Ever feel like your go-kart just isn’t cooperating on Rainbow Road? You pick your favorite character, hit the gas, and suddenly you’re spinning out in last place! Choosing the perfect racer in Mario Kart 8 Deluxe can feel like a bigger challenge than mastering the Wild Woods track. It’s easy to stick with Mario out of habit, but are you missing out on a secret speed advantage?
The roster is huge, and every character, kart body, tire, and glider combination changes how you handle sharp turns and boost pads. Picking the wrong setup can cost you crucial seconds, turning a guaranteed first place into a frustrating fourth. We know that feeling of wanting to maximize every stat boost.
This guide cuts through the confusion. We will break down which characters truly offer the best balance of speed, acceleration, and handling for different racing styles. You will learn exactly how character weight affects your game and discover the statistical heavy-hitters you might be ignoring.
Stop guessing and start winning. Keep reading to unlock the secrets to building your ultimate, unbeatable Mario Kart 8 Deluxe loadout!
Top Character Mario Kart 8 Recommendations
![Mario Kart 8 Deluxe - Nintendo Switch [Digital Code]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/517O3bI45YL._SL160_.jpg)
- Hit the road with the definitive version of Mario Kart 8 and play anytime, anywhere! Race your friends or battle them in a revised battle mode on new and returning battle courses
- Play locally in up to 4-player multiplayer in 1080p while playing in TV Mode. Every track from the Wii U version, including DLC, makes a glorious return
- Plus, the Inklings appear as all-new guest characters, along with returning favorites, such as King Boo, Dry Bones, and Bowser Jr.
- Players can choose a new Smart Steering feature which makes driving and staying on the track easy for novice players and kids even at 200cc
- With Nintendo Switch, fans can enjoy the definitive version of Mario Kart 8 anywhere, anytime
- The Mario Kart you know and love, with many new features; Enjoy Mario Kart alone or with friends, anytime, anywhere, with anyone; Supports 2 players in Handheld mode, 4 players on one TV and 12-player online
- 5 exclusive new characters join the tournament, including Inkling Boy and Inkling Girl; 4 exclusive new multiplayer Battle Modes including Balloon Battle and Bob-omb Blast; 48 Tracks; 40+ Racers; It's the biggest Mario Kart roster ever; All downloadable content from the Wii U version included as standard
- Compatible with the Nintendo Switch only
- EU version
![Mario Kart 8 Deluxe – Booster Course Pass - Nintendo Switch [Digital Code]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51yDGvODqXL._SL160_.jpg)
- Racers who have an active Nintendo Switch Online plus Expansion Pack membership will have access to all of these newly-added courses as they are released at no additional cost.
- Non-members can access the courses as they are released by purchasing the Mario Kart 8 Deluxe – Booster Course Pass on its own.
- A total of 48 courses from throughout the Mario Kart series are racing to the Mario Kart 8 Deluxe game as paid DLC
- Speed through location-based courses like Paris Promenade and nostalgic classics like Coconut Mall
- Courses will release in 6 waves of 8 courses each from March 18, 2022 until the end of 2023. Full version of game required to use DLC. Sold Separately.
- 1:43 scale Nintendo Mario Kart 8 - Luigi for the Carrera GO!!! Analog Slot Car Racing Collection
- High-quality tampo-printing for durability and attention to even the smallest of details gives the car its original look
- Car is fitted with double contact brushes
- Strong downforce magnets allow for quick cornering and makes handling easier for the beginner racer
- This Carrera GO!!! Car will only work on the GO!!! analog track and will not run on a Digital 143 track.
- Hot Wheels Mario Kart 8-pack vehicles are instantly collected and bring action to the video game to life
- This set includes 8 vehicles with character drivers
- Mario, Red Yoshi, and Bowser Hot Wheels carts have glider attachments
- Daisy, frog, peach, shai guy, and Luigi drive the game-inspired race car!
- Each vehicle has iconic deco and rolling wheels for pusharound play and cool displays
- MARIO KART TOY – Let kids play as different characters as the pit crew prepares a B Dasher kart for racing action at Toad’s garage with this customizable LEGO Super Mario: Mario Kart toy
- 2 COLLECTIBLE TOYS – This LEGO brick-built Mario Kart set features 2 Blue Toad (Pit Crew) figures in blue pit crew uniform, plus assorted accessories
- CUSTOMIZABLE – Place the kart on the car elevator and attach standard tires or blue standard tires, attach the horn or engine from the customization machines, and more
- INTERACTIVE – Place LEGO Mario, LEGO Luigi or LEGO Peach (figures not included) in the kart or on the action tags of the customization machines for digital interactions
- GIFT FOR MARIO KART FANS – Give this set to boys, girls and gamers ages 8 and up; kids can collect multiple sets including LEGO Mario (71439), LEGO Luigi (71440) or LEGO Peach figure (71441)
The Ultimate Buying Guide: Character Mario Kart 8 Fun
Welcome racers! Are you ready to zoom around Rainbow Road with your favorite Nintendo heroes? Buying the right Mario Kart 8 character gear or add-ons can make your game time way more fun. This guide helps you pick the best stuff, whether you are getting a new game copy, amiibo figures, or cool steering wheel accessories.
