A free Mario Kart 8 Deluxe update added eight-player split-screen, but the feature is limited to play on a single Nintendo Switch 2 system rather than the original Switch.
Mostly True
A free update for Mario Kart 8 Deluxe added support for eight-player split-screen multiplayer.
Free update now available for Mario Kart 8 Deluxe
Source: nintendo.com
At a glance
Verified September 2, 2026Key Evidence
Nintendo says the free update enables split-screen racing for up to eight players on one Nintendo Switch 2 system.
Independent reports from IGN, Polygon and Press-Start also describe eight-player split-screen as a Switch 2 feature.
The claim omits the important platform restriction: the feature is not presented as an eight-player mode for the original Nintendo Switch.
The reporting
What the Evidence Shows
Nintendo’s official announcement confirms that the free update allows up to eight people to race in split-screen when using one Nintendo Switch 2 system and enough controllers. The update also adds Switch 2 display support and sharper visuals.nintendo.comnintendo.comFree update now available for Mario Kart 8 Deluxe
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