That I'm sitting here in 2017 and writing a review of Mario Kart 8 definitely seems strange. I have played this game before – a lot – and now I'm revisiting the same game under very different circumstances.

The definitive version of Mario Kart 8; Wonderful tracks and characters with beautiful graphics; Battle mode is everything we wanted the first time around

Rubberbanding will frustrate every player from time to time; Mario Kart 8 veterans may not have enough to warrant another purchase; Too expensive for a re-release of a three year old game

Mario Kart 8 is a fun casual racing game but local multiplayer is pretty taxing without a joycon wheel. Not really happy to spend over $70 for this ‘everything unlocked’ rerelease of MK8.

Brilliant Battle Modes; tons of material to play though; easily the best Mario Kart yet

Could have more brand-new content; Smart Steering is jarring; still have to unlock kart mods

I was unsure what to expect from this as it is a game I already owned for Wii U. All the download content from the previous release is already included. I feel like now I can fully enjoy the game. I play it online at home and when I'm out with Friends.

Mario Kart 8 Deluxe has simplified the game even more from Mario kart 8. In fact, you can even have the game play for you - it will auto accelerate and auto turn. Best part of this is that auto-turn is on by default, without telling you. Took some investigating to figure out this was the issue.

Mario Kart 8 was already a great game on the Wii U. Now on the Nintendo Switch it's even better. Bringing everything from the previous games into one package and putting it on a new system was a great call.

If there is any criticism to be levied at Deluxe , it is that most of the game's content is unlocked right out of the box. While this is likely a plus for players returning from the Wii U version, it will inevitably hamper the replayability of the game for its many, many new adopters.

Mario Kart 8 Deluxe is the first ever port of a Mario Kart game (excluding Virtual Console), porting over Mario Kart 8 from the Wii U. This game isn't just a basic port, however; it includes some major changes to its battle mode, while also adding some other small changes and additions.

Extremely fun; excellent battle mode; tons of characters and tracks to choose from

Online mode is wonky (at the moment

In short, Nintendo has created one of the best ports ever made. Mario Kart 8 fans have enough here to justify buying the core game once again and as for you newbies… well, you're in for one hell of a ride.

I used to be garbage at Mario Kart. I hated that even when I got overpowered upgrades in 11th place I still would only pull up to 6th. But once you set your mind to understanding all of the mechanics that are presented, Mario Kart 8 Deluxe does what every Mario Kart before it couldn't get right- you...