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'''Mario Kart 8''' is an upcoming [[Wii U]] [[Mario Kart series|Mario Kart]] game.
{{FA}}
{{about|the original [[Wii U]] version of Mario Kart 8|the [[Nintendo Switch]] [[Reissue#Ports|port]] of this game|[[Mario Kart 8 Deluxe]]}}
{{game infobox
|image=[[File:MK8 NA Box Art.jpg|250px]]
|developer=[[Nintendo Entertainment Analysis and Development|Nintendo EAD]]<br>[[Bandai Namco Entertainment|Namco Bandai Holdings]]<ref>Ward, Jamie (May 28, 2014). [https://www.nintendoenthusiast.com/2014/05/28/namco-bandai-credited-mario-kart-8/ Namco Bandai Credited On Mario Kart 8]. ''Nintendo Enthusiast''. Retrieved May 29, 2014.</ref><ref name=BAMCO>[https://www.bandainamcostudios.com/en/products/ List of products from Bandai Namco Studios]. Retrieved November 11, 2019.</ref>|publisher=[[Nintendo]]
|release={{release|Japan|May 29, 2014|Mexico|May 29, 2014<ref>[https://www.levelup.com/Wii-U/juegos/47790/Mario-Kart-8 Mario Kart 8 para Wii U]. ''LevelUp''.</ref>|USA|May 30, 2014<ref>[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BdQg43n2OaM]</ref>|Europe|May 30, 2014<ref>[http://www.youtube.com/watch?fv=IHumxTD5Zr8]</ref>|Australia|May 31, 2014<ref>http://www.nintendo.com.au/index.php?action=news&form_name=monthly&month=February-2014&pageID=6</ref>}}
|languages={{languages|en_us=y|en_gb=y|fr_fr=y|fr_ca=y|es_es=y|es_latam=y|de=y|it=y|nl=y|ru=y|pt_pt=y|jp=y}}
|genre=[[Mario Kart (series)|Racing]]
|modes=Single player<br>Multiplayer (2-4 players local, 2-12 players online)
|ratings={{ratings|esrb=e|pegi=3|usk=0|acb=g|cero=A|dejus=L}}
|platforms=[[Wii U]]
|media={{media|wiiu=1|wiiudl=1}}
|input={{input|wiiu=1|wiiununchuk=1|wiiuclassic=1|wiiusideways=1|wiiuwheel=1|wiiupro=1}}
}}
'''''Mario Kart 8''''' is a racing game for the [[Wii U]] developed primarily by [[Nintendo Entertainment Analysis and Development|Nintendo EAD]], with [[Bandai Namco Entertainment|Namco Bandai Holdings]] assisting. It is the eighth console installment in the [[Mario Kart (series)|''Mario Kart'' series]] (hence the game's name). This installment is the follow-up game of the [[Nintendo 3DS]] title ''[[Mario Kart 7]]''. Like other Nintendo 3DS and Wii U games, this game can be purchased both physically at retail and could be purchased digitally through the [[Nintendo eShop]] until March 27, 2023, with the digital version requiring 4949.8 MB (approx. 4.83 GB) of memory to be installed. The game was released on the last three days of May 2014 worldwide.
 
A prominent new addition is [[anti-gravity]], allowing players to drive on almost any surface. Elements from ''[[Mario Kart Wii]]'' and ''Mario Kart 7'' are reused, such as 12-racer fields, [[Bike|bikes]] and 2-Player online from ''Mario Kart Wii''; and gliding, [[underwater driving]], and kart customizing from ''Mario Kart 7''. In addition, [[All-Terrain Vehicle|ATVs]] join the returning [[kart]]s and bikes as a new class of vehicle. The game also features more detail in courses, specifically retro tracks, which appear more redesigned than their original appearances. The game is also the best-selling title for the Wii U, selling 8 million copies as of September 30, 2016, surpassing sales of both ''[[Mario Kart: Super Circuit]]'' and ''[[Mario Kart: Double Dash!!]]''.
 
On November 7, 2017, Nintendo terminated the [[Miiverse]] service, which made it no longer possible for players to use this game's Miiverse stamps, upload highlight reels onto {{wp|YouTube}}, and create new online tournaments. On April 8, 2024, Nintendo terminated the [[Nintendo Network]] service, which made it no longer possible for players to play the game online and attend the pre-existing online tournaments.<ref name=Shutdown> {{cite|author=@NintendoAmerica|date=October 4, 2023|title=As of early April 2024, online play and other functionality that uses online communication will end service for Nintendo 3DS and Wii U software. Thank you very much for your continued support of our products.|url=https://twitter.com/NintendoAmerica/status/1709418623566020975|publisher=Twitter|accessdate=February 17, 2024}}</ref><ref name=ShutdownUpdate> {{cite|author=@NintendoAmerica|date=January 23, 2024|title=Update: as of 4/8, online play and other functionality that uses online communication will end service for Nintendo 3DS and Wii U software. Thank you very much for your continued support of our products.|url=https://twitter.com/NintendoAmerica/status/1749963072998166670|publisher=Twitter|accessdate=February 17, 2024}}</ref>
 
A [[Nintendo Switch]] port titled ''[[Mario Kart 8 Deluxe]]'' was released in 2017, which retains much of this game's base and downloadable content while adding other new content.
 
==Gameplay==
[[File:MK8 Prerelease Mario Circuit Mario.png|thumb|left|Mario demonstrating the anti-gravity mechanic in [[Mario Circuit (Mario Kart 8)|Mario Circuit]].]]
The gameplay maintains the traditional elements of previous ''Mario Kart'' games, mostly from the two recent installments on the [[Wii]] and Nintendo 3DS respectively. Players pick a character of three weight classes and drive vehicles of varying stats, strengths, and weaknesses around an obstacle course-like racetrack, in an attempt to finish first of the twelve racers, the number of racers used in ''[[Mario Kart Wii]]''.<ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20130614165552/http://e3.nintendo.com/games/detail/mario-kart-8/ ''Mario Kart 8'' at E3 2013]</ref> During the race, racers can pick up [[item]]s from [[Item Box]]es, where the probability of receiving items is dependent on the racers' distance from the frontrunner<ref name=items>Mister Wu (April 18, 2015). [https://web.archive.org/web/20180710173654/https://forums.mkboards.com/threads/a-look-at-the-item-system.14910/ A look at the item system]. ''MKBoards''. Retrieved December 9, 2015.</ref>; for example, first place typically receives defense items such as [[Banana]]s and [[Green Shell]]s, while racers at intermediate distance from the lead receive more powerful offense items such as [[Triple Red Shells]] and [[Fire Flower]]s and racers far from the lead receive items that lead to an increase in speed or the possibility of going off-road without losing speed, such as the [[Super Star#Mario Kart series|Super Star]] or [[Bullet Bill]], to help compensate their distance. Players receive an amount of points depending on the position they end up with. Whichever player has the most amount of points wins the entire race.
 
Karts, which feature similar designs from ''[[Mario Kart 7]]'', can be customized once again, alongside the returning bikes, which handle similar to the karts now and can only perform a wheelie via a boost, and the newly introduced ATVs. The hang-glider and underwater mechanics also return from ''Mario Kart 7'', as well as [[Coin]]s, with the player being able to collect up to ten in one race, and automatic drifting activated by steering in a direction for a certain amount of time, with a turning capability that, unless a Wii Remote without motion controls is used, matches the one while drifting (and even surpasses that in the case of sport bikes)<ref name=angvel/>, with the ability to slowly charge Mini-Turbo and Super Mini-Turbo boosts, added in this game.<ref>Mister Wu's raw Mario Kart data (December 2, 2015).[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OjerQ1zy2oc MK8 - angular velocity test part 5: autodrifting - outward drifting vehicles]. ''YouTube''. Retrieved January 29, 2016.</ref> [[Jump Boost]]s and the ability to look behind also return in this game.
 
A feature introduced to the series in this game is [[anti-gravity]] segments that not only allow for more dynamic track design, but also for racers to drive across walls, ceilings, and other seemingly unusual places. When in anti-gravity, if a racer bumps into another racer, the kart spins rather than just bumping and both racers receive a speed boost. This is called a "[[Spin Boost]]".
 
Two types of bikes return: '''[[standard bike (vehicle class)|standard bike]]s''', that perform regular drifts, and '''[[Sport bike (vehicle class)|sport bikes]]''', that lean toward the inside of the turn instead of drifting.<ref>Musa, Alexander (May 30, 2014). "''There are actually two sub-categories of bike: standard and sport. Standard bikes drift similarly to every other body type. Sport bikes more or less commit to the turn during a drift, sharply cutting in the direction of the turn.''" ''Mario Kart 8'' PRIMA Official Game Guide. Page 28. ''Prima Games''. Retrieved December 22, 2017.</ref> While leaning instead of drifting, sport bikes lose less speed,<ref>Mister Wu (July 4, 2016). [https://web.archive.org/web/20181021014522/https://forums.mkboards.com/threads/outward-drifting-vehicles-gradually-reach-a-lower-speed-while-drifting.25757/ Outward drifting vehicles gradually reach a lower speed while drifting]. ''MKBoards Forums''. Retrieved january 25, 2017.</ref> but have a lower turning capability with respect to outside drifting vehicles, this being a feature seen in ''Mario Kart Wii'' as well.<ref name=angvel>Mister Wu (December 8, 2015). [https://web.archive.org/web/20181021013852/https://forums.mkboards.com/threads/angular-velocity-in-steady-state-drifting-and-autodrifting.21115/ Angular velocity in steady-state drifting and autodrifting]. ''MKBoards Forums''. Retrieved January 29, 2016.</ref><ref>[http://wiki.tockdom.com/wiki/Mario_Kart_Wii A transcription of the Actual in-game stats]. Please note how inside drifting bikes always have a lower ''Drift - Manual'' and ''Drift - Auto'' values range than that of the karts. ''Custom Mario Kart Wiiki''. Retrieved January 26, 2015.</ref>
 
The game also features Wii U GamePad integration. In addition to the standard Off-TV Play, players also have the option of displaying the course map, and when neither the television gameplay nor the map are being displayed, the GamePad can be used as a horn button. Players have the option to toggle between these features at will.<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AYtzinjKsMA]</ref> The GamePad can also be used to toggle on and off the gyroscopic steering, and in its default display and when displaying the map the GamePad also displays the current rankings.
 
There is also [[Miiverse]] integration, which allows players to share their replay videos and comment on others' videos, in a feature called [[Mario Kart TV]].<ref>http://www.nintendolife.com/news/2013/06/mario_kart_tv_will_allow_you_to_share_your_racing_skills_on_miiverse</ref> Another change is that in 2-player mode, the screen splits vertically instead of horizontally as in the other console ''Mario Kart'' games, a feature that was [[List of Mario Kart 64 pre-release and unused content|originally intended to be in]] ''[[Mario Kart 64]]'' but was removed from the final game. Additionally, if the player falls off the edge of the track, [[Lakitu (Mario Kart referee)|Lakitu]] will pick them up and drop them back on to the track more quickly when compared to how he did this in past installments. This makes glitches involving falling into areas impossible.
 
Point management works similar to ''Mario Kart Wii'', except that racers below 3rd place get an extra point. Also, 6th place is not a losing position. Below is a chart of the point spread comparison between these eight games:
{|align=center class="wikitable" style="margin:auto;text-align:center;max-width:60em"
|-
!colspan="13" style="background:#e0e0e0"|Point Spread Comparisons (GP)
|-
!style="max-width:20em"|
!!style="width:2.5em"|1st
!!style="width:2.5em"|2nd
!!style="width:2.5em"|3rd
!!style="width:2.5em"|4th
!!style="width:2.5em"|5th
!!style="width:2.5em"|6th
!!style="width:2.5em"|7th
!!style="width:2.5em"|8th
!!style="width:2.5em"|9th
!!style="width:2.5em"|10th
!!style="width:2.5em"|11th
!!style="width:2.5em"|12th
|-
|'''''Super Mario Kart''<br>''Mario Kart 64''<br>''Mario Kart: Super Circuit'''''||style="background:#096;color:white;font-weight:bold"|9||style="background:#CF0"|6||style="background:#CF0"|3||style="background:#CF0"|1||0||0||0||0||&mdash;||&mdash;||&mdash;||&mdash;
|-
|'''''Mario Kart: Double Dash!!''<br>''Mario Kart DS'''''||style="background:#096;color:white;font-weight:bold"|10||style="background:#CF0"|8||style="background:#CF0"|6||4||3||2||1||0||&mdash;||&mdash;||&mdash;||&mdash;
|-
|'''''Mario Kart Wii'''''||style="background:#096;color:white;font-weight:bold"|15||style="background:#CF0"|12||style="background:#CF0"|10||style="background:#CF0"|8||style="background:#CF0"|7||6||5||4||3||2||1||0
|-
|'''''Mario Kart 7'''''||style="background:#096;color:white;font-weight:bold"|10||style="background:#CF0"|8||style="background:#CF0"|6||style="background:#CF0"|5||4||3||2||1||&mdash;||&mdash;||&mdash;||&mdash;
|-
|'''''Mario Kart 8'''''||style="background:#096;color:white;font-weight:bold"|15||style="background:#CF0"|12||style="background:#CF0"|10||style="background:#CF0"|9||style="background:#CF0"|8||style="background:#CF0"|7||6||5||4||3||2||1
|-
| colspan=13 style="text-align:justify;font-size:smaller;" | <span style="background:#096;color:white">Grove-green bg signifies victory results (great clapping, character(s) cheering), unique finish music, and best after-race music</span><br><span style="background:#CF0">Yellow-limegreen bg signifies moderate results (mild clapping, moderate character reaction), same music in Wi-Fi as winner (different in ''MKDS'' GP)</span><br>Normal bg signifies losing results, losing music (no clapping, character(s) showing sad expression); - means not available<br>In ''Super Mario Kart'', ''Mario Kart 64'', and ''Mario Kart: Super Circuit'', 5th or worse forces the player to retry the race. If the racer fares this badly four times, the Grand Prix must be started over (except in ''Mario Kart 64'', where the player gets infinite retries). Starting with ''Mario Kart: Double Dash!!'' and continuing to recent installments including this one, the Grand Prix goes forth normally.
|}
 
==Controls==
===Navigating menus===
<center>
{|class="wikitable"style="width:65%; text-align:center"
!rowspan=2 width=20%|Action(s)
|-
!width=25%|Wii U GamePad<br>Wii U Pro Controller<br>Wii Classic Controller Pro<br>Wii Classic Controller
!width=25%|Wii Remote + Nunchuk
!width=25%|Wii Remote (sideways)<br>Wii Wheel
|-
|Select
|{{button|wii|CCStickL}} / {{button|wiiu|Pad}}
|{{button|wii|Stick}}
|{{button|wii|Pad}}
|-
|Confirm
|{{button|wiiu|A}}
|{{button|wiiu|A}}
|{{button|wii|2}}
|-
|Cancel
|{{button|wiiu|B}}
|{{button|wiiu|B}}
|{{button|wii|1}}
|}
</center>
 
===Racing===
<center>
{|class="wikitable" style="width:65%; text-align:center"
!rowspan=2 width=20%|Action(s)
|-
!width=25%|Wii U GamePad
!width=25%|Wii U Pro Controller<br>Wii Classic Controller Pro<br>Wii Classic Controller
!width=25%|Wii Remote + Nunchuk
!width=25%|Wii Remote (sideways)<br>Wii Wheel
|-
|Accelerate / [[Rocket Start]] (press and hold when the countdown shows '''2''' before the race starts)
|{{button|wiiu|A}} / {{button|wiiu|Y}} / {{button|wii|CCStickR}} (tilt forward)
|{{button|wiiu|A}} / {{button|wiiu|Y}} / {{button|wii|CCStickR}} (tilt forward)
|{{button|wii|A}}
|{{button|wii|2}}
|-
|Brake/reverse
|{{button|wiiu|B}} / {{button|wii|CCStickR}} (tilt back)
|{{button|wiiu|B}} / {{button|wii|CCStickR}} (tilt back)
|{{button|wii|B}}
|{{button|wii|1}}
|-
|Steer
|{{button|wii|CCStickL}} / {{button|wiiu|Pad}} (both on stick/pad controls) / Tilt {{button|wiiu|GamePad}} (tilt controls)
|{{button|wii|CCStickL}} / {{button|wiiu|Pad}}
|{{button|wii|Stick}}
|Tilt Wii Remote (tilt controls) / {{button|wii|pad}} (pad controls)
|-
|[[Hop (move)|Hop]] / [[drift]]
|{{button|wiiu|ZR}} / {{button|wiiu|R}}
|{{button|wiiu|ZR}} / {{button|wiiu|R}}
|{{button|wii|B}} / {{button|wii|1}}
|{{button|wii|B}} / {{button|wii|1}}
|-
|[[Trick]]
|{{button|wiiu|ZR}} / {{button|wiiu|R}}
|{{button|wiiu|ZR}} / {{button|wiiu|R}}
|{{button|wii|B}} / Flick Wii Remote / {{button|wii|1}}
|{{button|wii|B}} / Flick Wii Remote / {{button|wii|1}}
|-
|Use item / stop item roulette / honk
|{{button|wiiu|ZL}} / {{Button|wiiu|L}}
|{{button|wiiu|ZL}} / {{Button|wiiu|L}}
|{{button|wii|Z}}
|{{button|wii|Pad}} (tilt controls) / {{button|wii|B}} (pad controls)
|-
|Pause / Resume
|{{button|wiiu|plus}}
|{{button|wiiu|plus}}
|{{button|wiiu|plus}}
|{{button|wiiu|plus}}
|-
|Display/remove TV Map
|{{button|wiiu|minus}}
|{{button|wiiu|minus}}
|{{button|wiiu|minus}}
|{{button|wiiu|minus}}
|-
|Home Menu
|{{button|wiiu|Home}}
|{{button|wiiu|Home}}
|{{button|wiiu|Home}}
|{{button|wiiu|Home}}
|-
|Rear view
|{{button|wiiu|X}}
|{{button|wiiu|X}}
|{{button|wii|C}}
|{{button|wii|A}}
|-
|}
</center>
 
==Game modes==
There are various game modes for ''Mario Kart 8''. All modes available on single player (some also on local and online multiplayer) are listed here.
===Grand Prix===
[[File:ElectrodromeGlidingSecond.png|thumb|upright=1.1|[[Baby Luigi]] participating in a Grand Prix Race.]]
''Mario Kart 8''{{'}}s Grand Prix works similar to past installments. Like past games the 50cc, 100cc, and 150cc engine classes are available by default, and completing 150cc unlocks Mirror; for the former three, however, Grand Prix rankings carry over to the lower engine classes after being completed on a higher engine class. In addition, and for the first time in the series, a 200cc engine class has been added as of the version 4.0 update, which is available by default alongside Mirror as of version 4.1. Players choose a cup, which takes them through four consecutive races of set order in that cup. Only the Mushroom and Shell Cups (and the DLC cups) are available at the start of the game, with the others being unlocked after completing the cup before, and are available in every engine class after being unlocked. Players now have the option to do a multiplayer Grand Prix up to four players, unlike in most previous home console ''Mario Kart'' games, where only up to two players can race in Grand Prix.
{{br}}
 
===Time Trials===
[[File:MK8 Twisted Mansion Rocket Start.jpg|thumb|left|upright=1.1|Mario begins his Time Trial run at Twisted Mansion.]]
Time Trial mode lets the player complete a selected course in the fastest time possible. Among the other features, in addition to viewing [[Ghost (Mario Kart series)|ghost data]], players can upload their own ghost data onto Miiverse, which other players can download and comment on. In addition, beating one of Nintendo's Staff Ghosts in a race earns the player a stamp based on the course they raced on which they can use in Miiverse posts. Leaderboards as seen in ''[[Mario Kart Wii]]'' also return.
{{br}}
 
===VS Race===
[[File:MK8 Multiplayer Race.jpg|thumb|Four Miis in a multiplayer race on [[N64 Rainbow Road]].]]
VS mode can be played locally with up to four players. Players can set rules such as which items appear, the difficulty level of the CPUs, how many races to play, and whether to race on a Team or race Solo. Players can also set how the courses appear, choose a course after one is finished, or play all tracks randomly or in order. In this game, Mirror Mode appears as a default engine class, even if it isn't unlocked in Grand Prix. The point system is the same as the Grand Prix.
 
===Battle===
[[File:MK8 Battle Mode.png|thumb|left|upright=1.1|A team battle.]]
Battle mode now features race tracks remixed to fit battle mode rather than containing all-new separate arenas. Balloon Battle can be played in teams or in free-for-all mode. It combines survival battle mode from ''[[Mario Kart DS]]'' and earlier installments and the timed points battle mode introduced in ''[[Mario Kart Wii]]''; all players start with three points and three balloons each. Successfully making an opponent lose a balloon awards the player a point, and losing a balloon through any method will cause the player to lose a point. Balloons can never be regained (unless one is stolen from another player with a [[Dash Mushroom|Mushroom]] or a [[Super Star]]), and if all balloons are lost, points can no longer be lost or gained. Defeated players can still drive and attack players as a [[Ghost (Mario Kart series)|Ghost]], although they cannot receive points. Players can also now adjust the time limit from one to five minutes, and they can set up to 32 rounds in set intervals.
{{br}}
 
===Online===
[[File:MK8 Online Menu.jpg|thumb|upright=1.4|Main menu for the Online mode.]]
As with ''Mario Kart Wii'', one or two local players can play over the Internet against other remote players. Players can race and battle with up to eleven other players from around the world or in their region, and can join and race with friends from the Friends menu. Finally, players are able to join a worldwide room using custom rules. Players can also set up their own rooms for friends and can race with custom rules, such as engine class, whether items are on or off, vehicle types available, control method, whether to play with computer players or not. As of version 3.0, players can also toggle whether they want to play on just the original 32 courses, the original courses and one of the two sets of DLC courses, or every available course by pressing {{button|wiiu|plus}} after selecting Worldwide or Regional,<ref>http://venturebeat.com/2014/11/06/heres-how-mario-kart-8s-downloadable-content-works-online/</ref> as well as when setting up a room for friends. When playing online worldwide or regional, players once again earn VR points based upon their ranking at the end of a race or battle like in ''Mario Kart Wii'' and ''Mario Kart 7''; like in ''Mario Kart 7'' a player's VR starts at 1000, though like ''Mario Kart Wii'' players have different VR rankings for races and battles. Between 1000 and over 4000 VR when playing Worldwide or Regional VS. Race, players race at 100cc, and starting at over 5000 VR, players race at 150cc.
 
Players can also create their own tournaments, similar to the communities from ''Mario Kart 7''. When creating a tournament, players can choose an icon and a name for their tournament as well as set the rules, including engine class, whether to play in teams or not, whether to have items or not, vehicle types, whether there are computer players or not, and, as of version 3.0, available courses (the original 32 courses, every course including DLC courses, just the DLC courses, or, as of version 4.0, the original courses and one of the DLC packs). Players can also set times in which the tournament is available (weekly, daily, or between a fixed period and at what day and time the tournament begins and ends), the number of races before scores are totaled, and whether the groups shuffle after every four matches or not. Finally, the availability can be set, including whether a code is required, or if it is open to anybody worldwide or regional, and whether only players of certain ratings can play. When looking for a tournament, players can enter a code, search by type, or look at active tournaments. In addition, playing in a tournament that allows the DLC tracks to be selected requires purchasing the DLC before the player can enter.
 
After entering a room, players can choose one of three predetermined tracks or "Random", which chooses one of any of the game's tracks at random if the player's option is ultimately chosen (this is to prevent people from selecting the same course repeatedly). When playing with friends, however, players can select from any of the tracks available depending on the settings. Once every player has selected a track, a roulette selects one of these options as the track to be raced on.
 
The point spreads for 2 to 8 players are identical to that of ''Mario Kart 7''.
{|align=center class="wikitable"style="margin:auto;text-align:center;max-width:60em"
|-
!colspan="13"style="background:#e0e0e0"|Point Spread
|-
!!style="max-width:20em"|Number of Players
!!style="width:2.5em"|1st
!!style="width:2.5em"|2nd
!!style="width:2.5em"|3rd
!!style="width:2.5em"|4th
!!style="width:2.5em"|5th
!!style="width:2.5em"|6th
!!style="width:2.5em"|7th
!!style="width:2.5em"|8th
!!style="width:2.5em"|9th
!!style="width:2.5em"|10th
!!style="width:2.5em"|11th
!!style="width:2.5em"|12th
|-
|'''2 players'''||3||1||&mdash;||&mdash;||&mdash;||&mdash;||&mdash;||&mdash;||&mdash;||&mdash;||&mdash;||&mdash;
|-
|'''3 players'''||4||2||1||&mdash;||&mdash;||&mdash;||&mdash;||&mdash;||&mdash;||&mdash;||&mdash;||&mdash;
|-
|'''4 players'''||5||3||2||1||&mdash;||&mdash;||&mdash;||&mdash;||&mdash;||&mdash;||&mdash;||&mdash;
|-
|'''5 players'''||6||4||3||2||1||&mdash;||&mdash;||&mdash;||&mdash;||&mdash;||&mdash;||&mdash;
|-
|'''6 players'''||7||5||4||3||2||1||&mdash;||&mdash;||&mdash;||&mdash;||&mdash;||&mdash;
|-
|'''7 players'''||9||7||5||4||3||2||1||&mdash;||&mdash;||&mdash;||&mdash;||&mdash;
|-
|'''8 players'''||10||8||6||5||4||3||2||1||&mdash;||&mdash;||&mdash;||&mdash;
|-
|'''9 players'''||11||9||7||6||5||4||3||2||1||&mdash;||&mdash;||&mdash;
|-
|'''10 players'''||12||10||8||7||6||5||4||3||2||1||&mdash;||&mdash;
|-
|'''11 players'''||13||11||9||8||7||6||5||4||3||2||1||&mdash;
|-
|'''12 players'''||15||12||10||9||8||7||6||5||4||3||2||1
|}
 
===Mario Kart TV===
[[File:MK8 Mario Kart TV.jpg|250px|thumb|Mario Kart TV menu.]]
{{main|Mario Kart TV}}
Mario Kart TV is an Internet-based feature in which players can view and share highlights of their and others' race and battle highlights. In the Mario Kart TV menu, the game automatically saves the twelve most recent race and battle replays, and the player can favorite up to six at one time. Players can view and edit theirs and others' replays by changing the duration of the replay and the focus characters and actions and can slow down, speed up, and rewind the replay while watching. Players could also share their highlights on Miiverse and YouTube; only up to 60 seconds of video could be uploaded at one time, however.
{{br}}
 
==Characters==
===Drivers===
[[File:CharSelect-DLC-MK8.jpg|thumb|upright=1.4|The full character select screen, including the downloadable characters.]]
There are 36 total playable characters in ''Mario Kart 8'', consisting of 16 default characters, 14 unlockable characters, and 6 characters obtainable through the game's two downloadable content packs (''[[The Legend of Zelda x Mario Kart 8|The Legend of Zelda × Mario Kart 8]]'' and [[Animal Crossing x Mario Kart 8|''Animal Crossing'' × ''Mario Kart 8'']]), with each pack having three characters.<ref name="VGVideo">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5fEa51c-wJ8c</ref> Including DLC characters, there are 13 new playable characters, being the seven [[Koopalings]], [[Baby Rosalina]], [[Pink Gold Peach]], [[Cat Mario|Cat Peach]], [[Link]], [[Villager]], and [[Isabelle]], with the Koopalings, Baby Rosalina, and Pink Gold Peach making their overall playable debuts, and the latter two also making their overall debut in any game. In addition, [[Shy Guy]], [[Metal Mario]], [[Lakitu]], and [[Tanooki Mario]] are playable in a ''Mario Kart'' game for a home console for the first time, after Shy Guy, Metal Mario, and Lakitu were each previously playable in at least one handheld console installment, and Tanooki Mario was previously playable in ''[[Mario Kart Arcade GP DX]]''.
 
