Nintendo has released Mario Kart 8 Deluxe update 4.0.1, addressing several bugs affecting players on Nintendo Switch and Nintendo Switch 2. The update focuses on improving stability, fixing multiplayer problems, and correcting gameplay differences between both consoles.
Despite launching in 2017, Mario Kart 8 Deluxe continues to receive support. The racing game has sold more than 70 million copies worldwide and remains one of Nintendo’s most successful releases.
Even with Mario Kart World available on Nintendo Switch 2, Nintendo clearly isn’t ready to leave Mario Kart 8 Deluxe behind.
Mario Kart 8 Deluxe Update 4.0.1 Patch Notes
The latest update doesn’t introduce new characters, tracks, or vehicles. Instead, Nintendo has focused on resolving technical issues that could interfere with races.
Here are the main fixes included in version 4.0.1:
- Online and Wireless Play: Fixed an issue where more obstacles and Item Boxes appeared on Nintendo Switch 2 than on the original Nintendo Switch.
- Multiplayer User Selection: Resolved a problem that prevented players from selecting a registered system user when two people joined Online or Wireless Play.
- Wii Rainbow Road: Fixed missing Star Bits on the Wii Rainbow Road course when playing on Nintendo Switch 2.
- Game Stability: Addressed several issues that could cause Mario Kart 8 Deluxe to close unexpectedly.
These changes should help deliver a more consistent racing experience, particularly when players use different Nintendo consoles.
Nintendo Switch 2 Players Receive Important Fixes
One of the more interesting fixes involves the number of obstacles and Item Boxes appearing during multiplayer races.
Previously, Nintendo Switch 2 players could encounter more objects than players using the original Switch. This difference created inconsistencies between the two versions during Online and Wireless Play.
With update 4.0.1, Nintendo has corrected the issue to provide a more consistent experience across both systems.
The update also fixes missing Star Bits on Wii Rainbow Road. Although this issue was largely visual, it affected the presentation of one of the game’s most recognizable tracks.
Mario Kart 8 Deluxe Continues Receiving Switch 2 Support
Nintendo previously introduced additional improvements for Mario Kart 8 Deluxe on Switch 2 in September 2026.
That update brought several enhancements, including:
- Shorter loading times.
- Support for eight-player split-screen multiplayer.
- CameraPlay functionality.
- Additional gameplay improvements.
These additions gave Switch 2 owners more reasons to revisit Mario Kart 8 Deluxe, even after the arrival of Mario Kart World.
Version 4.0.1 now builds on those improvements by addressing problems that appeared across the different hardware configurations.
Mario Kart World Hasn’t Replaced Mario Kart 8 Deluxe
The release of Mario Kart World raised questions about the future of Mario Kart 8 Deluxe.
After all, Nintendo now has a newer Mario Kart title designed specifically for Switch 2. However, millions of players still own Mario Kart 8 Deluxe, and the original Nintendo Switch remains widely used.
Keeping the older game functional makes sense, especially with its established online community and extensive collection of tracks.
Mario Kart 8 Deluxe also benefits from years of additional content through its Booster Course Pass, giving players plenty of racing options.
Meanwhile, some Switch 2 owners are already hoping Nintendo will expand Mario Kart World with additional downloadable content.
For now, both games appear to have a place in Nintendo’s racing lineup.
How to Download Mario Kart 8 Deluxe Update 4.0.1
Players with automatic updates enabled should receive the latest version without needing to take additional steps.
Anyone who wants to check manually can follow these instructions:
- Highlight Mario Kart 8 Deluxe on the Nintendo Switch HOME Menu.
- Press the + button to open the Options menu.
- Select Software Update.
- Choose Via the Internet.
- Wait for the update to download and install.
The update is available for both Nintendo Switch and Nintendo Switch 2.
Nintendo Keeps Its Older Mario Kart Alive
Mario Kart 8 Deluxe has enjoyed an unusually long lifespan, and Nintendo’s continued support is encouraging for players who haven’t upgraded their consoles.
While update 4.0.1 doesn’t bring exciting new content, fixing multiplayer inconsistencies and unexpected crashes remains important.
With Mario Kart World representing the franchise’s future, Mario Kart 8 Deluxe continues to prove that an older game doesn’t necessarily need to disappear when its successor arrives.
