The Mario Kart 8 Deluxe Booster Course Pass has breathed new life into one of the best-selling Nintendo Switch titles of all time. With the release of Wave 1, fans finally got their first taste of the massive 48-track expansion promised by Nintendo.
Whether you are looking to relive the nostalgia of classic tracks or experience the mobile-first designs of Mario Kart Tour on your console, Wave 1 sets a high bar for the DLC's future. What is the Mario Kart 8 Deluxe Booster Course Pass?
Before diving into the specifics of Wave 1, it’s important to understand the scope. Nintendo announced that instead of a Mario Kart 9, they would be doubling the track count of Mario Kart 8 Deluxe by adding 48 remastered courses from across the series' history. These are released in six "waves" of eight tracks each, all scheduled to arrive by the end of 2023. Wave 1: The Golden Dash & Lucky Cat Cups
Wave 1 officially kicked off the expansion with two new cups, featuring a mix of fan favorites and fresh entries from the mobile title. The Golden Dash Cup
Paris Promenade (Mario Kart Tour): A scenic trip through the streets of France. What makes this track unique is how the route changes every lap, eventually forcing players to drive against traffic in the final stretch.
Toad Circuit (3DS): A classic, straightforward starter track from Mario Kart 7. While simple, it’s a perfect warm-up for high-speed 200cc races.
Choco Mountain (N64): A beloved classic from the Nintendo 64 era, now updated with stunning visuals, falling boulders, and a new cave section that adds verticality.
Coconut Mall (Wii): Perhaps the most hyped track in Wave 1. The upbeat music and chaotic escalator transitions remain, though some fans noted the Mii-driven cars at the end are now stationary. The Lucky Cat Cup
Tokyo Blur (Mario Kart Tour): Similar to Paris, this track changes its layout each lap, taking you past famous Japanese landmarks like the Rainbow Bridge.
Shroom Ridge (DS): A high-traffic mountain road where avoiding cars and buses is the name of the game. It’s a technical track that rewards players who can weave through narrow gaps.
Sky Garden (GBA): A beautiful reimagining of the Game Boy Advance original. Set high in the clouds, it features bouncy vines and shortcuts that demand precise mushroom usage.
Ninja Hideaway (Mario Kart Tour): The standout "new" track for many console players. It features multiple paths, vertical shortcuts, and a stunning aesthetic that feels like a full-blown Mario Kart 8 original. Visuals and Gameplay Improvements
While some critics initially noted that the art style of Wave 1 leaned closer to the "cartoonish" look of Mario Kart Tour rather than the hyper-detailed base game, the gameplay remains flawless. The tracks have been optimized for the Nintendo Switch, running at a smooth 60 FPS in both docked and handheld modes.
Furthermore, Nintendo has used these updates to tweak general gameplay, such as adjusting item frequency and improving the online stability for these specific courses. How to Get Wave 1
There are two primary ways to access the Mario Kart 8 Deluxe Booster Course Pass: mario kart 8 deluxe nspbooster course wave 1 new
Standalone Purchase: You can buy the full pass on the Nintendo eShop for $24.99 USD, which grants access to all six waves as they release.
Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack: If you are a subscriber to the higher-tier NSO service, the DLC is included at no extra cost as long as your subscription is active. Final Verdict
Wave 1 of the Booster Course Pass is a triumphant return to form for Mario Kart 8 Deluxe. While it leans heavily on nostalgia, the inclusion of Tour tracks provides a fresh challenge for those who never played the mobile version. It’s a must-have for any Switch owner looking to keep their karting skills sharp.
Which track from Wave 1 has become your go-to for online play?
The Mario Kart 8 Deluxe Booster Course Pass: Wave 1 is a high-value content injection that doubles the game's total track count by the end of its run. Released on March 18, 2022, it delivers eight remastered tracks that prioritize nostalgic fun over the technical polish of the base game. Track Selection
Wave 1 consists of two new cups, primarily pulling from previous titles and the mobile entry Mario Kart Tour. Golden Dash Cup:
Paris Promenade (Tour): A standout city track where the route changes each lap.
Toad Circuit (3DS): A simple, introductory course that feels somewhat bland compared to others.
Choco Mountain (N64): A faithful remaster with updated visuals and falling boulders.
Coconut Mall (Wii): A fan-favorite that remains top-tier, though some visual details like moving cars were modified. Lucky Cat Cup: Honest Mario Kart 8 Deluxe Booster Course Pass Review!
The Mario Kart 8 Deluxe Booster Course Pass: Wave 1 was released on March 18, 2022, serving as the initial installment of a massive 48-track expansion. This wave introduced eight remastered tracks across two new cups, primarily sourced from previous handheld and mobile entries in the franchise. Course List and Cup Structure
Wave 1 added two dedicated cups to the game's menu, each containing four tracks: Golden Dash Cup Mario Kart 8 Deluxe – Booster Course Pass FAQ
Table_title: What is included in the Mario Kart 8 Deluxe - Booster Course Pass DLC? Table_content: header: | Wave (Release Date) | Nintendo Support
The most significant talking point regarding Wave 1 was the visual and technical execution. Unlike the base game’s tracks, which were built from the ground up for HD hardware, Wave 1 introduced a "Remaster" approach. The Mario Kart 8 Deluxe Booster Course Pass
Many tracks in Wave 1 (specifically Toad Circuit, Shy Guy Bazaar, and Coconut Mall) were identified by fans as assets ported from the mobile game Mario Kart Tour. This resulted in a visual style that was sometimes flatter or less detailed than the bespoke tracks of the base game.