The add-on packs contain three new characters each (see [[Mario Kart 8#Downloadable characters|here]] for more info), but if both are purchased, the player will gain access to eight new colors for Yoshi and Shy Guy as well. Updates have been released that allowed suits to be unlocked by using [[amiibo]], which allow Miis to resemble characters such as [[Samus Aran]] and [[Sonic|Sonic the Hedgehog]].
 
Even though there are a total of nine groups of characters sharing the same statistics, the official site divides the initial 30 characters in three weight classes dependent on the weight of the character: light, medium, and heavy.<ref name="MKBweight">[http://mariokart8.nintendo.com/wiiu/drivers/ ''Drivers'' section of the official North American site of ''Mario Kart 8''].</ref> Unlike other ''Mario Kart'' games (barring the use of glitches), multiple players can use the same characters, both in local and online play.
 
With the discontinuation of digital purchases for Wii U in March 2023, it is no longer possible to buy the downloadable characters, though they can still be downloaded by those who purchased them when they were available.
 
{{br}}
====Starting drivers====
<gallery perrow=4 widths="128px" heights="128px">
MK8 Mario Icon.png|[[Mario]] [[File:MK8 Mario Emblem.png|32px]]<br>'''<span style="color:green">Medium</span>'''
MK8 Luigi Icon.png|[[Luigi]] [[File:MK8 Luigi Emblem.png|32px]]<br>'''<span style="color:green">Medium</span>'''
MK8 Peach Icon.png|[[Princess Peach|Peach]] [[File:MK8 Peach Emblem.png|32px]]<br>'''<span style="color:green">Medium</span>'''
MK8 Daisy Icon.png|[[Princess Daisy|Daisy]] [[File:MK8 Daisy Emblem.png|32px]]<br>'''<span style="color:green">Medium</span>'''
MK8 Yoshi Icon.png|[[Yoshi]] [[File:MK8 Green Yoshi Emblem.png|32px]]<br>'''<span style="color:green">Medium</span>'''
MK8 Toad Icon.png|[[Toad]] [[File:MK8 Toad Emblem.png|32px]]<br>'''<span style="color:dodgerblue">Light</span>'''
MK8 Koopa Icon.png|[[Koopa Troopa]] [[File:MK8 Koopa Troopa Emblem.png|32px]]<br>'''<span style="color:dodgerblue">Light</span>'''
MK8 ShyGuy Icon.png|[[Shy Guy]] [[File:MK8 Shy Guy Emblem.png|32px]]<br>'''<span style="color:dodgerblue">Light</span>'''
MK8 BabyMario Icon.png|[[Baby Mario]] [[File:MK8 Baby Mario Emblem.png|32px]]<br>'''<span style="color:dodgerblue">Light</span>'''
MK8 BabyLuigi Icon.png|[[Baby Luigi]] [[File:MK8 Baby Luigi Emblem.png|32px]]<br>'''<span style="color:dodgerblue">Light</span>'''
MK8 BabyPeach Icon.png|[[Baby Peach]] [[File:MK8 Baby Peach Emblem.png|32px]]<br>'''<span style="color:dodgerblue">Light</span>'''
MK8 BabyDaisy Icon.png||[[Baby Daisy]] [[File:MK8 Baby Daisy Emblem.png|32px]]<br>'''<span style="color:dodgerblue">Light</span>'''
MK8 Bowser Icon.png|[[Bowser]] [[File:MK8 Bowser Emblem.png|32px]]<br>'''<span style="color:red">Heavy</span>'''
MK8 DKong Icon.png|[[Donkey Kong]] [[File:MK8 Donkey Kong Emblem.png|32px]]<br>'''<span style="color:red">Heavy</span>'''
MK8 Wario Icon.png|[[Wario]] [[File:MK8 Wario Emblem.png|32px]]<br>'''<span style="color:red">Heavy</span>'''
MK8 Waluigi Icon.png|[[Waluigi]] [[File:MK8 Waluigi Emblem.png|32px]]<br>'''<span style="color:red">Heavy</span>'''
</gallery>
 
====Unlockable drivers====
<gallery perrow=8 widths="128px" heights="128px">
MK8 Rosalina Icon.png|[[Rosalina]] [[File:MK8 Rosalina Emblem.png|32px]]<br>'''<span style="color:red">Heavy</span>'''
MK8 MMario Icon.png|[[Metal Mario]] [[File:MK8 Metal Mario Emblem.png|32px]]<br>'''<span style="color:red">Heavy</span>'''
MK8 Lakitu Icon.png|[[Lakitu]] [[File:MK8 Lakitu Emblem.png|32px]]<br>'''<span style="color:dodgerblue">Light</span>'''
MK8 Toadette Icon.png|[[Toadette]] [[File:MK8 Toadette Emblem.png|32px]]<br>'''<span style="color:dodgerblue">Light</span>'''
MK8 BabyRosalina Icon.png|[[Baby Rosalina]]** [[File:MK8 Baby Rosalina Emblem.png|32px]]<br>'''<span style="color:dodgerblue">Light</span>'''
MK8 PGPeach Icon.png|[[Pink Gold Peach]]** [[File:MK8 Pink Gold Peach Emblem.png|32px]]<br>'''<span style="color:red">Heavy</span>'''
MK8 Iggy Icon.png|{{Iggy}}* '''[[File:MK8 Iggy Emblem.png|32px]]<br><span style="color:green">Medium</span>'''
MK8 Roy Icon.png|{{Roy}}* [[File:MK8 Roy Emblem.png|32px]]<br>'''<span style="color:red">Heavy</span>'''
MK8 Lemmy Icon.png|{{Lemmy}}* [[File:MK8 Lemmy Emblem.png|32px]]<br>'''<span style="color:dodgerblue">Light</span>'''
MK8 Larry Icon.png|{{Larry}}* [[File:MK8 Larry Emblem.png|32px]]<br>'''<span style="color:dodgerblue">Light</span>'''
MK8 Wendy Icon.png|{{Wendy}}* [[File:MK8 Wendy Emblem.png|32px]]<br>'''<span style="color:dodgerblue">Light</span>'''
MK8 Ludwig Icon.png|{{Ludwig}}* [[File:MK8 Ludwig Emblem.png|32px]]<br>'''<span style="color:green">Medium</span>'''
MK8 Morton Icon.png|{{Morton}}* [[File:MK8 Morton Jr Emblem.png|32px]]<br>'''<span style="color:red">Heavy</span>'''
Mii MK8.png|[[Mii]] [[File:MK8 Mii Emblem.png|32px]]<br>'''Any<sup>***</sup>'''
Mii amiibo MK8.png|[[Mii]] ([[amiibo]] version) [[File:MK8 Mii Emblem.png|32px]]<br>'''Any<sup>***</sup>'''
</gallery>
<small>* - debut as playable character<br>** - ''Mario'' franchise debut<br>*** - Mii's weight is determined by the height and weight of the Mii the player chooses to race as.</small>
 
====Downloadable drivers====
Included in the game's two downloadable content packs (''[[The Legend of Zelda x Mario Kart 8|The Legend of Zelda × Mario Kart 8]]'' and [[Animal Crossing x Mario Kart 8|''Animal Crossing'' × ''Mario Kart 8'']]) are three additional racers, making six total. In addition, by purchasing both packs the player immediately obtains eight new colors for both Yoshi and Shy Guy. The Villager, included with the ''Animal Crossing'' pack, also has both a male and female variant.
 
=====''The Legend of Zelda'' x ''Mario Kart 8''=====
<gallery widths="128px" heights="128px">
MK8 Tanooki Mario Icon.png|[[Tanooki Mario]] [[File:MK8 Tanooki Mario Emblem.png|32px]]<br>'''<span style="color:green">Medium</span>'''
MK8 Cat Peach Icon.png|[[Cat Peach]] [[File:MK8 Cat Peach Emblem.png|32px]]<br>'''<span style="color:green">Medium</span>'''
MK8 Link Icon.png|[[Link]] [[File:MK8 Link Emblem.png|32px]]<br>'''<span style="color:red">Heavy</span>'''
</gallery>
 
=====''Animal Crossing'' x ''Mario Kart 8''=====
<gallery widths="128px" heights="128px">
VillagerMale-Icon-MK8.png|[[Villager]] [[File:MK8 Villager Emblem.png|32px]]<br>'''<span style="color:green">Medium</span>'''
VillagerFemale-Icon-MK8.png|[[Villager]] [[File:MK8 Villager Emblem.png|32px]]<br>'''<span style="color:green">Medium</span>'''
MK8 Isabelle Icon.png|[[Isabelle]] [[File:MK8 Isabelle Emblem.png|32px]]<br>'''<span style="color:dodgerblue">Light</span>'''
MK8 Dry Bowser Icon.png|[[Dry Bowser]] [[File:MK8 Dry Bowser Emblem.png|32px]]<br>'''<span style="color:red">Heavy</span>'''
</gallery>
 
=====Both (color skins)=====
<gallery perrow=8 widths="128px" heights="128px">
MK8 Red Yoshi Icon.png|[[Yoshi (species)|Red Yoshi]] [[File:MK8 Red Yoshi Emblem.png|32px]]<br>'''<span style="color:green">Medium</span>'''
MK8 Blue Yoshi Icon.png|[[Yoshi (species)|Blue Yoshi]] [[File:MK8 Blue Yoshi Emblem.png|32px]]<br>'''<span style="color:green">Medium</span>'''
MK8 Light-Blue Yoshi Icon.png|[[Yoshi (species)|Light-blue Yoshi]] [[File:MK8 Light-Blue Yoshi Emblem.png|32px]]<br>'''<span style="color:green">Medium</span>'''
MK8 Yellow Yoshi Icon.png|[[Yoshi (species)|Yellow Yoshi]] [[File:MK8 Yellow Yoshi Emblem.png|32px]]<br>'''<span style="color:green">Medium</span>'''
MK8 Pink Yoshi Icon.png|[[Yoshi (species)|Pink Yoshi]] [[File:MK8 Pink Yoshi Emblem.png|32px]]<br>'''<span style="color:green">Medium</span>'''
MK8 Black Yoshi Icon.png|[[Yoshi (species)|Black Yoshi]] [[File:MK8 Black Yoshi Emblem.png|32px]]<br>'''<span style="color:green">Medium</span>'''
MK8 White Yoshi Icon.png|[[Yoshi (species)|White Yoshi]] [[File:MK8 White Yoshi Emblem.png|32px]]<br>'''<span style="color:green">Medium</span>'''
MK8 Orange Yoshi Icon.png|[[Yoshi (species)|Orange Yoshi]] [[File:MK8 Orange Yoshi Emblem.png|32px]]<br>'''<span style="color:green">Medium</span>'''
MK8 Green Shy Guy Icon.png|[[Shy Guy|Green Shy Guy]] [[File:MK8 Shy Guy Emblem.png|32px]]<br>'''<span style="color:dodgerblue">Light</span>'''
MK8 Blue Shy Guy Icon.png|[[Shy Guy|Blue Shy Guy]] [[File:MK8 Shy Guy Emblem.png|32px]]<br>'''<span style="color:dodgerblue">Light</span>'''
MK8 Light-Blue Shy Guy Icon.png|[[Shy Guy|Light-blue Shy Guy]] [[File:MK8 Shy Guy Emblem.png|32px]]<br>'''<span style="color:dodgerblue">Light</span>'''
MK8 Yellow Shy Guy Icon.png|[[Shy Guy|Yellow Shy Guy]] [[File:MK8 Shy Guy Emblem.png|32px]]<br>'''<span style="color:dodgerblue">Light</span>'''
MK8 Pink Shy Guy Icon.png|[[Shy Guy|Pink Shy Guy]] [[File:MK8 Shy Guy Emblem.png|32px]]<br>'''<span style="color:dodgerblue">Light</span>'''
MK8 Black Shy Guy Icon.png|[[Black Shy Guy]] [[File:MK8 Shy Guy Emblem.png|32px]]<br>'''<span style="color:dodgerblue">Light</span>'''
MK8 White Shy Guy Icon.png|[[Shy Guy|White Shy Guy]] [[File:MK8 Shy Guy Emblem.png|32px]]<br>'''<span style="color:dodgerblue">Light</span>'''
MK8 Orange Shy Guy Icon.png|[[Shy Guy|Orange Shy Guy]] [[File:MK8 Shy Guy Emblem.png|32px]]<br>'''<span style="color:dodgerblue">Light</span>'''
</gallery>
<small>The CPU drivers do not drive as the different colored [[Yoshi (species)|Yoshi]]s and [[Shy Guy]]s.</small>
 
====Mii Racing Suits====
{|border="1" cellpadding="3" style="background:#f5f5f5;text-align:center;width:1000px;border-collapse:collapse;margin-bottom:35px;"align=center
|-
!colspan="12" style="background:#9c9c9c"|Normal Suits
|-
! colspan=2 width=11% style="background:#dedede"| Red
! colspan=2 width=11% style="background:#dedede"| Orange
! colspan=2 width=11% style="background:#dedede"| Yellow
! colspan=2 width=11% style="background:#dedede"| Light-green
! colspan=2 width=11% style="background:#dedede"| Green
! colspan=2 width=11% style="background:#dedede"| Blue
|- align="center" style="background: #FFFFFF"
| colspan=2 | [[File:MK8 Mii Racing Suit Red.png|70px]]
| colspan=2 | [[File:MK8 Mii Racing Suit Orange.png|70px]]
| colspan=2 | [[File:MK8 Mii Racing Suit Yellow.png|70px]]
| colspan=2 | [[File:MK8 Mii Racing Suit Light Green.png|70px]]
| colspan=2 | [[File:MK8 Mii Racing Suit Green.png|70px]]
| colspan=2 | [[File:MK8 Mii Racing Suit Blue.png|70px]]
|-
! colspan=2 width=11% style="background:#dedede"| Light-blue
! colspan=2 width=11% style="background:#dedede"| Pink
! colspan=2 width=11% style="background:#dedede"| Purple
! colspan=2 width=11% style="background:#dedede"| Brown
! colspan=2 width=11% style="background:#dedede"| White
! colspan=2 width=11% style="background:#dedede"| Black
|- align="center" style="background: #FFFFFF"
| colspan=2 | [[File:MK8 Mii Racing Suit Cyan.png|70px]]
| colspan=2 | [[File:MK8 Mii Racing Suit Pink.png|70px]]
| colspan=2 | [[File:MK8 Mii Racing Suit Purple.png|70px]]
| colspan=2 | [[File:MK8 Mii Racing Suit Brown.png|70px]]
| colspan=2 | [[File:MK8 Mii Racing Suit White.png|70px]]
| colspan=2 | [[File:MK8 Mii Racing Suit Black.png|70px]]
|}
 
{|border="1" cellpadding="3" style="background:#f5f5f5;text-align:center;width:1000px;border-collapse:collapse;margin-bottom:5px;" align=center
|-
!colspan="14" style="background:#9c9c9c"|amiibo Suits <small>(Wave 1)</small> <center><small>(November 13, 2014)</small>
|-
! colspan=2 width=11% style="background:#dedede"| {{color-link|Mario|black|Mario Suit}}
! colspan=2 width=11% style="background:#dedede"| {{color-link|Luigi|black|Luigi Suit}}
! colspan=2 width=11% style="background:#dedede"| {{color-link|Peach|black|Peach Suit}}
! colspan=2 width=11% style="background:#dedede"| {{color-link|Yoshi|black|Yoshi Suit}}
! colspan=2 width=11% style="background:#dedede"| {{color-link|Donkey Kong|black|Donkey Kong Suit}}
|- align="center" style="background: #FFFFFF"
| colspan=2 | [[File:MK8 Mii Racing Suit Mario.png|70px]]
| colspan=2 | [[File:MK8 Mii Racing Suit Luigi.png|70px]]
| colspan=2 | [[File:MK8 Mii Racing Suit Peach.png|70px]]
| colspan=2 | [[File:MK8 Mii Racing Suit Yoshi.png|70px]]
| colspan=2 | [[File:MK8 Mii Racing Suit DK.png|70px]]
|- align="center" style="background: #FFFFFF"
! colspan=2 width=11% style="background:#dedede"| {{color-link|Link|black|Hylian Suit}}
! colspan=2 width=11% style="background:#dedede"| {{color-link|Captain Falcon|black|Captain Falcon Suit}}
! colspan=2 width=11% style="background:#dedede"| {{color-link|Kirby|black|Kirby Suit}}
! colspan=2 width=11% style="background:#dedede"| {{color-link|Samus|black|Varia Suit}}
! colspan=2 width=11% style="background:#dedede"| {{color-link|Fox|black|Fox Suit}}
|- align="center" style="background: #FFFFFF"
| colspan=2 | [[File:MK8 Mii Racing Suit Link.png|70px]]
| colspan=2 | [[File:MK8 Mii Racing Suit Captain Falcon.png|70px]]
| colspan=2 | [[File:MK8 Mii Racing Suit Kirby.png|70px]]
| colspan=2 | [[File:MK8 Mii Racing Suit Samus.png|70px]]
| colspan=2 | [[File:MK8 Mii Racing Suit Fox.png|70px]]
|}
 
 
{|border="1" cellpadding="3" style="background:#f5f5f5;text-align:center;width:1000px;border-collapse:collapse;margin-bottom:5px;" align=center
|-
!colspan="14" style="background:#9c9c9c"|amiibo Suits <small>(Wave 2)</small> <center><small>(April 23, 2015)</small>
|-
|- align="center" style="background: #FFFFFF"
! colspan=2 width=11% style="background:#dedede"| {{color-link|Toad|black|Toad Suit}}
! colspan=2 width=11% style="background:#dedede"| {{color-link|Bowser|black|Bowser Suit}}
! colspan=2 width=11% style="background:#dedede"| {{color-link|Wario|black|Wario Suit}}
|- align="center" style="background: #FFFFFF"
| colspan=2 | [[File:MK8 Mii Racing Suit Toad.png|70px]]
| colspan=2 | [[File:MK8 Mii Racing Suit Bowser.png|70px]]
| colspan=2 | [[File:MK8 Mii Racing Suit Wario.png|70px]]
|-
! colspan=2 width=11% style="background:#dedede"| {{color-link|Rosalina|black|Rosalina Suit}}
! colspan=2 width=11% style="background:#dedede"| {{color-link|Olimar|black|Pikmin Suit}}
! colspan=2 width=11% style="background:#dedede"| {{color-link|Villager|black|Animal Crossing Suit}}
|- align="center" style="background: #FFFFFF"
| colspan=2 | [[File:MK8 Mii Racing Suit Rosalina.png|70px]]
| colspan=2 | [[File:MK8 Mii Racing Suit Olimar.png|70px]]
| colspan=2 | [[File:MK8 Mii Racing Suit Animal Crossing.png|70px]]
|-
! colspan=2 width=11% style="background:#dedede"| {{color-link|Mega Man|black|Mega Man Suit}}
! colspan=2 width=11% style="background:#dedede"| {{color-link|PAC-MAN|black|PAC-MAN Suit}}
! colspan=2 width=11% style="background:#dedede"| {{color-link|Sonic|black|Sonic Suit}}
|- align="center" style="background: #FFFFFF"
| colspan=2 | [[File:MK8 Mii Racing Suit Mega Man.png|70px]]
| colspan=2 | [[File:MK8 Mii Racing Suit Pac-Man.png|70px]]
| colspan=2 | [[File:MK8 Mii Racing Suit Sonic.png|70px]]
|}
 
====Unlocking criteria====
Unlike previous ''Mario Kart'' games, characters (other than Mii) are unlocked at random by completing cups; however, another character cannot be unlocked by replaying a cup, making this title the first and only ''Mario Kart'' game that uses this distinction. In previous games, fixed characters are unlocked by completing specific cups with specific engine classes. Additionally, for the first time in the series, unlockable characters appear as CPUs during races when they are still locked.<ref>https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PTKRtYK5cmo/</ref>
 
Mii is the only character not randomly unlocked and is instead always the eighth character unlocked, unless the player uses an amiibo to unlock a Mii costume, in which case it will be unlocked immediately. Miis will never appear as CPU racers.
 
====Rival order====
''Mario Kart 8'' uses a [[rival]] system that is similar to how its predecessor, ''Mario Kart 7'' handles it, with several alterations. A set rival system is present only in the Grand Prix mode of the game; all other modes, including single player VS and battle are not affected and have randomized CPU opponents. Furthermore, only the original characters from the E3 build of the game receive a set system of rivals (Mario, Luigi, Peach, Daisy, Yoshi, Wario, Donkey Kong, Bowser, Koopa Troopa, Waluigi, Toad, and Toadette). The rest of the playable characters do not have a rival system of any sort, and all of their opponents in any modes are randomized. If there is more than one player participating in a Grand Prix, the first player's character determines whether there is a rival system or not, and what specific rivals the game gives the character. If other players choose the rival characters, the rivals are replaced by another, random character.
{|border="1" cellpadding="3" style="background:#f5f5f5;text-align:center;width:100%;border-collapse:collapse;margin-bottom:2px;" align=center
|-
!style="background:#dedede" width="4%"|Player
!style="background:#dedede" width="8%"|Opponent(s)
!style="background:#dedede" width="4%"|Player
!style="background:#dedede" width="8%"|Opponent(s)
!style="background:#dedede" width="4%"|Player
!style="background:#dedede" width="8%"|Opponent(s)
!style="background:#dedede" width="4%"|Player
!style="background:#dedede" width="8%"|Opponent(s)
|-
!style="background:#dedede"|[[File:MK8 Mario Icon.png|link=Mario|32x32px]]||[[File:MK8 Peach Icon.png|link=Princess Peach|32x32px|Peach]][[File:MK8 Bowser Icon.png|link=Bowser|32x32px]]
!style="background:#dedede"|[[File:MK8 Luigi Icon.png|link=Luigi|32x32px]]||[[File:MK8 Mario Icon.png|link=Mario|32x32px]][[File:MK8 Daisy Icon.png|link=Princess Daisy|32x32px|Daisy]]
!style="background:#dedede"|[[File:MK8 Peach Icon.png|link=Princess Peach|32x32px|Peach]]||[[File:MK8 Toad Icon.png|link=Toad|32x32px]][[File:MK8 DKong Icon.png|link=Donkey Kong|32x32px]]
!style="background:#dedede"|[[File:MK8 Daisy Icon.png|link=Princess Daisy|32x32px|Daisy]]||[[File:MK8 Peach Icon.png|link=Princess Peach|32x32px|Peach]][[File:MK8 Waluigi Icon.png|link=Waluigi|32x32px]]
|-
!style="background:#dedede"|[[File:MK8 Yoshi Icon.png|link=Yoshi|32x32px]]||[[File:MK8 Toad Icon.png|link=Toad|32x32px]][[File:MK8 DKong Icon.png|link=Donkey Kong|32x32px]]
!style="background:#dedede"|[[File:MK8 Toad Icon.png|link=Toad|32x32px]]||[[File:MK8 Koopa Icon.png|link=Koopa|32x32px]][[File:MK8 Waluigi Icon.png|link=Waluigi|32x32px]]
!style="background:#dedede"|[[File:MK8 Koopa Icon.png|link=Koopa Troopa|32x32px]]||[[File:MK8 Yoshi Icon.png|link=Yoshi|32x32px]][[File:MK8 Toad Icon.png|link=Toad|32x32px]]
!style="background:#dedede"|[[File:MK8 Toadette Icon.png|link=Toadette|32x32px]]||[[File:MK8 Yoshi Icon.png|link=Yoshi|32x32px]][[File:MK8 Wario Icon.png|link=Wario|32x32px]]
|-
!style="background:#dedede"|[[File:MK8 Bowser Icon.png|link=Bowser|32x32px]]||[[File:MK8 Mario Icon.png|link=Mario|32x32px]][[File:MK8 Luigi Icon.png|link=Luigi|32x32px]]
!style="background:#dedede"|[[File:MK8 DKong Icon.png|link=Donkey Kong|32x32px]]||[[File:MK8 Bowser Icon.png|link=Bowser|32x32px]][[File:MK8 Wario Icon.png|link=Wario|32x32px]]
!style="background:#dedede"|[[File:MK8 Wario Icon.png|link=Wario|32x32px]]||[[File:MK8 Mario Icon.png|link=Mario|32x32px]][[File:MK8 Daisy Icon.png|link=Princess Daisy|32x32px|Daisy]]
!style="background:#dedede"|[[File:MK8 Waluigi Icon.png|link=Waluigi|32x32px]]||[[File:MK8 Luigi Icon.png|link=Luigi|32x32px]][[File:MK8 Toadette Icon.png|link=Toadette|32x32px]]
|}
 
===Background characters===
These characters appear as part of a crowd and world-building scenery and do not directly affect any participating racers.
{|
|- valign=top
|
*[[Boo]]s
*[[Boomerang Bro]]s.
*[[Dolphin]]s
*[[Dry Bones]]
*[[Fire Bro]]s.
*[[Fish Bone]]s
*Gingerbread cookies
|
*[[Goomba]]s
*[[Hammer Bro]]s.
*[[Jellybeam]]s
*[[Koopa Paratroopa]]s
*[[Manta]]s
*[[Mecha Cheep]]s
*[[Mini Toad]]s
|
*[[Noki]]s
*[[Pianta]]s
*[[Shy Guy]]s
*[[Toad (species)|Toad]]s
*[[Maw-Ray|Unagi]]
*[[Yoshi (species)|Yoshi]]s
|}
 
