Here's Everything That's New In Mario Kart 8 Deluxe

If you have a Wii U, there's a good chance that you also have Mario Kart 8, and are probably wondering if it's worth double-dipping for the game's Switch-exclusive Deluxe package. If you don't have a Wii U—which, given the console's sales figures, seems pretty likely—don't worry: if you pick up Mario Kart 8 Deluxe, you're getting the best possible edition of the game.

Obviously, Mario Kart 8 will look better on Nintendo's newer, more powerful device, and should run at 60 frames per second in full 1080p resolution (the original maxed out at 720p). Anyone who purchases Mario Kart 8 Deluxe will also get everything that was in the first game, plus all of its downloadable content, which includes characters and race tracks from Nintendo franchises like The Legend of Zelda, F-Zero, and Animal Crossing.

But that's not all. In addition to all 48 race tracks, Mario Kart 8 Deluxe adds five exclusive characters to the game's massive roster, letting you zoom around as two of Splatoon's Inklings (the boy and the girl), King Boo, Dry Bones, and Bowser Jr. There's also a new Splatoon-themed kart, the ability to stockpile two items at once (instead of the usual one), and a smart-steering option to help newbies stay on course.

And then there are the new Battle Modes. While Mario Kart 8's first iteration of the Mario Kart classic took place on existing tracks, Mario Kart 8 Deluxe features special, Battle Mode-exclusive arenas, as well as five different spins on kart vs. kart combat. Renegade Roundup is a Mario-themed game of cops and robbers in which one team tries to put its opponents in jail, and the other does everything that they can to break out. Balloon Battle is Battle Mode Classic, giving players three hits before they're eliminated from competition. Bob-omb Blast is basically the same thing but with bombs, Coin Runners sees players trying to snag more money than their rivals, and Shine Thief is a Mario Kart spin on Capture the Flag.

Oh, and Donkey Kong is dabbing again, too. Yay?

As a game that came out as recently as 2014, Mario Kart 8 isn't our first choice to get a next-generation remake, but on the other hand, well, it's Mario Kart. It's hard to complain. Mario Kart 8 Deluxe is available for pre-order now, and should arrive on the Switch on April 28, 2017.