We purchased Mario Kart 8 Deluxe so that our expert reviewer could thoroughly test and review it. Read on for our full product review.

Mario Kart 8 Deluxe is the latest and greatest iteration of the classic Mario Kart series, designed for Nintendo Switch. Featuring new maps, intuitive controls, and a focus on co-op and multiplayer, Mario Kart 8 Deluxe is sure to be a favorite at parties and with friends of all ages. We took a closer look at the game, focusing on the plot, gameplay, graphics, and suitability for children.

Mario Kart 8 Deluxe is easy to set up. Depending on which version you purchased, you’ll either insert the cartridge into your Switch or let the game download. Once Mario Kart launches, you’ll be prompted to create a Mii, a human-based character made of very basic geometric shapes that essentially serves as your avatar in a throwback to the Wii and Nintendo 3DS. It doesn’t really matter what your Mii looks like, unless you actually want to use it as an in-game character to race against the standard Nintendo characters that Mario Kart features. After that, you’ll be taken straight to the game screen and can choose how you want to race.

The game is not plot-driven, as racing games rarely are. You are thrown into the game without much of an introduction. You don't even get a tutorial or a "beginner's" race that tells you what controls do what. Nintendo probably expects you to have played previous Mario Kart games and know what you are getting into. If you do need some instruction on the controls, there is an info button at the bottom of the main menu screen that will take you through a glossary of terms to learn every move and understand each item.