===Additional enemies, obstacles, and species===
{{rewrite-expand|section=yes|The [[train (obstacle)|trains]] from Super Bell Subway and the cable cars from Toad Harbor are not included.}}
These characters and features may either aid or act as obstacles and other interactable objects which impede racers if bumped into.
{|border="1"cellpadding="3" style="background:#f5f5f5;text-align:left;border-collapse:collapse;margin-bottom:5px;width:100%;"align=center
|-
!colspan="3"style="background:#9c9c9c"align=center|Characters and elements
|-
!width="15%"style="background:#dedede"align=center|Character/element
!width="20%"style="background:#dedede"align=center|Location
!width="65%"style="background:#dedede"align=center|Description
|-
|align=center|[[File:MK8D Barrel.jpg|100px]][[File:BarrelMK8.png|100px]]<br>[[Barrel]]
|align=center|[[Toad Harbor]], [[Cloudtop Cruise]], {{classic-link|3DS|DK Jungle}}, {{classic-link|N64|Yoshi Valley}}, [[Wild Woods]]
|These stationary objects break and slow down the player on contact, while having a chance of releasing a [[Banana]], a [[Dash Mushroom|Mushroom]], or a [[Green Shell]] when broken. In <small>3DS</small> DK Jungle, they appear as [[DK Barrel]]s and drop only Bananas.
|-
|align=center|[[File:Wooden SignMK8.png|100px]]<br>[[Wooden cutout|Board]]
|align=center|{{classic-link|3DS|Piranha Plant Slide}}
|These are in the shape of Goombas and plants. Players can break through them, but this lowers the vehicle's speed.
|-
|align=center|[[File:Bone Piranha PlantMK8.png|100px]]<br>[[Bone Piranha Plant]]
|align=center|[[Bone-Dry Dunes]]
|These enemies stay situated in a [[Warp Pipe]] and lunge at any racer that drives near them in the direction they face. Racers who are struck by them flip over.
|-
|align=center|[[File:BooMK8.png|100px]]<br>[[Boo]]
|align=center|[[Twisted Mansion]]
|Several Boos appear in the gliding segment of Twisted Mansion. Players who bump into them lose some air speed.
|-
|align=center|[[File:BoulderMK8.png|100px]]<br>[[Boulder]]
|align=center|[[Bowser's Castle (Mario Kart 8)|Bowser's Castle]]
|Two cannons that shoot boulders are found in the last segments of Bowser's Castle. The cracked ground indicates where the boulder is going to land. If players get hit by a rolling boulder, they flip over.
|-
|align=center|[[File:BouncingNotesMK8.png|100px]]<br>[[Music Bash|Bouncing Note]]s
|align=center|{{classic-link|3DS|Music Park}}
|These enemies bounce to the rhythm of the course, and for every bounce, players can trick off of the ground if in the appropriate area. When a certain time has passed, typically around the length of a final lap, these notes bounce faster, though not as fast as they did in their original iteration. Bouncing Notes can squash players, but otherwise serve as walls rather than obstacles, akin to [[Thwomp]]s.
|-
|align=center|[[File:Bowser GolemMK8.png|100px]]<br>[[Bowser Monument]]
|align=center|[[Bowser's Castle (Mario Kart 8)|Bowser's Castle]]
|This huge stationary obstacle pounds the ground with his fists, sending shockwaves that create trickable ramps. Racers can get squashed by him if they are under his fist when he punches, but otherwise, his arms do not harm racers who touch them.
|-
|align=center|[[File:MK8 Car Model.png|100px]]<br>[[Car (obstacle)|Car]]
|align=center|{{classic-link|N64|Toad's Turnpike}}
|As in previous ''Mario Kart'' games, these obstacles knock over any drivers that collide with them.
|-
|align=center|[[File:Chain ChompMK8.png|100px]]<br>[[Chain Chomp|Chain Chomp (chained)]]
|align=center|{{classic-link|GBA|Cheese Land}}
|As in previous ''Mario Kart'' games, these enemies are bound by a stake and lunge when players drive close to them. Players that get hit by them flip over.
|-
|align=center|[[File:ChompMK8.png|100px]]<br>[[Chain Chomp|Chain Chomp (unchained)]]
|align=center|{{classic-link|N64|Rainbow Road}}
|These Chain Chomps bounce on certain parts of the track, not performing any other movement. They create distortions on the road, allowing players to trick off of the waves created by the bounce. Players who get hit by Chomps flip over.
|-
|align=center|[[File:Cheep CheepMK8.png|100px]]<br>[[Cheep Cheep]]
|align=center|[[Sweet Sweet Canyon]], [[Dolphin Shoals]], {{classic-link|DS|Cheep Cheep Beach}}, {{classic-link|SNES|Donut Plains 3}}, {{classic-link|3DS|Piranha Plant Slide}}
|These jump above the water and serve as minor obstacles. Similarly to Boos, they slow air speed for players that hit them during gliding sequences.
|-
|align=center|[[File:CrateMK8.png|100px]]<br>[[Crate]]
|align=center|[[Toad Harbor]], [[Sunshine Airport]]
|Similarly to Barrels, these stationary objects break when crashed into and slow down the player responsible, while having a chance of releasing a Banana, a Mushroom, or a Green Shell when broken.
|-
|align=center|[[File:Deku BabaMK8.png|100px]]<br>[[Deku Baba]]
|align=center|[[Hyrule Circuit]]
|Their design taken from ''[[zeldawiki:The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword|The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword]]'', these act identically to Bone Piranha Plants and the lunging Piranha Plants. They lunge after players who drive too close to them. Any player who gets hit by them will flip over.
|-
|align=center|[[File:Drain PipeMK8.png|100px]]<br>[[Drain Pipe]]
|align=center|{{classic-link|3DS|Piranha Plant Slide}}
|These Warp Pipes well water that clean the Blooper ink if players drive under it. The Warp Pipes themselves, on the other hand, merely serve as an obstruction.
|-
|align=center|[[File:MK8 Solo Dry Bones Screenshot.png|100px]]<br>[[Dry Bones]]
|align=center|[[Bone-Dry Dunes]]
|Dry Bones wander back and forth on the last stretch of the track. They act similarly to destructible walls; any player who collides with them slows down and ends up destroying the Dry Bones in the process.
|-
|align=center|[[File:Fire BarMK8.png|100px]]<br>[[Fire Bar]]
|align=center|[[Bowser's Castle (Mario Kart 8)|Bowser's Castle]], {{classic-link|DS|Wario Stadium}}
|Fire Bars are stationary objects that rotate their fireballs. Players that run into the fire burn and spin out.
|-
|align=center|[[File:Fire SnakeMK8.png|100px]]<br>[[Fire Snake]]
|align=center|{{classic-link|Wii|Grumble Volcano}}
|Fire Snakes emerge from Warp Pipes. They bounce around an area of the track, and disappear over time. They spin out any player who runs into them.
|-
|align=center|[[File:FreezieMK8.png|100px]]<br>[[Freezie]]
|align=center|{{classic-link|GCN|Sherbet Land}}
|Freezies are stationary objects found in the latter part of the course. They are breakable, and any player who runs into them spins out. Unlike their original appearance in ''[[Mario Kart: Double Dash!!]]'', they do not freeze players.
|-
|align=center|[[File:FrogoonMK8.png|100px]]<br>[[Frogoon]]
|align=center|{{classic-link|3DS|DK Jungle}}
|These enemies slowly hop back and forth, and any player who gets hit by them spins out.
|-
|align=center|[[File:GoombaMK8.png|100px]]<br>[[Goomba]]
|align=center|[[Mario Circuit (Mario Kart 8)|Mario Circuit]], {{classic-link|N64|Yoshi Valley}}, {{classic-link|3DS|Piranha Plant Slide}}
|Goombas walk slowly back and forth. Running into one causes the player to spin out.
|-
|align=center|[[File:Goomba TowerMK8.png|100px]]<br>[[Goomba Tower]]
|align=center|[[Mario Circuit (Mario Kart 8)|Mario Circuit]]
|Appearing near the end of the course, Goomba Towers vary in height from each other, but are always taller than regular Goombas; as such, they are an obstacle to airborne racers. Running into them causes the player to spin out, and, if the player was gliding, fall to the ground as well.
|-
|align=center|[[File:Gray Bowser StatueMK8.png|100px]]<br>[[Bowser Statue]]
|align=center|[[Bowser's Castle (Mario Kart 8)|Bowser's Castle]]
|In the beginning of the course, usually on only the first lap, these statues serve as decoration. As time passes, however, they shoot out lasers that hit the ground. Any player who drives into the lasers spins out.
|-
|align=center|[[File:Hammer Knight MK8D.jpg|100px]]<br>[[Hammer Knight]]
|align=center|[[Twisted Mansion]]
|These enemies, possessed by [[Boo]]s, appear at the end of the track, swinging their hammers towards incoming racers. Players who are beneath a hammer when it falls get squashed. The parts of the road that the hammers hit are visibly more damaged than the rest of the road.
|-
|align=center|[[File:MK8N64RoyalRaceway.png|100px]]<br>[[Hot-air balloon]]
|align=center|[[Mount Wario]], {{classic-link|N64|Royal Raceway}}, {{classic-link|GCN|Baby Park}}
|Floating objects which push the player back when touched.
|-
|align=center|[[File:KeeseMK8.png|100px]]<br>[[Keese]]
|align=center|[[Hyrule Circuit]]
|These enemies replace the [[Swoop]]s seen in other courses, and they take their design from ''[[zeldawiki:The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword|The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword]]''. Hitting one of them slows the player down.
|-
|align=center|[[File:MechakoopaMK8.png|100px]]<br>[[Mechakoopa]]
|align=center|{{classic-link|GBA|Ribbon Road}}
|These enemies are found slowly patrolling the green section of Ribbon Road. Hitting one causes the player to spin out.
|-
|align=center|[[File:Monty MoleMK8.png|100px]]<br>[[Monty Mole]]
|align=center|{{classic-link|Wii|Moo Moo Meadows}}, {{classic-link|SNES|Donut Plains 3}}
|Monty Moles burrow underground, leaving behind a trail of trickable ramps. Monty Moles eventually pop out of the ground and leap up; players who hit them spin out.
|-
|align=center|[[File:CowMK8.png|100px]]<br>[[Moo Moo]]
|align=center|{{classic-link|Wii|Moo Moo Meadows}}
|Moo Moos stay stationary early in the race, but wander to the road as time goes on. Any player who runs into a Moo Moo spins out. Moo Moos can be hit by items such as shells.
|-
|align=center|[[File:Mr ResettiMK8.png|100px]]<br>[[Mr. Resetti]]
|align=center|[[Animal Crossing]] (all seasons except winter)
|Mr. Resetti occasionally pops out of the ground near the end of the track and appears to be angry. Hitting Mr. Resetti causes players to flip over. He does not appear in the winter version of the track.
|-
|align=center|[[File:Oil SlickMK8.png|100px]]<br>[[Oil slick]]
|align=center|{{classic-link|GBA|Mario Circuit}}
|Dotted throughout the latter part of the course, oil slicks cause players who drive onto them to spin out. They can be avoided by hopping over them.
|-
|align=center|[[File:Piranha PlantMK8.png|100px]]
[[File:Piranha Plant StationaryMK8.png|100px]]<br>[[Piranha Plant]]
|align=center|[[Sweet Sweet Canyon]], [[Mario Circuit (Mario Kart 8)|Mario Circuit]], [[Electrodrome]], {{classic-link|N64|Royal Raceway}}, {{classic-link|3DS|Music Park}}, {{classic-link|3DS|Piranha Plant Slide}}, {{classic-link|GCN|Yoshi Circuit}}
|Two types of Piranha Plant exist. The type that is found on <small>N64</small> Royal Raceway is a stationary, small, passive obstacle that is found throughout the track. Players who run into them spin out. The other type of Piranha Plant, which is always found in a pipe, is found in Sweet Sweet Canyon, Mario Circuit, Electrodrome, <small>3DS</small> Music Park, <small>3DS</small> Piranha Plant Slide, and <small>GCN</small> Yoshi Circuit. While also stationary, they lunge towards any racer in front of and close enough to them. These Piranha Plants are found only in set areas of the track and flip racers that they successfully hit. The Piranha Plants in Sweet Sweet Canyon, <small>3DS</small> Music Park, and <small>3DS</small> Piranha Plant Slide are much larger than other ones, and the Piranha Plants in <small>3DS</small> Piranha Plant Slide change direction of where they bite over time, similar to some of the Bone Piranha Plants. Additionally, the Piranha Plants in Electrodrome are visually replaced by [[Raving Piranha Plant]]s, which dance in time with the music, while the Piranha Plants in Sweet Sweet Canyon are pink rather than red.
|-
|align=center|[[File:PokeyMK8.png|100px]]<br>[[Pokey]]
|align=center|{{classic-link|GCN|Dry Dry Desert}}
|Pokeys are enemies that slowly lumber back and forth. At times, they bend over to form small archways; coins appear in the center of these archways, and disappear when Pokeys revert to their original position. Players spin out if they hit a Pokey.
|-
|align=center|[[File:Screaming PillarMK8.png|100px]]<br>[[Screaming Pillar]]
|align=center|{{classic-link|3DS|DK Jungle}}
|These are statues that blow air at intervals. The air they blow out lowers air speed of players who glide into it.
|-
|align=center|[[File:SidestepperMK8.png|100px]]<br>[[Sidestepper]]
|align=center|{{classic-link|DS|Cheep Cheep Beach}}
|Sidesteppers patrol back and forth underwater in <small>DS</small> Cheep Cheep Beach. They can be defeated with items such as shells, but running into one of them spins the player out.
|-
|align=center|[[File:Shy GuyMK8.png|100px]]<br>[[Skating Shy Guy]]
|align=center|{{classic-link|GCN|Sherbet Land}}
|Ice skating Shy Guys dance around at the beginning of the course. Any player who runs into them spins out. There are two color varieties: the blue ones, who skate by themselves, and the red ones, who skate together holding hands.
|-
|align=center|[[File:SnowboyMK8.png|100px]]<br>[[Snowboy]]
|align=center|[[Animal Crossing]] (winter only)
|Snowboys appear exclusively in the winter version of the Animal Crossing track, in the end section where [[Mr. Resetti]] appears in other seasons. These obstacles slow players who hit them down via acting like a destructible wall (therefore functioning identically to snowmen).
|-
|align=center|[[File:SnowmanMK8.png|100px]]<br>[[Snowman]]
|align=center|{{classic-link|GCN|Sherbet Land}}
|Snowmen appear off-road. Unlike previous ''Mario Kart'' games, these obstacles only slow down players who collide with them via acting like a destructible wall.
|-
|align=center|[[File:Ball n ChainMK8.png|100px]]<br>[[Spinner]]
|align=center|[[Bowser's Castle (Mario Kart 8)|Bowser's Castle]]
|This obstacle appears hanging on a ceiling, swinging back and forth. Racers who drive into it get flipped over.
|-
|align=center|[[File:Super ThwompK8.png|100px]]<br>[[Star Thwomp|Super Thwomp]]
|align=center|{{classic-link|SNES|Rainbow Road}}
|Behaving as they did in their original appearance and their appearance in ''Mario Kart 7'', these are obstacles that slam the ground repeatedly. The force of the impact creates waves that players can trick off of. Players can get crushed by these Thwomps, and unlike regular Thwomps, players who touch one flip over.
|-
|align=center|[[File:SwooperMK8.png|100px]]<br>[[Swoop]]
|align=center|[[Mount Wario]], {{classic-link|N64|Yoshi Valley}}, {{classic-link|Wii|Wario's Gold Mine}}
|Swoops fly in groups in certain areas. They slow down any player who hits them, though players can temporarily defeat them with items.
|-
|align=center|[[File:ThwompMK8.png|100px]]<br>[[Thwomp]]
|align=center|[[Thwomp Ruins]]
|Thwomps are obstacles that rise up and smash the ground repeatedly. They crush any player that is underneath them as they smash the ground, though touching them otherwise is similar to hitting a wall.
|-
|align=center|[[File:Tiki GoonMK8.png|100px]]<br>[[Tiki Goon]]
|align=center|{{classic-link|3DS|DK Jungle}}
|Tiki Goons patrol back and forth. They move more slowly than in their original iteration. Players who drive into them spin out.
|-
|align=center|[[File:MK8 Bone-Dry Dunes Toads.png|100px]]<br>[[Toad (species)|Toads]]
|align=center|[[Bone-Dry Dunes]], {{classic-link|N64|Rainbow Road}}
|Among the few directly helpful characters, Toads throw coins onto the track. In Bone-Dry Dunes, they do so from a ship sailing across quick sand soon after the start, while in <small>N64</small> Rainbow Road, they do so from a flying train which appears at various points in the race.
|}
 
==Vehicle parts==
There are 22 karts, 6 standard bikes, 5 sport bikes, 4 ATVs (37 bodies in total), 21 sets of tires, and 14 gliders available to use in ''Mario Kart 8'' for a grand total of 10,878 vehicle combinations.<ref>https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1JIOu2EELJo</ref><ref>http://www.mariokartwii.com/6033753-post7.html (dead link)</ref> Of these, 8 karts, 1 standard bike, 1 sport bike, 1 ATV, 3 sets of tires, and 2 gliders are included in downloadable content packs, with the [[GLA]], [[W 25 Silver Arrow]], [[300 SL Roadster]], and [[GLA Tires]] appearing in the [[Mercedes-Benz x Mario Kart 8|Mercedes-Benz × ''Mario Kart 8'']] pack, the [[Blue Falcon]], [[B Dasher]], [[Tanooki Kart]], [[Master Cycle]], [[Triforce Tires]], and [[Hylian Kite]] appearing in the [[The Legend of Zelda x Mario Kart 8|''The Legend of Zelda'' × ''Mario Kart 8'']] pack, and the [[Streetle]], [[P-Wing (kart)|P-Wing]], [[City Tripper]], [[Bone Rattler]], [[Leaf Tires]], and [[Paper Glider]] appearing in the [[Animal Crossing x Mario Kart 8|''Animal Crossing'' × ''Mario Kart 8'']] pack.<ref name="site dlc">http://mariokart8.nintendo.com/wiiu/dlc/</ref>
 
Some parts can change colors either for every character, a specific group of characters, or based on a limited number of color schemes. The color schemes used by each [[Mii]] color serve as a default set of color schemes for each of the 12 colors which are also used by alternative [[Yoshi (species)|Yoshi]] and [[Shy Guy]] colors as well as the Mii Racing Suits. All of them use the default color scheme for parts which have unique color schemes for only certain characters. The other characters may have personalized color schemes for their Standard bodies, [[Pipe Frame]] and [[Super Glider]], and for the other parts, they may use other color schemes other than those of their expected color; for example, [[Mario]]'s GLA is the gray one used by the yellow Miis instead of the red one used by the Miis wearing the racing suit based on him.
 
With the discontinuation of digital purchases for Wii U in March 2023, it is no longer possible to buy the paid downloadable vehicle parts, though they can still be downloaded by those who purchased them when they were available.
===Available parts===
The parts available are listed here in the order shown in the vehicle customization screen, with the following notation:<br>
*'''Bold''' = Part is available at the start.
*<nowiki>*</nowiki> = Changes color, depending on the character.
*<nowiki>**</nowiki> = Changes color for the [[Koopalings]].
*<nowiki>***</nowiki> = Changes color for [[Daisy]], [[Baby Daisy]], [[Rosalina]], and [[Baby Rosalina]].
*<small>(DLC)</small> = Part was only available as downloadable content.
The "8" logos on the parts are replaced with the character's symbol, except on the Gold Standard and Gold Glider.
====Karts====
<gallery>
StandardKartBodyMK8.png|'''[[Standard Kart]]'''*
PipeFrameBodyMK8.png|[[Pipe Frame]]*
Mach8BodyMK8.png|'''[[Mach 8]]'''
Steel_Driver.png|[[Steel Driver]]
CatCruiserBodyMK8.png|[[Cat Cruiser]]
CircuitSpecialBodyMK8.png|[[Circuit Special]]*
TrispeederBodyMK8.png|[[Tri-Speeder]]
BadwagonBodyMK8.png|'''[[Badwagon]]'''
PrancerBodyMK8.png|[[Prancer]]
BiddybuggyBodyMK8.png|'''[[Biddybuggy]]'''*<br>''Buggybud''
LandshipBodyMK8.png|[[Landship]]**
SneakerBodyMK8.png|[[Sneeker]]*<br>''Bounder''
SportsCoupeMK8.png|[[Sports Coupe]]<br>''Sports Coupé''
Gold_Standard.png|[[Gold Standard]]<br>''Gold Kart''
GLA-MK8.png|[[GLA]]* <small>(DLC)</small>
W25SilverArrow-MK8.png|[[W 25 Silver Arrow]] <small>(DLC)</small>
300SLRoadster MK8.png|[[300 SL Roadster]] <small>(DLC)</small>
MK8BlueFalcon.png|[[Blue Falcon]] <small>(DLC)</small>
MK8 Tanooki Buggy Sprite.png|[[Tanooki Kart]] <small>(DLC)</small>
ZeldaMK8Bdasher.png|[[B Dasher]] <small>(DLC)</small>
MK8Streetle.png|[[Streetle]] <small>(DLC)</small>
MK8PWing.png|[[P-Wing (kart)|P-Wing]] <small>(DLC)</small>
</gallery>
 
====Standard bikes====
<gallery>
StandardBikeBodyMK8.png|'''[[Standard Bike]]'''*
TheDukeBodyMK8.png|[[The Duke]]
FlameRiderBodyMK8.png|[[Flame Rider]]
VarmintBodyMK8.png|[[Varmint]]
MrScootyBodyMK8.png|[[Mr. Scooty]]<br>''Mr Scooty''
MK8 Light-Green City Tripper.png|[[City Tripper]]* <small>(DLC)</small>
</gallery>
 
====Sport bikes====
<gallery>
CometBodyMK8.png|[[Comet]]
SportBikeBodyMK8.png|'''[[Sport Bike]]'''*
JetBikeBodyMK8.png|[[Jet Bike]]
YoshiBikeBodyMK8.png|[[Yoshi Bike]]
MK8MasterCycle.png|[[Master Cycle]] <small>(DLC)</small>
</gallery>
 
====ATVs====
<gallery>
StandardATVBodyMK8.png|'''[[Standard ATV]]'''*<br>''Standard Quad''
WildWigglerBodyMK8.png|[[Wild Wiggler]]
TeddyBuggyBodyMK8.png|[[Teddy Buggy]]
MK8BoneRattler.png|[[Bone Rattler]] <small>(DLC)</small>
</gallery>
 
====Tires====
<gallery>
StandardTiresMK8.png|'''[[Standard (tire)|Standard]]'''<br>''Normal''
MonsterTiresMK8.png|'''[[Monster (tire)|Monster]]'''
RollerTiresMK8.png|'''[[Roller]]'''
SlimTiresMK8.png|'''[[Slim (tire)|Slim]]'''
SlickTiresMK8.png|[[Slick]]
MetalTiresMK8.png|[[Metal]]
ButtonTiresMK8.png|[[Button (tire)|Button]]
Off-Road.png|[[Off-Road]]
SpongeTiresMK8.png|[[Sponge]]
WoodTiresMK8.png|'''[[Wood]]'''<br>''Wooden''
CushionTiresMK8.png|[[Cushion]]
Blue_Standard.png|[[Blue Standard]]<br>''Normal Blue''
HotMonsterTiresMK8.png|[[Hot Monster]]<br>''Funky Monster''
AzureRollerTiresMK8.png|[[Azure Roller]]
CrimsonSlimTiresMK8.png|[[Crimson Slim]]
CyberSlickTiresMK8.png|[[Cyber Slick]]
Retro_Off-Road.png|[[Retro Off-Road]]
Gold_Tires_MK8.png|[[Gold Tires]]<br>''Gold Wheels''
GLATires-MK8.png|[[GLA Tires]] <small>(DLC)</small><br>''GLA Wheels''
MK8-TriforceTires.png|[[Triforce Tires]] <small>(DLC)</small><br>''Triforce Tyres''
Leaf Tires MK8.png|[[Leaf Tires]] <small>(DLC)</small><br>''Leaf Tyres''
</gallery>
 
====Gliders====
<gallery>
SuperGliderMK8.png|'''[[Super Glider]]'''*
Cloud_Glider.png|[[Cloud Glider]]
WarioWingMK8.png|[[Wario Wing]]
WaddleWingMK8.png|[[Waddle Wing]]
PeachParasolGliderMK8.png|[[Peach Parasol (glider)|Peach Parasol]]***
ParachuteGliderMK8.png|'''[[Parachute (glider)|Parachute]]'''
ParafoilGliderMK8.png|'''[[Parafoil]]'''
FlowerGliderMK8.png|[[Flower Glider]]
BowserKiteMK8.png|[[Bowser Kite]]
PlaneGliderMK8.png|[[Plane Glider]]
MKTVParafoilGliderMK8.png|[[MKTV Parafoil]]
GoldGliderMK8.png|[[Gold Glider]]
MK8-HylianKite.png|[[Hylian Kite]] <small>(DLC)</small>
PaperGliderIcon-MK8.png|[[Paper Glider]] <small>(DLC)</small>
</gallery>
 
===Unlocking criteria===
Vehicle parts are unlocked by collecting coins from Grand Prix, VS Mode, Time Trials, and online races.<ref>[https://i.imgur.com/V86t2N4.png]</ref> Coins collected by additional players are counted. Coins will count towards the player's coin total only for completed races -- if the player collects coins then quits during a race, the coins from that race will not be added to their coin total.
 
