Mario Kart Live: Home Circuit

Looking for the Mario Kart Live: Home Circuit software?

You can download it for free right here!

Ready, set-up, go!

Turn your home into a race track with Mario Kart Live: Home Circuit, a brand new way to experience Mario Kart on Nintendo Switch!

Race around your home!

See your living room, bedroom, kitchen and more from an entirely new perspective as Mario Kart races come to life in your home...and on your screen!

Use your Nintendo Switch to control a kart and watch as it reacts to what’s happening in-game as you boost and drift your way to victory. The kart’s on-board camera gives you a view from right behind the driver’s seat and is displayed on your Nintendo Switch or TV screen.

Your home is the circuit!

Get ready

Assemble the gates and place on them on the floor around your room.

Set-up!

Drive your kart through the four gates to make a course in any shape you please.

Go!

Race against the Koopalings in eight Grand Prix cups or with up to three friends in multiplayer!**

The courses you make will come to life with different in-game environments like jungles, snowscapes, and sandstorms, as well as enemies like Piranha Plants and Thwomps that you’ll want to steer clear of. You can also use objects from around the house to decorate or add a little extra challenge to your courses!

Items galore!

When a race starts to get heated, don’t be afraid to use an item (or two) to even the odds! Many familiar Mario Kart items are available, and using them in-game will affect how your kart moves in real life. Drive through an item box and see what you get!

And many more!

Race, your way!

Grand Prix

Race against Bowser Jr. and the Koopalings solo or together with friends in multiplayer. Any coins you collect while playing in this mode will unlock new outfits, karts and horns for Mario or Luigi.

Time Trial

Try to set the best lap time on one of the courses you’ve made. If you only have one Kart available, players can take turns in this mode to see if you can best each other’s times!

Custom Race

Create a course and customise it with different themes, hazards and more!

Mirror Mode

For those who fancy an extra challenge, see how well you know your course...and your home when everything is flipped horizontally!

In addition to these modes, you’ll also be able to choose from different racing speeds starting from a breezy 50cc all the way up to the super-speedy 200cc!

Multiplayer fun for up to four players!

Bring along some friends to race around your custom courses! Just make sure each player has their own Nintendo Switch console, a copy of the software and a Mario kart or Luigi kart.

Ready to hit the track? Let’s choose a racer!

**For multiplayer, each player much have a Nintendo Switch console, a copy of the software and a kart to play.

Time to choose a racer!

Mario Kart Live: Home Circuit is available in two different sets: Mario Set and Luigi Set*. Both Mario and Luigi versions of the kart work the same – the only difference is which racer you’ll see in-game (and driving around your home)!

Mario Set

What’s in the box?

The Mario Set includes:

Kart (Mario) x 1
Gates x 4
Arrow markers x 2
USB charging cable

*Please check with your local retailer for information on current availability.

Luigi Set

What’s in the box?

The Luigi Set includes:

Kart (Luigi) x 1
Gates x 4
Arrow markers x 2
USB charging cable

*Please check with your local retailer for information on current availability.

Looking for the Mario Kart Live: Home Circuit software?

You can download it for free right here!

Free download

Do you have a Nintendo Switch console?

A Nintendo Switch or Nintendo Switch Lite console is required to play Mario Kart Live: Home Circuit.

Find the Nintendo Switch that’s right for you!

Please note: this product requires a Nintendo Switch or Nintendo Switch Lite console (sold separately) and the Mario Kart Live: Home Circuit software to operate.

Whether you’re making your first circuit or want to take your ideas to the next level, here are some handy tips to help you make the most of your courses in Mario Kart Live: Home Circuit!

1: Use your space to the fullest!

CI_NSwitchDS_MarioKartLiveHomeCircuit_UseYourSpace_01.jpg

CI_NSwitchDS_MarioKartLiveHomeCircuit_UseYourSpace_02.jpg

We recommend playing a space that’s at least 3.5 x 3m in size, but that doesn’t mean the space you’re playing in needs to be complete empty. Need a tunnel? You could create a course that runs under the coffee table or the couch. Legs of tables, chairs and other furniture can also make for fun obstacles that racers need to carefully maneuver through.

2: Add some sharp turns for some extra challenge

If you use the R Button to drift while creating your route, you can draw sharp turns. These can add some extra challenge to your course, and also open up even more possibilities for track layouts. Just take care when placing gates near sharp turns as these could make it difficult for the camera on the kart to read the gates properly.

3: Use small objects to make barriers…

Everything from small toys to upturned plastic cups can be used as makeshift barriers – just make sure you ask before using someone else’s things on your course! Adding these sorts of decorations won’t just make your track look more exciting but they’ll also help make the route clearer for other players, too.

4: …or use them as obstacles!