However, Wave 1 also introduced a "Remix" philosophy regarding item mechanics. The developers integrated the Feather item (previously exclusive to Battle Mode) into regular races for the first time on Sky-High Sundae, and they adjusted retro track physics to accommodate the mechanics introduced in Deluxe (like smart steering and the return of the Boo item).
Wave 1 from NSPBooster injects new life into MK8D without betraying what made the game great: fast, frantic, hilarious racing where a single shell can ruin or make a legacy. Jump in, learn the lines, and get ready for some of the most satisfying comebacks you’ll ever pull off.
Want a short hype caption for social posts or a 30-second livestream intro based on this? I’ll draft it.
The notification pinged on Jed’s phone at 2:00 PM on a Tuesday, effectively ending his productivity for the day. The subject line was simple, yet it hit him with the force of a Blue Shell: "mario kart 8 deluxe booster course wave 1 new."
Jed had been a devout member of the "Moo Moo Meadows" faithful since 2014. He knew every drift, every shortcut, and every hidden item block in the base game. But the tracks had started to feel like a well-worn sofa—comfortable, yes, but a little flat. He needed new pavement.
He rushed to his Switch, the handheld trembling slightly in his grip. The download was small, but the anticipation was heavy. This wasn't just a patch; it was the beginning of the "Booster Course Pass," a promise of 48 new tracks delivered over time. Wave 1 was the first test.
Thirty minutes later, the game loaded. Jed noticed the new banner on the title screen immediately. He navigated to the map selection screen, his thumb hovering over the button. He scrolled past the familiar curves of Mario Kart Stadium and the dusty roads of Toad Harbor. He kept going until the icons shifted—new banners, new colors, new music.
He selected the first cup: The Golden Dash Cup.
The countdown ticked. 3... 2... 1... GO!
Jed was instantly transported. The first track, Paris Promenade, was a sensory overload. He wasn't just driving on a track; he was weaving through the Arc de Triomphe and speeding past the Eiffel Tower. The music was a jaunty, accordion-infused remix that felt distinctly different from the synthesized pop of the base game. It felt lively.
But it was the third track that truly hooked him: Sky-High Sundae.
Jed leaned forward on his couch. The visuals were pristine—pink skies, billowing clouds, and tracks made of waffle cones and chocolate sauce. It was surreal. But the gameplay was what mattered. He boosted off a ramp, gliding over a giant scoop of ice cream, and realized the physics felt tighter, more manic. He overshot a turn, frantically tried to correct, and watched as he plummeted into a pit of whipped cream.
"Gah!" Jed shouted, laughing as Lakitu fished him back onto the track. The "Remaster vs
This was it. This was the challenge he had been missing. The "Nspbooster" (as he jokingly called the injection of adrenaline the DLC provided) had done its job. It wasn't just more of the same; it was a remix of history, bringing tracks from mobile games and previous consoles into the high-definition polish of the Switch.
By the time he reached Toad Circuit, the final track of the first wave, Jed had settled into a new rhythm. He was learning the curves again. He was second-guessing his drifts. He was having fun.
As he crossed the finish line in first place, the victory jingle rang out, slightly different than he remembered. He sat back, the adrenaline fading into a satisfied calm.
Wave 1 was over, but the promise of Wave 2 hung in the air. The "old" Mario Kart 8 was gone. In its place was a living, evolving game. Jed checked the clock; only an hour had passed, but his afternoon was officially over. He clicked "Quick Play."
"Let's run it back," he whispered.
Wave 1 of the Mario Kart 8 Deluxe Booster Course Pass officially launched on March 18, 2022
, marking the first major content expansion for the game since its 2017 Switch debut. This initial wave introduced eight remastered tracks across two new cups, kicking off a series of six waves that eventually added 48 courses in total. Wave 1 Track List
The first wave features a mix of fan favorites from older consoles and city-themed courses originally seen in Mario Kart Tour Original Game Golden Dash Cup Paris Promenade Mario Kart Tour Toad Circuit Nintendo 3DS Choco Mountain Nintendo 64 Coconut Mall Nintendo Wii Lucky Cat Cup Tokyo Blur Mario Kart Tour Shroom Ridge Nintendo DS Sky Garden Game Boy Advance Ninja Hideaway Mario Kart Tour Key Features & Changes
Mario Kart 8 Deluxe – Booster Course Pass: Wave 1 - Nintendo
The "Lap" Change Unlike the base game’s standard three-lap format, several tracks (like Paris Promenade) use the Mario Kart Tour logic: you drive through different sections on laps 1, 2, and 3. This keeps the races feeling fresh even on the third lap.
Item Distribution Nintendo confirmed that items are pulled from the standard Mario Kart 8 Deluxe pool (including the Super Horn and Boo), not the limited Tour pool. This means you can still use a Crazy Eight on the Choco Mountain bridge.
The race is back on. Since its initial release, Mario Kart 8 Deluxe has been a staple title for the Nintendo Switch. But in 2022, Nintendo dropped a seismic bombshell: The Booster Course Pass. Fast forward to today, and the search query "mario kart 8 deluxe nsp booster course wave 1 new" is trending once again—not just for newcomers, but for veteran modders and emulation fans looking to update their digital collections.
If you have been scouring the internet for a clean, playable version of the latest Wave 1 content in NSP format, you have landed on the finish line. This guide covers everything: What is in Wave 1, why the "NSP" format matters for custom firmware (CFW) users, and how to safely install the new tracks.