There are 38 unlockable parts, excluding golden parts. Players can unlock new parts for every 50 coins, but once players have collected 1000 coins, 100 coins are instead needed to unlock new parts. Like in ''Mario Kart 7'', players can see how many coins they have collected by viewing the statistics screen from the main menu (this feature is available for only Ver. 2.0 and further of the game).
{|
|
*50
*100
*150
*200
*250
*300
*350
*400
|
*450
*500
*550
*600
*650
*700
*750
*800
|
*850
*900
*950
*1000
*1100
*1200
*1300
*1400
|
*1500
*1600
*1700
*1800
*1900
*2000
*2100
*2200
|
*2300
*2400
*2500
*2600
*2700
*2800
|}
 
===Special parts===
Special gold parts are unlocked with the following criteria:
*[[Gold Standard]]: Obtain a minimum of one star ranking in all non-DLC cups of every engine class.<ref name="guide_leak">https://web.archive.org/web/20140530232818/http://www.crashwiki.com/mario-kart-8-spoilers-found-leaked-guide-photos-shows-simplified-gameplay/</ref>
*[[Gold Tires]]: Beat the Staff Ghost on 32 courses.<ref name="guide_leak"/>
*[[Gold Glider]]: Obtain 10,000 coins.<ref name="guide_leak"/>
 
==Drivers' and vehicle parts' statistics==
:''For the in-game tables from which these values were derived and for the tables to translate those values into the actual statistics used by the game, see [[Mario Kart 8 in-game statistics]].''
===Statistics shown in the vehicle customization screen===
To calculate the final values of the game's statistics, the game uses ''points'' (''PT'') which are conferred by characters and vehicle parts. In each statistics, the points given by the character, body, tires, and glider are summed to obtain a final value called ''Level'' (''Lv'') which is then used by [[Mario Kart 8 in-game statistics#Statistics translation tables|a table]] to convert the level into appropriate physical parameters used by the game. The Level of five statistics is displayed in the vehicle customization screen:
*'''Speed:''' The top speed of the vehicle on land with normal gravity.
*'''Acceleration:''' The rate of speed increase when holding the acceleration button.
*'''Weight:''' The weight of the vehicle. Vehicles with higher weight knock away vehicles with lower weight.
*'''Handling:''' The turning ability of the vehicle on land with normal gravity. A higher stat means vehicles turn sharper, and will continue turning normally for longer before automatically initiating a drift.
*'''Traction (Grip in Europe and Oceania):''' The grasp of the vehicle. Vehicles with higher traction slip less on certain terrain and can stay stable on the road better. Not to be confused with handling.
Said Level is represented through bars by adding three points to the sum of points, then dividing the result by four, resulting in values ranging from 1.0 to 5.75. As an example, the process through which the statistics of a certain combination of character and vehicle parts are calculated and displayed is shown below:
[[File:MK8 Vehicle Customization Screen.jpg|thumb|center|600px|A combination consisting of {{Lemmy}}, [[Sport Bike]], [[Slim (tire)|Slim Tires]], and [[Bowser Kite]].]]
{|class="wikitable"style="text-align:center; margin:auto"
!rowspan=2|Element
!colspan=5|Points conferred
|-
!Speed
!Acceleration
!Weight
!Handling
!Traction
|-style="color:red"
![[File:MK8 Lemmy Icon.png]]<br>[[Lemmy Koopa|Lemmy]]
|'''0'''
|'''5'''
|'''0'''
|'''10'''
|'''5'''
|-style="color:green"
![[File:Sport Bike Green.png]]<br>[[File:MK8 Sport Bike Body Icon Inverted.png]][[Sport Bike]]
|'''3'''
|'''5'''
|'''1'''
|'''5'''
|'''0'''
|-style="color:blue"
![[File:SlimTiresMK8.png]]<br>[[File:MK8 Tire Icon Inverted.png]][[Slim (tire)|Slim Tires]]
|'''3'''
|'''1'''
|'''2'''
|'''4'''
|'''2'''
|-style="color:darkorange"
![[File:BowserKiteMK8.png]]<br>[[File:MK8 Glider Icon Inverted.png]][[Bowser Kite]]
|'''1'''
|'''2'''
|'''1'''
|'''1'''
|'''1'''
|-
!Final values
!Speed
!Acceleration
!Weight
!Handling
!Traction
|-
!Level
!<span style="color:red">0</span> + <span style="color:green">3</span> + <span style="color:blue">3</span> + <span style="color:darkorange">1</span> =<br>7
!<span style="color:red">5</span> + <span style="color:green">5</span> + <span style="color:blue">1</span> + <span style="color:darkorange">2</span> =<br>13
!<span style="color:red">0</span> + <span style="color:green">1</span> + <span style="color:blue">2</span> + <span style="color:darkorange">1</span> =<br>4
!<span style="color:red">10</span> + <span style="color:green">5</span> + <span style="color:blue">4</span> + <span style="color:darkorange">1</span> =<br>20
!<span style="color:red">5</span> + <span style="color:green">0</span> + <span style="color:blue">2</span> + <span style="color:darkorange">1</span> =<br>8
|-
!Value shown in the vehicle customization screen
!(7 + 3) / 4 = 10 / 4 =<br>2.5
!(13 + 3) / 4 = 16 / 4 =<br>4
!(4 + 3) / 4 = 7 / 4 =<br>1.75
!(20 + 3) / 4 = 23 / 4 =<br>5.75
!(8 + 3) / 4 = 11 / 4 =<br>2.75
|}
[[File:MK8 Vehicle Customization Screen Stats.jpg|thumb|center|600px|The values actually shown in the vehicle customization screen, matching the values calculated.]]
 
===Drivers' statistics===
The following table shows the statistics of the various drivers.
In addition to the statistics shown in the vehicle customization screen, there are the following statistics:
*'''Water Speed:''' The top speed of the vehicle while driving underwater.
*'''Air Speed:''' The top speed of the vehicle while gliding.
*'''Anti-Gravity Speed:''' The top speed of the vehicle in anti-gravity mode.
*'''Water Handling:''' The turning ability of the vehicle while driving underwater.
*'''Air Handling:''' The turning ability of the vehicle while gliding.
*'''Anti-Gravity Handling:''' The turning ability of the vehicle in anti-gravity mode.
*'''Mini-Turbo:''' The length of the vehicle's mini-turbo speed boosts.
Just like in ''[[Mario Kart Wii]]'', Miis can be Light, Medium, or Heavy, depending on their height and weight.
 
The following tables report the statistics in points.
{|border="1"cellpadding="3"style="background:#f5f5f5;text-align:center;width:94%;border-collapse:collapse;margin-bottom:5px;text-align:center;"
|-
!colspan="14"style="background-color:#9c9c9c;"|Drivers' statistics
|-
!style="width: 10%; background-color:#dedede;" rowspan="2"|Vehicle size
!style="width: 10%; background-color:#dedede;" rowspan="2"|Character
!style="width: 24%; background-color:#dedede;" colspan="4"|Speed
!style="width: 6%; background-color:#dedede;" rowspan="2"|Acceleration
!style="width: 6%; background-color:#dedede;" rowspan="2"|Weight
!style="width: 24%; background-color:#dedede;" colspan="4"|Handling
!style="width: 6%; background-color:#dedede;" rowspan="2"|Traction
!style="width: 6%; background-color:#dedede;" rowspan="2"|Mini-Turbo
|-
!style="width: 6%; background-color:#dedede;"|Ground
!style="width: 6%; background-color:#dedede;"|Water
!style="width: 6%; background-color:#dedede;"|Air
!style="width: 6%; background-color:#dedede;"|Anti-Gravity
!style="width: 6%; background-color:#dedede;"|Ground
!style="width: 6%; background-color:#dedede;"|Water
!style="width: 6%; background-color:#dedede;"|Air
!style="width: 6%; background-color:#dedede;"|Anti-Gravity
|-style="font-weight: bold"
!rowspan="2"style="background-color: #CCFFFF; color: dodgerblue; border-color: black;"|Small
!width="1%"style="background-color: #CCFFFF;"|[[File:MK8 BabyMario Icon.png|link=Baby Mario|32x32px]][[File:MK8 BabyLuigi Icon.png|link=Baby Luigi|32x32px]][[File:MK8 BabyPeach Icon.png|link=Baby Peach|32x32px]][[File:MK8 BabyDaisy Icon.png|link=Baby Daisy|32x32px]][[File:MK8 BabyRosalina Icon.png|link=Baby Rosalina|32x32px]][[File:MK8 Lemmy Icon.png|link=Lemmy|32x32px]][[File:Mii_MK8.png|link=Mii|32x32px|Mii (Light)]]
|style="background-color:#ffff80;"| 0
|style="background-color:#ffff80;"| 0
|style="background-color:#ffff80;"| 0
|style="background-color:#ffff80;"| 0
|style="background-color:#8080ff;"| 5
|style="background-color:#ffff80;"| 0
|style="background-color:#8080ff;"| 10
|style="background-color:#8080ff;"| 10
|style="background-color:#8080ff;"| 10
|style="background-color:#8080ff;"| 10
|style="background-color:#8080ff;"| 5
|style="background-color:#8080ff;"| 5
|-style="font-weight: bold"
!width="1%"style="background-color: #CCFFFF;"|[[File:MK8 Toad Icon.png|link=Toad|32x32px]][[File:MK8 Koopa Icon.png|link=Koopa Troopa|32x32px]][[File:MK8 ShyGuy Icon.png|link=Shy Guy|32x32px]][[File:MK8 Lakitu Icon.png|link=Lakitu|32x32px]][[File:MK8 Toadette Icon.png|link=Toadette|32x32px]][[File:MK8 Larry Icon.png|link=Larry|32x32px]][[File:MK8 Wendy Icon.png|link=Wendy|32x32px]][[File:MK8 Isabelle Icon.png|link=Isabelle|32x32px]]
|style="background-color:#ccffb2;"| 2
|style="background-color:#ccffb2;"| 2
|style="background-color:#ccffb2;"| 2
|style="background-color:#ccffb2;"| 2
|style="background-color:#80b2ff;"| 4
|style="background-color:#ccffb2;"| 2
|style="background-color:#80b2ff;"| 8
|style="background-color:#80b2ff;"| 8
|style="background-color:#80b2ff;"| 8
|style="background-color:#80b2ff;"| 8
|style="background-color:#80b2ff;"| 4
|style="background-color:#80b2ff;"| 4
|-style="font-weight: bold"
!rowspan="5"style="background-color: honeydew; color: green; border-color: black;"|Medium
!width="1%"style="background-color: honeydew;"|[[File:MK8 Cat Peach Icon.png|link=Cat Peach|32x32px]][[File:VillagerFemale-Icon-MK8.png|link=Villager|32x32px]]
|style="background-color:#99ffe5;"| 4
|style="background-color:#99ffe5;"| 4
|style="background-color:#99ffe5;"| 4
|style="background-color:#99ffe5;"| 4
|style="background-color:#80b2ff;"| 4
|style="background-color:#b2ffcc;"| 3
|style="background-color:#80e5ff;"| 6
|style="background-color:#80e5ff;"| 6
|style="background-color:#80e5ff;"| 6
|style="background-color:#80e5ff;"| 6
|style="background-color:#80e5ff;"| 3
|style="background-color:#80b2ff;"| 4
|-style="font-weight: bold"
!width="1%"style="background-color: honeydew;"|[[File:MK8 Peach Icon.png|link=Peach|32x32px]][[File:MK8 Daisy Icon.png|link=Daisy|32x32px]][[File:MK8 Yoshi Icon.png|link=Yoshi|32x32px]]
|style="background-color:#99ffe5;"| 4
|style="background-color:#99ffe5;"| 4
|style="background-color:#99ffe5;"| 4
|style="background-color:#99ffe5;"| 4
|style="background-color:#80e5ff;"| 3
|style="background-color:#99ffe5;"| 4
|style="background-color:#80e5ff;"| 6
|style="background-color:#80e5ff;"| 6
|style="background-color:#80e5ff;"| 6
|style="background-color:#80e5ff;"| 6
|style="background-color:#80e5ff;"| 3
|style="background-color:#80e5ff;"| 3
|-style="font-weight: bold"
!width="1%"style="background-color: honeydew;"|[[File:MK8 Tanooki Mario Icon.png|link=Tanooki Mario|32x32px]][[File:VillagerMale-Icon-MK8.png|link=Villager|32x32px]]
|style="background-color:#80e5ff;"| 6
|style="background-color:#80e5ff;"| 6
|style="background-color:#80e5ff;"| 6
|style="background-color:#80e5ff;"| 6
|style="background-color:#80e5ff;"| 3
|style="background-color:#80ffff;"| 5
|style="background-color:#99ffe5;"| 4
|style="background-color:#99ffe5;"| 4
|style="background-color:#99ffe5;"| 4
|style="background-color:#99ffe5;"| 4
|style="background-color:#99ffe5;"| 2
|style="background-color:#80e5ff;"| 3
|-style="font-weight: bold"
!width="1%"style="background-color: honeydew;"|[[File:MK8 Mario Icon.png|link=Mario|32x32px]][[File:MK8 Luigi Icon.png|link=Luigi|32x32px]][[File:MK8 Iggy Icon.png|link=Iggy|32x32px]][[File:MK8 Ludwig Icon.png|link=Ludwig|32x32px]][[File:Mii_MK8.png|link=Mii|32x32px|Mii (Medium)]]
|style="background-color:#80e5ff;"| 6
|style="background-color:#80e5ff;"| 6
|style="background-color:#80e5ff;"| 6
|style="background-color:#80e5ff;"| 6
|style="background-color:#99ffe5;"| 2
|style="background-color:#80e5ff;"| 6
|style="background-color:#99ffe5;"| 4
|style="background-color:#99ffe5;"| 4
|style="background-color:#99ffe5;"| 4
|style="background-color:#99ffe5;"| 4
|style="background-color:#99ffe5;"| 2
|style="background-color:#99ffe5;"| 2
|-style="font-weight: bold"
!width="1%"style="background-color: honeydew;"|[[File:MK8 MMario Icon.png|link=Metal Mario|32x32px]][[File:MK8 PGPeach Icon.png|link=Pink Gold Peach|32x32px]]
|style="background-color:#80b2ff;"| 8
|style="background-color:#80b2ff;"| 8
|style="background-color:#80b2ff;"| 8
|style="background-color:#80b2ff;"| 8
|style="background-color:#ffff80;"| 0
|style="background-color:#8080ff;"| 10
|style="background-color:#ccffb2;"| 2
|style="background-color:#ccffb2;"| 2
|style="background-color:#ccffb2;"| 2
|style="background-color:#ccffb2;"| 2
|style="background-color:#ffff80;"| 0
|style="background-color:#ffff80;"| 0
|-style="font-weight: bold"
!rowspan="2"style="background-color: mistyrose; color: red; border-color: black;"|Large
!width="1%"style="background-color: mistyrose;"|[[File:MK8 Rosalina Icon.png|link=Rosalina|32x32px]][[File:MK8 DKong Icon.png|link=Donkey Kong|32x32px]][[File:MK8 Waluigi Icon.png|link=Waluigi|32x32px]][[File:MK8 Roy Icon.png|link=Roy|32x32px]][[File:MK8 Link Icon.png|link=Link|32x32px]]
|style="background-color:#80b2ff;"| 8
|style="background-color:#80b2ff;"| 8
|style="background-color:#80b2ff;"| 8
|style="background-color:#80b2ff;"| 8
|style="background-color:#ccffb2;"| 1
|style="background-color:#80b2ff;"| 8
|style="background-color:#ccffb2;"| 2
|style="background-color:#ccffb2;"| 2
|style="background-color:#ccffb2;"| 2
|style="background-color:#ccffb2;"| 2
|style="background-color:#ccffb2;"| 1
|style="background-color:#ccffb2;"| 1
|-style="font-weight: bold"
!width="1%"style="background-color: mistyrose;"|[[File:MK8 Bowser Icon.png|link=Bowser|32x32px]][[File:MK8 Wario Icon.png|link=Wario|32x32px]][[File:MK8 Morton Icon.png|link=Morton|32x32px]][[File:Mii_MK8.png|link=Mii|32x32px|Mii (Heavy)]][[File:MK8 Dry Bowser Icon.png|link=Dry Bowser|32x32px]]
|style="background-color:#8080ff;"| 10
|style="background-color:#8080ff;"| 10
|style="background-color:#8080ff;"| 10
|style="background-color:#8080ff;"| 10
|style="background-color:#ffff80;"| 0
|style="background-color:#8080ff;"| 10
|style="background-color:#ffff80;"| 0
|style="background-color:#ffff80;"| 0
|style="background-color:#ffff80;"| 0
|style="background-color:#ffff80;"| 0
|style="background-color:#ffff80;"| 0
|style="background-color:#ffff80;"| 0
|}
 
===Vehicle parts' statistics===
The following table shows the statistics of the various parts in points. The [[Super Glider]] and [[Paper Glider]] form their own group, due to [[Mario Kart 8 in-game statistics#Gliders' Statistics (WG)|having different values in an unused statistic, which is On-Road Traction (ON)]].
{|class="wikitable center"style="margin: auto;"
|-
!colspan="13"|
<big><big>'''Bodies'''</big></big>
|-style="word-break: break-all;"
!colspan="1"width="10%" rowspan="2"|Body
!width="24%"colspan="4"|Speed
!width="6%"rowspan="2"|Acceleration
!width="6%"rowspan="2"|Weight
!width="24%"colspan="4"|Handling
!width="6%"rowspan="2"|Traction
!width="6%"rowspan="2"|Mini-Turbo
|-style="word-break: break-all;"
!width="6%"|Ground
!width="6%"|Water
!width="6%"|Air
!width="6%"|Anti-Gravity
!width="6%"|Ground
!width="6%"|Water
!width="6%"|Air
!width="6%"|Anti-Gravity
|-style="font-weight:bold"
|width="1%"style="background-color:#ededed;"|[[File:StandardKartBodyMK8.png|x32px|link=Standard Kart|Standard Kart]][[File:CatCruiserBodyMK8.png|x32px|link=Cat Cruiser|Cat Cruiser]][[File:PrancerBodyMK8.png|x32px|link=Prancer|Prancer]][[File:SneakerBodyMK8.png|x32px|link=Sneeker|Sneeker (Bounder)]][[File:300SLRoadster MK8.png|x32px|link=300 SL Roadster|300 SL Roadster]][[File:TheDukeBodyMK8.png|x32px|link=The Duke|The Duke]][[File:TeddyBuggyBodyMK8.png|x32px|link=Teddy Buggy|Teddy Buggy]]
|style="background-color:#80e5ff;"| 3
|style="background-color:#ffff80;"| 3
|style="background-color:#ffff80;"| 2
|style="background-color:#80b2ff;"| 4
|style="background-color:#b6ffc8;"| 2
|style="background-color:#80ffff;"| 2
|style="background-color:#99ffe5;"| 2
|style="background-color:#ffff80;"| 2
|style="background-color:#bfffbf;"| 1
|style="background-color:#80e5ff;"| 3
|style="background-color:#80c8ff;"| 5
|style="background-color:#92ffec;"| 3
|-style="font-weight:bold"
|width="1%"style="background-color:#ededed;"|[[File:PipeFrameBodyMK8.png|x32px|link=Pipe Frame|Pipe Frame]][[File:W25SilverArrow-MK8.png|x32px|link=W 25 Silver Arrow|W 25 Silver Arrow]][[File:StandardBikeBodyMK8.png|x32px|link=Standard Bike|Standard Bike]][[File:FlameRiderBodyMK8.png|x32px|link=Flame Rider|Flame Rider]][[File:VarmintBodyMK8.png|x32px|link=Varmint|Varmint]][[File:MK8 Light-Green City Tripper.png|x32px|link=City Tripper|City Tripper]][[File:WildWigglerBodyMK8.png|x32px|link=Wild Wiggler|Wild Wiggler]]
|style="background-color:#80e5ff;"| 3
|style="background-color:#80ffff;"| 4
|style="background-color:#80ffff;"| 3
|style="background-color:#80e5ff;"| 3
|style="background-color:#92ffec;"| 3
|style="background-color:#bfffbf;"| 1
|style="background-color:#80b2ff;"| 4
|style="background-color:#80d4ff;"| 4
|style="background-color:#80bfff;"| 3
|style="background-color:#80b2ff;"| 4
|style="background-color:#92ffec;"| 3
|style="background-color:#80ecff;"| 4
|-style="font-weight:bold"
|width="1%"style="background-color:#ededed;"|[[File:Mach8BodyMK8.png|x32px|link=Mach 8|Mach 8]][[File:CircuitSpecialBodyMK8.png|x32px|link=Circuit Special|Circuit Special]][[File:SportsCoupeMK8.png|x32px|link=Sports Coupe|Sports Coupe (Sports Coupé)]][[File:Gold_Standard.png|x32px|link=Gold Standard|Gold Standard (Gold Kart)]][[File:ZeldaMK8Bdasher.png|x32px|link=B Dasher|B Dasher]][[File:MK8PWing.png|x32px|link=P-Wing (kart)|P-Wing]]
|style="background-color:#8080ff;"| 5
|style="background-color:#80ffff;"| 4
|style="background-color:#8080ff;"| 4
|style="background-color:#8080ff;"| 5
|style="background-color:#daffa4;"| 1
|style="background-color:#80bfff;"| 3
|style="background-color:#99ffe5;"| 2
|style="background-color:#ffff80;"| 2
|style="background-color:#bfffbf;"| 1
|style="background-color:#99ffe5;"| 2
|style="background-color:#daffa4;"| 1
|style="background-color:#daffa4;"| 1
|-style="font-weight:bold"
|width="1%"style="background-color:#ededed;"|[[File:Steel_Driver.png|x32px|link=Steel Driver|Steel Driver]][[File:TrispeederBodyMK8.png|x32px|link=Tri-Speeder|Tri-Speeder]][[File:BadwagonBodyMK8.png|x32px|link=Badwagon|Badwagon]][[File:GLA-MK8.png|x32px|link=GLA|GLA]][[File:StandardATVBodyMK8.png|x32px|link=Standard ATV|Standard ATV (Standard Quad)]]
|style="background-color:#80e5ff;"| 3
|style="background-color:#8080ff;"| 5
|style="background-color:#ffff80;"| 2
|style="background-color:#80e5ff;"| 3
|style="background-color:#ffff80;"| 0
|style="background-color:#8080ff;"| 4
|style="background-color:#ffff80;"| 0
|style="background-color:#8080ff;"| 5
|style="background-color:#ffff80;"| 0
|style="background-color:#ffff80;"| 0
|style="background-color:#8080ff;"| 7
|style="background-color:#ffff80;"| 0
|-style="font-weight:bold"
|width="1%"style="background-color:#ededed;"|[[File:BiddybuggyBodyMK8.png|x32px|link=Biddybuggy|Biddybuggy (Buggybud)]][[File:LandshipBodyMK8.png|x32px|link=Landship|Landship]][[File:MrScootyBodyMK8.png|x32px|link=Mr. Scooty|Mr. Scooty (Mr Scooty)]]
|style="background-color:#ffff80;"| 0
|style="background-color:#8080ff;"| 5
|style="background-color:#8080ff;"| 4
|style="background-color:#ffff80;"| 0
|style="background-color:#8080ff;"| 7
|style="background-color:#ffff80;"| 0
|style="background-color:#80b2ff;"| 4
|style="background-color:#8080ff;"| 5
|style="background-color:#8080ff;"| 4
|style="background-color:#80e5ff;"| 3
|style="background-color:#80ecff;"| 4
|style="background-color:#8080ff;"| 7
|-style="font-weight:bold"
|width="1%"style="background-color:#ededed;"|[[File:MK8BlueFalcon.png|x32px|link=Blue Falcon|Blue Falcon]][[File:MK8Streetle.png|x32px|link=Streetle|Streetle]]
|style="background-color:#80b2ff;"| 4
|style="background-color:#ffff80;"| 3
|style="background-color:#80ffff;"| 3
|style="background-color:#8080ff;"| 5
|style="background-color:#92ffec;"| 3
|style="background-color:#bfffbf;"| 1
|style="background-color:#99ffe5;"| 2
|style="background-color:#ffff80;"| 2
|style="background-color:#bfffbf;"| 1
|style="background-color:#80e5ff;"| 3
|style="background-color:#92ffec;"| 3
|style="background-color:#92ffec;"| 3
|-style="font-weight:bold"
|width="1%"style="background-color:#ededed;"|[[File:MK8 Tanooki Buggy Sprite.png|x32px|link=Tanooki Kart|Tanooki Kart]][[File:MK8BoneRattler.png|x32px|link=Bone Rattler|Bone Rattler]]
|style="background-color:#80e5ff;"| 3
|style="background-color:#8080ff;"| 5
|style="background-color:#80ffff;"| 3
|style="background-color:#80e5ff;"| 3
|style="background-color:#daffa4;"| 1
|style="background-color:#80bfff;"| 3
|style="background-color:#ccffb2;"| 1
|style="background-color:#8080ff;"| 5
|style="background-color:#8080ff;"| 4
|style="background-color:#ccffb2;"| 1
|style="background-color:#80a4ff;"| 6
|style="background-color:#daffa4;"| 1
|-style="font-weight:bold"
|width="1%"style="background-color:#ededed;"|[[File:CometBodyMK8.png|x32px|link=Comet|Comet]][[File:SportBikeBodyMK8.png|x32px|link=Sport Bike|Sport Bike]][[File:JetBikeBodyMK8.png|x32px|link=Jet Bike|Jet Bike]][[File:YoshiBikeBodyMK8.png|x32px|link=Yoshi Bike|Yoshi Bike]]
|style="background-color:#80e5ff;"| 3
|style="background-color:#ffff80;"| 3
|style="background-color:#ffff80;"| 2
|style="background-color:#80e5ff;"| 3
|style="background-color:#80c8ff;"| 5
|style="background-color:#bfffbf;"| 1
|style="background-color:#8080ff;"| 5
|style="background-color:#8080ff;"| 5
|style="background-color:#8080ff;"| 4
|style="background-color:#8080ff;"| 5
|style="background-color:#ffff80;"| 0
|style="background-color:#80c8ff;"| 5
|-style="font-weight:bold"
|width="1%"style="background-color:#ededed;"|[[File:MK8MasterCycle.png|x32px|link=Master Cycle|Master Cycle]]
|style="background-color:#80b2ff;"| 4
|style="background-color:#8080ff;"| 5
|style="background-color:#8080ff;"| 4
|style="background-color:#80e5ff;"| 3
|style="background-color:#b6ffc8;"| 2
|style="background-color:#80ffff;"| 2
|style="background-color:#80b2ff;"| 4
|style="background-color:#80d4ff;"| 4
|style="background-color:#8080ff;"| 4
|style="background-color:#8080ff;"| 5
|style="background-color:#b6ffc8;"| 2
|style="background-color:#92ffec;"| 3
|-
!colspan="13"|
<big><big>'''Tires'''</big></big>
|-style="word-break: break-all;"
!colspan="1"width="10%" rowspan="2"|Tire
!width="24%"colspan="4"|Speed
!width="6%"rowspan="2"|Acceleration
!width="6%"rowspan="2"|Weight
!width="24%"colspan="4"|Handling
!width="6%"rowspan="2"|Traction
!width="6%"rowspan="2"|Mini-Turbo
|-style="word-break: break-all;"
!width="6%"|Ground
!width="6%"|Water
!width="6%"|Air
!width="6%"|Anti-Gravity
!width="6%"|Ground
!width="6%"|Water
!width="6%"|Air
!width="6%"|Anti-Gravity
|-style="font-weight:bold"
|width="1%"style="background-color:#ededed;"|[[File:StandardTiresMK8.png|x32px|link=Standard (tire)|Standard (Normal)]][[File:Off-Road.png|x32px|link=Off-Road|Off-Road]][[File:Blue_Standard.png|x32px|link=Blue Standard|Blue Standard (Normal Blue)]][[File:Retro_Off-Road.png|x32px|link=Retro Off-Road|Retro Off-Road]][[File:GLATires-MK8.png|x32px|link=GLA Tires|GLA Tires (GLA Wheels)]]
|style="background-color:#80ffff;"| 2
|style="background-color:#8080ff;"| 4
|style="background-color:#80ffff;"| 2
|style="background-color:#80ffff;"| 2
|style="background-color:#aaffd4;"| 2
|style="background-color:#80ffff;"| 2
|style="background-color:#80bfff;"| 3
|style="background-color:#80bfff;"| 3
|style="background-color:#80bfff;"| 3
|style="background-color:#80bfff;"| 3
|style="background-color:#80ecff;"| 4
|style="background-color:#aaffd4;"| 2
|-style="font-weight:bold"
|width="1%"style="background-color:#ededed;"|[[File:MonsterTiresMK8.png|x32px|link=Monster (tire)|Monster]][[File:HotMonsterTiresMK8.png|x32px|link=Hot Monster|Hot Monster (Funky Monster)]]
|style="background-color:#80ffff;"| 2
|style="background-color:#80ffff;"| 2
|style="background-color:#ffff80;"| 0
|style="background-color:#80ffff;"| 2
|style="background-color:#ffff80;"| 0
|style="background-color:#8080ff;"| 4
|style="background-color:#ffff80;"| 0
|style="background-color:#ffff80;"| 0
|style="background-color:#ffff80;"| 0
|style="background-color:#ffff80;"| 0
|style="background-color:#8080ff;"| 7
|style="background-color:#ffff80;"| 0
|-style="font-weight:bold"
|width="1%"style="background-color:#ededed;"|[[File:RollerTiresMK8.png|x32px|link=Roller|Roller]][[File:ButtonTiresMK8.png|x32px|link=Button (tire)|Button]][[File:AzureRollerTiresMK8.png|x32px|link=Azure Roller|Azure Roller]][[File:Leaf Tires MK8.png|x32px|link=Leaf Tires|Leaf Tires (Leaf Tyres)]]
|style="background-color:#ffff80;"| 0
|style="background-color:#8080ff;"| 4
|style="background-color:#8080ff;"| 4
|style="background-color:#ffff80;"| 0
|style="background-color:#8080ff;"| 6
|style="background-color:#ffff80;"| 0
|style="background-color:#8080ff;"| 4
|style="background-color:#8080ff;"| 4
|style="background-color:#8080ff;"| 4
|style="background-color:#8080ff;"| 4
|style="background-color:#92ffec;"| 3
|style="background-color:#8080ff;"| 6
|-style="font-weight:bold"
|width="1%"style="background-color:#ededed;"|[[File:SlimTiresMK8.png|x32px|link=Slim (tire)|Slim]][[File:CrimsonSlimTiresMK8.png|x32px|link=Crimson Slim|Crimson Slim]][[File:MK8-TriforceTires.png|x32px|link=Triforce Tires|Triforce Tires (Triforce Tyres)]]
|style="background-color:#80bfff;"| 3
|style="background-color:#80bfff;"| 3
|style="background-color:#80bfff;"| 3
|style="background-color:#80bfff;"| 3
|style="background-color:#d4ffaa;"| 1
|style="background-color:#80ffff;"| 2
|style="background-color:#8080ff;"| 4
|style="background-color:#8080ff;"| 4
|style="background-color:#8080ff;"| 4
|style="background-color:#8080ff;"| 4
|style="background-color:#b6ffc8;"| 2
|style="background-color:#d4ffaa;"| 1
|-style="font-weight:bold"
|width="1%"style="background-color:#ededed;"|[[File:SlickTiresMK8.png|x32px|link=Slick|Slick]][[File:CyberSlickTiresMK8.png|x32px|link=Cyber Slick|Cyber Slick]]
|style="background-color:#8080ff;"| 4
|style="background-color:#ffff80;"| 0
|style="background-color:#8080ff;"| 4
|style="background-color:#8080ff;"| 4
|style="background-color:#d4ffaa;"| 1
|style="background-color:#80bfff;"| 3
|style="background-color:#80bfff;"| 3
|style="background-color:#80bfff;"| 3
|style="background-color:#80bfff;"| 3
|style="background-color:#80bfff;"| 3
|style="background-color:#ffff80;"| 0
|style="background-color:#d4ffaa;"| 1
|-style="font-weight:bold"
|width="1%"style="background-color:#ededed;"|[[File:MetalTiresMK8.png|x32px|link=Metal|Metal]][[File:Gold_Tires_MK8.png|x32px|link=Gold Tires|Gold Tires (Gold Wheels)]]
|style="background-color:#80bfff;"| 3
|style="background-color:#80bfff;"| 3
|style="background-color:#80bfff;"| 3
|style="background-color:#80bfff;"| 3
|style="background-color:#ffff80;"| 0
|style="background-color:#8080ff;"| 4
|style="background-color:#80bfff;"| 3
|style="background-color:#80bfff;"| 3
|style="background-color:#80bfff;"| 3
|style="background-color:#80bfff;"| 3
|style="background-color:#b6ffc8;"| 2
|style="background-color:#ffff80;"| 0
|-style="font-weight:bold"
|width="1%"style="background-color:#ededed;"|[[File:SpongeTiresMK8.png|x32px|link=Sponge|Sponge]][[File:WoodTiresMK8.png|x32px|link=Wood|Wood (Wooden)]][[File:CushionTiresMK8.png|x32px|link=Cushion|Cushion]]
|style="background-color:#bfffbf;"| 1
|style="background-color:#ffff80;"| 0
|style="background-color:#80bfff;"| 3
|style="background-color:#bfffbf;"| 1
|style="background-color:#80ffff;"| 3
|style="background-color:#bfffbf;"| 1
|style="background-color:#80ffff;"| 2
|style="background-color:#bfffbf;"| 1
|style="background-color:#80bfff;"| 3
|style="background-color:#80ffff;"| 2
|style="background-color:#80a4ff;"| 6
|style="background-color:#80ffff;"| 3
|-
!colspan="13"|
<big><big>'''Gliders'''</big></big>
|-style="word-break: break-all;"
!colspan="1"width="10%" rowspan="2"|Glider
!width="24%"colspan="4"|Speed
!width="6%"rowspan="2"|Acceleration
!width="6%"rowspan="2"|Weight
!width="24%"colspan="4"|Handling
!width="6%"rowspan="2"|Traction
!width="6%"rowspan="2"|Mini-Turbo
|-style="word-break: break-all;"
!width="6%"|Ground
!width="6%"|Water
!width="6%"|Air
!width="6%"|Anti-Gravity
!width="6%"|Ground
!width="6%"|Water
!width="6%"|Air
!width="6%"|Anti-Gravity
|-style="font-weight:bold"
|width="1%"style="background-color:#ededed;"|[[File:SuperGliderMK8.png|x32px|link=Super Glider|Super Glider]][[File:PaperGliderIcon-MK8.png|x32px|link=Paper Glider|Paper Glider]]
|style="background-color:#80ffff;"| 1
|style="background-color:#80ffff;"| 1
|style="background-color:#8080ff;"| 2
|style="background-color:#80ffff;"| 1
|style="background-color:#ffff80;"| 1
|style="background-color:#8080ff;"| 2
|style="background-color:#80ffff;"| 1
|style="background-color:#80ffff;"| 1
|style="background-color:#ffff80;"| 1
|style="background-color:#80ffff;"| 1
|style="background-color:#80ffff;"| 1
|style="background-color:#ffff80;"| 1
|-style="font-weight:bold"
|width="1%"style="background-color:#ededed;"|[[File:Cloud_Glider.png|x32px|link=Cloud Glider|Cloud Glider]][[File:PeachParasolGliderMK8.png|x32px|link=Peach Parasol (glider)|Peach Parasol]][[File:ParachuteGliderMK8.png|x32px|link=Parachute (glider)|Parachute]][[File:ParafoilGliderMK8.png|x32px|link=Parafoil|Parafoil]][[File:FlowerGliderMK8.png|x32px|link=Flower Glider|Flower Glider]][[File:BowserKiteMK8.png|x32px|link=Bowser Kite|Bowser Kite]][[File:MKTVParafoilGliderMK8.png|x32px|link=MKTV Parafoil|MKTV Parafoil]][[File:MK8-HylianKite.png|x32px|link=Hylian Kite|Hylian Kite]]
|style="background-color:#80ffff;"| 1
|style="background-color:#80ffff;"| 1
|style="background-color:#ffff80;"| 1
|style="background-color:#80ffff;"| 1
|style="background-color:#8080ff;"| 2
|style="background-color:#ffff80;"| 1
|style="background-color:#80ffff;"| 1
|style="background-color:#80ffff;"| 1
|style="background-color:#8080ff;"| 2
|style="background-color:#80ffff;"| 1
|style="background-color:#80ffff;"| 1
|style="background-color:#8080ff;"| 2
|-style="font-weight:bold"
|width="1%"style="background-color:#ededed;"|[[File:WarioWingMK8.png|x32px|link=Wario Wing|Wario Wing]][[File:WaddleWingMK8.png|x32px|link=Waddle Wing|Waddle Wing]][[File:PlaneGliderMK8.png|x32px|link=Plane Glider|Plane Glider]][[File:GoldGliderMK8.png|x32px|link=Gold Glider|Gold Glider]]
|style="background-color:#80ffff;"| 1
|style="background-color:#80ffff;"| 1
|style="background-color:#8080ff;"| 2
|style="background-color:#80ffff;"| 1
|style="background-color:#ffff80;"| 1
|style="background-color:#8080ff;"| 2
|style="background-color:#80ffff;"| 1
|style="background-color:#80ffff;"| 1
|style="background-color:#ffff80;"| 1
|style="background-color:#80ffff;"| 1
|style="background-color:#80ffff;"| 1
|style="background-color:#ffff80;"| 1
|}
 
