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- Best overall: Nintendo Mario Kart 8 Deluxe for Nintendo Switch
- Best budget: Nintendo Pokémon Sword for Nintendo Switch
- Best premium: Nintendo Switch OLED Model White Set
- Best for extra tracks: Nintendo Mario Kart 8 Deluxe Booster Course Pass for Nintendo Switch
- Nintendo Mario Kart 8 Deluxe is the better pick for multiplayer racing, with 48 courses in the base game.
- Nintendo Pokémon Sword is the better choice for a solo adventure across the Galar region.
- Nintendo Mario Kart 8 Deluxe Booster Course Pass adds 48 courses to the racing game.
- Nintendo Switch OLED Model White Set suits shared play, while Nintendo Switch Lite Turquoise is a handheld-only option.
- Nintendo Pro Controller and Joy-Con accessories add flexible ways to play both games.
Nintendo Mario Kart 8 Deluxe is the better Black Friday 2026 pick for multiplayer, while Nintendo Pokémon Sword is the stronger choice for a solo role-playing adventure. Mario Kart 8 Deluxe features 48 courses in its base game and supports up to 12 racers online. Pokémon Sword focuses on a single-player journey through the Galar region, with optional multiplayer features.
I researched and compared specs, reviews and owner feedback to build this guide around the games, expansions, consoles and controllers that fit these two picks. Here's the bottom line: choose Mario Kart 8 Deluxe for quick races and repeat group sessions; choose Pokémon Sword for exploration, battles and Pokémon collecting. The accessories below help match either game to your setup.
How We Picked
- Compared core gameplay, replay value and the kind of player each game suits.
- Checked player counts, course totals, expansion content and supported play modes.
- Reviewed owner feedback and product specifications for the listed Switch hardware and accessories.
- Included items that pair directly with Mario Kart 8 Deluxe or Pokémon Sword.
- Prioritized clear differences between a multiplayer racer, a solo RPG and optional add-ons.
Comparison Table
| Product | Best for | Key content | Players supported | Play mode |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nintendo Mario Kart 8 Deluxe for Nintendo Switch | Multiplayer racing | 48 base courses | Up to 12 online; up to 4 local | Racing game |
| Nintendo Pokémon Sword for Nintendo Switch | Solo RPG adventure | Galar region and 8 Gym challenges | Single-player focus; multiplayer features | Role-playing game |
| Nintendo Mario Kart 8 Deluxe Booster Course Pass for Nintendo Switch | More Mario Kart tracks | 48 added courses | Follows base game player modes | Requires base game |
| Nintendo Pokémon Sword Expansion Pass for Nintendo Switch | More Pokémon Sword areas | 2 expansion areas | Follows base game player modes | Requires base game |
| Nintendo Switch OLED Model White Set | TV and handheld gaming | 7-inch OLED screen | 2 Joy-Con included | TV, tabletop and handheld |
| Nintendo Switch Lite Turquoise | Portable solo play | 5.5-inch screen | Built-in controls | Handheld only |
| Nintendo Switch Pro Controller | Comfortable TV play | Up to 40-hour battery | 1 controller | Wireless controller |
| Nintendo Joy-Con (L)/(R) Neon Red/Neon Blue | Local multiplayer | 2 controllers per set | Supports shared play | Attached or detached |
Best Picks Reviewed
#1 · Top pick
Nintendo Mario Kart 8 Deluxe for Nintendo Switch
The Nintendo Mario Kart 8 Deluxe for Nintendo Switch is the best multiplayer racing game for families and competitive groups, with 48 courses in the base game.
Best for: Local and online racing groups
- Base courses
- 48
- Online racers
- Up to 12
- Local split-screen
- Up to 4 players
- Platform
- Nintendo Switch
- Fast races suit short play sessions.
- Local multiplayer works well for game nights.
- A large character roster and item mix keep races lively.
- The complete course collection requires separate expansion content.
Is Nintendo Mario Kart 8 Deluxe for Nintendo Switch worth buying on Black Friday 2026?
