Switch 2 Mario Kart 8 Deluxe Runs at 4K, Slashes Load Times to 3.5 Seconds
The measured jump from 9.33 to 3.50 second load times and the 4K docked resolution show the Switch 2 update is a hardware-leveraging rework rather than a simple resolution bump.
Reporting from 1 source: Game Spark.
A graphics comparison video from ElAnalistaDeBits shows how Mario Kart 8 Deluxe performs on Nintendo Switch versus Switch 2 after the recent compatibility update. The Switch 2 version reaches 4K in docked mode, cuts course load times from 9.33 seconds to 3.50 seconds, and adds eight-player versus play. Frame rates stay at 60fps for two-player matches on both consoles.
The comparison channel measured resolution and load times on each console configuration. Switch docked mode outputs 1080p, handheld mode 720p. Switch 2 docked mode reaches 2160p, handheld mode 1080p.
Course load times drop from 9.33 seconds on Switch to 3.50 seconds on Switch 2. Both consoles hold 60fps for up to two-player versus matches. Local four-player versus and eight-player versus, the latter available only on Switch 2, run at 30fps.
The update also applies game-wide adjustments, including a change that raises race speed by one coin's worth. Mario Kart 8 Deluxe remains available for Nintendo Switch.
Synthesized by Yomimono from the 1 cited source below, including Japanese-language reporting where cited, then editorially reviewed before publishing.