==Courses==
There are 32 courses in the base game (excluding DLC cups), 16 [[New course|new]] and 16 [[Classic course|classic]], featuring one course each from ''Super Mario Kart'' and ''Mario Kart: Super Circuit'', two each from ''Mario Kart: Double Dash!!'' and ''Mario Kart Wii'', three each from ''Mario Kart DS'' and ''Mario Kart 7'', and four from ''Mario Kart 64''. As with the retro courses from the 3DS installment, those in this game feature altered sections that incorporate the game's glider, underwater, and anti-gravity features. The game features orchestrated music for all of the new courses and most of the classic courses. The courses have been described as narrower compared to previous ''Mario Kart'' courses, specifically those from ''Mario Kart Wii''.<ref>[http://www.nintendolife.com/news/2013/07/mario_kart_8_team_talk_gamepad_features_track_design_and_f_zero Mario Kart 8 Team Talk GamePad Features, Track Design And F-Zero @ Nintendo Life]</ref>
 
Unlike several previous installments of the ''Mario Kart'' series, the retro courses use their respective ''Mario Kart'' logo, excluding the DLC tracks {{classic-link|GCN|Yoshi Circuit}}, {{classic-link|GBA|Cheese Land}}, and {{classic-link|GBA|Ribbon Road}}; the tracks from SNES to GCN use an updated version of the classic logo, while the tracks from DS to 3DS, and the three DLC tracks mentioned, use the current logo.
 
Several courses' names differ between the American and British English releases:
*[[Toad Harbor]] is spelled Toad Harbour.
*[[Bone-Dry Dunes]] is formatted Bone Dry Dunes.
*{{classic-link|3DS|Piranha Plant Slide}} is known as {{classic|3DS|Piranha Plant Pipeway}}, as in ''Mario Kart 7''.
*{{classic-link|3DS|Music Park}} is known as {{classic|3DS|Melody Motorway}}, as in ''Mario Kart 7''.
*{{classic-link|3DS|Neo Bowser City}} is known as {{classic|3DS|Koopa City}}, as in ''Mario Kart 7''.
 
===[[New course]]s===
{|width=60% style="border-collapse:collapse;margin-bottom:5px;"align="center"cellpadding="4"
|-bgcolor=
![[File:MK8 MushroomCup.png|70px]]<br>[[Mushroom Cup]]
![[File:MK8 FlowerCup.png|70px]]<br>[[Flower Cup]]
![[File:MK8 Star Cup Emblem.png|70px]]<br>[[Star Cup]]
![[File:MK8 Special Cup Emblem.png|70px]]<br>[[Special Cup]]
|-align=center
|{{course icon|MK8|Mario Kart Stadium}}
|{{course icon|MK8|Mario Circuit|link=Mario Circuit (Mario Kart 8)}}
|{{course icon|MK8|Sunshine Airport}}
|{{course icon|MK8|Cloudtop Cruise}}
|-align=center
|{{course icon|MK8|Water Park}}
|{{course icon|MK8|Toad Harbor}}
|{{course icon|MK8|Dolphin Shoals}}
|{{course icon|MK8|Bone-Dry Dunes}}
|-align=center
|{{course icon|MK8|Sweet Sweet Canyon}}
|{{course icon|MK8|Twisted Mansion}}
|{{course icon|MK8|Electrodrome}}
|{{course icon|MK8|Bowser's Castle|link=Bowser's Castle (Mario Kart 8)}}
|-align=center
|{{course icon|MK8|Thwomp Ruins}}
|{{course icon|MK8|Shy Guy Falls}}
|{{course icon|MK8|Mount Wario}}
|{{course icon|MK8|Rainbow Road|link=Rainbow Road (Mario Kart 8)}}
|}
 
===[[Classic course]]s===
{|width=60% style="border-collapse:collapse;margin-bottom:5px;"align="center"cellpadding="4"
|-
![[File:MK8 Shell Cup Emblem.png|70px]]<br>[[Shell Cup]]
![[File:MK8 Banana Cup Emblem.png|70px]]<br>[[Banana Cup]]
![[File:MK8 Leaf Cup Emblem.png|70px]]<br>[[Leaf Cup]]
![[File:MK8 Lightning Cup Emblem.png|70px]]<br>[[Lightning Cup]]
|-align=center
|{{course icon|MK8|Wii Moo Moo Meadows}}
|{{course icon|MK8|GCN Dry Dry Desert}}
|{{course icon|MK8|DS Wario Stadium}}
|{{course icon|MK8|DS Tick-Tock Clock}}
|-align=center
|{{course icon|MK8|GBA Mario Circuit}}
|{{course icon|MK8|SNES Donut Plains 3}}
|{{course icon|MK8|GCN Sherbet Land}}
|{{course icon|MK8|3DS Piranha Plant Slide}}
|-align=center
|{{course icon|MK8|DS Cheep Cheep Beach}}
|{{course icon|MK8|N64 Royal Raceway}}
|{{course icon|MK8|3DS Music Park}}
|{{course icon|MK8|Wii Grumble Volcano}}
|-align=center
|{{course icon|MK8|N64 Toad's Turnpike}}
|{{course icon|MK8|3DS DK Jungle}}
|{{course icon|MK8|N64 Yoshi Valley}}
|{{course icon|MK8|N64 Rainbow Road}}
|}
 
===Downloadable courses===
Four additional cups, each one containing four courses for a total of 16, are included in the game's two downloadable content packs.<ref name="site dlc"></ref> This leaves ''Mario Kart 8'' with the third most courses of all games in the ''Mario Kart'' series behind ''[[Mario Kart 8 Deluxe]]'' and ''[[Mario Kart Tour]]'', as it contains 48 courses, beating ''[[Mario Kart: Super Circuit]]''{{'}}s previous record of 40 courses in total. Each of the DLC cups contains a mixture both new and classic courses, making them the first cups in the ''Mario Kart'' series to do so. Because of the imbalance of new and classic courses, this makes ''Mario Kart 8'' the only installment in the series to include more new courses than classic courses, with 25 new courses and 23 classic courses. Of the 16 DLC courses, seven are classic courses, with one course each from ''Super Mario Kart'', ''Mario Kart Wii'', and ''Mario Kart 7'' and two each from ''Mario Kart: Super Circuit'' and ''Mario Kart: Double Dash!!''. The other nine courses are new, five of which are based on other Nintendo franchises, namely ''Excitebike'', ''F-Zero'', ''The Legend of Zelda'', and ''Animal Crossing''. Additionally, while some of the courses have gliding and/or anti-gravity sections, none of them have any underwater sections. Unlike the base game's cups, these cups all share the same shape for their [[Trophy|trophies]], but with different colors and a different logo to match the cup; the backs of these trophies have text reading "PROFESSIONAL KART RACING DISTINGUISHED DRIVER".
 
With the discontinuation of digital purchases for Wii U in March 2023, it is no longer possible to buy the downloadable courses, though they can still be downloaded by those who purchased them when they were available.
{|style="border-collapse:collapse;margin-bottom:5px;width:60%;"align="center"cellpadding="4"
|-
!colspan=2|[[The Legend of Zelda x Mario Kart 8|''The Legend of Zelda'' × ''Mario Kart 8'']]
!colspan=2|[[Animal Crossing x Mario Kart 8|''Animal Crossing'' × ''Mario Kart 8'']]
|-align=center
![[File:MK8 Egg Cup Emblem.png|70px]]<br>[[Egg Cup]]
![[File:MK8 Triforce Cup Emblem.png|70px]]<br>[[Triforce Cup]]
![[File:MK8 Crossing Cup Emblem.png|70px]]<br>[[Crossing Cup]]
![[File:MK8 Bell Cup Emblem.png|70px]]<br>[[Bell Cup]]
|-align=center
|{{course icon|MK8|GCN Yoshi Circuit}}
|{{course icon|MK8|Wii Wario's Gold Mine}}
|{{course icon|MK8|GCN Baby Park}}
|{{course icon|MK8|3DS Neo Bowser City}}
|-align=center
|{{course icon|MK8|Excitebike Arena}}
|{{course icon|MK8|SNES Rainbow Road}}
|{{course icon|MK8|GBA Cheese Land}}
|{{course icon|MK8|GBA Ribbon Road}}
|-align=center
|{{course icon|MK8|Dragon Driftway}}
|{{course icon|MK8|Ice Ice Outpost}}
|{{course icon|MK8|Wild Woods}}
|{{course icon|MK8|Super Bell Subway}}
|-align=center
|{{course icon|MK8|Mute City}}
|{{course icon|MK8|Hyrule Circuit}}
|{{course icon|MK8|Animal Crossing}}
|{{course icon|MK8|Big Blue}}
|}
 
===Battle courses===
Unlike previous installments of the series, there are no courses unique to [[Battle Mode]]; instead, slightly modified versions of eight of the base game's 32 courses (two new, six classic) that appear in standard race modes are used as courses for battles. None of the battle courses are unlockable and thus they can all be played on from the start, including those that need to be unlocked in the race modes.
{|width=60% style="border-collapse:collapse;margin-bottom:5px;"align="center"cellpadding="4"
|-align=center
|{{course icon|MK8|Wii Moo Moo Meadows}}
|{{course icon|MK8|GCN Dry Dry Desert}}
|{{course icon|MK8|SNES Donut Plains 3}}
|{{course icon|MK8|N64 Toad's Turnpike}}
|-align=center
|{{course icon|MK8|Mario Circuit}}
|{{course icon|MK8|Toad Harbor}}
|{{course icon|MK8|GCN Sherbet Land}}
|{{course icon|MK8|N64 Yoshi Valley}}
|}
 
==Ghosts==
===Staff Ghosts===
Just like in ''[[Mario Kart Wii]]'' and ''[[Mario Kart 7]]'', the player starts out with Staff Ghosts for each course that can be raced against in Time Trial mode. However, unlike with the past ''Mario Kart'' installments, beating the Staff Ghost for each of the game's standard courses unlocks a stamp that can be used in Miiverse posts, rather than an Expert Staff Ghost.
{|border=1 style="text-align:center;border-collapse:collapse;max-width:100em;margin:auto"align=center class="wikitable"
|-
!width=15% rowspan=2|Course
!width=10% rowspan=2|Staff Name
!width=10% rowspan=2|Country
!width=5% rowspan=2|Time
!width=10% rowspan=2|Character
!width=30% colspan=3|Vehicle Combination
|-
!width=10%|Body
!width=10%|Tires
!width=10%|Glider
|-
!Mario Kart Stadium
|Nin★Chris
|United Kingdom
|1:59.781
|Mario
|Sports Coupe
|Standard
|Super Glider
|-
!Water Park
|Nin★Massim
|Italy
|2:02.954
|Baby Luigi
|Mr. Scooty
|Roller
|Super Glider
|-
!Sweet Sweet Canyon
|Nin★Fausti
|France
|2:12.107
|Baby Peach
|Teddy Buggy
|Wood
|Peach Parasol
|-
!Thwomp Ruins
|Nin★Sophia
|Germany
|2:11.157
|Donkey Kong
|Varmint
|Monster
|Super Glider
|-
!Mario Circuit
|Nin★Sho
|Japan
|2:07.436
|Mario
|Standard Kart
|Standard
|Super Glider
|-
!Toad Harbor
|Nin★Alice
|United States
|2:31.066
|Toadette
|Cat Cruiser
|Retro Off-Road
|Plane Glider
|-
!Twisted Mansion
|Nin★Mark
|Netherlands
|2:16.195
|Luigi
|Mach 8
|Slim
|Super Glider
|-
!Shy Guy Falls
|Nin★Frank
|United Kingdom
|2:19.528
|Shy Guy
|Flame Rider
|Retro Off-Road
|Super Glider
|-
!Sunshine Airport
|Nin★Leonel
|United States
|2:24.429
|Rosalina
|Circuit Special
|Standard
|Super Glider
|-
!Dolphin Shoals
|Nin★Skip
|United States
|2:19.160
|Wendy
|Landship
|Wood
|Bowser Kite
|-
!Electrodrome
|Nin★Yuya
|Japan
|2:24.747
|Larry
|Sport Bike
|Monster
|Super Glider
|-
!Mount Wario
|Nin★Elena
|Russia
|2:06.283
|Waluigi
|The Duke
|Monster
|Wario Wing
|-
!Cloudtop Cruise
|Nin★Maria
|Portugal
|2:26.347
|Baby Rosalina
|Biddybuggy
|Standard
|Super Glider
|-
!Bone-Dry Dunes
|Nin★Elena
|Russia
|2:13.391
|Morton
|Tri-Speeder
|Monster
|Super Glider
|-
!Bowser's Castle
|Nin★Polly
|United Kingdom
|2:23.872
|Bowser
|Badwagon
|Standard
|Super Glider
|-
!Rainbow Road
|Nin★Mizuho
|Japan
|2:23.967
|Pink Gold Peach
|Comet
|Slim
|Super Glider
|-
!<small>Wii</small> Moo Moo Meadows
|Nin★Chris
|United Kingdom
|1:46.099
|Daisy
|Varmint
|Hot Monster
|Super Glider
|-
!<small>GBA</small> Mario Circuit
|Nin★Rie
|Japan
|1:49.158
|Baby Mario
|Yoshi Bike
|Standard
|Super Glider
|-
!<small>DS</small> Cheep Cheep Beach
|Nin★Massim
|Italy
|2:11.220
|Koopa Troopa
|Steel Driver
|Metal
|Parachute
|-
!<small>N64</small> Toad's Turnpike
|Nin★Alice
|United States
|2:08.059
|Toad
|Standard Bike
|Standard
|Parachute
|-
!<small>GCN</small> Dry Dry Desert
|Nin★Maria
|Portugal
|2:29.678
|Peach
|Standard Bike
|Slim
|Super Glider
|-
!<small>SNES</small> Donut Plains 3
|Nin★Frank
|United Kingdom
|1:39.148
|Lakitu
|Pipe Frame
|Monster
|MKTV Parafoil
|-
!<small>N64</small> Royal Raceway
|Nin★Skip
|United States
|2:21.371
|Peach
|Prancer
|Wood
|Peach Parasol
|-
!<small>3DS</small> DK Jungle
|Nin★Rie
|Japan
|2:26.900
|Donkey Kong
|Varmint
|Monster
|Super Glider
|-
!<small>DS</small> Wario Stadium
|Nin★Mizuho
|Japan
|2:14.213
|Wario
|Tri-Speeder
|Off-Road
|Wario Wing
|-
!<small>GCN</small> Sherbet Land
|Nin★Fausti
|France
|2:21.192
|Lemmy
|Sneeker
|Standard
|Super Glider
|-
!<small>3DS</small> Music Park
|Nin★Sho
|Japan
|2:24.468
|Baby Daisy
|Biddybuggy
|Standard
|Super Glider
|-
!<small>N64</small> Yoshi Valley
|Nin★Mark
|Netherlands
|2:28.814
|Yoshi
|Wild Wiggler
|Standard
|Flower Glider
|-
!<small>DS</small> Tick-Tock Clock
|Nin★Sophia
|Germany
|2:13.712
|Iggy
|Standard Bike
|Monster
|Super Glider
|-
!<small>3DS</small> Piranha Plant Slide
|Nin★Polly
|United Kingdom
|2:23.991
|Ludwig
|Jet Bike
|Slim
|Super Glider
|-
!<small>Wii</small> Grumble Volcano
|Nin★Yuya
|Japan
|2:18.305
|Roy
|Badwagon
|Off-Road
|Super Glider
|-
!<small>N64</small> Rainbow Road
|Nin★Leonel
|United States
|1:33.731
|Metal Mario
|Standard ATV
|Monster
|Super Glider
|-
!<small>GCN</small> Yoshi Circuit
|Nin★Adrien
|France
|2:11.299
|Red Yoshi
|B Dasher
|Standard
|Super Glider
|-
!Excitebike Arena
|Nin★Pedro
|Spain
|2:06.483
|Mario
|Standard Bike
|Slim
|Super Glider
|-
!Dragon Driftway
|Nin★Kaori
|Japan
|2:05.487
|Lakitu
|Varmint
|Monster
|Cloud Glider
|-
!Mute City
|Nin★Laura
|United States
|2:10.427
|Mario
|Blue Falcon
|Roller
|Super Glider
|-
!<small>Wii</small> Wario's Gold Mine
|Nin★Pit
|Germany
|2:19.782
|Wario
|Standard Kart
|Monster
|Super Glider
|-
!<small>SNES</small> Rainbow Road
|Nin★Anne
|Netherlands
|1:46.599
|Cat Peach
|Cat Cruiser
|Retro Off-Road
|Super Glider
|-
!Ice Ice Outpost
|Nin★Pavel
|Russia
|2:07.868
|Tanooki Mario
|Tanooki Kart
|Monster
|Super Glider
|-
!Hyrule Circuit
|Nin★Claudi
|United Kingdom
|2:11.156
|Link
|Master Cycle
|Triforce Tires
|Hylian Kite
|-
!<small>GCN</small> Baby Park
|Nin★Joost
|Netherlands
|1:22.562
|Baby Mario
|Biddybuggy
|Standard
|Super Glider
|-
!<small>GBA</small> Cheese Land
|Nin★Aracel
|Spain
|2:09.601
|Orange Yoshi
|Pipe Frame
|Monster
|Parafoil
|-
!Wild Woods
|Nin★Akira
|Japan
|2:04.480
|Villager (Boy)
|Streetle
|Leaf Tires
|Paper Glider
|-
!Animal Crossing
|Nin★Marie
|United States
|1:58.273
|Isabelle
|City Tripper
|Slim
|Paper Glider
|-
!<small>3DS</small> Neo Bowser City
|Nin★Guille
|United States
|2:09.513
|Dry Bowser
|Bone Rattler
|Metal
|Super Glider
|-
!<small>GBA</small> Ribbon Road
|Nin★Giulia
|Italy
|2:11.839
|Villager (Girl)
|Teddy Buggy
|Button
|Super Glider
|-
!Super Bell Subway
|Nin★Juliet
|France
|2:07.175
|Pink Shy Guy
|City Tripper
|Slim
|Super Glider
|-
!Big Blue
|Nin★Dylan
|United Kingdom
|1:44.100
|Mario
|P-Wing
|Blue Standard
|Super Glider
|}
 
