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...

Mario Kart 8 Deluxe is the definitive version of Mario Kart 8, the most comprehensive Mario Kart game yet, and a must-buy game for the Nintendo Switch. It's a port of a three-year-old Wii U game, but it's an immaculate, great-looking port that fixes the original version's flaws, adds all the DLC...

Completely overhauled Battle Mode; Tons of tracks, including DLC content; Lots of local and online multiplayer options

Some stuttering with four-player split-screen in testing

Mario Kart 8 Deluxe is the definitive Mario Kart experience where you can have fun unlocking items while playing against your friends.

The definitive Mario Kart experience gets even better and the Switch's form-factor makes it even better. This will undoubtedly be a multiplayer mainstay for years due to its solid gameplay and fun.

Improvement on the already-classic MK8; Smooth and flawless handheld experience; Battle Mode is finally worth checking out

Little new to justify repeat purchase unless you're a huge fan

is the biggest, prettiest, most fully featured Mario Kart ever. Which might make you wonder why, in amongst the overwhelmingly positive vibes, I feel a . If enthusiasm for this new game is set to 'High' rather than the usual 'Rabid,' that's because it isn't really a new game at all.

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

As Baz discovers, there's now no need to ever stop playing Mario Kart.

Wealth of great tracks; Gold Mario challenge; Battle Mode

Few unlockable challenges

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.

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 Deluxe is everything you loved about the original Mario Kart 8 and more. Our review.

A bounty of new content; The definitive version of Mario Kart 8; Well worth the upgrade to Nintendo Switch

Players who already adopted the previous game will have most of what's here; Smart Steering can be frustrating