Mario Kart 8 Deluxe: All Expansion Pack Tracks Ranked!
Hey everyone! If you're anything like me, you've been glued to Mario Kart 8 Deluxe since it dropped on the Switch. And when the Expansion Pack started adding a ton of new tracks, well, let's just say my free time disappeared! So, I've spent a ridiculous amount of hours racing, drifting, and throwing shells to bring you the definitive ranking of all the Mario Kart 8 Deluxe Expansion Pack tracks. I'll break down the tracks, considering their layout, nostalgia factor, music, and overall fun. Get ready to rev your engines because we're about to dive deep into the world of Mario Kart 8 Deluxe! Buckle up, guys; this is going to be a wild ride!
Wave 1: A Promising Start
Wave 1 kicked off the Expansion Pack with a bang, bringing back some classic tracks and introducing some fresh new courses. It set the stage for what was to come, and honestly, it delivered some solid tracks. Let's take a closer look at what Wave 1 brought to the table. This set the tone for what the rest of the expansion packs would deliver, showcasing a mix of familiar favorites and exciting new experiences. It's a testament to the game's enduring appeal that even these older courses feel fresh and exhilarating when played on the Switch. It brought back tracks from previous Mario Kart games and introduced some exciting new courses that made the game even more fun to play. I still have fond memories of the original releases of some of these tracks, and it's awesome to experience them with updated graphics and gameplay mechanics. It was an exciting time for Mario Kart fans, as we all eagerly anticipated the new content and the chance to relive those classic racing moments. This wave set the bar high and let us know that we were in for a treat.
Coconut Mall
Coconut Mall, a returning track from Mario Kart Wii, instantly became a fan favorite. The bustling shopping center environment, complete with the iconic escalators and Shy Guys pushing shopping carts, is a blast to race through. The track is perfectly designed with plenty of opportunities for drifting, boosting, and strategic item usage. There's a lot going on in this track, and it's always fun to navigate the various obstacles and avoid the shopping carts. The lively music adds to the energetic atmosphere, making every race feel like a shopping spree gone wild. The nostalgia factor is high with this one, as many players have fond memories of racing through Coconut Mall on the Wii. The track’s layout is fantastic, providing a perfect blend of straightaways, sharp turns, and interactive elements. Coconut Mall is an excellent choice for races, offering a balance of fun and challenge. This track has earned its spot as one of the best in the expansion pack. This track has always been a fan favorite and is a must-play in the Mario Kart 8 Deluxe Expansion Pack!
Choco Mountain
Choco Mountain, originally from Mario Kart 64, is a nostalgic trip for long-time fans. The track's unique layout, featuring a crumbling mountain and a giant chocolate river, offers a variety of racing experiences. The challenging turns and narrow paths make for exciting races, where every drift and boost counts. It's a fun track with some interesting turns and a few surprises. It's a great example of a classic track that holds up well with modern graphics and gameplay. The updated visuals and improved handling make it a joy to race on, and the music is as catchy as ever. The track is filled with hazards, including falling rocks and a mischievous flock of Pterodactyls, which keeps racers on their toes. Navigating the track's many twists and turns requires skill and strategy. It's a challenging course that rewards precision and skillful driving. Choco Mountain is a fantastic addition to the Mario Kart 8 Deluxe roster and a testament to the enduring appeal of the original game. For a track that's been around for a while, it still holds up incredibly well and provides a fun racing experience.
Toad Circuit
Toad Circuit, a simple yet enjoyable track from Mario Kart 7, is a great addition for casual races. The straightforward layout makes it perfect for beginners while still offering enough challenge to keep experienced players entertained. The colorful visuals and upbeat music create a cheerful atmosphere, making every race a fun experience. The track’s design is clean and easy to navigate, with wide turns and clear pathways. It's a great choice for players of all skill levels, and it’s a perfect track to introduce new players to the game. It’s easy to pick up and play, and it’s a track that anyone can enjoy. This track is a great reminder that simple tracks can still be super fun. Toad Circuit isn’t the most complex track in the game, but it’s a fun and enjoyable addition to the Mario Kart 8 Deluxe Expansion Pack. The track’s design is clean and easy to navigate, with wide turns and clear pathways, making it a great choice for players of all skill levels. The track isn't overly complicated, making it a good choice for casual races or for introducing new players to the game. It's a solid track that serves its purpose well.
Other Wave 1 Tracks
Wave 1 also included Paris Promenade, Tokyo Blur, Kouala Lumpur, and Sky Garden. These tracks provide a diverse range of environments and racing experiences, adding even more fun to the game. They offer a mix of familiar and new challenges, keeping the gameplay fresh and exciting.
Wave 2: Building on the Momentum
Wave 2 kept the excitement going with another set of fantastic tracks, further solidifying the Expansion Pack's value. This wave delivered more of what players loved: a mix of classic tracks and fresh new courses, all with the polished visuals and gameplay of Mario Kart 8 Deluxe. It was another round of great tracks that added to the game's overall appeal. This wave showed that Nintendo was dedicated to providing a continuous stream of fun for Mario Kart fans. Let’s take a look.