===Kart of Champions===
These are Nintendo's best times for each of the 32 base courses, as shown in the [[Prima Games|Prima]] Official Game Guide. Ghost data does not exist for the following times in-game.
{|border=1 style="text-align:center;border-collapse:collapse;max-width:100em;margin:auto"align=center class="wikitable"
|-
!width=15% rowspan=2|Course
!width=10% rowspan=2|Staff Name
!width=5% rowspan=2|Time
!width=10% rowspan=2|Character
!width=30% colspan=3|Vehicle Combination
|-
!width=10%|Body
!width=10%|Tires
!width=10%|Glider
|-
!Mario Kart Stadium
|Addison K.
|1:44.503
|Bowser
|Sport Bike
|Slick
|Bowser Kite
|-
!Water Park
|Jeff C. M.
|1:48.231
|Wario
|Sport Bike
|Cyber Slick
|Parafoil
|-
!Sweet Sweet Canyon
|Jeff C. M.
|1:57.071
|Wario
|Sport Bike
|Slick
|Parafoil
|-
!Thwomp Ruins
|Greg R.
|1:57.193
|Mii
|Gold Standard
|Slick
|Bowser Kite
|-
!Mario Circuit
|Addison K.
|1:53.017
|Bowser
|Sport Bike
|Slick
|Bowser Kite
|-
!Toad Harbor
|Jeff C. M.
|2:11.578
|Wario
|Sport Bike
|Cyber Slick
|Parafoil
|-
!Twisted Mansion
|Jeff C. M.
|2:01.605
|Wario
|Sport Bike
|Cyber Slick
|Parafoil
|-
!Shy Guy Falls
|Jeff C. M.
|2:08.775
|Wario
|Sport Bike
|Cyber Slick
|Parafoil
|-
!Sunshine Airport
|Jeff C. M.
|2:08.177
|Wario
|Sport Bike
|Cyber Slick
|Parafoil
|-
!Dolphin Shoals
|Jeff C. M.
|2:09.590
|Wario
|Sport Bike
|Slick
|Parafoil
|-
!Electrodrome
|Jeff C. M.
|2:07.774
|Wario
|Sport Bike
|Cyber Slick
|Parafoil
|-
!Mount Wario
|Jeff C. M.
|1:53.516
|Wario
|Sport Bike
|Cyber Slick
|Parafoil
|-
!Cloudtop Cruise
|Jeff C. M.
|2:11.595
|Wario
|Sport Bike
|Cyber Slick
|Parafoil
|-
!Bone-Dry Dunes
|Jeff C. M.
|2:02.028
|Wario
|Sport Bike
|Slick
|Parafoil
|-
!Bowser's Castle
|Jeff C. M.
|2:15.686
|Wario
|Sport Bike
|Slick
|Parafoil
|-
!Rainbow Road
|Jeff C. M.
|2:15.895
|Wario
|Sport Bike
|Slick
|Parafoil
|-
!<small>Wii</small> Moo Moo Meadows
|Jeff C. M.
|1:31.643
|Wario
|Sport Bike
|Slick
|Parafoil
|-
!<small>GBA</small> Mario Circuit
|Jeff C. M.
|1:35.290
|Wario
|Sport Bike
|Slick
|Parafoil
|-
!<small>DS</small> Cheep Cheep Beach
|Addison K.
|1:57.169
|Bowser
|Sport Bike
|Slick
|Bowser Kite
|-
!<small>N64</small> Toad's Turnpike
|Addison K.
|1:50.089
|Bowser
|Sport Bike
|Slick
|Bowser Kite
|-
!<small>GCN</small> Dry Dry Desert
|Jeff C. M.
|2:14.415
|Wario
|Sport Bike
|Cyber Slick
|Parafoil
|-
!<small>SNES</small> Donut Plains 3
|Jeff C. M.
|1:24.754
|Morton
|Gold Standard
|Cyber Slick
|Cloud Glider
|-
!<small>N64</small> Royal Raceway
|Jeff C. M.
|2:04.626
|Wario
|Sport Bike
|Slick
|Parafoil
|-
!<small>3DS</small> DK Jungle
|Jeff C. M.
|2:14.917
|Wario
|Sport Bike
|Slick
|Parafoil
|-
!<small>DS</small> Wario Stadium
|Jeff C. M.
|2:04.685
|Wario
|Sport Bike
|Slick
|Parafoil
|-
!<small>GCN</small> Sherbet Land
|Jeff C. M.
|2:02.291
|Wario
|Sport Bike
|Slick
|Parafoil
|-
!<small>3DS</small> Music Park
|Jeff C. M.
|2:06.354
|Wario
|Sport Bike
|Cyber Slick
|Parafoil
|-
!<small>N64</small> Yoshi Valley
|Jeff C. M.
|2:08.495
|Wario
|Sport Bike
|Slick
|Parafoil
|-
!<small>DS</small> Tick-Tock Clock
|Jeff C. M.
|1:59.372
|Wario
|Sport Bike
|Slick
|Parafoil
|-
!<small>3DS</small> Piranha Plant Slide
|Jeff C. M.
|2:12.079
|Wario
|Sport Bike
|Slick
|Parafoil
|-
!<small>Wii</small> Grumble Volcano
|Jeff C. M.
|2:10.129
|Wario
|Sport Bike
|Slick
|Parafoil
|-
!<small>N64</small> Rainbow Road
|Jeff C. M.
|1:26.548
|Wario
|Sport Bike
|Slick
|Parafoil
|}
 
==Items==
:''For the probability of getting each item when an Item Box is opened, see [[Mario Kart 8 item probability distributions]].''
As in all ''Mario Kart'' games, ''Mario Kart 8'' keeps the use of items during the races. Four new items have been added to the list, being the [[Boomerang Flower]], the [[Potted Piranha Plant|Piranha Plant]], the [[Super Horn]], and the [[Crazy Eight]]. The [[Coin]] also makes a return as an item for the first time since its first appearance in ''[[Super Mario Kart]]''.
 
''Mario Kart 8'' also features changes to the items' mechanics. In the races, each item's probability of being obtained depends on probability distributions that are based mainly on the distance from the driver in first place.<ref name=items/> This means that it is possible to get even a [[Bullet Bill]] in second. While past ''Mario Kart'' games allowed the users to gain a different item from the [[Item Box]]es while dragging some other such as a [[Green Shell]] or a [[Banana]], in ''Mario Kart 8'', players are restricted to carry only the item they are currently holding or dragging. Releasing the item in use will then allow the player to take another from the boxes. In order to keep gameplay balance, some items are much less frequent to appear, most notably [[Lightning]] and the [[Spiny Shell (blue)|Spiny Shell]]. Additionally, the [[Triple Bananas]], the [[Triple Mushrooms]] and the eight items of the [[Crazy Eight]] surround the vehicle in the same manner as triple shells do, and opponents receive their effects when touching them, giving some disadvantage, or advantage in the case of the ''Triple Mushrooms'' and the [[Super Star|Star]]. Racers only lose the items they are holding in their hand when struck by a Lightning while items surrounding the drivers, with the exception of the Mushrooms, are lost when other racers touch them. The item icon, located on the top left of the screen, now displays a usage-remaining meter, either time remaining to use or uses remaining, for items with limited repeating usage.
<center>
{|class="wikitable"
!colspan="2"|
===Items found on the track===
|-
|align=center|[[File:ItemBoxMK8.png|x75px]]<br>[[Item Box]]
|Gives the player a random item. Items given are based on the player's distance from first place.
|-
|align=center|[[File:CoinMK8.png|x75px]]<br>[[Coin]]
|Gives the player a small boost and increase top speed when more are collected, up to a maximum of ten.
|-
|align=center|[[File:MK8Rupee.png|x75px]]<br>[[Rupee]]
|The equivalent of a coin, used for [[Hyrule Circuit]]. They replace coins in the item roulette and in the track.
|-
|align=center|[[File:Bell MK8.png|x75px]]<br>[[Bell (Animal Crossing)|Bell]]
|The equivalent of a coin, used for [[Animal Crossing]]. They replace coins in the item roulette and in the track.
|-
!colspan="2"|
 
===New items===
|-
|align=center|[[File:BoomerangFlowerMK8.png|x75px]]<br>[[Boomerang Flower]]
|Can be thrown up to three times, hitting racers forward/backward and when it returns to its user after the first and second use.
|-
|align=center|[[File:PiranhaPlantPotMK8.png|x75px]]<br>[[Potted Piranha Plant|Piranha Plant]]
|Automatically chomps on obstacles and other racers, giving a short speed boost for each bite.
|-
|align=center|[[File:SuperHornMK8.png|x75px]]<br>[[Super Horn]]
|Emits a radial shockwave hitting racers, as well as destroying all obstacles, including the Spiny Shell.
|-
|align=center|[[File:Crazy8MK8.png|x75px]]<br>[[Crazy Eight]]
|Generates eight items ([[Coin]], [[Bob-omb]], [[Dash Mushroom|Mushroom]], [[Star]], [[Blooper]], [[Green Shell]], [[Red Shell]], and a [[Banana]]) that circle around the player for them to use.
|-
!colspan="2"|
 
===Returning items===
|-
|align=center|[[File:CoinMK8.png|x75px]]<br>[[Coin]]
|Grants the player two extra coins and a micro boost.
|-
|align=center|[[File:GreenShellMK8.png|x75px]]<br>[[Green Shell]]
|Travels in a straight line and knocks over a kart it hits.
|-
|align=center|[[File:TripleGreenShellsMK8.png|x75px]]<br>[[Triple Green Shells]]
|Three green shells that orbit the player's kart, protecting them from incoming attacks.
|-
|align=center|[[File:RedShellMK8.png|x75px]]<br>[[Red Shell]]
|Homes in on the closest kart in front of the player and knocks it over.
|-
|align=center|[[File:TripleRedShellsMK8.png|x75px]]<br>[[Triple Red Shells]]
|Three red shells that orbit the player's kart, protecting them from incoming attacks.
|-
|align=center|[[File:BananaMK8.png|[[Banana]]|x75px]]<br>[[Banana]]
|Protects the player from incoming items, and spins out other racers that hit it.
|-
|align=center|[[File:TripleBananaMK8.png|x75px]]<br>[[Triple Bananas]]
|Three bananas that orbit the player's kart, protecting them from incoming attacks.
|-
|align=center|[[File:MushroomMarioKart8.png|x75px]]<br>[[Dash Mushroom|Mushroom]]
|Provides the player's kart with a small speed boost.
|-
|align=center|[[File:TripleMushroomMK8.png|x75px]]<br>[[Triple Mushrooms]]
|Orbits the player's kart, providing them with three separate speed boosts.
|-
|align=center|[[File:GoldenMushroomMK8.png|x75px]]<br>[[Golden Dash Mushroom|Golden Mushroom]]
|Provides the player's kart with continuous speed boosts for a short time.
|-
|align=center|[[File:FireFlowerMK8.png|x75px]]<br>[[Fire Flower]]
|Allows the player to throw fireballs for a short time that cause other karts to spin out on impact.
|-
|align=center|[[File:StarMK8.png|x75px]]<br>[[Super Star|Star]]
|Provides the player invincibility from all terrain and items, and also giving a speed boost.
|-
|align=center|[[File:BlooperMK8.png|x75px]]<br>[[Blooper]]
|Sprays ink on all racers ahead and reduces their visibility. The racers hit also lose some of their traction while sprayed.
|-
|align=center|[[File:Bob-ombMK8.png|x75px]]<br>[[Bob-omb]]
|Explodes after a short time when thrown or dropped, knocking over any kart in its blast radius.
|-
|align=center|[[File:SpinyShellMK8.png|x75px]]<br>[[Spiny Shell (blue)|Spiny Shell]]
|Targets the racer in first place, knocking over all other karts in its path.
|-
|align=center|[[File:LightningBoltMK8.png|x75px]]<br>[[Lightning]]
|Causes all opponents to drop their items, shrink, and drive slowly for a short time.
|-
|align=center|[[File:BulletBillMK8.png|x60px]]<br>[[Bullet Bill]]
|Transforms the player into a Bullet Bill, rocketing through the track with auto-pilot, and providing invincibility from all terrain and items.
|}
</center>
 
==Stamps==
{{main|List of stamps in Mario Kart 8}}
As in ''[[Super Mario 3D World]]'', ''[[NES Remix]]'', and ''[[NES Remix 2]]'', players can obtain stamps, which could previously be used in [[Miiverse]] posts. There are 100 stamps in the game: 28 are available from the start, while another 62 stamps can be obtained by winning a Grand Prix with every non-DLC character and beating the Staff Ghost on each non-DLC course in Time Trials. In addition, ten more stamps were added with the version 4.0 update. However, beating a Staff Ghost on a DLC course or using a DLC character to complete a Grand Prix will not unlock a stamp.
 
==Downloadable content==
As of the version 2.0 update, ''Mario Kart 8'', like ''[[New Super Mario Bros. 2]]'', includes an in-game shop feature through which players can purchase and pre-order downloadable content packs, as well as adding prompts where the character and cup icons are when purchased. Alternatively, players can purchase content packs through the Nintendo eShop like normal. Nintendo has released free vehicle parts as part of a collaboration with Mercedes-Benz, and then announced the game will receive two add-on packs, which both include three additional characters, four vehicles, and eight courses in two cups.
===Mercedes-Benz × ''Mario Kart 8''===
{{main|Mercedes-Benz x Mario Kart 8{{!}}Mercedes-Benz × Mario Kart 8}}
[[File:Mk8-dlc.jpg|thumb|Mario, Princess Peach, and Luigi driving karts themed after Mercedes-Benz vehicles.]]
As part of a collaboration between [[Nintendo]] and {{wp|Mercedes-Benz}}, a free downloadable content pack was released featuring kart bodies based on several Mercedes-Benz vehicles, including the [[GLA]] (based on the {{wp|Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class|Mercedes-Benz GLA}}), the [[W 25 Silver Arrow]] (based on the {{wp|Mercedes-Benz W25|W 25}} {{wp|Silver Arrows|Silver Arrow}}), and the [[300 SL Roadster]] (based on the {{wp|Mercedes-Benz 300SL|300 SL Roadster}}), as well as a set of [[GLA Tires]].<ref>https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vDaCFD32Uhs</ref> The content was released in all regions on August 27, 2014.<ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20141007005444/http://www.mercedes-benz.com/en/mercedes-benz/lifestyle/culture/mercedes-benz-in-nintendos-new-mario-kart-8/ Mercedes-Benz in Nintendo's new Mario Kart 8]. Mercedes-Benz. Retrieved May 14, 2015.</ref>
{{br|left}}
 
===''The Legend of Zelda'' × ''Mario Kart 8''===
{{main|The Legend of Zelda x Mario Kart 8{{!}}The Legend of Zelda × Mario Kart 8}}
[[File:MK8 DLC 1 Poster.png|thumb|left|Screenshots of Add-On Pack 1]]
The first pack, titled "''The Legend of Zelda'' × ''Mario Kart 8''", which was released on November 13, 2014,<ref>http://store.nintendo.co.uk/wii-u-ddc/the-legend-of-zelda-x-mario-kart-8-aoc-pack-digital-download/10991121.html</ref> includes [[Tanooki Mario]], [[Cat Mario|Cat Peach]], and [[Link]] from ''[[Zeldawiki:The Legend of Zelda|The Legend of Zelda]]'' franchise. It also includes additional vehicle parts, such as the returning [[B Dasher]] and the new [[Tanooki Kart]]. The cups included are the [[Triforce Cup]] and the [[Egg Cup]]. Additional courses include both classic ones, such as [[Wii Wario's Gold Mine|Wario's Gold Mine]] from ''[[Mario Kart Wii]]'', new courses inspired by non-''Super Mario'' franchises such as the ''Excitebike''-based [[Excitebike Arena]], and completely new ones such as [[Dragon Driftway]].
 
Purchasing both this and the ''Animal Crossing × Mario Kart 8'' pack unlocks eight alternate color skins for both Yoshi and Shy Guy each.<ref name="site dlc"></ref>
 
===''Animal Crossing'' × ''Mario Kart 8''===
{{main|Animal Crossing x Mario Kart 8{{!}}Animal Crossing × Mario Kart 8}}
[[File:MK8 Animal Crossing DLC Alternate Poster.png|thumb|Screenshots of Add-On Pack 2]]
The second pack, titled "''Animal Crossing'' × ''Mario Kart 8''", which was released on April 23, 2015, includes [[Villager]] and [[Isabelle]] from ''[[nookipedia:Animal Crossing: New Leaf|Animal Crossing: New Leaf]]'', as well as [[Dry Bowser]], returning from ''Mario Kart Wii''. The cups included are the [[Crossing Cup]] and the [[Bell Cup]].<ref name="Direct April 1>[https://youtu.be/IMedqo8mLaQ?t=44m23s Nintendo Direct 4.1.2015]. Posted to YouTube by Nintendo of America on April 1, 2015. Retrieved April 1, 2015.</ref> Like ''The Legend of Zelda'' x ''Mario Kart 8'', additional courses include classic ones such as [[GBA Cheese Land|Cheese Land]] (returning from ''[[Mario Kart: Super Circuit]]''), courses based on non-''Super Mario'' franchises like [[Big Blue]] from the ''F-Zero'' series, and completely new ones like [[Wild Woods]].
 
Purchasing both this and ''The Legend of Zelda × Mario Kart 8'' pack unlocks eight alternate color skins for both Yoshi and Shy Guy.<ref name="site dlc/>
{{br}}
 
==Update history==
Note that in order to play online, players must have downloaded the most recent software update.
===Ver. 2.0===
[[File:Mk8-update-map.jpg|thumb|upright=1.5|The map display on the TV screen.]]
On the same day as the release of the Mercedes DLC, an update for the game also was released which adds an option to display the map on the TV screen (just like in past ''Mario Kart'' games) by pressing {{button|wiiu|minus}} on the GamePad. A records section has been added to the main menu also by pressing {{button|wiiu|minus}}, which shows how many total coins have been collected, online wins and losses (just like ''[[Mario Kart 7]]''), and other statistics. The update also saves the players' last used vehicle combo (excluding DLC vehicle parts), lets them edit other players' highlight reels, and improves online stability.
 
Additionally, the maximum online race and battle ratings have increased from "9999" to "99999", like in ''Mario Kart 7''. The rating system has also been altered in that the amount of points that the players win or lose after an online race or battle is more drastic if there exists a large rating difference between participating players. In tournaments without race or battle limits, players can now have more than 1024 points during a tournament period; without the update, players with at least 1024 points have their score reset to zero for the next race/battle.
 
The speed values of the CPU racers has also been adjusted for tracks such as Dolphin Shoals. Also, animations of some characters, such as Daisy, Rosalina and Ludwig have been tweaked.
 
The update also swaps the 'Next Race/Round/View Results' and 'View Highlight Reel' buttons in offline mode, and adds a Shop button on the main menu, where players can purchase and download add-on content.<ref>[http://www.nintendo.co.uk/News/2014/August/Nintendo-adds-three-Mercedes-Benz-cars-and-enhancements-to-Mario-Kart-8-from-27th-August-909198.html Nintendo adds three Mercedes-Benz cars and enhancements to Mario Kart 8 from 27th August]</ref> The character icons on the map HUD are also altered.
 
===Ver. 3.0===
On November 13, 2014, the update to version 3.0 was made available. The update includes compatibility with [[amiibo]] figures and enables the first downloadable content pack for those who purchased it.<ref>http://mariokart8.nintendo.com/wiiu/amiibo/</ref><ref>https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h74J_vHZcAo</ref> The update also allows the game to save any last used vehicle combo that uses any of the DLC vehicle parts or characters. Also, when a light racer bumps into a heavier one, it will be pushed less far away.<ref>http://www.gamespot.com/articles/mario-kart-8-director-talks-dlc-hyrule-circuit-sec/1100-6423677/</ref><ref>http://nintendoeverything.com/mario-kart-8-director-on-choices-behind-the-nintendo-dlc-tracks-small-tweak-to-improve-lightweight-racers/#more-179710</ref>
 
In terms of online, the race and battle rating system has been modified to be less punishing to players who do poorly in a race or battle. Additionally, players can now set up tournaments that have cup limitations. The update is required to continue playing online, but players cannot play in rooms or tournaments that include the downloadable tracks until they have purchased them. Players that have not purchased the add-on packs can still encounter the included characters and vehicles online, but cannot select them.
 
===Ver. 4.0===
[[File:MK8 Engine Classes.jpg|thumb|The addition of 200cc in Ver. 4.0.]]
Update version 4.0 was released on April 23, 2015, the same day as the ''Animal Crossing × Mario Kart 8'' downloadable content pack. In addition to the downloadable content and some bug fixes, the update adds nine additional amiibo racing suits and compatible figures, and adds a "200cc" engine class.<ref>[http://www.comingsoon.net/games/news/425767-nintendo-announces-new-details-on-mario-kart-8-super-smash-bros-and-more Nintendo Announces New Details on Mario Kart 8, Super Smash Bros. and More]. ComcingSoon.net (April 1, 2015). Retrieved April 1, 2015.</ref> Ten new Miiverse stamps have also been added.<ref>[http://www.4gamer.net/games/220/G022038/20150415041/] 4gamer.net -Version 4.0 update notes</ref> The update also allows players to enable the on-screen map using any controller, rather than just the GamePad.
 
In online mode, players can add CPU racers when playing with custom rules, though only human players will count for scoring.<ref>[http://mynintendonews.com/2015/04/22/heres-the-mario-kart-8-patch-notes-for-4-0-update/ Here's The Mario Kart 8 Patch Notes For 4.0 Update]. My Nintendo News (April 22, 2015). Retrieved April 23, 2015.</ref> Also, players who left a race/battle will not have their race/battle rating visible for other racers to see after a race/battle. The race rating and battle rating system remains the same as in update version 3.0. Finally, additional tournament settings have been added to support 200cc and the two cups in the second DLC pack.
{{br}}
====200cc engine class====
[[File:Larry brakedrifting 200cc.jpg|thumb|left|{{Larry}}, performing the new braking technique that is introduced in the 200cc engine class.]]
Introduced as part of the version 4.0 update, 200cc is an engine class that presents a few important differences with respect to the other engine classes.
 
The 200cc engine class is 150% the speed of the 150cc engine class (for comparison, the speed of the 50cc and 100cc engine classes are respectively 80% and 90% of the speed of the 150cc engine class)<ref>Mister Wu (June 11, 2015). [https://web.archive.org/web/20181021015617/https://forums.mkboards.com/threads/the-relative-speed-of-the-engine-classes.16403/ The relative speed of the engine classes]. ''MKBoards''. Retrieved February 19, 2018. For a frame-by-frame comparison using direct game time instead of MKTV, see ''Raw Results'' and ''Results'' of [https://web.archive.org/web/20181021015812/https://forums.mkboards.com/threads/the-tables-of-top-speed-in-km-h-as-function-of-speed-value-and-coins.24123/ The tables of top speed in km/h as function of speed value and coins], in particular ''200cc class. 1.0 speed without coins: the speed increase with respect to the same case in the 150cc engine class is 50 ± 1 %''.</ref> and causes acceleration to change every time the acceleration statistics changes,<ref>For more information, see the [[Mario Kart 8 in-game statistics#Acceleration (AC)|section on the in-game acceleration statistics]] and the [[Mario Kart 8 in-game statistics#Speed (SL, SW, SA and SG)|section on the in-game speed statistics]].</ref> and a new braking technique, triggered only when braking while drifting: orange sparks come out of the driving wheels that start rotating at a low speed, a braking sound can be heard and the deceleration is slower, allowing tighter turns without necessarily losing the Mini-Turbo charge.<ref>Mister Wu (October 7,2015). [https://web.archive.org/web/20181021015821/https://forums.mkboards.com/threads/mk8-techniques-thread.14076/page-2 post 37 of the "MK8 Technqiues Thread".] ''MKBoards''. Retrieved November 8, 2015.</ref> Furthermore, in this engine class the Star item significantly increases both acceleration and maximum speed, unlike in 150cc where maximum speed is mostly unaffected.
 
