Introduction
Mario Kart 8 Deluxe for the Nintendo Switch is celebrated for its expansive and colorful character roster, making it a must-play for both newcomers and series veterans. Unlike previous Mario Kart titles, where unlocking characters required completing specific challenges or cups, Mario Kart 8 Deluxe streamlines the process—almost every character is available right from the start. However, there are still a few unlockables and secrets to keep completionists engaged. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about unlocking all characters (and more) in Mario Kart 8 Deluxe.
Characters Available from the Start
When you first launch Mario Kart 8 Deluxe, you'll find that nearly the entire cast is ready to race. This includes all characters from the original Wii U release, plus all DLC characters, such as Link, Isabelle, Dry Bowser, and the Inklings from Splatoon. Here’s a quick look at the default roster:
- Mario, Luigi, Peach, Daisy, Rosalina, Tanooki Mario, Cat Peach
- Yoshi (with color variants), Toad, Koopa Troopa, Shy Guy (with color variants), Lakitu, Toadette
- King Boo, Baby Mario, Baby Luigi, Baby Peach, Baby Daisy, Baby Rosalina
- Metal Mario, Pink Gold Peach, Wario, Waluigi, Donkey Kong, Bowser, Dry Bones, Bowser Jr.
- Lemmy, Larry, Wendy, Ludwig, Iggy, Roy, Morton
- Inkling Boy, Inkling Girl, Link, Villager (Male & Female), Isabelle, Dry Bowser
For a full, up-to-date list, check the Super Mario Wiki page for Mario Kart 8 Deluxe.
The One Golden Exception: Unlocking Gold Mario
While almost every character is unlocked from the start, there is one special character you’ll need to earn: Gold Mario.
How to Unlock Gold Mario
Gold Mario is a shiny variant of Metal Mario and serves as a badge of honor for skilled players. To unlock him:
- Complete all 12 Grand Prix cups at 200cc difficulty with a first-place finish (gold trophy).
- Once achieved, Gold Mario will replace Metal Mario on the character select screen. You can toggle between them by pressing the R button when Metal Mario is highlighted.
Tips for 200cc Grand Prix
- Master Brake-Drifting: At 200cc, the game is incredibly fast. Learn to tap the brake (B button) while drifting to take corners tightly.
- Choose the Right Setup: Medium or heavy characters offer better stability, while lighter characters accelerate faster. Experiment with karts that have high handling and traction.
- Practice Makes Perfect: Use Time Trials to familiarize yourself with track layouts and shortcuts.
- Enable Smart Steering: If you’re struggling, turn on Smart Steering in the pause menu to help stay on the track.
For more strategies on staying focused and overcoming challenging tasks, check out How to stay focused when distractions take over.
Mii Characters and Amiibo Outfits
Your personalized Mii is also available from the start. To race as your Mii:
- Select the Mii icon on the character select screen.
- Choose from your saved Miis on your Nintendo Switch.
Additionally, by scanning compatible amiibo figures, you can unlock special racing outfits for your Mii, themed after various Nintendo characters. These are purely cosmetic and do not affect gameplay.
Booster Course Pass DLC Characters
Nintendo has expanded the roster further with the Booster Course Pass DLC, which adds new tracks and several additional characters:
- Birdo
- Kamek
- Petey Piranha
- Wiggler
- Funky Kong
- Diddy Kong
- Pauline
- Peachette
To access these characters:
- Purchase the Mario Kart 8 Deluxe – Booster Course Pass from the Nintendo eShop, or
- Have an active Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack membership.
Once you have access, these characters are automatically added to your selection screen.
Unlocking Vehicle Parts
While characters are mostly unlocked, vehicle parts (karts, wheels, gliders) are unlocked by collecting coins during races:
- Every 30 coins collected unlocks a new part, up to 500 coins.
- After 500 coins, new parts unlock every 50 coins.
- The maximum number of coins you can collect per race is 10.
Special Gold Parts:
| Part | How to Unlock |
|---|---|
| Gold Kart | Get at least one star on every cup in Mirror Mode and 150cc |
| Gold Tires | Beat all Staff Ghosts in Time Trials (150cc) |
| Gold Glider | Collect a total of 5,000 coins |
For more on building healthy habits and staying motivated, see Effective strategies to stay motivated for regular exercise.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I unlock other characters like in the Wii U version?
A: No. In Mario Kart 8 Deluxe, all characters except Gold Mario (and DLC additions) are available from the start.
Q: Do I need to play online to unlock anything?
A: No. All unlocks can be achieved in single-player modes.
Q: Are there any secret characters?
A: No secret characters beyond Gold Mario and your Mii.
Conclusion
Unlocking all characters in Mario Kart 8 Deluxe is refreshingly straightforward: nearly everyone is available from the start, with Gold Mario as the ultimate reward for mastering 200cc Grand Prix. DLC characters from the Booster Course Pass further expand your options. Focus on collecting coins to unlock all vehicle parts and enjoy customizing your ride.
For more gaming tips and community discussions, visit the Mario Kart 8 Deluxe subreddit or GameFAQs community.
Happy racing!