Mario Kart 8 Deluxe’s new Switch 2 update has introduced several improvements, but it may also have created an unusual advantage for players using the original Nintendo Switch. A comparison from GameXplain has found differences in how certain track hazards appear between the two versions during online races.
Nintendo released Version 4.0.0 on September 1, adding Switch 2-specific improvements such as sharper visuals, shorter loading times, CameraPlay and support for up to eight players in local multiplayer. The update also changed some general gameplay elements, including increasing player speed by the equivalent of one coin.
Switch 2 Players Can Encounter Hazards Missing on Switch
GameXplain’s comparison found environmental hazards appearing for Switch 2 players that apparently do not appear for players on the original Switch.
One example involves gas canisters appearing beside the track for the Switch 2 player. Another difference can be seen on Mario Circuit GBA, where black tires are visible on the Switch 2 version but are apparently missing from the corresponding view on the Switch.
These objects are generally positioned away from the main racing line, so they should not completely change the outcome of a normal race. However, they could become relevant when players deliberately leave the track to take shortcuts or use a Mushroom to cut across off-road sections.
There is also a potential synchronization issue involving item boxes on Piranha Plant Pipeline. GameXplain noticed differences in how the boxes appeared between players, although it remains unclear whether that particular issue is specifically caused by Switch and Switch 2 differences.
Nintendo’s official Version 4.0.0 notes do not mention these hazard discrepancies. The update officially adds Switch 2 display support, faster loading, expanded local multiplayer, and CameraPlay, while online races continue to support up to 12 players.
For now, the differences appear relatively minor, but they could become an interesting talking point for competitive Mario Kart 8 Deluxe players. With both systems continuing to share the same updated game, it remains to be seen whether Nintendo addresses the inconsistent hazards in a future patch.
