Nintendo Issues 4.0 Patch for Long-Running Kart Racer

Nintendo has released a 4.0 update for its long-running kart racer that adds official support for the Nintendo Switch 2, nearly a decade after the title first launched on the original Switch in 2017.

The update brings hardware-specific enhancements for the new console. It adds support for the Nintendo Switch 2 display and high-resolution TVs, resulting in clearer visuals. Loading times before races and battles have been shortened. Nintendo also increased player speed during races by the equivalent of one coin.

Multiplayer capacity expands on the Switch 2. The update adds support for 5–8 players in multiplayer on a single Nintendo Switch 2 console. Up to seven Nintendo Switch controllers, including Joy-Con or Nintendo Switch Pro Controllers, can connect to the system. Eight-player sessions require at least one Joy-Con 2 controller or a Nintendo Switch 2 Pro Controller.

CameraPlay functionality arrives with specific requirements. The update adds support for CameraPlay, which requires a USB camera sold separately. Players can toggle the camera on or off in Multiplayer for 2-4 players and in Online Play modes. Camera and microphone use on the internet is restricted to GameChat sessions, where footage and audio are sent only to participating members. When enabled, the player's face appears during the race.

Additional gameplay and menu changes round out the patch. Players will no longer slow down while using Boo to become invisible, even in offroad areas. Owners of the Mario Kart 8 Deluxe – Booster Course Pass gain a new “96 Races” option in the VS Race rule settings. The update was released on September 1.

The longstanding title continues to receive support alongside newer entries. The game is a re-release of a 2014 Wii U title and has now been updated for the Nintendo Switch 2. The console launched with Mario Kart World, which has been available for nearly a year and a half without major updates to date.