Mario Kart 8 review

Mario Kart 8 is the racing pick for Wii U owners. Nintendo's page lists 32 new and classic courses that add antigravity panels, gliding and underwater sections, and vehicles that include karts, bikes and a four-wheeled quad, each built from a chosen set of tyres, chassis and glider. Four players can race locally in Grand Prix, VS Race or Battle modes, using the Wii U GamePad, Wii U Pro Controller, Wii Wheel, Wii Remote with Nunchuk or Classic Controller Pro. Online races for up to 12 drivers depended on Nintendo Network, and Nintendo ended Wii U online services on April 8, 2024. Nintendo also points buyers to Mario Kart 8 Deluxe on Switch, which matters if you own both systems. For a Wii U collector, though, $26.99 used at DKOldies is less than half the price of Mario Kart Wii.

Who it is for

Wii U owners who want a racing game the whole room can play.

Price

Used disc from $26.99 at DKOldies (regular price, before sales).

Original price: $26.99
Quoted from the vendor pricing page on November 11, 2026.

Key features

• 32 new and classic courses with antigravity, gliding and underwater sections
• Karts, bikes and the four-wheeled quad, with tyres, chassis and gliders to mix
• Grand Prix, VS Race and Battle for four local players
• Mario Kart TV highlight reels from within the game
• Rated PEGI 3

Strengths and weaknesses

• Strength: Works with five controller types, including the Wii Wheel
• Strength: $26.99 used for 32 courses
• Strength: Four-player split screen on one Wii U
• Weakness: Online races for up to 12 drivers ended with Wii U online services on April 8, 2024
• Weakness: Mario Kart 8 Deluxe on Nintendo Switch is the newer version
• Weakness: Extra controllers for multiplayer are sold separately

Key facts

• Publisher: Nintendo
• Players: 1 to 4 local
• Courses: 32
• Age rating: PEGI 3
• Used price: $26.99 at DKOldies

Where it ranks

Mario Kart 8 is No. 4 in our Best Wii Games verdict.