The only one locked from the get-go is Gold Mario. You have access to all of the tracks and characters (except one), including content that was initially part of DLC packs back on Wii U's Mario Kart 8 in 2014. Each one offers unique obstacles and takes time to master. You'll see Toad's Turnpike and Twisted Mansion, and new courses like Water Park or Cloudtop. Mario Kart 8 Deluxe offers up 48 different tracks, including new designs and old favorites from previous titles.
It still requires a combination of luck and skill to win, so even if you're playing as your favorite character, victory is never assured. You can now easily powerslide through turns to overtake other racers, even if you've never played a Mario Kart game before.
The driving controls got a major update and have been fine-tuned for the Switch.
Mario Kart 8 Deluxe takes everything that has always been fantastic about this franchise and makes it even better. There's no way you could talk about the best Switch racing games without bringing Mario Kart into the mix. Mario Kart is easily one of the most popular games that Nintendo has ever put out.