Mushroom Gorge
Mushroom Gorge, originally from Mario Kart Wii, is a blast to race on. The bouncy mushrooms and challenging shortcuts make every race a thrilling experience. The track’s unique layout and interactive elements keep players engaged and entertained. It's a fantastic track that offers a lot of replay value. The bouncy mushrooms offer unique opportunities for shortcuts and boosts, adding a layer of strategy to the race. The visuals are stunning, with vibrant colors and detailed environments. The music is catchy and energetic, matching the track's fast-paced action. Mushroom Gorge is a standout track in the Expansion Pack, offering a perfect blend of challenge and fun. This track is an absolute classic, and its inclusion in the expansion pack is a major win for fans. It's a perfect example of a track that combines challenging gameplay with a fun and engaging environment.
Waluigi Pinball
Waluigi Pinball from Mario Kart DS is an instant favorite. The pinball-themed track is packed with ramps, bumpers, and vibrant colors. The unique theme and exciting gameplay make it a must-play course. This track is visually stunning and incredibly fun to race on. The pinball machine theme is creatively implemented, with ramps, bumpers, and other pinball elements that add a unique twist to the racing experience. The track design is well-thought-out, providing plenty of opportunities for skillful driving and item usage. The dynamic environment keeps players engaged and entertained throughout the race. Waluigi Pinball is a shining example of creative track design and a standout addition to the Mario Kart 8 Deluxe Expansion Pack. This is one of those tracks you just have to experience for yourself; it's that good.
Kalimari Desert
Kalimari Desert, from Mario Kart 64, is another great addition to the Expansion Pack. The familiar desert environment and train crossing add a nostalgic charm. This track is a classic for a reason, offering a great mix of straightforward racing and exciting challenges. It is easy to see why it's a fan favorite. The desert environment is beautifully rendered, with detailed textures and vibrant colors. The train adds an exciting element to the race, forcing players to time their movements carefully. Kalimari Desert is a classic track that holds up well with the updated graphics and gameplay mechanics of Mario Kart 8 Deluxe. It's a fun and engaging experience for players of all skill levels. The track's simple design and enjoyable layout make it a perfect choice for casual races. The train crossing adds a unique element, keeping players on their toes.
Other Wave 2 Tracks
Wave 2 also included New York Minute, Sydney Sprint, Snow Land, and Mario Circuit 3. These tracks add more variety and excitement to the game, ensuring that every race is a new adventure.
Wave 3: Continuing the Excellence
Wave 3 continued the trend of excellent additions to the Mario Kart 8 Deluxe Expansion Pack. It maintained the high quality set by the previous waves, bringing in more exciting tracks and experiences for players to enjoy. It has kept the content fresh and exciting, and I am here for it. Let’s dive in.
Merry Mountain
Merry Mountain is a holiday-themed track that provides a cheerful and festive racing experience. It is a fantastic addition, with its detailed visuals and unique layout. It is a great track with a fun theme that makes every race feel special. The track features a mix of tight turns and open areas, providing a balanced racing experience. The visuals are stunning, with detailed environments and vibrant colors. The music is upbeat and cheerful, matching the track's festive theme. Merry Mountain is a standout track in the Expansion Pack, offering a perfect blend of challenge and fun. This track always brings a smile to my face, with its cheerful atmosphere and engaging gameplay. It's a great example of how a well-designed track can create a truly immersive experience.
Peach's Castle
Peach's Castle, from Mario Kart DS, is a welcome return to a classic setting. The intricate castle layout and familiar environment provide a nostalgic racing experience. This track is visually stunning and incredibly fun to race on. The castle's layout is intricately designed, offering a variety of racing experiences. The challenging turns and shortcuts make every race a thrilling adventure. Peach's Castle is a shining example of creative track design and a standout addition to the Mario Kart 8 Deluxe Expansion Pack. It’s a great choice for competitive races. The track's design is well-thought-out, providing plenty of opportunities for skillful driving and item usage. The dynamic environment keeps players engaged and entertained throughout the race. It’s always fun to race in such a classic environment.
Rainbow Road
Rainbow Road, from Mario Kart 7, is a stunning addition to the Expansion Pack. The iconic track features vibrant colors, challenging turns, and a breathtaking atmosphere. It is one of the most exciting and visually impressive tracks in the game. This track offers a challenging yet rewarding experience. The visuals are stunning, with vibrant colors and detailed environments. The music is catchy and energetic, matching the track's fast-paced action. Rainbow Road is a standout track in the Expansion Pack, offering a perfect blend of challenge and fun. The track provides a perfect mix of thrills and stunning visuals. It's a track that players will enjoy racing on again and again.
Other Wave 3 Tracks
Wave 3 also included Berlin Byways, Boo Lake, Rock Rock Mountain, and London Loop. These tracks provide a diverse range of environments and racing experiences, adding even more fun to the game.
