Here’s every new feature in Mario Kart 8 Deluxe

Even if you own MK8, you’ll want to pick up Deluxe for the Switch.

The Switch’s next big game is Mario Kart 8 Deluxe, set to release on April 28th. Even if you own the original Wii U Mario Kart 8, you’ll want to see what all Deluxe has to offer you.

Today, Nintendo posted a overview trailer (above) for the kart racing game, giving us new details on various features. From new characters to the return of Battle Mode, there’s a lot to get you excited here.

New Playable Characters

Nintendo’s giving us a few new characters to race as in Mario Kart 8 Deluxe, starting with some Mario franchise favorites. King Boo, Dry Bones, and Bowser Jr. will be playable, along with four of Splatoon’s Inkling kids.

This brings the number of characters up to 44. The Inklings are also bringing their own karts with them, so we’ll have at least two new karts to choose from.

Returning Items

Items remain a large focus in the Mario Kart series, and we’re getting a couple back from previous games here. Racers will be able to snag the Boo item, which can turn its holder invisible and take items from other players. Also returning is the Feather, which lets racers float high into the air to avoid obstacles and attacks. This item hasn’t been seen since the original Super Mario Kart. 

Additionally, players will be able to hold two items at once for even more explosive fun.

Upgraded Battle Mode

Battle Mode is back and better than ever in Mario Kart 8 Deluxe with five different ways to fight your friends. The play modes include Balloon Battle, Renegade Roundup, Bob-omb Blast, Coin Runners, and a capture-the-flag game called Shine Thief.

You’ll have eight courses to choose from in Battle Mode, including a Splatoon track, a Boo mansion, and a lunar course.

Exclusive Switch Features

The Switch will provide some special ways to play Mario Kart 8 Deluxe. Like always, up to four players can race locally in TV mode. Additionally, the Joy-Cons can be split in half for two players to go head-to-head in the Switch’s tabletop mode. And if everyone has their own Switch, up to eight players can race via local wireless in handheld mode.

Also available with the launch of Deluxe will be a set of two Joy-Con wheels for $14.99. So you can play with one half of the Joy-Con in or out of the wheel, with the Joy-Cons on a grip, or with the Pro Controller.

Mario Kart 8 Deluxe hits shelves April 28th for the Nintendo Switch. Have these new features convinced you to double-dip or are you less than convinced? Let us know in the comments!