[dropcap]M[/dropcap]ario Kart 8 Deluxe is the next major video game to be released on Nintendo Switch. The Japanese website opened a few days ago, spilling some more details on the new battle mode. Today Nintendo has opened the North American teaser website for the long awaited racing game. Mario Kart 8 is one of the first Nintendo Online Games that will feature multiplayer for up to 12 player simultaneously, or you can compete against up to 8 players in local wireless multiplayer. If you would rather play alone you can do so as well.

The Nintendo Online Services are free until Fall 2017, so you can enjoy the game online, and challenge your friends at no additional cost for the time being. Some Nintendo Online services will start requiring a small monthly subscription fee later this year, similar to Playstation 4 and Xbox One. The teaser website highlights some of most exciting features, such as the new battle mode, local and online multiplayer and new playable characters.

Mario Kart 8 Deluxe Features

• Race as every character on every track from the Wii U version, including DLC characters and tracks.
• Pop some balloons in the revamped Battle mode, complete with Balloon Battle and Bob-omb Blast.
• Battle on new courses, like Urchin Underpass and Battle Stadium, or returning ones, such as GCN Luigi’s Mansion and SNES Battle Course 1.
• Inkling Girl & Inkling Boy from Splatoon™, King Boo, Dry Bones, and Bowser Jr. join the roster!
• Players can choose a new Smart Steering feature which makes driving and staying on the track easy for novice players and kids, even at 200cc.
• Play your friends in local wireless multiplayer with up to 8 players*.
• Drive through in 1080p HD quality in TV mode.
• Play on the go with handheld mode and play anytime, anywhere.

Mario Kart 8 Deluxe will be released on April 28th on Nintendo Switch.

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