Review: Mario Kart 8 Deluxe – Booster Course Pass (wave 5)

Every three to six months for the past two years we’ve been treated to updated content for the ever-popular Mario Kart 8 Deluxe. Now, the fifth wave of the Booster Course Pass is here with the penultimate update for the game that keeps on giving. Let’s find out if it hits the mark yet again.

As usual, we find ourselves with two sets of four tracks. Wave five delivers the Feather and Cherry Cups, presenting two more classic Mario icons. We can only hope these new trophy types will reappear in future franchise entries.

This time around, the DLC comes packed with three Mario Kart Tour tracks, two Wii courses, and one each from the GameCube and Game Boy Advance. That leaves us with one completely new entry, which is always a welcome surprise. It’s a great mix, with plenty of fast-paced twists and turns to keep drivers at their competitive best.

The music is another highlight. Each track feels unique, with varying arrangements that add depth to the already impressive interface. It ensures Mario Kart Deluxe remains more than just a visual experience, with a soundtrack that immerses you even further into the gameplay. 

Let’s break down the new cups and each track therein.

Feather Cup

Athens Dash (Mario Kart Tour)

This course debuted on Mario Kart Tour earlier this year, and it now makes its way to the Switch. It takes us through the streets of the Greek capital, complete with columns, fountains, and a rolling boulder à la Indiana Jones. Athens is built on a hill, after all, and according to Greek mythology the Goddess Athena dropped a rock while walking past Athens. History lesson aside, this race is full of quaint clay houses and alternating pathways to keep you on your toes. 

Daisy Cruiser (Mario Kart Double Dash)

It’s always a pleasure to welcome a new Double Dash track, something that’s been absent from most of the DLC to date. This classic course is set aboard a cruise ship, featuring fast-paced sections above and below deck. Dining-room furniture moves across the floor—even while guests are seated. Meanwhile, Goombas slumber peacefully in the pool on the top deck. Branching pathways take you all around the ship, and even into a flooded section with giant clams. 

Moonview Highway (Mario Kart Wii)

This track hails from the mega-popular Wii outing, taking drivers down the highway amid chaotic traffic, toll booths, and tunnels. There are plenty of twists and turns, and you’d better watch out for the giant bomb cars! One of the most fun aspects is powersliding across the dash panels, boosting your way along the main road to victory. Yep, this one is all about the need for speed. There’s also a glorious moon set high in the sky as a witness to your driving prowess.

Squeaky Clean Sprint (new)

It’s always a pleasure to welcome a new track to the fold, and this bathroom-set course is full of surprises. This is one of those courses that has a lot going on, with a colorful background dotted with interesting objects to spot. Did you see the engagement ring that’s been lost down the drain? There are bath bombs, sponges, towels, a slippery soap surface, tennis balls, a can of softdrink (for some reason), and much more. Even the toilet is a highlight, spurting water on the second and third lap—try floating up and to the right for one of many discoverable shortcuts. In short, this new entry is sure to be the highlight of this wave for many fans.

Cherry Cup

Los Angeles Laps (Mario Kart Tour)

Ah, the city of angels! It was only a matter of time before we saw this real-world track make its way into the world of Mario Kart. In the case of LA, we’re treated to a stint on the beach, a race through the streets, and even a journey through what appear to be oilfields. Is LA known for oil? Apparently it used to be, with this raceway seemingly hinting at LA’s history as an oil town. Either way, this is another fast-paced journey that melds our world with Mario’s, and it looks and plays very well.

Sunset Wilds (Mario Kart Super Circuit)

When we see something from the Game Boy Advance make its way to Mario Kart, we know we’re in for something special. These tracks receive the most attention in terms of recreation, converting 16-bit styles to modern aesthetics. Sunset Wilds is no different, bringing us a glorious-looking outing despite the muddy setting. Oddly, the sun doesn’t dip below the horizon like it did in the original version. Still, the puddles shimmer in the dimming sunlight as Shy Guys wander about after a day of mining. Someone should really tell them to keep off the road.

Koopa Cape (Mario Kart Wii)

This water-based track takes us across flowing streams dotted with giant shells. We’re also treated to an underwater section, traversing through a transparent tube while Cheep Cheeps float majestically by. Eventually, one of those giant eels is going to crash through the glass, causing chaos reminiscent of Jaws 3. Koopa Cape serves as a reminder as to why the Wii was such a popular outing for the series, with another quick course with tight turns and fun pathways.

Vancouver Velocity (Mario Kart Tour)

This trip through the streets of Vancouver is a visual treat packed with easter eggs. There are obvious ones, like a hockey rink complete with skating Shy Guys, along with more subtle Canadian cues, like autumnal trees. The seasons even appear to change throughout the race, leading to some scenic snowy areas. The audio is a standout here, too, with a lovely orchestral approach.

Overall thoughts

Wave five provides all the fun and racing thrills we’ve come to expect from Mario Kart 8 Deluxe. It’s visually and audibly appealing, bringing a terrific mix of old and new races to fans. In short, it’s another hit for the fan-favorite racing title.

The Mario Kart 8 Deluxe Booster Course Pass can be purchased for a one-off payment of $24.99. With five waves now available, you’ll be treated to many additional tracks, plus eight more heading our way later this year. If you happen to be a Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack subscriber, these courses are already included in that package.