Furthermore, some physics exploits are less effective.<ref>TWD98 (May 2, 2015). [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eoF93BWxb50 Mario Kart 8 - Is Fire Hopping Faster On 200cc?] ''YouTube''. Retrieved November 8, 2015.</ref> The angular velocity of autodrifting has been revised as well and furthermore only in this class it appears to be unaffected by drifting type (inside drifting or outside drifting) and coins.<ref name=angvel/>
 
Twenty-one of the tracks are also altered to accommodate for the different 200cc physics, such as modifying the boost value of the ramps with Dash Panels on them or locally increasing gravity in various areas including jumps or glider sections<ref>[https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1CiijrS6P6gqLAfzqKQLpZGd-CeljqzuDFvfLg6ThW3A/edit#gid=1771969346 A list of elements used in Mario Kart 8]. The Adjuster200cc is among the Objects, and its effect is to increase gravity. Retrieved June 26, 2016.</ref>. The following is an alphabetized list of all racetracks that have different 200cc physics:
{|
|-
|
*{{classic-link|3DS|DK Jungle}}
*{{classic-link|3DS|Music Park}}
*{{classic-link|3DS|Neo Bowser City}}
*{{classic-link|3DS|Piranha Plant Slide}}
*{{classic-link|DS|Wario Stadium}}
*{{classic-link|GBA|Cheese Land}}
*{{classic-link|GBA|Mario Circuit}}
|
*{{classic-link|GBA|Ribbon Road}}
*{{classic-link|GCN|Yoshi Circuit}}
*[[Animal Crossing]]
*[[Bone-Dry Dunes]]
*[[Cloudtop Cruise]]
*[[Mount Wario]]
*[[Rainbow Road (Mario Kart 8)|Rainbow Road]]
|
*[[Shy Guy Falls]]
*[[Sunshine Airport]]
*[[Super Bell Subway]]
*[[Sweet Sweet Canyon]]
*[[Toad Harbor]]
*[[Twisted Mansion]]
*[[Wild Woods]]
|}
{{br|left}}
 
===Ver. 4.1===
Update version 4.1 was released on May 1, 2015. In addition to general gameplay adjustments and bug fixes, the update adds the Mirror and 200cc engine classes to Grand Prix mode by default, without having to unlock them.<ref>King, Ashley. (May 1, 2015.) [http://nintendotoday.com/mario-kart-8-update-now-live/ Mario Kart 8 update 4.1 is now live]. Nintendo Today. Retrieved May 1, 2015.</ref>
 
===Ver. 4.2===
Update version 4.2 was released on August 3, 2023. This update patches a vulnerability in the game's network code which enables hackers to take full, remote control of a user's (unmodified) Wii U system during online multiplayer sessions.<ref>PabloMK7, Rambo6Glaz, and Fishguy6564 (December 22, 2022). [https://github.com/PabloMK7/ENLBufferPwn ENLBufferPwn (CVE-2022-47949)]. ''GitHub''. Retrieved December 25, 2022. ([https://web.archive.org/web/20221225025808/https://github.com/PabloMK7/ENLBufferPwn Archived] December 25, 2022, 02:58:08 UTC via Wayback Machine.)</ref> The Recommended section in Tournaments was deleted, as was done in ''Mario Kart 8 Deluxe'' version 2.2.0.<ref>(August 3, 2023). [https://en-americas-support.nintendo.com/app/answers/detail/a_id/10625/~/how-to-update-mario-kart-8 How to Update Mario Kart 8]. ''nintendo.com''. Retrieved August 3, 2023. ([https://web.archive.org/web/20230803092151/https://en-americas-support.nintendo.com/app/answers/detail/a_id/10625/~/how-to-update-mario-kart-8 Archived] August 3, 2023, 09:21:51 UTC via Wayback Machine.)</ref>
 
==Differences in multiplayer modes==
When playing in split screen, there are some minor and major differences on the race courses. Most changes are removals and simplifications to maintain proper frame rate.
===General differences===
*The game will occasionally lower its rendering resolution to 1152x648 when many racers and particle effects are on screen. This happens more often in two player modes with CPU's turned on, and in {{classic-link|GCN|Sherbet Land}}.
*There is a lack of motion blur in online and offline multiplayer.
*Shadow resolution, shadow draw distance, and the resolution of alpha and lighting effects are reduced in multiplayer.
*The polygon count of CPU and other player characters are reduced.
*Trick animations of CPU's and other players are 30 fps in Two-Player Online.
*Some of the side spectators (Toads, Yoshis, Shy Guys, Piantas, and etc.) are absent in race courses that have them.
 
===Course-specific differences===
'''Mario Kart Stadium'''
*The large broadcasting screen rotates between the players' point of views.
*The MKTV broadcast van is absent.
*Some of the bleach banners are absent.
*The helicopter near the anti-gravity section is absent.
*The hovering platforms, carrying the spectators, are absent.
*In 3 and 4 player mode, the fireworks have less sparkles.
'''Water Park'''
*The balloons, that come out of the big warp pipes, are absent.
*The [[Mecha Cheep]]s are absent.
*The tent-shaped water fountain does not spray out water.
*Some sailboats are absent. In 3 and 4 player mode, all of them are absent.
*In 3 and 4 player mode, at the start-and-finish line, the hanging banners on the lamps, are absent.
'''Sweet Sweet Canyon'''
*The soda bottles do not have soda geysers coming out. For the soda bottles underwater, the bubbles do not come out.
*Most of the candied hot air balloons are absent.
*The [[Cheep Cheep]]s are absent.
'''Thwomp Ruins'''
*The torches, located at the left turn after the start-and-finish line, do not have flames. In 3 and 4 player mode, all of the torches outside do not have flames, except the first two on the glide ramp.
*Some dandelions are absent. In 3 and 4 player mode, all of them are absent.
*In 3 and 4 player mode, the hanging long flags are absent.
'''Mario Circuit'''
*The MKTV broadcast van is absent.
*At the left turn around Peach's Castle, the flagpoles do not have flags.
*On top of Peach's Castle, the flags are absent.
*In front of Peach's Castle, the hanging banners are absent.
*The birds, that fly away when racers approach them, are absent.
*Some line of flags are absent.
'''Toad Harbor'''
*Some of the sailboats are absent.
'''Twisted Mansion'''
*Some of the boos are absent. In 3 and 4 player mode, only the boos at the wavy dining area are present.
'''Shy Guy Falls'''
*The butterflies, around some group of flowers, are absent.
*The flying eagle is absent.
'''Sunshine Airport'''
*The hanging flags on the light posts are absent.
*At the first gliding section, the first pair of airborne markers are absent. In 3 and 4 player mode, all of them are absent.
*After the second gliding section, the two flags after the first two are absent.
*In 3 and 4 player mode, the Toad mechanics are absent.
'''Dolphin Shoals'''
*The Cheep Cheeps and the manta are absent.
*At the start-and-finish line, two of the three schools of fish are absent and most of the scuba toads are absent. In 3 and 4 player mode, all of the schools of fish and scuba toads are absent.
*Some Jellybeams are absent.
'''Electrodrome'''
*At the right turn before the anti-gravity section, the rotating stage lights that move around are absent.
*Some sparklers are absent. In 3 and 4 player mode, all of them are absent.
'''Mount Wario'''
*The [[Swoop]]s are absent.
*In the background, some of the skiing Shy Guys are absent.
'''Cloudtop Cruise'''
*In 3 and 4 player mode, the airborne markers, located at the first gliding section, are absent.
'''Bone-Dry Dunes'''
*In 3 and 4 player mode, the line of lamps, hanging over the race track, are absent.
*In 3 and 4 player mode, the flags are absent.
'''Bowser's Castle'''
*The airship is absent.
*Some of the flags are absent. In 3 and 4 player mode, all of them are absent.
*Two of the cannons on the towers, located at the right turn to the start-and-finish line, are absent. In 3 and 4 player mode, all of them are absent.
*On the start-and-finish truss, the flames coming out are absent.
*Some of the [[Lava Geyser]]s are absent. The ones at the entrance of Bowser's Castle are absent.
'''Rainbow Road'''
*The satellites, one near the first anti-gravity section and the one near the end of the second anti-gravity section, are absent.
*The Blooper space shuttles are absent.
*Some of the floating [[? Block]]s and Toads in space capsules are absent. In 3 and 4 player mode, all of them are absent.
*The airborne markers, located at all the gliding sections, are absent.
*The two bleachers, located at the start-and-finish line, each have a rotating wheel missing. The two bleachers, located near the launch star rings, do not have rotating wheels. In 3 and 4 player mode, all the rotating wheels on every bleachers are absent.
*On the projector, the hologram of the Special Cup trophy is absent.
*The oval-shaped tube, where the start-and-finish line is located in the middle of it, has a line of lights circling clockwise missing at the end where the racers exit.
*The solar cells at the bottom of the space station are absent.
'''<small>Wii</small> Moo Moo Meadows'''
*Some of the cows, located in the background, are absent.
*The birds, that fly away when racers approach them, are absent.
'''<small>GBA</small> Mario Circuit'''
*Some of the spare tires are absent.
*The birds, that fly away when racers approach them, are absent.
'''<small>DS</small> Cheep Cheep Beach'''
*The sailboats and the Piantas very far in the background are absent.
*Some schools of fish are absent.
'''<small>N64</small> Toad's Turnpike'''
*The helicopter is absent.
'''<small>GCN</small> Dry Dry Desert'''
*At the underwater section, some of the Paratroopas are absent. In 3 and 4 player mode, all of them are absent.
'''<small>SNES</small> Donut Plains 3'''
*On the fortress, the flames on the torches are absent.
'''<small>N64</small> Royal Raceway'''
*Some of the swan boats are absent.
*In 3 and 4 player mode:
**The MKTV broadcast vans are absent.
**The bleach banner at the bleacher is absent.
'''<small>3DS</small> DK Jungle'''
*Some of the DK barrels are absent.
*Some of the parrots are absent.
'''<small>DS</small> Wario Stadium'''
*The MKTV broadcast vans are absent.
*The large broadcasting screen rotates between the players' point of views.
*Some of the bleach banners are absent. In 3 and 4 player mode, all of them are absent.
*Some of the hanging banners are absent. In 3 and 4 player mode, most of them are absent.
'''<small>GCN</small> Sherbet Land'''
*The sparklers are absent.
*The line of flags are absent.
*In 3 and 4 player mode:
**The line of lights are absent.
**One snowman is absent.
**The Jellybeams are absent.
**The fireworks have less sparkles.
'''<small>N64</small> Yoshi Valley'''
*The Swoops are absent.
'''<small>DS</small> Tick-Tock Clock'''
*In 3 and 4 player mode, the red gear, located near the left turn to the start-and-finish line, is absent.
'''<small>3DS</small> Piranha Plant Slide'''
*The Cheep Cheeps are absent.
*In 3 and 4 player mode, at the start-and-finish line, the toads, paratroopas, hanging banners, and some flags are absent. Only two toads on the top of the start-and-finish truss are present.
'''<small>Wii</small> Grumble Volcano'''
*The Lava Geysers are absent.
*Some torches do not have flames.
*Two of the four torches before the start-and-finish line are absent.
*The flames on the start-and-finish truss are absent.
'''<small>N64</small> Rainbow Road'''
*The city is not active; the cars and trains in the city are absent.
*The Luigi-shaped firework and most ordinary fireworks are absent. In 3 and 4 player mode, the ordinary fireworks have less sparkles.
'''<small>GCN</small> Yoshi Circuit'''
*In 3 and 4 player mode, some of the spectators and sailboats are absent.
'''Excitebike Arena'''
*The MKTV van and the bleach banners are absent.
*All the spectators are absent.
'''Dragon Driftway'''
*The birds, that fly away when racers approach them, are absent.
'''<small>Wii</small> Wario's Goldmine'''
*All the spectators are absent.
*Only one mining Shy Guy is present.
*The mine carts in the background are absent.
'''Ice Ice Outpost'''
*The helicopter is absent.
'''Hyrule Circuit'''
*The flags on the castle are absent.
*The spectators are absent.
'''Wild Woods'''
*The birds, that fly away when racers approach them, are absent.
*The flying eagles in the background are absent.
'''Animal Crossing'''
*In spring and summer seasons, the birds, that fly away when racers approach them, are absent.
*The train is absent.
*The crab shells, players can knock over, are absent.
*The flag at the start-and-finish line is absent.
'''<small>3DS</small> Neo Bowser City'''
*The hovering platforms carrying the spectators are absent.
*The anti-gravity cars in the anti-gravity glass tunnels are absent.
'''Big Blue'''
*The large broadcasting screen rotates between the players' point of views.
*The jets in the background are absent.
 
==Regional differences==
*Wherever text appears in the background elements of the game's racetracks (notably in {{classic-link|3DS|Neo Bowser City}} and {{classic-link|3DS|Music Park}}), it is generally written in American English, regardless of the language or region of the game itself.
*In the Japanese version, the classifier for the Retro courses from ''Mario Kart 64'' has changed to '''<small>N64</small>''', from '''<small>64</small>''' which was used prior to ''Mario Kart 8''. This change is also applied to the Chinese and Korean translation of ''[[Mario Kart 8 Deluxe]]''.
 
==amiibo==
[[File:MK8 Mii Racing Suits Update 4.png|thumb|left|The [[amiibo]] Mii Racing Suits menu as of version 4.1]]
{{multiple image
|align=right
|direction=vertical
|footer=Mii outfits alongside their amiibo
|width=200
|image1=Amiibo MK8 Wave 1.png
|alt1=''Mii Racing Suits - Wave 1''
|image2=Amiibo MK8 Wave 2.png
|alt2=''Mii Racing Suits - Wave 2''
}}
As of the version 3.0 update, ''Mario Kart 8'' includes compatibility with [[amiibo]], Nintendo's series of NFC enabled figurines.<ref>https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GisRY6h100U</ref> By scanning certain amiibo, players can unlock one of ten costumes for use by Miis based upon the amiibo character.<ref>https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KsY0T4BNKuE</ref>
 
The amiibo originally compatible are [[Mario]], [[Luigi]], [[Yoshi]], [[Princess Peach|Peach]], [[Donkey Kong]], [[Link]] and [[Toon Link]], [[Kirby]], [[Captain Falcon]], [[Samus]], and [[Fox]].<ref>https://web.archive.org/web/20141107010530/http://www.gonintendo.com/s/240940-mario-kart-8-getting-amiibo-racing-suits-in-future-update</ref> Nine more suits were later added with the version 4.0 update, unlockable by using the [[Mega Man]], [[Sonic]], [[Villager]], [[Pac-Man]], [[Toad]], [[Wario]], [[Olimar]], [[Rosalina]], and [[Bowser]] amiibo.<ref>https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=53RNVupdZ2k</ref>
{{br}}
 
==Development==
Development for ''Mario Kart 8'' started in 2012. Series producer [[Hideki Konno]] first revealed that he wanted to produce a ''Mario Kart'' game for the Wii U in late 2011.<ref>[http://www.ign.com/articles/2011/11/10/nintendo-considering-wii-u-mario-kart]</ref> A Wii U ''Mario Kart'' game was later revealed to be in development in the January 2013 Nintendo Direct and confirmed to be shown off at E3 that year,<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4MzG6lDA1A0]</ref> with the game being officially revealed during the E3 2013 Nintendo Direct.<ref>https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NA6CAgv6p6g</ref>
 
Some ideas that were scrapped in ''Mario Kart 8'' included a drill that made drivers drive into subterranean depths. The idea was scrapped because the developers thought it was not as interesting as the anti-gravity idea.<ref>[http://nintendotoday.com/mario-kart-8-anti-gravity-feature/ Scrapped ideas led to the anti-gravity idea in Mario Kart 8 - Nintendo Today]</ref> The anti-gravity concept stemmed from the Wii U being a powerful console, and with the upgraded hardware, the developers wanted to make courses with a 3D plane in mind rather than the 2D plane as the other tracks in the ''Mario Kart'' series.<ref name=MTV>[https://web.archive.org/web/20130622013753/http://multiplayerblog.mtv.com/2013/06/17/e3-2013-mario-kart-8-interview E3 2013: Nintendo's Hideki Konno Pulls Back The Curtain On 'Mario Kart 8']</ref> The title, ''Mario Kart 8'', also stemmed from the anti-gravity mechanic as, in addition to being the eighth main installment in the series, the "8" used in the official logo was stylized to resemble a {{wp|Möbius strip}}.<ref name=MTV/>
 
Most of the game's musical tracks are orchestrated, making this game the first ''Mario Kart'' game to feature orchestrated tracks.<ref>https://www.reinodocogumelo.com/2014/04/nintendo-revela-que-mario-kart-8-tera.html?m=1</ref><ref>https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VvWfvVzIU6U</ref><ref>https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vEqt-E6VTPE</ref>
 
==Technical aspects==
The game renders in dynamic 1280x720/1152x648 resolution.
 
The game supports 5.1 surround. Effects that can play on the rear speakers include approaching shells, certain vehicles' engines, sceneries (e.g. bats, falling rocks, water, helicopters), and if other drivers are immediately to the side. Background music, Lakitu's countdowns, and menu sounds are mixed to stereo only. Some surround receiver producers' models may default to Standard modes that water out the effect (e.g. playing background music via side speakers), necessitating switching them to Straight/Direct or upmixing modes.
 
The game supports haptic feedback. This is most noticeable when revving up the engine before the start, with smaller effects for colliding into opponents, using Mushrooms, running over speed boosts, running into Item Boxes, and driving on grass.
 
==Promotion and advertising==
===Collaboration with Pennzoil===
Nintendo and {{wp|Pennzoil}} teamed up to promote ''Mario Kart 8'' by hosting an event in which participants were able to race on real-life modified karts on a specially-designed track.<ref>https://www.engadget.com/2014/03/08/pennzoil-and-nintendo-to-bring-mario-kart-to-life-at-sxsw/</ref> Icons representing some of the items in the game were spread in the course as well.
 
===Bonus/Free game promotion===
Between May 30 and July 31, 2014, [[Club Nintendo (rewards program)|Club Nintendo]] members in North America, Europe, and Australia who registered ''Mario Kart 8'' could receive a free download code for one of several Wii U games. In Europe and Australia, players had the choice of: ''[[Nintendo Land]]'', ''[[New Super Mario Bros. U]]'', ''[[Game & Wario]]'', ''[[pikipedia:Pikmin 3|Pikmin 3]]'', ''[[zeldawiki:The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker HD|The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker HD]]'', ''[[sonicretro:Sonic Lost World|Sonic Lost World]]'', ''[[Mario & Sonic at the Sochi 2014 Olympic Winter Games]]'', ''{{wp|Wii Party U}}'', ''{{wp|The Wonderful 101}}'', and ''{{wp|Monster Hunter Tri|Monster Hunter 3 Ultimate}}''<ref>,http://www.nintendo.co.uk/Campaigns/Mario-Kart-8-Bonus-Game-Promotion/Mario-Kart-8-Bonus-Game-Promotion-879238.html</ref> while North American players were limited to only ''New Super Mario Bros. U'', ''The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker HD'', ''Pikmin 3'', and ''Wii Party U''.<ref>https://web.archive.org/web/20140502042936/http://www.nintendo.com/whatsnew/detail/Mf9RJDcWmALXECxUdPB0Lf3N9Jb2VtRt</ref>
 
===Play Nintendo===
The [[Play Nintendo]] website featured an application titled ''[[Mario Kart 8 Party Starter]]'', designed for players to host ''Mario Kart 8'' tournaments.
 
==Official competitions==
The following are promotional ''Mario Kart 8'' competitions sanctioned by Nintendo, ordered by starting date. For official competitions held in the game's Nintendo Switch version, see [[Mario Kart 8 Deluxe#Official tournaments|''Mario Kart 8 Deluxe'' § Official tournaments]].
 
{|class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width=50%
|-
!width=25%|Title
!width=25%|Location
!width=25%|Period
!width=25%|Banner
|-
![[Mario Kart 8 promotion tour|''Mario Kart 8'' promotion tour]]
|Various localities across {{wp|Belgium}}
|July 19, 2014–<br>September 13, 2014 CEST
|N/A
|-
![[Mario Kart 8 Championship 2014|''Mario Kart 8'' Championship 2014]]
|The competition's qualifiers were held online. The grand final took place at the {{wp|Earls Court Exhibition Centre}} in {{wp|London}}, {{wp|United Kingdom}} as part of the {{wp|EGX (expo)|EGX London 2014}} event.
|August 16, 2014–<br>⁠September 27, 2014 BST
|[[File:MK8 Championship 2014 banner Nintendo Life.jpg|300px]]
|}
 
==Reception==
===Critical reception===
''Mario Kart 8'' has received mostly favorable reviews, and has been lauded as one of the best games in the series to date. General praise has been given to the game's graphics, the tracks, the music, and the overall gameplay (both single player and multiplayer). The addition of anti-gravity has also been praised, as has the online mode. However, the roster, notably the amount of baby and metal characters and the lack of previous racer veterans, has received some criticism. The battle mode has a universal negative reaction among reviewers, with most of reviewers preferring the traditional battle modes that previous ''Mario Kart'' games did rather than this iteration. The incorporation of the Wii U GamePad has also been a point of contention.
{| class="wikitable reviews"
!colspan="4"style="font-size:120%; text-align: center; background-color:silver"|Reviews
|-style="background-color:#E6E6E6;"
|Reviewer, Publication
|Score
|Comment
|-
|Jose Otero, [https://www.ign.com/articles/2014/05/15/mario-kart-8-review IGN]
|9/10
|align=left|''Mario Kart 8 is the best kart racing game Nintendo has made in a long time. It strikes a careful balance between refining old ideas while introducing fresh new ones. Admittedly, its gorgeous graphics and jazzy orchestrated soundtrack bolster its presentation, but you’re getting a lot more than just looks with this one – although I spent an awful lot of time gawking at the details in slow-motion, the fast and furious pace of racing with friends both locally and online is what really kept me coming back.''
|-
|Tom Mc Shea, [https://www.gamespot.com/reviews/mario-kart-8/1900-6415760/ GameSpot]
|8/10
|align=left|''Nintendo has done an admirable job of keeping Mario Kart relevant. How many franchises can you think of that have remained in top form for more than two decades? Not too many. I do admit that my first impression of Mario Kart 8 was pretty close to a yawn. Mario Kart is one of my favorite franchises, but it's hard to get excited for the same old thing. But the more I played, the more I appreciated the many small changes, and grew to love my time in the Mushroom Kingdom. And now that yawn has changed to a shout of joy. It's more Mario Kart! I'm happy Nintendo still understands what makes this series so darn fun.''
|-
|Thomas Whitehead, [https://www.nintendolife.com/reviews/wiiu/mario_kart_8 Nintendo Life]
|9/10
|align=left|''Mario Kart 8 has perhaps taken a little longer than we expected to arrive, but it’s been worth the wait. The vehicles and racers have never handled better, the collection of courses is possibly the best yet, while replayability through Ghost Races or — primarily — online races and Tournaments is almost endless. A few design oddities aside, this joins the list of must-have Nintendo games on the Wii U; it’s an accomplished effort that pushes the franchise forward. In years to come the debates over the best Mario Kart games in the series will, inevitably, feature this as a contender.''
|-
|Michael Damiani, [http://www.gametrailers.com/reviews/cojfj2/mario-kart-8-review GameTrailers]
|8.6/10
|align=left|''So not everything is perfect, but Mario Kart 8’s stellar visuals, tight controls, and improved online experience make it a great racing game that embraces Nintendo’s lighthearted nature. It's still one of the best in the business when it comes to multiplayer experiences, something we've all come to expect from the Mario Kart series. The overall high quality of the game is so impressive that it doesn't really matter that much that the zero-gravity gimmick barely adds anything that’s truly new. Next time around, though, Nintendo might need to come up with new tricks if it hopes to keep us coming back for more.''
|-
|Andrew Fitch, [https://egmnow.com/egm-review-mario-kart-8/ Electronic Gaming Monthly]
|7.5/10
|align=left|''Mario Kart 8 looks spectacular, sounds impressive, and delivers solid racing action worthy of the series. But it’s also that rare Nintendo game that manages to be less than the sum of its impressive parts thanks to some ill-advised design choices, half-baked ideas, and gimped Battle Mode.''
|-
!colspan="4"style="background-color:silver; font-size:120%; text-align: center;"|Aggregators
|-style="background-color:#E6E6E6;"
|colspan=2|Compiler
|colspan=2|Platform / Score
|-
|colspan=2|Metacritic
|colspan=2 style="background-color:LimeGreen"|[https://www.metacritic.com/game/wii-u/mario-kart-8 88]
|-
|colspan=2|GameRankings
|colspan=2|[https://web.archive.org/web/20151031233240/http://www.gamerankings.com/wii-u/700050-mario-kart-8/index.html 88.40%]
|}
{{br}}
 
===Sales===
Over the weekend of its launch, ''Mario Kart 8'' sold 1.2 million units worldwide, making it the fastest-selling [[Wii U]] title so far<ref>[http://www.polygon.com/2014/6/2/5772826/mario-kart-8-nintendo-fastest-selling-wii-u]</ref> and the best selling title for the Wii U as well, selling approximately 2.82 million copies worldwide as of July 30, 2014.<ref>[http://au.ign.com/articles/2014/07/30/nintendo-financials-reveal-mario-kart-8-wii-u-sales-figures/]</ref> As of September 30, the game sold over 3.49 million copies worldwide.<ref>Makuch, Eddie (October 31, 2014). [http://www.gamespot.com/articles/about-half-of-all-wii-u-owners-have-a-copy-of-mari/1100-6423308/ About Half of All Wii U Owners Have a Copy of Mario Kart 8]. GameSpot. Retrieved November 1, 2014.</ref> In January 2015, it was announced that over 1.7 million total copies (both physical and digital) had been sold in the United States alone,<ref>Makuch, Eddie (January 16, 2015). [http://www.gamespot.com/articles/mario-kart-8-us-sales-reach-1-7-million-amiibo-up-/1100-6424699/ Mario Kart 8 US Sales Reach 1.7 Million, Amiibo Up to 2.6 Million]. GameSpot. Retrieved April 26, 2015.</ref> and by March sales had reached 1.9 million.<ref>Duwell, Ron. (April 17, 2015.) [http://www.technobuffalo.com/2015/04/17/majoras-mask-3d-edges-towards-1-million-sales-in-the-states/ Majora's Mask 3D edges towards 1 million sales in the States]. TechnoBuffalo. Retrieved April 26, 2015.</ref> As of March 31, 2015, the game has sold 5.11 million copies worldwide.<ref>Lee, Tyler. (May 7, 2015). [http://www.ubergizmo.com/2015/05/mario-kart-8-sales-crosses-the-5-million-mark/ Mario Kart 8 Sales Crosses The 5 Million Mark]. Ubergizmo. Retrieved May 7, 2015.</ref> By the end of 2015 and beginning of 2016, sales have reached to 7.24 million.<ref>
[https://www.ign.com/articles/2016/02/02/wii-u-sales-pass-12-million-amiibo-figure-sales-hit-205-million] </ref> At September 30, 2016, ''Mario Kart 8'' has reached 8 million sales, including digital, physical, and bundle sales;<ref>Hansen, Steve (October 26, 2016). [https://www.destructoid.com/more-like-mario-kart-8-million-here-are-the-wii-u-and-3ds-best-sellers-395819.phtml More like Mario Kart 8 million: Here are the Wii U and 3DS best-sellers] ''Destructoid''. Retrieved October 27, 2016.</ref> as of March 31, 2018, it reached 8.42 million, although it was exceeded by its [[Nintendo Switch]] port ''[[Mario Kart 8 Deluxe]]'', which sold 9.22 million units.<ref>[https://www.nintendo.co.jp/ir/en/finance/software/index.html IR Information : Sales Data - Top Selling Title Sales Units]. ''Nintendo''. Retrieved April 26, 2018.</ref> As of September 30, 2021, it had sold 8.46 million units worldwide.<ref>Nintendo (November 4, 2021) [https://www.nintendo.co.jp/ir/en/finance/software/wiiu.html Top Selling Title Sales Unites]. ''Nintendo Japan''. Retrieved November 8, 2021. [https://web.archive.org/web/20211108094405/https://www.nintendo.co.jp/ir/en/finance/software/wiiu.html Archived] from the original on November 8, 2021.</ref>
 