Yes. Nintendo Mario Kart 8 Deluxe for Nintendo Switch is a strong pick for players who want accessible racing and repeat multiplayer sessions. The Nintendo Mario Kart 8 Deluxe for Nintendo Switch's 48 base courses, four-player local split-screen and support for up to 12 online racers offer plenty of ways to play.
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#2
Nintendo Pokémon Sword for Nintendo Switch
The Nintendo Pokémon Sword for Nintendo Switch is the best solo role-playing adventure for Pokémon fans, with 8 Gym challenges across the Galar region.
Best for: Solo exploration and Pokémon collecting
- Gym challenges
- 8
- Region
- Galar
- Main focus
- Single-player RPG
- Platform
- Nintendo Switch
- A focused story built around Gym battles.
- Wild Area exploration breaks up the main route.
- Trading and battles add multiplayer options.
- The core journey is more single-player focused than Mario Kart.
Is Nintendo Pokémon Sword for Nintendo Switch worth buying on Black Friday 2026?
Yes. Nintendo Pokémon Sword for Nintendo Switch suits players who want a story-led Pokémon journey, team building and turn-based battles. The Galar region, eight Gym challenges and Wild Area exploration create a distinct adventure rather than a pick-up-and-race multiplayer game.
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#3
Nintendo Mario Kart 8 Deluxe Booster Course Pass for Nintendo Switch
The Nintendo Mario Kart 8 Deluxe Booster Course Pass for Nintendo Switch is the best content add-on for course variety, adding 48 courses to the game.
Best for: Mario Kart players seeking more tracks
- Added courses
- 48
- Course waves
- 6
- Base game required
- Yes
- Platform
- Nintendo Switch
- Doubles the course count from the base game.
- Adds more settings and race layouts.
- Works with the existing Mario Kart 8 Deluxe game.
- Requires Nintendo Mario Kart 8 Deluxe for Nintendo Switch.
Is Nintendo Mario Kart 8 Deluxe Booster Course Pass for Nintendo Switch worth buying on Black Friday 2026?
Yes. Nintendo Mario Kart 8 Deluxe Booster Course Pass for Nintendo Switch is a worthwhile add-on for owners who want more track variety. The pass adds 48 courses across six waves, expanding the base game's racing selection without changing its core controls.
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#4
Nintendo Pokémon Sword Expansion Pass for Nintendo Switch
The Nintendo Pokémon Sword Expansion Pass for Nintendo Switch is the best story expansion for Pokémon Sword owners, with 2 new areas to explore.
Best for: Pokémon Sword players wanting extra regions
- Expansion areas
- 2
- Included locations
- Isle of Armor and Crown Tundra
- Base game required
- Yes
- Platform
- Nintendo Switch
- Adds two new areas to the Galar adventure.
- Provides extra exploration and Pokémon encounters.
- Extends the existing Pokémon Sword experience.
- Requires Nintendo Pokémon Sword for Nintendo Switch.
Is Nintendo Pokémon Sword Expansion Pass for Nintendo Switch worth buying on Black Friday 2026?
Yes. Nintendo Pokémon Sword Expansion Pass for Nintendo Switch is a good fit for players who finished the main adventure and want more to explore. The Nintendo Pokémon Sword Expansion Pass for Nintendo Switch's Isle of Armor and Crown Tundra areas add extra settings, story content and Pokémon encounters.
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#5
Nintendo Switch OLED Model White Set
The Nintendo Switch OLED Model White Set is the best premium screen pick for shared and handheld gaming, with a 7-inch OLED display.
Best for: Players who switch between TV and handheld play
- Screen
- 7-inch OLED
- Internal storage
- 64 GB
- Play modes
- TV, tabletop and handheld
- Included controllers
- 2 Joy-Con
- Large OLED screen makes handheld play more vivid.
- Supports TV, tabletop and handheld modes.
- Docked play suits Mario Kart group sessions.
- Less compact than a handheld-only console.
Is Nintendo Switch OLED Model White Set worth buying on Black Friday 2026?
Yes. Nintendo Switch OLED Model White Set is a versatile choice for players who want one console for handheld, tabletop and TV play. The Nintendo Switch OLED Model White Set's 7-inch OLED screen is the standout feature, while the included Joy-Con controllers support shared racing sessions.
