How to play Mario Kart on Nintendo Switch on a date, in the pub and at your desk

On a date, in the coffee queue or commuting, the new Mario Kart can be played anywhere
Team spirit: Smaller consoles have led to a rise in gaming on the go
Nintendo
Ben Travis26 May 2017

It began with The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild, which generated considerable hype when the Nintendo Switch launched. Now that has been amped up, with Mario Kart 8 Deluxe, out today, showing gamers what makes this new console really stand out.

Originally released on Wii U back in 2014, Mario Kart has been repackaged for the Switch with extra courses and characters, and reinstates the much-loved battle mode.

But more important than what’s new is the way the latest hardware transforms how and where you play the game. The Switch’s portable tablet and shareable joy-con controllers mean players can take the full Mario Kart multiplayer experience on the go without the need to buy a second gamepad.

But just because you can play Mario Kart 8 anywhere, with anyone, it doesn’t necessarily mean you should. Here’s a guide to the new on-the-go gaming etiquette.

Drink it in

Everything’s better in the pub. Everything’s better with Mario Kart. What could go wrong? Nipping to our local with Switch in hand, my competitor and I propped the tablet screen on a table (using a menu as a barrier) with a pint each, and fired up Egg Cup on 100cc.

Playing Mario in the pub is a dream, theoretically, but more awkward in practice. Prepare to feel like the biggest nerds in the building, and expect odd looks from the locals.

Then factor in the alcohol. The first set of races resulted in a tie but when we tried Lightning Cup over a second pint I couldn’t stop plummeting off Rainbow Road. Still, if you can handle the element of embarrassment and feel confident enough to bring in a “loser buys the next round” rule, go for it.

Nintendo Switch accessories - in pictures

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Save the date

Nothing sets a romantic mood quite like reaching into your bag and picking up a games console… right? Step aside, Tinder — Mario Kart 8 could be the next tech matchmaker.

Playing it is best broached as a casual suggestion towards the end of the evening — and if your date is up for it then you know they’re a keeper.

As in any romantic endeavour, establish the ground rules first. No matter how much you fancy someone you can’t just let them win — but don’t go all-out either. Hold back that unstoppable blue shell, it’s the ultimate relationship killer.

After four years together my partner and I have established a rule to avoid Nintendo-based bust-ups — no red shells if you’re in the top two places. But remember, all is fair in love and Mario Kart.

Fully caffeinated

The morning lull waiting for your latte is ideal for a short burst on Mario Kart 8 Deluxe’s addictive battle modes. In single-player I managed two rounds of the frantic Shine Thief mode.

Multiplayer isn’t feasible while you’re queuing though — you need somewhere to put the screen — while finding a partner to play with is equally difficult. Engaging bleary Londoners before they’ve had their caffeine fix is unwise.

Al desko

This entirely depends on your workplace. If you’re in finance a quick blast on Rainbow Road al desko isn’t going to endear you with your boss. You might fare better in a Silicon Roundabout office, where there’s a fridge of free green juice you can help yourself to and a basketball court in the canteen.

Armed with the magic words “it’s for an article” my colleague and I snuck to the office kitchen for a quick race. While gaming might have been proved to reduce stress, that clearly doesn’t include office scenarios — the anxiety of getting caught almost outweighs the fun of the game.

Proceed with caution: you risk instant dismissal and having to tell your next employer you got fired for playing Nintendo, but if you can pull it off you’ll be the most popular person in the office.

Game your commute

All those commuting hours can now be transformed into prime Karting opportunities — if you’re brave enough to get your Switch out on a moving vehicle and prop it up on a spare seat.

The train is the most ideal mode of transport for the Switch — you can put the screen on the fold-down table and you’ll get a lot more privacy (and fewer suspicious looks) than on the Tube.

If your journeys are constantly plagued by Southern Railway and Circle line delays, Mario Kart 8 on the Switch is your new best friend.

Mario Kart 8 Deluxe is out today on Nintendo Switch

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