What is the worldwide release date of Mario Kart 8 Deluxe?

Mario Kart 8 Deluxe was released worldwide on April 28, 2017. It launched for the Nintendo Switch as an enhanced version of the Wii U game Mario Kart 8.

The release came less than two months after the Switch debuted on March 3, 2017. Rather than being a brand-new numbered sequel, Deluxe packaged the original game’s downloadable content with additional characters, vehicles, items, and a substantially expanded Battle Mode.

Notable additions included returning character King Boo, the Inkling characters from Splatoon, the ability to carry two items at once, and revamped battle arenas and modes. The game also introduced Smart Steering, an assist option intended to help newer players stay on the track.

A common mix-up is the May 30, 2014 date, which belongs to the original Mario Kart 8 on Wii U. Mario Kart 8 Deluxe is the Switch version and arrived nearly three years later, on April 28, 2017.