Mario Kart 8 Deluxe DLC: Price And Value!
Hey there, fellow racers! Let's dive into everything you need to know about the Mario Kart 8 Deluxe Booster Course Pass, aka the expansion pack. You're probably wondering about the mario kart 8 deluxe expansion pack cost, and whether itβs a worthwhile investment to rev up your racing experience. Well, buckle up, because we're about to break down the price, the content, and ultimately, whether it's a green light or a red shell for your wallet.
Breaking Down the Mario Kart 8 Deluxe Booster Course Pass
First off, let's get the basics straight. The Booster Course Pass isn't just a small add-on; it's a substantial injection of fresh content into Mario Kart 8 Deluxe. We're talking about a whopping 48 new courses added to the game, effectively doubling the number of tracks you can race on. These tracks aren't entirely new creations; instead, they're a curated selection of fan-favorite courses from previous Mario Kart games across various consoles, including Mario Kart 64, Mario Kart Wii, Mario Kart DS, and Mario Kart Tour, the mobile iteration. So, it's a delightful mix of nostalgia and updated visuals.
The Booster Course Pass is rolled out in waves, with each wave containing eight courses divided into two cups. This staggered release schedule keeps the game feeling fresh and exciting over an extended period. It gives you something to look forward to and rediscover, enhancing the overall longevity of Mario Kart 8 Deluxe. The courses are faithfully recreated with updated graphics, bringing them in line with the visual fidelity of the base game. While some purists might argue that the visual enhancements aren't as dramatic as a completely new game, the updated look is still a welcome improvement.
How Much Does the Booster Course Pass Cost?
Now for the big question: the mario kart 8 deluxe expansion pack cost. There are essentially two ways to get your hands on the Booster Course Pass. The first is to purchase it outright from the Nintendo eShop. The price for the full Booster Course Pass is $24.99. This gives you permanent access to all 48 courses as they are released. If you are planning to play Mario Kart 8 Deluxe for the long haul, this is a straightforward and cost-effective option.
However, there's another way to access the Booster Course Pass, and that's through a Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack membership. This is a premium tier of the Nintendo Switch Online service that includes all the benefits of the standard Nintendo Switch Online membership (online play, cloud saves, access to a library of classic NES and SNES games) plus additional perks. One of those perks is access to a growing library of Nintendo 64 games and Sega Genesis games, as well as the Animal Crossing: New Horizons Happy Home Paradise DLC and the Mario Kart 8 Deluxe Booster Course Pass.
The cost of the Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack membership varies depending on whether you choose an individual membership or a family membership. As of today, an individual membership costs $49.99 per year, while a family membership (which can be shared with up to eight accounts) costs $79.99 per year. If you're already paying for Nintendo Switch Online and are interested in the N64 and Sega Genesis games, the Expansion Pack could be a great value, essentially giving you the Mario Kart 8 Deluxe courses as a bonus.
Is the Mario Kart 8 Deluxe Expansion Pack Worth the Price?
Okay, let's get down to brass tacks. Is the Mario Kart 8 Deluxe Booster Course Pass worth the mario kart 8 deluxe expansion pack cost? The answer, as with many things, depends on your personal circumstances and gaming habits.
The Case for Buying the Booster Course Pass
If you're a die-hard Mario Kart fan who plays the game regularly, the Booster Course Pass is an absolute no-brainer. For $24.99, you're getting 48 additional courses, effectively doubling the game's content. That works out to roughly $0.52 per course, which is an incredible value. These aren't just any courses; they're carefully selected classics from Mario Kart's rich history, lovingly updated for the Switch. Whether you have fond memories of racing on Coconut Mall from Mario Kart Wii or navigating the treacherous turns of Rainbow Road from Mario Kart 64, there's something for everyone in this collection.
Moreover, the staggered release of the courses in waves keeps the game feeling fresh and exciting. Every few months, you get a batch of new tracks to explore and master, extending the game's lifespan and providing a constant stream of new challenges. This is particularly appealing if you enjoy playing Mario Kart 8 Deluxe with friends and family, as the new courses offer new opportunities for competition and camaraderie.
The Case for the Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack
If you're already subscribed to Nintendo Switch Online, the Expansion Pack is worth considering, especially if you're interested in the other perks it offers. For an additional $30 per year (compared to the standard Nintendo Switch Online membership), you get access to a library of classic Nintendo 64 and Sega Genesis games, the Animal Crossing: New Horizons Happy Home Paradise DLC, and the Mario Kart 8 Deluxe Booster Course Pass. If you're a fan of retro gaming or an Animal Crossing enthusiast, these extras can easily justify the higher price tag.
Furthermore, if you have a family or a group of friends who all play Mario Kart 8 Deluxe, the family membership for the Expansion Pack can be an incredibly cost-effective way to access the Booster Course Pass. For $79.99 per year, up to eight accounts can enjoy all the benefits of the Expansion Pack, including the new courses. That works out to just $10 per person per year, which is a steal.
The Case Against Buying Either
Of course, there are also situations where neither the Booster Course Pass nor the Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack is the right choice. If you only play Mario Kart 8 Deluxe occasionally or aren't particularly interested in the new courses, the $24.99 price tag might seem a bit steep. Similarly, if you're not interested in the Nintendo 64 and Sega Genesis games or the Animal Crossing DLC, the Expansion Pack might not be worth the extra cost.
In these cases, it might be better to stick with the base game and its existing courses. Mario Kart 8 Deluxe already offers a substantial amount of content, including 48 original tracks, a wide variety of characters and karts, and a robust multiplayer mode. If you're content with what the base game has to offer, there's no need to feel pressured to buy the Booster Course Pass or subscribe to the Expansion Pack.
Making the Right Choice For You
Ultimately, the decision of whether or not to buy the Mario Kart 8 Deluxe Booster Course Pass or subscribe to the Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack comes down to your individual preferences and gaming habits. Consider how often you play Mario Kart 8 Deluxe, whether you're interested in the new courses, and whether you'd also benefit from the other perks offered by the Expansion Pack.
If you're a hardcore Mario Kart fan who wants to experience all the game has to offer, the Booster Course Pass is a must-buy. If you're already a Nintendo Switch Online subscriber and are interested in the retro games and Animal Crossing DLC, the Expansion Pack is a great value. But if you're a casual player who's content with the base game, there's no need to feel pressured to spend extra money.
No matter what you decide, remember that Mario Kart 8 Deluxe is a fantastic game that's sure to provide hours of fun for players of all ages and skill levels. So, grab your kart, buckle up, and get ready to race!