Nintendo has decided to release new DLC for the Mario Kart 8 Deluxe game, which was released on April 28, 2017 for the Nintendo Switch.
It is rare to see new content being developed for a game that was released several years ago. Nintendo surprised us when they decided to create new content for Mario Kart 8 Deluxe. Many were happy to see that their favorite game was still relevant. The unveiling of the additional circuit pass was really something unexpected.
What is the Additional Circuit Pass?
This is downloadable content for mario kart 8 deluxe on nintendo switch. The additional circuit pass gives access to several new race tracks. A copy of the game is required in order to play these new tracks.
As demonstrated on Nintendo’s website (see images below), the additional race tracks will be released in 6 waves. For each wave, there will be 8 new tracks. At the time of writing this article, the first wave is already available.
How do I purchase the Additional Circuit Pass?
There are two ways to get the pass.
Method #1
Tdownload the pass for 32. $99
It is possible to purchase the pass only through the Nintendo eShop. To do this, you can:
- Buy it from nintendo eShop online on your computer or smartphone
- Buy it from the Nintendo eShop on your Nintendo Switch system
- Buy it directly in the game (which will direct you to the purchase page).
If you do this, the downloadable content belongs to you and you will have access to it at any time.
Method #2
Buy a Nintendo Switch Online membership + Add-on set
This way requires a Nintendo Switch Online subscription. This service is required in order to use the online features of several games (including Mario Kart 8 Deluxe). It is a subscription that must be renewed when it ends, that is, that it will be necessary to pay in order to resubscribe.
Here is the price of each of the subscriptions. You can purchase an individual subscription or a family subscription.
In order to get the downloadable content of Mario Kart 8 Deluxe, you have to buy what is called the “Additional Set”. This set adds bonuses in addition to what the basic subscription offers.
The add-on package includes several bonuses, including the Mario Kart 8 Deluxe Add-on Pass. It also includes downloadable content for the game Animal Crossing New Horizons, as well as access to a library of Nintendo 64 and Sega Genesis games.
It is only possible to purchase 1-year subscriptions when you wish to purchase the Additional Set. If you already have a basic Nintendo Switch Online subscription, Nintendo gives you a price based on where you’re at in your basic subscription. So the price to pay will depend on each one.
To learn how to purchase a Nintendo Switch Online subscription, you can read our entry on the subject in our glossary here.
If you do this, the downloadable content does not actually belong to you. You have access to it as long as your Nintendo Switch Online + Add-on Membership is valid. Once the subscription is paid, you will be able to access the new tracks.
Additional Circuit Pass FAQ
I’m having trouble understanding the difference between a Nintendo Switch Online membership and the Add-on Set.
These subscriptions should be seen as two packages available for the same service.
- Nintendo Switch Online is the basic package.
- The Nintendo Switch Online + Add-on Set is the more expensive package that gives bonuses.
My Nintendo Switch Online + Additional Set subscription ended recently. Do I still have access to the Additional Circuit Pass?
If your Nintendo Switch Online + Add-on membership ends, you will no longer have access to the additional content offered by the Add-on Set. In this sense, you will no longer have access to the downloadable content of Mario Kart 8 Deluxe.
Do I need internet in order to play the additional circuit pass?
If you have used method #1, that is, purchased the downloadable content directly from the Nintendo eShop, you can play the downloadable content whenever you want, internet or not.
If you used method #2, that is, obtained the downloadable content through the Additional Set, you must be connected to the internet in order to access that content. The rest of the game, however, remains accessible, as usual.
My Nintendo Switch has several sessions. Can I play downloadable content on all sessions?
If you used method #1, that is, purchased the downloadable content directly from the Nintendo eShop, you can play the downloadable content on all sessions that are on the Nintendo Switch.
If you used method #2, that is, obtained the downloadable content through the Additional Set, you must be logged into the session that owns the subscription in order to access the downloadable content.
In brief…
Method #1 makes the downloadable content yours, for eternity.
Method #2 ensures that downloadable content is accessible as long as you have an active subscription of Nintendo Switch Online + Additional Set.
Do I buy the circuit pass with method #1 or with method #2?
Use method #1 if you want to own the circuit pass forever. Relevant if you intend to play on the new circuits for several more years.
Use method #2 if you like all the elements contained in the additional set and you really think you have a subscription to play Nintendo Switch online.
References for screenshots
