Mario Kart 8 For Switch Can Now Be Played With A Nintendo Labo Toy-Con

Nintendo has rolled out a new update for Mario Kart 8 Deluxe on Switch. On top of resolving a small handful of bugs, the patch introduces an unexpected new feature to the mascot racer: Toy-Con compatibility.

After installing the update, players will be able to use the Motorbike Toy-Con from the Nintendo Labo Variety Kit to play Mario Kart 8 Deluxe. The cardboard controller can be selected from the new Toy-Con icon that appears along the bottom of the game's main menu screen, and it works with all of the game's modes and vehicles. Provided you have four Toy-Cons laying around, up to four players can play together using the new control method locally.

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Nintendo shared a short video demonstrating how the Toy-Con works with Mario Kart 8 Deluxe. Players accelerate by twisting the Motorbike's right handlebar and steer their kart around the track by moving the handlebars side to side. Selecting the Toy-Con also sets the camera closer to your character, which Nintendo says "increas[es] immersion." Drifting, braking, and throwing items are all handled by pressing their corresponding Joy-Con buttons.

In addition to Toy-Con compatibility, the new Mario Kart 8 Deluxe update addresses a couple of bugs in the game. Specifically, it resolves an issue that would cause the "Search by Code" function to stop working after setting up a tournament. It also fixes a bug that would prevent players from continuing after they collide with a Star Thwomp. You can read the patch notes for the update on Nintendo's support website.

With this patch, Mario Kart 8 Deluxe has become the first game outside of Labo to support Toy-Cons, although Nintendo teases that it won't be the last. The patch also coincides with the announcement of a new Nintendo Labo contest. Players have from July 19 through August 20 to create either a musical instrument or gaming experience using the Toy-Con Garage feature. Those with the best creations will earn a number of prizes, potentially including a cardboard-themed Nintendo Switch.