Based on some new footage ofMario Kart 8 Deluxeon the Nintendo Switch, it looks like Nintendo has successfully removed the controversial fire hopping trick from the racing game. The change, while small, should help bolster fan excitement for the upcomingMario Kart 8 Deluxerelease.
For those who didn’t playMario Kart 8on Wii U, players figured out that they could gain small boosts by hopping left and right while coming out of a boost. The result was a small, but often beneficial boost to the players using the trick.
Much of the frustration for players around fire hopping came from how difficult it was to perform, making it a useful trick for those who mastered it. Granted, as the YouTube video below explains, the trick isn’t needed to win, but can help players shave off a couple seconds of their time, which could be enough to turn the tides in a race.
It’ll be interesting to see if Nintendo has patched any other glitches or exploits inMario Kart 8when the deluxe edition releases on Switch. After themassive success ofThe Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wildon the new Nintendo console, there’s little doubt the gaming giant is hoping for a strong showing withMario Kart 8 Deluxe.
In fact, it seemsMario Kart 8 Deluxeis the perfect title for the Nintendo Switch’s multiplayer-on-the-go functions to shine. Since the Nintendo Switch can be used as a couch co-op device when in handheld mode, with players each using a separate Joy-Con, it’s imperative that the game sells well.
With Nintendo increasing production for theNintendo Switch, and demand for the console still strong, having a successful launch ofMario Kart 8 Deluxewill help drive sales toward Nintendo’s goals.
Now, if only Nintendo would release a powerful Nintendo Switch battery boost so players could enjoyMario Kart 8 Deluxefor longer than theexpected 3 hours and 9 minutescurrently available with the in-unit battery. For anyone who’s enjoyed a goodMario Kartrivalry, the excitement and competition is usually only getting started three hours in.
Mario Kart 8 Deluxeis set to release on Nintendo Switch on Aug 15, 2025.
