Mario Kart 8 Deluxe on Switch 2: free upgrade and file size
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.
Last checked November 2, 2026 · every figure links to its source
Specs
| File size (current) | 11.3 GBsource |
|---|---|
| Physical format | Switch 1 cartridgesource |
| Type | Switch 1 game with free Switch 2 update |
| Switch 2 update | Freesource |
| US eShop price | $59.99 |
| Play modes | TV mode, Tabletop mode, Handheld mode |
| Multiplayer | Up 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 |
| Publisher | Nintendo |
| Release date | April 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.