The was the first of six content drops for the game, released on March 18, 2022 . This wave introduced eight remastered courses from across the series history, including mobile and handheld titles, split into two new cups. 🏎️ Wave 1 Course List
Before diving into the NSP specifics, it is vital to understand the package. The Booster Course Pass is paid DLC (included for free with a Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack subscription) that adds new cups to the game. Wave 1 was released on .
: A cliffside traffic course where racers must dodge cars and buses. Sky Garden (GBA) : A redesigned aerial track set amongst the clouds. Ninja Hideaway (Tour)
The Golden Dash Cup opened the floodgates of nostalgia and modern mobile racing, combining both classic retro tracks and fresh layouts.
For years, Mario Kart 8 Deluxe sat comfortably on the throne of the Nintendo Switch library. It was a "complete" game—a polished, definitive edition of the Wii U classic that sold gangbusters. But in 2022, Nintendo did something unexpected: they cracked the cement on a finished game and announced the , a promise to double the track count over two years. Mario Kart 8 Deluxe -NSP--Booster Course Wave 1...
: Available for $24.99 on the Nintendo eShop , granting access to all 48 courses across all six waves.
, served as the opening act for a massive 48-track expansion plan. The Tracks: A Mix of Mobile and Memories
A classic introductory track. It features wide-open roads, simple geometry, and massive Toad balloons. It is perfect for testing your drift mechanics and speed builds.
A beautiful scenic route through France, featuring a unique mechanic where the track direction reverses on the final lap. The was the first of six content drops
The Lucky Cat Cup offered an eclectic mix of tracks spanning multiple generations of the Mario Kart franchise, bringing both extreme verticality and high-speed drifting challenges.
The Lucky Cat Cup focuses on tight corners, technical driving, and vibrant themes. Tokyo Blur (Mario Kart Tour) : Another city-themed circuit from the mobile entry.
The fan-favorite returns! While it lacks the moving cars at the finish line found in the original, the iconic music and mall layout remain intact. Lucky Cat Cup Tokyo Blur (Tour):
Mario Kart 8 Deluxe – Booster Course Wave 1 (distributed as an NSP) successfully introduces eight nostalgic and new tracks that expand the game’s variety, despite some visual compromises compared to the base game. For digital users, the NSP format provides convenient installation and instant access. However, players should obtain the content legally via Nintendo eShop or the Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack subscription. Wave 1 set a functional precedent for the remaining five waves, ultimately delivering one of the largest DLC collections in Nintendo’s history. The Booster Course Pass is paid DLC (included
Looking back, Wave 1 served as a solid, if slightly unpolished, foundation for the Booster Course Pass. It successfully brought the Wii's Coconut Mall to the modern era and introduced the dynamic city tracks that would define the rest of the pass. While some criticized the simplicity of tracks like Toad Circuit , the inclusion of Ninja Hideaway proved that Nintendo was willing to get tricky with course design.
( Mario Kart Wii ): A fan-favorite vibrant shopping mall setting. Lucky Cat Cup
( Mario Kart: Super Circuit ): A remastered race through the clouds.
Mario Kart 8 Deluxe Booster Course Pass - Wave 1 is widely considered an excellent value proposition, doubling the game's total track count for a relatively low price. Released on March 18, 2022, this first wave includes eight remastered courses across two new cups: the Golden Dash Cup and the Lucky Cat Cup. Track Selection & Quality
A treacherous cliffside road that requires precise drifting to avoid oncoming traffic.
The term refers to the file format used by Nintendo for digital distribution on the Nintendo eShop.