Is Mario Kart 8 Deluxe Cross-Platform?
By Alex╺
- PS4
- PS5
- XBox One
- Series X
- PC
Mario Kart 8 Deluxe has become one of the most popular games on the Nintendo Switch, known for its exciting racing and lively multiplayer features.
A common question that fans often ask is whether players on different gaming platforms can compete together. Unfortunately, the answer is no. Let’s explore why that is.

Is Mario Kart 8 Deluxe Cross-Platform?
Unlike many recent video games, Mario Kart 8 Deluxe does not support cross-platform play.

This means that players using the Nintendo Switch cannot race against those on other consoles, such as PlayStation, Xbox, or PC. Nintendo has made a clear decision not to include this feature.
Why Nintendo Chose Not to Include Cross-Platform Play?
While there’s no official statement from Nintendo regarding the lack of cross-platform play in Mario Kart 8 Deluxe, a few reasons likely contribute to this decision:
Reason | Explanation |
Closed Ecosystem Focus | Nintendo aims to create a unique experience for its consoles. Cross-platform play might affect Switch sales and its games. |
Technical Demands | Implementing cross-platform play requires significant technical work and compatibility between platforms, which can be challenging. |
Online Services Limitations | Nintendo’s online infrastructure is designed for the Switch. Adding cross-platform support could complicate the system. |
Multiplayer Options in Mario Kart 8 Deluxe
Even though there’s no cross-platform functionality, Mario Kart 8 Deluxe still offers several multiplayer options for players to enjoy:
Multiplayer Type | Description |
Local Multiplayer | Race with up to four players on a single Switch console or multiple consoles. |
Online Multiplayer | Race against players online using Nintendo Switch Online. While not cross-platform, it offers a wide range of online competition. |
Wireless Local Play | Connect multiple nearby Switch consoles wirelessly for local multiplayer without an internet connection. |
Could Cross-Platform Play Be Available in the Future?
Right now, Mario Kart 8 Deluxe does not offer cross-platform play.
However, as cross-platform play continues to grow in popularity across the gaming industry, it’s possible that future updates or new games could adopt this feature.
However, given Nintendo’s current approach, this change isn’t inevitable.

Final Thoughts
At present, Mario Kart 8 Deluxe does not support cross-platform play. Nintendo’s choice seems influenced by its preference for a closed ecosystem, technical limitations, and a desire to keep its online infrastructure focused on the Switch.
While this may disappoint some players, the game offers plenty of multiplayer fun through local and online options.
It remains to be seen if future game versions will embrace cross-platform functionality.