Wave 4: Reaching New Heights
Wave 4 of the Expansion Pack brought even more excitement with some incredible tracks. This wave continued the trend of adding high-quality content to the game. It’s a wave that truly elevates the racing experience to a whole new level. Let's delve into what this wave had to offer.
Yoshi's Island
Yoshi's Island from Mario Kart DS, is a beautiful track with vibrant visuals and a fun layout. It is a must-play track for any fan of the series. The track design features challenging turns and shortcuts, perfect for strategic racing. The track is packed with detail, making it a joy to race through. The music is also fantastic. This track offers a perfect blend of nostalgia and fresh gameplay. This track is visually appealing, making every race a joy. The track's design is well-thought-out, providing plenty of opportunities for skillful driving and item usage. Yoshi's Island is a shining example of creative track design and a standout addition to the Mario Kart 8 Deluxe Expansion Pack!
Singapore Speedway
Singapore Speedway offers a thrilling racing experience with its high-speed turns and vibrant cityscapes. It's a fantastic addition, with its detailed visuals and unique layout. The track is packed with detail, making it a joy to race through. The music is also fantastic. This track is visually appealing, making every race a joy. The track's design is well-thought-out, providing plenty of opportunities for skillful driving and item usage. Singapore Speedway is a shining example of creative track design and a standout addition to the Mario Kart 8 Deluxe Expansion Pack!
Amsterdam Drift
Amsterdam Drift is a fantastic track that offers a blend of tight turns and scenic views. It's a great track with a fun theme that makes every race feel special. The track features a mix of tight turns and open areas, providing a balanced racing experience. The visuals are stunning, with detailed environments and vibrant colors. The music is upbeat and cheerful, matching the track's festive theme. Amsterdam Drift is a standout track in the Expansion Pack, offering a perfect blend of challenge and fun. This track always brings a smile to my face, with its cheerful atmosphere and engaging gameplay. It's a great example of how a well-designed track can create a truly immersive experience.
Other Wave 4 Tracks
Wave 4 also included Bangkok Rush, Mario Circuit, DK Mountain, and Riverside Park. These tracks provide a diverse range of environments and racing experiences, adding even more fun to the game.
Wave 5: Still Going Strong!
Wave 5 brought even more awesome tracks to Mario Kart 8 Deluxe, continuing the tradition of great additions. The new courses offered exciting and varied racing experiences, keeping the game fun and engaging. Let's explore what Wave 5 had to offer.
Los Angeles Laps
Los Angeles Laps offers a thrilling racing experience with its high-speed turns and vibrant cityscapes. It's a fantastic addition, with its detailed visuals and unique layout. The track is packed with detail, making it a joy to race through. The music is also fantastic. This track is visually appealing, making every race a joy. The track's design is well-thought-out, providing plenty of opportunities for skillful driving and item usage. Los Angeles Laps is a shining example of creative track design and a standout addition to the Mario Kart 8 Deluxe Expansion Pack!
Moonview Highway
Moonview Highway provides a nostalgic racing experience, bringing back familiar elements in a visually stunning environment. It's a track that feels both classic and fresh at the same time. The track’s layout is fantastic, providing a perfect blend of straightaways, sharp turns, and interactive elements. Moonview Highway is an excellent choice for races, offering a balance of fun and challenge. This track has earned its spot as one of the best in the expansion pack. This track has always been a fan favorite and is a must-play in the Mario Kart 8 Deluxe Expansion Pack!
Squeaky Clean Sprint
Squeaky Clean Sprint is a whimsical track, with a unique theme and charming design. It's a track that feels both classic and fresh at the same time. The track’s layout is fantastic, providing a perfect blend of straightaways, sharp turns, and interactive elements. Squeaky Clean Sprint is an excellent choice for races, offering a balance of fun and challenge. This track has earned its spot as one of the best in the expansion pack. This track has always been a fan favorite and is a must-play in the Mario Kart 8 Deluxe Expansion Pack!
Other Wave 5 Tracks
Wave 5 also included Athens Dash, Daisy Circuit, Koopa Cape, and Vancouver Velocity. These tracks provide a diverse range of environments and racing experiences, adding even more fun to the game.
The Expansion Pack: Worth It?
So, is the Mario Kart 8 Deluxe Expansion Pack worth it? Absolutely, yes! The sheer amount of new content, combined with the quality of the tracks, makes it a must-have for any Mario Kart fan. The new tracks breathe new life into an already fantastic game, offering hours of fun for both casual and competitive players. The variety in track design, from the classic remakes to the new creations, ensures that there's something for everyone. Whether you're a seasoned racer or a newcomer, the Expansion Pack is guaranteed to provide endless entertainment. I highly recommend it!
Conclusion: Start Your Engines!
That's a wrap, guys! We've covered all the Mario Kart 8 Deluxe Expansion Pack tracks, from the classics to the newcomers. It's been an amazing ride through all the amazing tracks that the expansion pack has to offer. So, grab your friends, pick your favorite character, and get ready to race! The Expansion Pack has added so much content to an already great game. Now, get out there and start racing! See you on the track!