Nintendo has just released a major update for Mario Kart 8 Deluxe, although most of the changes only work on the Switch 2 console.

For a lot of fans, it’s felt like Nintendo has been actively trolling them this year. Announcing a constant stream of Nintendo Direct showcases, but never the one they want (either a general one or something to properly unveil Zelda: Ocarina Of Time) has been a source of constant consternation, as Nintendo seems to go out of its way not to respond to the hopes and wishes of fans.

You could argue that’s not anything new but the one thing they’ve definitely been weird about is the complete lack of any substantial DLC for Mario Kart World, despite Nintendo repeatedly referring to it as a game they expect to support for many years to come.

As if that wasn’t strange enough the latest annoucement is even more peculiar. On the face of it, it seems really good: a brand new eight-player split-screen mode for Mario Kart. Only it’s not for Mario Kart World, it’s for the nine-year-old Mario Kart 8 Deluxe on Switch 1.

Not that the option isn’t welcome, especially as it’s part of a free patch, but… why? Does Nintendo not have anything better for the developers that added that feature to do? Like, say, adding new features to Mario Kart World.

Of course, you’ll get no answer from Nintendo, as to the logic behind their priorities, but the new version 4.0.0 update for Mario Kart 8 Deluxe is very good. Although to add to the oddness, most of the major changes only work on Switch 2, even though it’s a native Switch 1 game.

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An eight-player split-screen mode is extremely rare for any game, not least because you’ll need a big TV, and a lot of controllers, to take advantage of it. Still, it’s a great option and will be perfect for events with a guaranteed crowd.

You need a Switch 2 to make the option work, because of the extra power and resolution necessary, while the update also adds support for CameraPlay, which also requires a Switch 2.

Other more minor changes include faster loading times and higher resolution, again both thanks to the Switch 2. The only changes that are available if you’re playing on a Switch 1 console are a very slightly faster top speed and a new 96 Races option, allowing you to play every course, including all the DLC, in order.

As belated as all these changes are, Mario Kart 8 Deluxe is not the only Switch 1 getting an update this week, with Pikmin 3 Deluxe enjoying a higher resolution and GameShare support on Switch 2.

Super Smash Bros. Ultimate has also been updated to version 13.0.5, although that’s just a big fix. Which only adds to the mystery of why there hasn’t been a dedicated Switch 2 version of the game yet, or any indication of the future of the franchise.

These are not the only Switch 1 games that have received updates this year, with Splatoon 3 getting a fairly substantial one earlier last month. Although the Switch 1 console was discontinued in Europe in February, it is still in production for the US and Japan, although probably not for much longer.

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