===Awards===
''Mario Kart 8'' won two awards at The Game Awards 2014, being the "Best Family Game" and the "Best Sports/Racing Game".<ref>https://web.archive.org/web/20141120184002/http://thegameawards.com/nominees/</ref>
 
==References to other games==
*''[[Famicom Grand Prix: F1 Race]]'': A sign in [[Water Park]] shows two submarines; one is of an "original 1987 model", which was the year this game came out, and the first time that Mario was in a racing game.
*''[[Famicom Grand Prix II: 3D Hot Rally]]'': The Mario's Motors logo is seen at the starting line of Mario Circuit. In addition, Mario's artwork from the game can be faintly seen above the logo itself.
*''[[Super Mario Bros.]]'': Various sprites of enemies and scenery can be seen on pots in [[Bone-Dry Dunes]]. Part of [[Cloudtop Cruise]]'s course layout involves a large [[? Block]] with a beanstalk coming out of it. [[Super Bell Subway]] features graffiti representing [[World 1-2 (Super Mario Bros.)|World 1-2]] in the underground portion, along with an arrangement of the underground theme first heard in that level.
*''[[Yume Kōjō: Doki Doki Panic]]'': The Shy Guy Metals sign seen at [[Toad Harbor]] says that they've been around since 1987, which is the year of the Shy Guys' first appearance.
*''[[Super Mario Bros. 3]]'': Many aspects of Cloudtop Cruise, particularly the airships, are inspired by this game. [[Bowser Statue]]s that shoot lasers appear in [[Bowser's Castle (Mario Kart 8)|Bowser's Castle]]. The sprite of the [[Angry Sun]] can be seen in the yellow ornamental fabrics near the start of Bone-Dry Dunes.
*''[[Super Mario World]]'': Various advertisements seen throughout the game reference this game with the original artwork of [[Dolphin]]s. [[Spinner]]s appear in Bowser's Castle. Also, [[Cape Feather]]s appear on desks in [[Sunshine Airport]]. Also, Tanooki Mario's horn uses the same sound effect as the [[Spin Jump]] and [[Cape]] Attack.
*''[[Super Mario Kart]]'': A portion of the title screen music is a cover of ''Super Mario Kart''{{'}}s title screen music. The Coin item returns with the same function as it does in this game. The [[Pipe Frame]] returns as kart body, with the single exhaust design from this game. [[SNES Donut Plains 3|Donut Plains 3]] returns as a retro track. [[Rainbow Road (Mario Kart 8)|Rainbow Road]] and {{classic-link|N64|Rainbow Road}} have their design similar to the [[SNES Rainbow Road|Rainbow Road]] from that game, which also appears as add-on content. The desks in [[Sunshine Airport]] have feather pens with the same design as the Cape Feather from this game and consequently ''[[Super Mario World]]''. The Fun Flower kiosk in [[Super Bell Subway]] features a chalkboard with a drawing referencing the title screen from ''Super Mario Kart''.
*''[[Super Mario 64]]'': The merry-go-round music from [[Big Boo's Haunt]] can be heard when near the Aqua Cups ride in Water Park. Some of Tanooki Mario's voice clips are recycled from this game.
*''[[Mario Kart 64]]'': The game features engine sounds during the start-up screen, which is similar to this game's start-up screen. [[N64 Toad's Turnpike|Toad's Turnpike]], [[N64 Royal Raceway|Royal Raceway]], [[N64 Yoshi Valley|Yoshi Valley]], and [[N64 Rainbow Road|Rainbow Road]] return as retro tracks. In Toad's Turnpike, a sign shows a highway advisory radio station running at the frequency "64 MHz", referencing both the system and the game it came from. When in two-player mode, the screen splits vertically instead of horizontally, a feature originally intended for this game.
*''[[Super Mario Advance]]'': Several of Tanooki Mario's voice clips are recycled from this game.
*''[[Mario Kart: Super Circuit]]'': [[GBA Mario Circuit|Mario Circuit]] returns as a retro course. The Cloudtop Cruise is similar to the [[GBA Sky Garden]] course, and its name in Japanese is the name of the aforementioned course. [[GBA Cheese Land|Cheese Land]] and [[GBA Ribbon Road|Ribbon Road]] return as retro tracks in DLC Pack 2.
*''[[Luigi's Mansion]]'': The [[Luigi's Mansion (location)|mansion]] can be seen in the background of [[GCN Baby Park|Baby Park]]. The course [[Twisted Mansion]] contains a few elements related to this game.
*''[[Super Mario Sunshine]]'': Sunshine Airport has a [[Shine Sprite]] in its logo. The European release date is used as a serial number on some storage crates in Sunshine Airport (55402MS= Oct 4th, 2002). Voice clips from this game are used for Tanooki Mario.
*''[[Mario Kart: Double Dash!!]]'': Like in this game, characters hold items in their hands and players can honk their horns when they are out of items (except for the Super Horn). Also, they hold items in their left hands instead of their right. [[GCN Dry Dry Desert|Dry Dry Desert]] and [[GCN Sherbet Land|Sherbet Land]] return as retro courses. [[GCN Yoshi Circuit|Yoshi Circuit]] and [[GCN Baby Park|Baby Park]] also return as DLC retro courses. {{classic-link|N64|Rainbow Road}} takes place above a city, much like [[Rainbow Road (Mario Kart: Double Dash!!)|Rainbow Road]] from this game.
*''[[Yoshi Topsy-Turvy]]'': Yoshi's artwork which depicts him using his tongue is used as a firework in <small>N64</small> Rainbow Road.
*''[[Mario Kart DS]]'': [[DS Cheep Cheep Beach|Cheep Cheep Beach]], [[DS Tick-Tock Clock|Tick-Tock Clock]], and [[DS Wario Stadium|Wario Stadium]] return as retro courses. Also the [[B Dasher]], a kart from this game, returns as a part of the first downloadable content pack. Also, this is the second 3D ''Mario Kart'' game where the players can also use the D-Pad to steer. In addition, the new Battle Mode system is also partially based from this game.
*[[New Super Mario Bros. (disambiguation)|''New Super Mario Bros.'' series]]: When selected, [[Koopa Troopa]] will swing his arms as he does when reacting to a "[[Paah]]" in this series.
*''[[Super Mario Galaxy]]'': An image of a Luma can be seen on an airplane (from Galaxy Air airlines) in Sunshine Airport, as well as on the [[Star Cup]] trophy. Also, part of Cloudtop Cruise's music is a cover of "[[Gusty Garden Galaxy (theme)|Gusty Garden Galaxy]]". In addition, a large rotating [[Grand Star]] is featured in <small>N64</small> Rainbow Road, as well as the [[Launch Star]]s. In Twisted Mansion, the arch leading to the underwater section bears [[Bouldergeist]]'s likeness.
*''[[Mario Kart Wii]]'': Twelve player races and [[Bike|motorbikes]] return. The ability to perform tricks on ramps and boost panels returns. [[Wii Moo Moo Meadows|Moo Moo Meadows]] and [[Wii Grumble Volcano|Grumble Volcano]] also return as retro courses along with [[Wii Wario's Gold Mine|Wario's Gold Mine]] which returns as add on content. The [[Rainbow Road (Mario Kart 8)|new Rainbow Road]] is set above the Earth, just like [[Wii Rainbow Road|Rainbow Road]] from this game and both Rainbow Roads feature a part that is similar; the road splits into two paths after a launch segment and also have prominent pink shades. [[Super Bell Subway]] has the Coconut Café and an ad for the Fountain Café, referencing two businesses found in [[Wii Coconut Mall|Coconut Mall]]. Various characters have several of their voice clips reused from this game.
*''[[Mario Super Sluggers]]'': Several voice clips are recycled from this game.
*''[[New Super Mario Bros. Wii]]'': One of the planes in Sunshine Airport has a logo for [[Propeller Mario|Propeller Toad]] Transport with an insignia of a [[Propeller Mushroom]].
*''[[Super Mario Galaxy 2]]'': Part of Cloudtop Cruise's music includes a cover of the [[Sky Station Galaxy]]'s music. The tunnel at the beginning of [[Dragon Driftway]] is modeled after [[Gobblegut]]. [[Boulder]]s are modeled after [[Rock Mario]]'s boulder form, sharing an identical rock plate configuration.
*''[[Super Mario 3D Land]]'': [[Goomba Tower]]s appear as obstacles in [[Mario Circuit (Mario Kart 8)|Mario Circuit]]. The [[Biddybuggy]] resembles a [[Para-Biddybud]]. The [[Boomerang Flower]] appears as an item. A silhouette of [[Tanooki Mario|Tanooki Mario's]] artwork can be seen on the back of the [[Leaf Cup]] trophy. Tanooki Mario is an available racer via add-on content, and [[Statue Mario]] is one of his [[trick|tricks]].
*''[[Mario Kart 7]]'': The title is a follow-up game of this installment. Gliders and underwater areas return. [[3DS Music Park|Music Park]], [[3DS Piranha Plant Slide|Piranha Plant Slide]], and [[3DS DK Jungle|DK Jungle]] return as retro courses while [[3DS Neo Bowser City|Neo Bowser City]] returns as a DLC retro course. Vehicle customization returns from this game. The beat that is added to the music when the player is in first place also returns from this game.<ref>https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tkslNWnOQ84</ref> [[Mount Wario]], {{classic-link|N64|Rainbow Road}} and [[Big Blue]] are split into three sections just like [[Wuhu Loop|the]] [[Maka Wuhu|three]] [[3DS Rainbow Road|courses]] from this game. [[Electrodrome]] has some similarities with Music Park, which is when players drive on the instruments, they make their own sound. It also has ''Mario Kart 7'''s point system where each racer gets a point regardless of their position. Some of [[Metal Mario]] and [[Lakitu]]'s voice clips are reused. Various kart parts that originated from this game return. The biggest difference is that the ability to retract the Gliders while in the air has been removed unless getting hit by items launched by opponents.
*''[[New Super Mario Bros. 2]]'': [[Twisted Mansion]]'s entrance has a statue of a [[Boohemoth]] above it, an enemy from this game. [[Bone Piranha Plant]]s also make an appearance in Bone-Dry Dunes.
*''[[New Super Mario Bros. U]]'': The [[Mecha Cheep]] appears in this game and there is a glider based on a [[Waddlewing]].
*''[[Super Mario 3D World]]'': The [[Potted Piranha Plant]] appears as an item. Furthermore, most of the fireworks in {{classic-link|N64|Rainbow Road}} use [[Stamp (Super Mario 3D World)|stamp]] images from this game which replaces the neon-lit signs of the eight playable characters (Mario, Luigi, Peach, Bowser, Toad, Yoshi, Wario, and Donkey Kong) and a portrait of a Boo and Mushroom in ''Mario Kart 64''. An ad on Toad Harbor for Tropical Grocery has a [[Double Cherry]] on it. [[Cat Mario|Cat Peach]] is an available racer via add on content, and the logo for the Bell Cup is the [[Super Bell]].
*[[Super Smash Bros. (series)|''Super Smash Bros.'' series]]: [[Captain Falcon]]'s signature taunt, "Show me your moves!", which originates from this series, appears in several jumbotrons near the end of the track of the DLC course [[Mute City]].
*[[Mario vs. Donkey Kong (series)|''Mario vs. Donkey Kong'' series]]: [[Mini Toad]]s appear at the starting line of {{classic-link|GBA|Ribbon Road}}.
 
==References in later media==
*''[[Super Smash Bros. for Wii U]]'': Mario Circuit reappears as [[Mario Circuit (Super Smash Bros. for Wii U)|a stage]]. The songs "[[Mario Kart Stadium]]", "[[Mario Circuit (Mario Kart 8)|Mario Circuit (MK8)]]", "[[Cloudtop Cruise]]", and "[[Rainbow Road (Mario Kart 8)|Rainbow Road (MK8)]]" appear as music tracks for the stage; Cloudtop Cruise was remixed with both the regular and thundercloud versions mixed.
*''[[Yoshi's Woolly World]]'': The Green, Pink, and Light-blue woolly Yoshi plush toys that appear in the background of {{classic-link|GBA|Ribbon Road}} resemble the Yoshis from this game and its compatible [[amiibo]].
*''[[Mario Tennis: Ultra Smash]]'': Various voice clips are reused.
*''[[Mario & Luigi: Paper Jam]]'': Various voice clips from the Koopalings are reused in this game.
*''[[Nintendo Badge Arcade]]'': Various stamps of the characters and objects are collectible badges.
*''[[Super Mario Maker]]'': The [[GLA]] body returns as a [[Costume Mario]] power-up. Some voice clips are reused in the eight rare death clips when falling into a pit, e.g. Mario yelling out "Ha, ha, ha! Bye bye!!" when slipstreaming appears in one clip. The Daisy costume also reuses voice clips.
*''[[Paper Mario: Color Splash]]'': The Luigi "Death Stare" meme, which originated from this game, is referenced by Huey. The title theme and the countdown timer sound are used when Mario and Huey are about to go to Rainbow Road.
*''[[Super Mario Run]]'': The final five seconds of a [[Battle Mode]] match is used in [[Toad Rally]] along with its sound.
*''[[Super Mario Odyssey]]'': Some of the [[List of sponsors debuting in Mario Kart 8 and Mario Kart 8 Deluxe|sponsors]] from this game appear on Mario's mechanic and racing outfits.
*''[[Super Smash Bros. Ultimate]]'': In addition to the Mario Circuit stage and its aforementioned accompanying songs reappearing from ''Super Smash Bros. for Wii U'', "[[Excitebike Arena|Excitebike - Mario Kart 8]]", "[[Dragon Driftway]]", and "[[Ice Ice Outpost]]" also appear as music tracks. The [[Mach 8]], [[Biddybuggy]], [[Badwagon]], [[City Tripper]], and [[Master Cycle]] appear as spirits. Some of [[Princess Daisy|Daisy]]'s voice clips are taken from this game, including her shouting "Yooooo!" in her battle entrance.
*''[[Yoshi's Crafted World]]'': Various sponsors from ''Mario Kart 8'' reappear in this game.
*''[[Super Mario Maker 2]]'': Some of [[Toadette]]'s voice clips are reused in this game.
*''[[Mario Kart Tour]]'': Most of the Mii Racing Suits return from this game. The [[Biddybuggy]], [[Landship]], [[Mach 8]], [[Standard Kart]] (the [[Red Standard 8|red]] and [[Green Standard 8|green]] versions only), [[Circuit Special]], [[P-Wing (kart)|P-Wing]], [[Sports Coupe]], [[Steel Driver]], [[Prancer]], [[Cat Cruiser]], [[Streetle]], [[Tanooki Kart]], [[Badwagon]], and [[Wild Wiggler]] return as karts, along with various tires that are no longer separate parts. The [[Paper Glider]], [[Wario Wing]], and [[Cloud Glider]] return as gliders. The theme after winning a cup in Grand Prix mode is reused in this game for the movie ending the tour. Larry's voice clip when unlocking him is reused for Larry (Wintertime) when he is selected. The [[Blooper Shuttle]] resembles the Blooper space shuttle in ''Mario Kart 8''{{'}}s Rainbow Road.
*''[[The Super Mario Bros. Movie]]'': The countdown sound is used for the Illumination logo. The menu music is arranged in the film's score. A design on the vehicle-building machine references the Wii U GamePad's functionality as a horn. The sound of Toad's horn is reused. [[Anti-gravity]] is used in the Rainbow Road scene.
 
==Gallery==
{{main-gallery}}
<gallery>
MK8 Mario Anti-Gravity Standard Kart Artwork.png|[[Mario]] driving his [[Standard Kart]] in [[anti-gravity]]
Luigi Artwork (alt) - Mario Kart 8.png|[[Luigi]] driving his [[Mach 8]]
MK8 Rosalina (alt).png|[[Rosalina]] with her [[Standard ATV]]
Princess Peach and Yoshi - Mario Kart 8.png|[[Princess Peach|Peach]] and [[Yoshi]]
MK8 Wario and DK.png|[[Wario]] and [[Donkey Kong]]
Koopalings Artwork - Mario Kart 8.png|The [[Koopalings]]
</gallery>
 
==Pre-release and unused content==
{{main|List of Mario Kart 8 pre-release and unused content}}
''Mario Kart 8'' has featured several changes from earlier builds to the final build of the game. For example, ''Mario Kart Wii'' and ''Mario Kart 7'' mechanics were used as placeholders in the E3 2013 build of the game. Several small changes, such as [[Twisted Mansion]] originally being called "Boo House" and [[Toad Harbor]]'s racing banner originally having a Galaxy Airline logo were present in earlier trailers of the game. Several of the music featured in earlier builds, such as [[Mario Circuit (Mario Kart 8)|Mario Circuit]]'s music, was more synthesized than orchestrated in final build of the game.
 
==Media==
{{main|List of Mario Kart 8 media}}
{{media table
|file1=MK8-Music-MarioKartStadium.oga
|title1=Mario Kart Stadium
|description1=Music for [[Mario Kart Stadium]].
|file2=MK8-Music-MarioCircuit.oga
|title2=Mario Circuit
|description2=Music for [[Mario Circuit (Mario Kart 8)|Mario Circuit]].
|file3=MK8-Music-DolphinShoals.oga
|title3=Dolphin Shoals
|description3=Music for [[Dolphin Shoals]]
|file4=MK8-Music-CloudtopCruise.oga
|title4=Cloudtop Cruise
|description4=Music for [[Cloudtop Cruise]].
|file5=MK8-Music-RainbowRoad.oga
|title5=Rainbow Road
|description5=Music for [[Rainbow Road (Mario Kart 8)|Rainbow Road]]
}}
 
==Soundtrack==
[[File:Soundtrack JP Mario Kart 8.jpg|thumb|upright=1.1|The game's official soundtrack.]]
An [[Mario Kart 8 Original Soundtrack|official soundtrack]] could be ordered by [[Club Nintendo (rewards program)|Club Nintendo]] members in Japan, Europe, and Oceania featuring 68 songs from the game, including those from the two DLC packs. ''Mario Kart 8'' is the first game in the ''Mario Kart'' series in which none of the courses share background music; all previous installments in the series have had courses that used the same background music. As well, similar to ''[[Super Mario Galaxy]]'' and ''[[Super Mario 3D World]]'', the entire soundtrack for this game is orchestrated/live-recorded, including the songs that are electronic-sounding; previous games usually had their music already pre-programmed with only keyboards and synthesized/artificial sounds. A North American release is yet to be announced.
 
Despite being recorded live, the music still continued to use several virtual instruments, which came from the following synthesizers and sound libraries: {{wp|Apple Inc.|Apple}}'s {{wp|Logic Pro}}; Best Service's Gigapack and Orchestral Colours; {{wp|EastWest Studios}}' virtual instruments Goliath, Gypsy, Ministry of Rock and Symphonic Orchestra; the {{wp|Korg Triton}}; {{wp|Mark of the Unicorn}} (MOTU)'s Universal Loops & Instruments; {{wp|Native Instruments}}' {{wp|Kontakt (software)|Kontakt}} Factory Library; {{wp|Roland Corporation|Roland}}'s {{wp|Roland Fantom-X|Fantom-X}} synthesizer and {{wp|Roland SC-8850|Sound Canvas SC-8850}} module; Samplemodelling's The Trumpet; {{wp|Sonic Reality}}'s World Traveler; [https://www.spectrasonics.net/index.php Spectrasonics]' Omnisphere and Supreme Beats; and {{wp|Steinberg}}'s {{wp|HALion|HALionOne}}<ref>https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1JJBlHHDc65fhZmKUGLrDTLCm6rfUU83-kbuD8Y0zU0o/edit?pli=1#gid=717751203</ref>.
 
The music in the credits, arranged by [[Ryo Nagamatsu]], includes melodic quotations from [[Thwomp Ruins]], [[Electrodrome]], [[Mount Wario]], and [[Mario Kart Stadium]]. Additionally, it also has an ending similar to the ending of the credits in ''[[Mario Kart Wii]]'' (also written by Nagamatsu), but much more elaborate.
{{br}}
 
==Glitches==
{{main|List of Mario Kart 8 glitches}}
===Spiny Shell attacks incorrect racer===
This glitch is most common in <small>N64</small> Yoshi Valley due to the numerous paths drivers may follow, though it can happen under specific circumstances in other courses such as Bone-Dry Dunes. Occasionally when a Spiny Shell is deployed and the racers in at least first and second place are in a section where the road forks in two, the Spiny Shell may initially follow the racer in first place and then change its target to the one in second place or the highest place out of those in the other path. This is caused by some courses–in particular Yoshi Valley–having the checkpoint markers that determine the place of the racers being inadequately calibrated with the other routes. This is demonstrated by driving down the old bridge path while in first place: the player drops position while in the turn and then returns to first place once the paths join up again.<ref>[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9urS96lDvdU YouTube - Mario Kart 8 - (N64) Yoshi Valley - Spiny Shell's Bad Day]</ref>{{dead link}}
 
==Staff==
{{main|List of Mario Kart 8 staff}}
[[Nintendo EAD|Nintendo Entertainment Analysis and Development]] developed ''Mario Kart 8'' in cooperation with [[Bandai Namco Entertainment|Bandai Namco Studios]], who made roughly half of the 3D visual assets of courses, characters and vehicle parts.<ref name=BAMCO/> Furthermore, an undisclosed number of 3D models for artwork illustrations have been made by Marza Animation Planet, a subsidiary of [[SEGA]]<ref>[https://www.marza.com/en/works/article/961/ Mario Kart 8 | MARZA ANIMATION PLANET]. Retrieved July 1, 2016.</ref>. The music composition is credited to Shiho Fujii, Atsuko Asahi, [[Ryo Nagamatsu]], and Yasuaki Iwata, with longtime series composer [[Kenta Nagata]] serving as sound director with the music performed by the [[Mario Kart Band]]. [[Shigeru Miyamoto]] and Eiji Aonuma were the general producers, though the latter goes uncredited, and [[Satoru Iwata]] was the executive producer.
 
==Names in other languages==
{{foreign names
|Jap=マリオカート８
|JapR=Mario Kāto 8
|JapM=Mario Kart 8
|ChiS=马力欧卡丁车8<ref>[https://www.mcdonalds.com.cn/news/surprises-for-childrens-day 欠你的儿童节惊喜，都在这里补齐了！ | 热点更新 | 麦当劳中国] ''McDonald's China''. Retrieved May 31, 2020.</ref> <small>({{wp|McDonald's}} China, ''Mario Kart 8'' Happy Meal promotion)</small>
|ChiSR=Mǎlì'ōu Kǎdīngchē 8
|ChiSM=Mario Kart 8
|ChiT=瑪利歐賽車8<ref>[https://www.nintendo.com.hk/switch/mario/history/index.html Official Chinese website for the ''Super Mario Bros.'' 35th Anniversary]. Retrieved October 23, 2020.</ref>
|ChiTR=Mǎlì'ōu Sàichē 8
|ChiTM=Mario Kart 8
|Dut=Mario Kart 8
|DutM=-
|Fre=Mario Kart 8
|FreM=-
|Ger=Mario Kart 8
|GerM=-
|Ita=Mario Kart 8
|ItaM=-
|Por=Mario Kart 8
|PorM=-
|Rus=Mario Kart 8
|RusM=-
|Spa=Mario Kart 8
|SpaM=-
}}
 
==Trivia==
*''Mario Kart 8'' is the only game in the ''Mario Kart'' series where no two race tracks share the same background music.
**This also used to apply to ''Mario Kart 8 Deluxe'' until the second wave of the ''[[Mario Kart 8 Deluxe – Booster Course Pass|Booster Course Pass]]'' added {{classic-link|DS|Waluigi Pinball}}, which shares music with {{classic|DS|Wario Stadium}}, and to ''[[Mario Kart Live: Home Circuit]]'' until its version 1.1.0 update added [[Barrel Temple]], which shares its music with [[Piranha Paradise]], and [[Fossil Fields]], which shares its music with [[Ember Island]].
*''Mario Kart 8'' is the only game in the ''Mario Kart'' series featuring retro courses to not include a classic SNES Mario Circuit.
*''Mario Kart 8'' is the only game in the ''Mario Kart'' series to have a number of Rainbow Road tracks not shared by any other game, with 3 including the DLC. ''[[Super Mario Kart]]'', ''[[Mario Kart 64]]'', ''[[Mario Kart: Double Dash!!]]'', ''[[Mario Kart DS]]'', ''[[Mario Kart Wii]]'', and ''[[Mario Kart Live: Home Circuit]]'' all have one Rainbow Road course, ''[[Mario Kart: Super Circuit]]'', ''[[Mario Kart Arcade GP]]'', ''[[Mario Kart Arcade GP 2]]'', and ''[[Mario Kart 7]]'' have two Rainbow Roads (or Rainbow Road equivalents), and ''[[Mario Kart 8 Deluxe]]'' and ''[[Mario Kart Tour]]'' both have five Rainbow Roads.
 
==External links==
{{NIWA|Nookipedia=Mario Kart 8|StrategyWiki=1|ZeldaWiki=The Legend of Zelda × Mario Kart 8}}
*[http://mariokart8.nintendo.com/wiiu/ Official American Website] ([https://web.archive.org/web/20170116150122/http://mariokart8.nintendo.com/ Archive])
*[https://www.nintendo.co.uk/Games/Wii-U-games/Mario-Kart-8-765384.html Official European Website]
*[https://www.nintendo.co.jp/wiiu/amkj/index.html Official Japanese Website] ([https://web.archive.org/web/20230522175444/https://www.nintendo.co.jp/wiiu/amkj/index.html Archive])
*[http://gamesites.nintendo.com.au/mario-kart-8/ Official Oceanian Website] ([https://web.archive.org/web/20181123060415/http://gamesites.nintendo.com.au/mario-kart-8/ Archive])
 
==References==
<references/>
 
{{MK8}}
{{Super Mario games}}
{{Wii U}}
[[de:Mario Kart 8]]
[[it:Mario Kart 8]]
[[Category:Mario Kart 8|*]]
[[Category:Games]]
[[Category:Racing games]]
[[Category:Wii U games]]
[[Category:Amiibo-compatible games]]
[[Category:2014 games]]
[[Category:Games with Nintendo Network]]
[[Category:Crossover games]]
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