Mario Kart 8 Deluxe Bundle: How To Download On Switch
So, you've just snagged yourself a shiny new Nintendo Switch Mario Kart 8 Deluxe bundle? Awesome! Get ready for some serious racing fun with Mario and the gang. But hold on, before you start throwing shells and drifting around corners, you need to actually download the game. Don't worry, guys, it's super easy! This guide will walk you through the process step-by-step, so you can get racing in no time.
Unboxing Your Bundle and Initial Setup
First things first, let's get that bundle unboxed! Inside, you should find your Nintendo Switch console, the Joy-Con controllers, the dock, an HDMI cable, a power adapter, and potentially a download code for Mario Kart 8 Deluxe, depending on the specific bundle you purchased. Carefully unpack everything and connect the Switch to your TV using the dock and HDMI cable. Plug in the power adapter to charge the console.
Once everything is connected, power on your Nintendo Switch. You'll be guided through the initial setup process, which includes selecting your language, region, connecting to your Wi-Fi network, and creating a user account. Make sure you have your Wi-Fi password handy! This is a crucial step because you'll need an internet connection to download Mario Kart 8 Deluxe.
During the setup, you might be prompted to create or link a Nintendo Account. If you don't already have one, it's highly recommended that you create one. A Nintendo Account allows you to purchase and download digital games, access online services, and save your game progress to the cloud. It's free to create, so go ahead and do it if you haven't already. Setting up your Nintendo Switch properly from the start ensures a smooth and enjoyable gaming experience. It also gives you access to all the features and services that Nintendo offers, maximizing your fun with Mario Kart 8 Deluxe and other games. Taking the time to complete the initial setup carefully will prevent headaches later on and allow you to dive straight into the action.
Downloading Mario Kart 8 Deluxe: Using a Download Code
Alright, now for the main event: downloading Mario Kart 8 Deluxe! If your bundle came with a download code, you're in luck. This is the easiest way to get the game onto your Switch. Here's how to redeem your code:
- Find the Code: Locate the download code that came with your bundle. It's usually printed on a card or included in the box. Scratch off any protective covering to reveal the code if necessary.
 - Open the Nintendo eShop: From the Nintendo Switch home menu, select the Nintendo eShop icon. It looks like a shopping bag with the Nintendo logo on it.
 - Select Your Account: Choose the user account you want to use to download the game.
 - Enter the Code: In the eShop, scroll down to the bottom of the left-hand menu and select "Enter Code."
 - Type in the Code: Carefully enter the 16-character download code. Double-check that you've entered it correctly, as incorrect codes won't work.
 - Confirm Download: After entering the code, the eShop will confirm the game you're about to download (Mario Kart 8 Deluxe). Select "Download" to begin the process.
 
The game will now start downloading to your Nintendo Switch. You can check the progress of the download on the home menu. Just look for the Mario Kart 8 Deluxe icon and a progress bar. Depending on your internet speed, the download may take some time, so be patient. You can still use your Switch for other things while the game is downloading, but it might slow down the download process. Once the download is complete, the Mario Kart 8 Deluxe icon will appear on your home menu, ready to launch!
Having a download code simplifies the process immensely. It's quick, easy, and gets you racing in no time. Plus, it saves you the hassle of having to purchase the game separately from the eShop. So, if your bundle came with a code, consider yourself lucky and follow these steps to get Mario Kart 8 Deluxe up and running on your Nintendo Switch!
Downloading Mario Kart 8 Deluxe: Purchasing from the eShop
If your bundle didn't include a download code, don't worry! You can still easily purchase and download Mario Kart 8 Deluxe directly from the Nintendo eShop. Here's how:
- Open the Nintendo eShop: Just like before, start by selecting the Nintendo eShop icon from the Switch's home menu.
 - Select Your Account: Choose the user account you want to use to purchase the game.
 - Search for the Game: Use the search bar at the top of the eShop to search for "Mario Kart 8 Deluxe."
 - Select the Game: Once you find Mario Kart 8 Deluxe in the search results, select it to view the game's details.
 - Purchase the Game: Click on the "Purchase" button. You'll be prompted to choose a payment method. You can use a credit card, PayPal, or a Nintendo eShop card.
 - Enter Payment Information: Enter your payment details and confirm the purchase. Make sure all the information is accurate before proceeding.
 - Download the Game: After the purchase is complete, the game will automatically begin downloading to your Nintendo Switch.
 
As with the download code method, you can monitor the download progress on the home menu. Once the download is finished, the Mario Kart 8 Deluxe icon will appear, and you're ready to race! Purchasing directly from the eShop is a convenient way to get the game, especially if you don't have a physical copy or a download code. It gives you instant access to the game, and you can start playing as soon as the download is complete. Just make sure you have enough storage space on your Switch and a stable internet connection for a smooth download experience.
Troubleshooting Download Issues
Sometimes, things don't go quite as planned. If you run into any issues while downloading Mario Kart 8 Deluxe, here are a few troubleshooting tips:
- Check Your Internet Connection: Make sure your Nintendo Switch is connected to a stable Wi-Fi network. Try restarting your router or moving closer to the router to improve the signal strength.
 - Check Storage Space: Ensure you have enough free storage space on your Nintendo Switch. Mario Kart 8 Deluxe requires a significant amount of space, so you might need to delete some games or data to make room.
 - Restart Your Switch: A simple restart can often fix minor glitches. Hold down the power button on your Switch and select "Restart."
 - Check Nintendo's Servers: Sometimes, Nintendo's servers might be experiencing issues. You can check the server status on Nintendo's website to see if there are any known outages.
 - Contact Nintendo Support: If you've tried all the above steps and you're still having trouble, don't hesitate to contact Nintendo Support for assistance. They can provide more specific troubleshooting steps or help you resolve any issues with your account or console.
 
Don't get frustrated if you encounter a problem. Downloading games can sometimes be tricky, but with a little patience and these troubleshooting tips, you should be able to get Mario Kart 8 Deluxe downloaded and ready to play in no time. Remember to take a deep breath, double-check everything, and don't be afraid to seek help if you need it.
Getting Ready to Race
Once Mario Kart 8 Deluxe is downloaded, the real fun begins! Before you jump into a Grand Prix or online race, take some time to familiarize yourself with the game's controls and features. Here are a few tips to get you started:
- Choose Your Character: Mario Kart 8 Deluxe features a wide variety of characters, each with their own unique stats. Experiment with different characters to find one that suits your play style.
 - Select Your Kart: Just like characters, karts also have different stats. Choose a kart that complements your character and the track you're racing on.
 - Customize Your Kart: You can customize your kart with different tires and gliders, which further affect its stats. Try out different combinations to create the ultimate racing machine.
 - Learn the Tracks: Take some time to practice on each track to learn the layout, shortcuts, and best racing lines. The more familiar you are with the tracks, the better your chances of winning.
 - Master the Controls: Mario Kart 8 Deluxe has a variety of controls, including drifting, jumping, and using items. Practice these controls to become a more skilled racer.
 
With Mario Kart 8 Deluxe downloaded and ready to go, you're all set for countless hours of racing fun. Gather your friends and family, fire up the game, and get ready for some intense and hilarious competition. Whether you're a seasoned Mario Kart veteran or a complete newcomer, Mario Kart 8 Deluxe has something for everyone. So buckle up, grab your Joy-Cons, and prepare to race your way to victory!
Enjoy your new Nintendo Switch Mario Kart 8 Deluxe bundle, and happy racing!