The latest Mario Kart game will come to Nintendo's latest gaming console, the Switch. It's going to be called Mario Kart 8 Deluxe, and reports say that it will feature better visuals than the Wii U version.
Mario Kart 8 Deluxe Resolution And Frame Rate
Unlike the Wii U, where Mario Kart outputted a maximum of 720p, Mario Kart 8 Deluxe will run at a native resolution of 1080p — if the console is nestled on its dock, that is.
When users switch to portable mode, the game's resolution will drop to 720p, which is the same resolution as the Switch's capacitive touch screen display. But no matter how gamers choose to play the game, Mario Kart 8 Deluxe will run 60 frames per second.
Previous rumors have already expected a similar configuration: that the console outputs a higher resolution when docked. Now that it's confirmed, however, it's safe to say that at the very least, the Switch is much more capable than the Wii U in terms of graphical performance — meaning Nintendo should find no trouble in bringing over titles that pack gorgeous visuals.
Mario Kart is one of Nintendo's most important Mario franchise branch-outs, often selling close to, if not more than, mainline Mario platformers. Because it's a racing game at its core, Mario Kart appeals to casual gamers; and because it's Mario-themed, Mario Kart appeals to fans of Nintendo. It's basically a win-win for the company, and gamers who plan to net themselves a Switch but haven't played Mario Kart 8 may see Deluxe as the perfect opportunity to finally get to play the title.
In addition to better visuals, Mario Kart 8 Deluxe is bringing over a beloved feature: the battle mode, in which racers outmaneuver opponents using items, pulling all stops to take them out in various arenas. New racers are also in tow, such as the Inklings from Splatoon, an original Nintendo splat-shooter.
Some Other Nintendo Switch Titles
Launching with the Switch is a game called 1-2-Switch, a tabletop game that lets users literally compete face-to-face in various minigames. Many note it as the Switch's own Wii Sports, or the game that will spearhead and showcase the console's gimmick. It doesn't come cheap, though, and many are lamenting its $50 price tag, saying that Nintendo should have made it a pack-in game instead, like Wii Sports.
On a brighter note, Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild, having been constantly mired by a shaky release date, has finally been confirmed to be a launch title for the Switch, swatting previous rumors of development delays.
Nintendo Switch Pricing And Availability
The Switch was revealed late October to much fanfare. To date, it has racked up 24 million views on YouTube, the most viewed video on Nintendo's YouTube channel. A more detailed look at the console happened Thursday, giving those tuned in a glimpse at the technology behind the Joy-Con controllers, launch games and titles still in development.
Mario Kart 8 Deluxe comes out April 28.
The Nintendo Switch will retail for $299, hitting shelves March 3, which is quite earlier than the speculated March 17 release. Here's how to preorder the console.
