Nintendo outlines brand new features for Mario Kart 8 on Switch

The Nintendo Switch version of the Wii U’s Mario Kart 8 won’t be a strict rehash. In addition to all the previous DLC, there’s a trailer full of new stuff.

Blue Shells ahead

Is there any Nintendo gamer who doesn’t love Mario Kart? The series has been around since the SNES days, and it’s arguably more popular today than it’s ever been. As such, I’m sure there aren’t too many fans who skipped the latest game, when it arrived on the Wii U.

But even if you did play Mario Kart 8 to death, there just might be more than enough to get you to buy into the Switch version, due next month. Actually, there’s a heck of a lot more added in than I though there’d be. Nintendo is calling it the “definitive” version of the game, and it’s tough to argue that position.

All the previously released downloadable content from the Wii U version? Yeah, it’s all in here, right from the start. More than just that though, there’s another five-pack of racers (all new), the ability to carry two items at once, the return of some long-lost weapons, and a new feature called smart-steering.

Check out the full list of what’s been added below. Mario Kart 8 Deluxe arrives on the Switch on April 28th.

• Renegade Roundup: Making its debut in Mario Kart 8 Deluxe, this new mode has one team trying to capture the other and put them into jail before time runs out. The opposing team must try to escape and can break their own teammates out of prison by pressing a button under the jail cell.
• Balloon Battle: In this oldie but goodie, players earn points by popping balloons on the back of their opponents’ karts.
• Bob-omb Blast: Originally seen in the Mario Kart: Double Dash!! game, this mode finds players throwing a barrage of Bob-ombs at opponents.
• Coin Runners: By racing across the Battle course, players try to collect the most coins as possible in this fast and frenetic mode introduced in Mario Kart Wii.
• Shine Thief: Steal the coveted Shine Sprite and try to hold onto it for a 20 count in this classic multiplayer Battle mode.