Best Mario Kart On Switch In 2022: Which One To Pick?
Hey guys! Are you looking for the best Mario Kart game to play on your Nintendo Switch in 2022? You've come to the right place! With so many fantastic options available, it can be tough to decide which one to pick. Don't worry, we're here to break it all down and help you make the perfect choice. We'll dive into the thrilling world of Mario Kart, exploring what makes each game unique and why it might be the right fit for you. Whether you're a seasoned racer or a newbie just getting started, get ready to rev your engines and discover the ultimate Mario Kart experience on your Switch!
Mario Kart 8 Deluxe: The King of the Road
When we talk about the best Mario Kart experience on the Nintendo Switch, Mario Kart 8 Deluxe undoubtedly takes the crown. This game isn’t just a port; it’s a complete and enhanced version of the original Mario Kart 8 from the Wii U. Think of it as the definitive edition, packed with all the content you could ever want and more. For those unfamiliar with the franchise, Mario Kart 8 Deluxe is a kart racing game where you race as characters from the Mario universe across a variety of creatively designed tracks. You can pick from a roster of iconic characters like Mario, Luigi, Princess Peach, and Bowser, each bringing their unique flair to the races. But what exactly makes Mario Kart 8 Deluxe the king of the road? Let's dive into some key features that set this game apart. First off, the sheer volume of content is staggering. We’re talking about a massive 48 tracks, spanning the Mushroom Kingdom and beyond. You'll be racing through everything from classic courses like Rainbow Road to inventive new tracks filled with twists, turns, and surprises. This extensive track selection ensures that the game stays fresh and exciting, even after countless hours of playtime. Speaking of characters, Mario Kart 8 Deluxe boasts an impressive roster of over 40 playable characters. From the familiar faces of the Mario Bros. to newcomers like the Inklings from Splatoon, there's a character for every player’s style. Each character has slightly different stats, adding a layer of strategic depth to your kart and driver choices. Beyond the classic Grand Prix mode, which lets you race through a series of tracks to win trophies, Mario Kart 8 Deluxe offers a plethora of other ways to play. The fan-favorite Battle Mode makes a triumphant return, offering chaotic and hilarious multiplayer mayhem. You can engage in battles like Balloon Battle, Bob-omb Blast, and Shine Thief, each providing a unique and frantic experience. The controls in Mario Kart 8 Deluxe are incredibly intuitive and easy to pick up, making it accessible to players of all skill levels. Whether you're a seasoned racer or a complete beginner, you'll be drifting, boosting, and throwing items like a pro in no time. But don't let the simplicity fool you – there's a surprising amount of depth to the gameplay. Mastering the art of drifting, item usage, and track memorization is key to achieving victory, especially in the higher speed classes. Visually, Mario Kart 8 Deluxe is a treat for the eyes. The game runs smoothly at 60 frames per second in both docked and handheld modes, ensuring a fluid and responsive racing experience. The vibrant colors, detailed environments, and charming character animations all contribute to the game's polished and appealing look. The addition of anti-gravity sections, where you can drive on walls and ceilings, adds a dynamic and visually stunning element to the races. One of the standout features of Mario Kart 8 Deluxe is its robust multiplayer options. You can play with up to four players locally in split-screen mode, or connect with up to 12 players online. The online multiplayer is particularly well-implemented, offering a smooth and stable experience that lets you race against friends and rivals from around the world. The game also supports a variety of control options, including Joy-Cons, Pro Controllers, and even the Wii Wheel, giving you the flexibility to play in your preferred style. For those who enjoy customizing their karts, Mario Kart 8 Deluxe offers a wide range of kart parts, wheels, and gliders to unlock. Experimenting with different combinations can significantly impact your kart's performance, allowing you to tailor your ride to suit your racing style and the demands of each track. This customization adds another layer of strategy to the game, encouraging you to experiment and find the perfect setup for your needs.
