Mario Kart 8 Deluxe on Switch 2: free upgrade and file size

Switch 1 cartridge

Mario Kart 8 Deluxe runs on Switch 2 with a free update that Nintendo released on September 2, 2026, so there is no paid upgrade pack. According to Nintendo, the update improves image quality on the Switch 2 screen and on high-resolution TVs, shortens loading times and raises local multiplayer on one console to 8 players (each player needs their own controller). It also adds CameraPlay for 2-4 player races, locally or online, if you have a compatible USB-C camera. Nintendo has not published resolution or frame rate figures for the update. The install is 11.3 GB, and the Switch 1 cartridge holds the full game and works in a Switch 2.

File size (Switch 1 game)
11.3 GB
4% of the 256 GB internal storage
Physical release
Switch 1 cartridge
Switch 1 game card; works in a Switch 2
Switch 2 upgrade
Free
Free update for the Switch 1 game

Last checked November 2, 2026 · every figure links to its source

Specs

File size (current)11.3 GBsource
Physical formatSwitch 1 cartridgesource
TypeSwitch 1 game with free Switch 2 update
Switch 2 updateFreesource
US eShop price$59.99
Play modesTV mode, Tabletop mode, Handheld mode
MultiplayerUp to 4 players on one console · 8 over local wireless · 12 online
Languages (15)Japanese, British English, French, German, Italian, Spanish, Korean, Dutch, Portuguese, Russian, Simplified Chinese, Latin American Spanish, Canadian French, Traditional Chinese, American English
PublisherNintendo
Release dateApril 28, 2017

Questions

How big is Mario Kart 8 Deluxe on Switch 2?

Mario Kart 8 Deluxe needs 11.3 GB of storage. That is about 4% of the Switch 2's 256 GB internal storage.

Is Mario Kart 8 Deluxe a Game-Key Card?

Mario Kart 8 Deluxe is a Switch 1 game, so it is sold on a regular Switch 1 cartridge, not a Game-Key Card. The cartridge works in a Switch 2.

Is there a free Switch 2 upgrade for Mario Kart 8 Deluxe?

Yes. Mario Kart 8 Deluxe is a Switch 1 game that received a free update for Switch 2. You do not need to buy anything: update the game on your Switch 2 to get the improvements.

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