Key Features to Look For
When you shop for Mario Kart 8 items, check these things first.
- **Compatibility:** Does the item work with your Nintendo Switch or Wii U? Mario Kart 8 Deluxe is for the Switch, but older versions are for the Wii U. Make sure you buy the right one!
- **Character Selection:** Do you get the characters you really want? Some packs only include a few racers. If you love Yoshi, check the box to see if he is included.
- **DLC/Expansion Included:** If you buy the base game, check if it has the Booster Course Pass DLC. This pass adds tons of new tracks!
- **Amiibo Functionality:** If you buy amiibo figures, confirm they unlock the special Mii racing suits in the game.
Important Materials and Build Quality
The materials matter, especially for physical items like controllers or figures.
For amiibo figures, look for high-quality plastic. Good figures have crisp paint details. Cheaply made figures might have wobbly arms or smudged colors. Inspect the base; it should stand firmly.
If you are buying a steering wheel accessory for your controller, check the grip material. Rubberized grips feel much better during intense races than hard, slick plastic. Sturdy mounting clips ensure the wheel stays attached when you drift around corners.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
What makes a Mario Kart item great, and what makes it frustrating?
Improving Quality:
- **Official Nintendo Products:** Official gear usually offers the best fit and function. They work perfectly with the game.
- **Ergonomics:** Accessories designed for comfort improve quality. A light, well-shaped wheel reduces hand strain during long sessions.
- **Good Reviews:** Look at what other players say. High ratings often mean the product lasts longer and performs as expected.
Reducing Quality:
- **Third-Party Compatibility Issues:** Some non-official controllers might have input lag. This means there is a slight delay between pressing a button and the action happening in the game. This lag ruins races!
- **Flimsy Construction:** If a plastic accessory feels thin or easily snaps, its quality is low. Don’t waste money on things that break quickly.
User Experience and Use Cases
How will you actually use your new Mario Kart 8 purchase?
If you play competitively, precision matters most. You should prioritize a high-quality Pro Controller over the standard Joy-Cons for better button response. Competitive players often use amiibo to unlock specific outfits, so the amiibo function is a key part of their experience.
For casual family fun, accessories like steering wheels are fantastic. They make the game feel more like real driving, which is great for younger players. A steering wheel attachment instantly boosts the fun factor, even if it is not as precise as a standard controller.
Remember, the best purchase brings the most joy. If having all the characters makes you happy, focus on game expansions. If holding a wheel makes you feel like Mario, invest in a good wheel attachment!
10 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Character Mario Kart 8 Purchases
Q: Do I need the amiibo figures to play the game?
A: No, you do not need amiibo figures to play *Mario Kart 8*. They just unlock special in-game outfits for your Mii characters.
Q: What is the difference between Mario Kart 8 and Mario Kart 8 Deluxe?
A: *Mario Kart 8 Deluxe* is the updated version for the Nintendo Switch. It includes extra characters, items, and all the original Wii U DLC tracks right from the start.
Q: Can I use my old Wii U steering wheel accessory on the Switch?
A: Generally, no. You need new accessories specifically designed for the Nintendo Switch Joy-Cons or Pro Controller.
Q: Is the Booster Course Pass worth buying separately?
A: Yes, if you love racing! It adds 48 new tracks, essentially doubling the amount of content in the game.
Q: How do I know if a third-party controller will work well?
A: Check reviews specifically mentioning latency or input lag. Low latency means the controller responds quickly, which is vital for racing.
Q: Do different character choices affect how fast I drive?
A: Yes, in *Mario Kart 8*, different characters and karts have different stats like weight and acceleration. Choose stats that match your driving style.
Q: Are collectible character statues good investments?
A: They are great for display and collecting! However, they usually do not interact with the game unless they are specifically NFC-enabled amiibo figures.
Q: Should I buy a physical game cartridge or a digital download?
A: A physical cartridge lets you lend the game to friends. A digital download means you can never lose the game card, and you can switch profiles easily.
Q: What is the best controller for a beginner?
A: Many beginners find the standard Nintendo Switch Pro Controller offers the best balance of comfort and precise controls.
Q: If I buy an older amiibo, will it still unlock things in Deluxe?
A: Yes! Almost all *Mario* series amiibo figures work with *Mario Kart 8 Deluxe* to unlock the corresponding Mii racing suit.