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#6
Nintendo Switch Lite Turquoise
The Nintendo Switch Lite Turquoise is the best compact handheld pick for solo Pokémon adventures, with a 5.5-inch built-in screen.
Best for: Handheld-first players
- Screen
- 5.5 inches
- Play mode
- Handheld only
- Controls
- Built-in
- Platform
- Nintendo Switch
- Compact design is easy to carry.
- Built-in controls create a simple handheld setup.
- A natural fit for solo Pokémon play.
- Does not connect to a TV for big-screen racing.
Is Nintendo Switch Lite Turquoise worth buying on Black Friday 2026?
Yes. Nintendo Switch Lite Turquoise is a practical choice for players who mainly game on the go. The Nintendo Switch Lite Turquoise's 5.5-inch screen and built-in controls suit solo Pokémon Sword sessions, but the handheld-only design does not support TV play.
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#7
Nintendo Switch Pro Controller
The Nintendo Switch Pro Controller is the best full-size controller for long racing sessions, with a battery life rated for up to 40 hours.
Best for: TV-based racing and extended play
- Battery life
- Up to 40 hours
- Motion controls
- Supported
- HD Rumble
- Supported
- Connection
- Wireless
- Comfortable full-size layout suits longer sessions.
- Motion controls and HD Rumble are built in.
- Rechargeable design reduces disposable battery use.
- An extra controller purchase is unnecessary for handheld-only play.
Is Nintendo Switch Pro Controller worth buying on Black Friday 2026?
Yes. Nintendo Switch Pro Controller is a strong upgrade for players who race or explore on a TV. The Nintendo Switch Pro Controller's up-to-40-hour battery rating, motion controls and HD Rumble make it a convenient full-size option for extended Nintendo Switch sessions.
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#8
Nintendo Joy-Con (L)/(R) Neon Red/Neon Blue
The Nintendo Joy-Con (L)/(R) Neon Red/Neon Blue is the best extra controller set for quick local multiplayer, with 2 separate controllers in one pair.
Best for: Adding another local player
- Controllers per set
- 2
- Motion controls
- Supported
- HD Rumble
- Supported
- Play styles
- Attached or detached
- A pair can support shared multiplayer play.
- Controllers work attached to the console or detached.
- Motion controls suit different game styles.
- Small controller shape is less comfortable for some extended sessions.
Is Nintendo Joy-Con (L)/(R) Neon Red/Neon Blue worth buying on Black Friday 2026?
Yes. Nintendo Joy-Con (L)/(R) Neon Red/Neon Blue is a useful extra set for players who want more local multiplayer options. The pair includes two separate controllers, making it handy for sharing a console during Mario Kart 8 Deluxe races.
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Which game is better for Black Friday 2026: Mario Kart 8 Deluxe or Pokémon Sword?
Nintendo Mario Kart 8 Deluxe is the better pick for multiplayer, with 48 base courses and racing for up to 12 players online. Nintendo Pokémon Sword is the better choice for a story-led solo game, following a trainer through the Galar region and its eight Gym challenges.
Think about who will play and how often. Mario Kart is easy to pass around at a gathering and works well for short sessions. Pokémon Sword rewards players who enjoy building a team, exploring routes and working through battles. Worth it for most players: Mario Kart 8 Deluxe, when shared play is the priority.
How do Mario Kart 8 Deluxe and Pokémon Sword play differently?
Nintendo Mario Kart 8 Deluxe is a competitive racing game with 48 base tracks, power-ups and quick rounds. Nintendo Pokémon Sword is a role-playing adventure built around exploration, turn-based battles and collecting a team of Pokémon.
The difference shapes replay value. Mario Kart races are easy to restart, so players can rotate in and out without following a long story. Pokémon Sword is structured around progression, Gym challenges and a journey across Galar. Choose the racer for instant action; choose the RPG for a longer, more personal adventure.
Which game is better for multiplayer?
Nintendo Mario Kart 8 Deluxe is the stronger multiplayer choice, supporting up to 12 online racers and up to 4 players in local split-screen. Nintendo Pokémon Sword includes online and local features for trading and battles, but its main campaign centers on one player.
