small patch.
If you race online regularly, check your version number before jumping into a lobby — Nintendo’s own matchmaking requirement means a mismatched version blocks play rather than just warning you.
Should you update?
Yes, for two different reasons depending on your hardware. Switch 2 owners get real, hardware-specific upgrades — faster loading, sharper visuals, eight-player split-screen and CameraPlay — that are worth installing regardless of how you play. Original Switch owners don’t get those extras, but the update is still required the moment you want to play online, and the balance fixes apply to your copy either way.
For other Mario Kart 8 Deluxe guides and updates, see our Nintendo Switch hub or browse Mario Kart 8 Deluxe for platform-specific compatibility and settings. Looking for the paid track expansion instead? See our Booster Course Pass guide for the full wave-by-wave breakdown and pricing.