Mario Kart Live: Home Circuit: A Real-World Racing Adventure
Now, let's shift gears and talk about a truly unique Mario Kart experience: Mario Kart Live: Home Circuit. This isn't just a video game; it's a blend of the virtual and real worlds, bringing the thrill of Mario Kart into your living room. Imagine turning your home into a custom race track, where you control a physical kart that responds to the action on your Nintendo Switch screen. Sounds awesome, right? That’s the magic of Mario Kart Live: Home Circuit. This innovative game uses augmented reality (AR) technology to overlay the familiar Mario Kart gameplay onto your physical environment. You set up physical gates around your home to create a custom track, and then control a real-life kart using your Nintendo Switch. The kart has a camera mounted on it, which streams live video to your Switch screen, showing you the world from the kart's perspective. On your screen, you'll see the familiar Mario Kart interface, complete with racers, items, and track elements. As you drive your real-world kart, it responds to what's happening in the game. Pick up a speed boost in the game, and your kart will accelerate in real life. Get hit by a shell, and your kart will come to a stop. It's an incredibly immersive and interactive experience that blurs the lines between the virtual and physical worlds. Setting up Mario Kart Live: Home Circuit is surprisingly straightforward. The game comes with four cardboard gates that you'll need to assemble and place around your room. These gates act as the markers for your track. Once you've set up the gates, you use your kart to drive through them in a specific order, creating the layout of your track. The game then uses the camera on the kart to map your room and generate a virtual track on your screen. This process is intuitive and user-friendly, making it easy to get started even if you're not a tech whiz. One of the coolest aspects of Mario Kart Live: Home Circuit is the ability to customize your tracks. You're not limited to pre-set courses; you can design your own tracks using the gates and the game's track-building tools. Get creative with your layouts – use furniture, rugs, and other objects in your home to add obstacles and challenges to your courses. You can even create different track layouts for different races, keeping the gameplay fresh and exciting. The game features the familiar Mario Kart gameplay mechanics, including drifting, item usage, and speed boosts. You'll race against virtual opponents, who appear on your screen, and compete to win races. The AR technology seamlessly integrates the virtual elements into your real-world environment, making it feel like you're actually racing through the Mushroom Kingdom in your living room. Mario Kart Live: Home Circuit supports up to four players in local multiplayer, allowing you to race against your friends and family. Each player needs their own kart and Nintendo Switch console, but the thrill of racing real-life karts against each other in your own home is an experience like no other. Imagine the excitement of battling it out with your friends as you drift around corners and launch virtual shells at each other! The game also includes a variety of game modes to keep things interesting. In Grand Prix mode, you'll race through a series of tracks to win trophies. Time Trial mode lets you race against the clock to set the fastest lap times. And Custom Race mode gives you the freedom to create your own races with custom rules and settings. One of the unique features of Mario Kart Live: Home Circuit is the ability to affect the track conditions using items. For example, if you pick up a Spiny Shell, you can launch it at your opponents, causing their karts to slow down in real life. Similarly, if you drive through an ink puddle in the game, your kart's camera lens will get virtually splattered with ink, obscuring your view on the screen. These real-time effects add a layer of unpredictability and excitement to the races. The karts themselves are well-built and responsive, providing a smooth and enjoyable driving experience. They're also surprisingly durable, able to withstand the bumps and crashes that are inevitable when racing in a real-world environment. The karts are powered by rechargeable batteries, which provide a decent amount of playtime on a single charge. Visually, Mario Kart Live: Home Circuit is impressive, thanks to the AR technology that seamlessly blends the virtual and real worlds. The game runs smoothly on the Nintendo Switch, and the graphics are sharp and vibrant. The integration of virtual elements into your physical environment is incredibly well-done, creating a truly immersive and engaging experience.
Choosing the Right Kart for You: Which Game Wins?
So, how do you choose between Mario Kart 8 Deluxe and Mario Kart Live: Home Circuit? Both games offer fantastic experiences, but they cater to different preferences and play styles. Let's break down the key differences to help you make the right decision.
Content and Gameplay
Mario Kart 8 Deluxe: This is the traditional Mario Kart experience, perfected. It boasts a massive amount of content, including 48 tracks, over 40 characters, and a variety of game modes. The gameplay is classic Mario Kart, with drifting, item usage, and strategic racing being key to success. If you're looking for a deep and replayable racing game with a wealth of content, Mario Kart 8 Deluxe is the way to go.
Mario Kart Live: Home Circuit: This is a completely different experience, blending the virtual and real worlds. You'll be racing a physical kart around your home, using your Nintendo Switch to control it. The gameplay is more about creativity and customization, as you design your own tracks and race against virtual opponents in your living room. If you're looking for a unique and interactive experience that will get you moving, Mario Kart Live: Home Circuit is a great choice.
Multiplayer
Mario Kart 8 Deluxe: Offers robust multiplayer options, including local split-screen for up to four players and online multiplayer for up to 12 players. This makes it easy to race against friends and rivals from around the world.
Mario Kart Live: Home Circuit: Supports local multiplayer for up to four players, but each player needs their own kart and Nintendo Switch console. The experience of racing real-life karts against each other in your home is incredibly fun, but it requires a greater investment in hardware.
Space and Setup
Mario Kart 8 Deluxe: Can be played anywhere, whether you're docked on your TV or in handheld mode. It's a great option for on-the-go gaming.
Mario Kart Live: Home Circuit: Requires a decent amount of space to set up a track. You'll need a room that's relatively clear of obstacles, and you'll need to set up the physical gates that define your track. This game is best suited for larger living spaces.
Price
Mario Kart 8 Deluxe: Is a standard-priced Nintendo Switch game. It's a one-time purchase that gives you access to a wealth of content.
Mario Kart Live: Home Circuit: Is more expensive, as it includes a physical kart in addition to the game software. This makes it a larger investment, but the unique experience may be worth it for some players.
Who Are They For?
Mario Kart 8 Deluxe: Is for anyone who loves classic kart racing games. It's a great option for both casual and hardcore players, and it offers endless replayability.
Mario Kart Live: Home Circuit: Is for those who want a unique and interactive gaming experience. It's particularly appealing to families with kids, as it encourages physical activity and creativity.
Final Lap: Which Mario Kart Game Will You Choose?
Ultimately, the best Mario Kart game for you depends on your personal preferences and what you're looking for in a gaming experience. Mario Kart 8 Deluxe is the king of content, offering a massive amount of tracks, characters, and game modes. It's the perfect choice if you want a deep and replayable racing game that you can play anytime, anywhere. On the other hand, Mario Kart Live: Home Circuit is a truly unique and innovative experience that brings the thrill of Mario Kart into the real world. It's a fantastic option if you want a game that encourages creativity, physical activity, and social interaction. No matter which game you choose, you're in for a wild and fun ride. So, buckle up, grab your controller, and get ready to experience the thrill of Mario Kart on your Nintendo Switch! Happy racing, guys!