For a group gathering, Mario Kart makes the choice simple: pick a character, choose a course and race. Pokémon Sword works better when players want to compare teams, trade creatures or battle after building their collections. Add Nintendo Joy-Con (L)/(R) Neon Red/Neon Blue for another pair of controllers and more flexible local play.
Which Nintendo Switch console suits these games?
Nintendo Switch OLED Model White Set is the most flexible console pick, with a 7-inch OLED screen and TV, tabletop and handheld modes. Nintendo Switch Lite Turquoise has a 5.5-inch screen and a handheld-only design.
The OLED model suits households that want both big-screen Mario Kart sessions and portable Pokémon play. The Lite is a compact option for solo handheld gaming, but it does not connect to a TV. Consider where you play most before choosing: shared living-room use favors the OLED model, while portability favors the Lite.
Which expansion should you choose for Black Friday 2026?
Nintendo Mario Kart 8 Deluxe Booster Course Pass adds 48 courses, while Nintendo Pokémon Sword Expansion Pass adds the Isle of Armor and Crown Tundra. Each add-on requires its matching base game.
Pick the Booster Course Pass if you already race often and want more track variety. Pick the Pokémon Sword Expansion Pass if you have finished the main adventure and want more regions to explore. Neither expansion replaces its base game, so match the add-on to the game already in your library before adding it to your Black Friday shortlist.
Buying Guide
Choose the right game for your play style
Pick Nintendo Mario Kart 8 Deluxe for quick races, local competition and online sessions. Choose Nintendo Pokémon Sword for a solo journey, team building and turn-based battles. A household with mixed tastes can get value from both styles.
Check the base game before buying an expansion
Nintendo Mario Kart 8 Deluxe Booster Course Pass requires the base racing game. Nintendo Pokémon Sword Expansion Pass requires Pokémon Sword. Confirm the matching game is part of your collection before selecting downloadable add-on content.
Match the console to where you play
Choose Nintendo Switch OLED Model White Set for TV, tabletop and handheld play. Choose Nintendo Switch Lite Turquoise for a smaller handheld-only setup. TV play is the better fit for group Mario Kart sessions.
Plan for local multiplayer
Nintendo Mario Kart 8 Deluxe supports up to 4 players in local split-screen. Check the controllers included with your console and add Nintendo Joy-Con (L)/(R) Neon Red/Neon Blue or Nintendo Switch Pro Controller to suit your setup.
Prioritize your most-played feature
Course variety points to Mario Kart's Booster Course Pass. More Pokémon Sword exploration points to its Expansion Pass. A better handheld screen points to the OLED model, while a compact portable console points to the Switch Lite.
FAQ
Is Mario Kart 8 Deluxe better than Pokémon Sword?
Nintendo Mario Kart 8 Deluxe is better for multiplayer racing, with 48 base courses and up to 12 online racers. Nintendo Pokémon Sword is better for players who want a solo RPG, Pokémon collecting and an adventure through the Galar region.
How many courses are in Mario Kart 8 Deluxe?
Nintendo Mario Kart 8 Deluxe includes 48 courses in the base game. Nintendo Mario Kart 8 Deluxe Booster Course Pass adds another 48 courses across six waves, bringing the expanded selection to 96 courses for players with both.
Does Pokémon Sword Expansion Pass include the base game?
No. Nintendo Pokémon Sword Expansion Pass is add-on content and requires Nintendo Pokémon Sword for Nintendo Switch. The expansion adds the Isle of Armor and Crown Tundra, giving owners of the base game two more areas to explore.
Can Nintendo Switch Lite play Mario Kart 8 Deluxe?
Yes. Nintendo Switch Lite Turquoise plays Nintendo Mario Kart 8 Deluxe in handheld mode. The console does not connect to a TV, so choose a standard Nintendo Switch console if big-screen racing and tabletop play are important.
Which controller is best for Mario Kart 8 Deluxe?
Nintendo Switch Pro Controller is a comfortable full-size choice for TV-based racing, with a battery life rated for up to 40 hours. Nintendo Joy-Con (L)/(R) Neon Red/Neon Blue is a handy extra pair for local multiplayer.