Mario Kart 8 Deluxe

Mario Kart 8 is a 2014  kart racing game  developed and published by  Nintendo  for the  Wii U . It features the  Mario Kart  series'  game mechanics , in which players drive  go-karts  using  Mario  franchise characters in various  race  formats.  Items  placed along the course may be used to hinder opponents or gain advantages in the race.  Mario Kart 8  introduces  anti-gravity  driving on walls or ceilings, and allows players to bump into each other for a short boost. It features  single-player  and  multiplayer  gameplay, as well as online multiplayer. The game was a critical success. Critics praised its new additions and courses, as well as its graphics and soundtrack. However, they criticized its limited battle mode. Since its release on May 29, 2014,  Mario Kart 8  has sold over 8 million units, and is the  best-selling Wii U game . Post-release,  Mario Kart 8  has received several  software updates  and  downloadable content , including additional characters, courses, and vehicles. On April 28, 2017, Nintendo released  Mario Kart 8 Deluxe ,  an expanded  re-release  of  Mario Kart 8  for the  Nintendo Switch .  Deluxe  features a revamped battle mode, including five sub-modes. After launch,  Deluxe  received several software updates, including the "Booster Course Pass", a downloadable season pass which features 48 additional courses split into six waves set to be released by the end of 2023. Since its release,  Deluxe  has sold over 48 million units, making it the  best-selling Nintendo Switch game  and one of the  best-selling games of all time .  Deluxe  was critically acclaimed, with many reviewers calling it the best  Mario Kart  game or one of the best racing games, though some criticized the lack of new content.