You could also use different household objects as obstacles for your course. Lightweight objects such as tennis balls, empty plastic bottles or even tissue boxes can make for interesting additions, where players can choose to steer around them – or even plough right through!

5: Got any empty boxes lying around?

If you do, why not add them to your course as well? Empty boxes, cardboard or anything similar can be used to make tunnels where players can race in the dark. You can also decorate them however you like to add an extra touch to your themed courses.

6: Race across different terrain

Different surfaces, such as short pile carpeting or rugs, can create different terrain for your courses. The kart will behave differently when it’s driving on different surfaces, and driving on a rug or short pile carpet can make the kart behave like it’s driving on a dirt track. Mix and match terrains for a true on- and off-road feel!

7: Use the arrow markers (or print more of them)

CI_NSwitchDS_MarioKartLiveHomeCircuit_ArrowMarkers_01.jpg

CI_NSwitchDS_MarioKartLiveHomeCircuit_ArrowMarkers_02.jpg

The two arrow markers included with Mario Kart Live: Home Circuit can be placed strategically to help players navigate your courses and stay on track. They also transform into moving arrow signs in-game, which looks pretty cool!

By the way, if you want to add even more arrow markers to your creations, you can print more of them here (PDF, 3032 kB).

Here’s one we made earlier!

We’ve recreated ‘Mario Circuit 1’, the very first track from the original Super Mario Kart using some of the tips we’ve shared here.

And there you have it! Try using one or more of these tips next time you’re creating a course to add some extra layers of fun, no matter how big or small your space is.

Frequently asked questions

Have questions about Mario Kart Live: Home Circuit? Take a look at our FAQ to see answers to the most common questions about this product.

Is everything I need included in the box?
Where can I find the Mario Kart Live: Home Circuit software?
How much space do I need to play Mario Kart Live: Home Circuit in my home?
Can I play Mario Kart Live: Home Circuit outside?
Is Mario Kart Live: Home Circuit compatible with Nintendo Switch Lite?
How do I connect the kart to my Nintendo Switch?
Can I play Mario Kart Live: Home Circuit on my TV?
How long does the kart’s battery last and how do I recharge it?
Can I play on carpet or rugs?
Can I create a course that has jumps, slopes, drops or other similar features?
I have pets in my home. Is it safe to play this near my pets?
Will the kart stay connected to my Nintendo Switch at all times during play?
Can I use the capture button while playing?
How do I change the course?
Are there other modes beyond creating courses?
How many people can play with just one Nintendo Switch console?
I like to use steering assist options when I play Mario Kart. Does Mario Kart Live: Home Circuit offer similar control options?

Q: Is everything I need included in the box?

A: Each set includes one kart, four gates, two arrow markers and a USB charging cable. In addition to these items, you’ll need a Nintendo Switch or Nintendo Switch Lite console (sold separately) and the Mario Kart Live: Home Circuit software, which can be downloaded for free from Nintendo eShop or via our website*.

Q: Where can I find the Mario Kart Live: Home Circuit software?

A: The Mario Kart Live: Home Circuit software can be downloaded for free from Nintendo eShop or via our website*. To download the software via this website, please log-in with your Nintendo Account, then use the “free download” button on this page to get started.

Don’t have a Nintendo Account? You can create one here.

Q: How much space do I need to play Mario Kart Live: Home Circuit in my home?

A: Mario Kart Live: Home Circuit can be played in a variety of room sizes big and small. For smaller rooms or apartments, we recommend playing in a space that’s at least 3.5m x 3m in size.

Q: Can I play Mario Kart Live: Home Circuit outside?

A: Mario Kart Live: Home Circuit is designed for indoor use only and should not be used in outdoor environments.

Q: Is Mario Kart Live: Home Circuit compatible with Nintendo Switch Lite?

A: Yes, Mario Kart Live: Home Circuit can be played using either a Nintendo Switch or a Nintendo Switch Lite console. With Nintendo Switch Lite you can play the game in handheld mode, or in tabletop mode by connecting a pair of Joy-Con controllers (sold separately)*.

*A Joy-Con charging grip or flagship Nintendo Switch console (HAC-001) is required to charge Joy-Con controllers. These products are sold separately.

Q: How do I connect the kart to my Nintendo Switch?

A: You can pair your kart to your console by scanning the QR code displayed in the Mario Kart Live: Home Circuit software during the set-up process using the kart’s on-board camera. You can also pair your kart with another Nintendo Switch console though only one console is able to control the kart at a time.

Q: Can I play Mario Kart Live: Home Circuit on my TV?

A: Yes. If you own a Nintendo Switch console, you can play Mario Kart Live: Home Circuit in TV mode. While playing in TV mode, your family and friends can watch you play as the kart races around your home.

Note: TV mode cannot be used with the Nintendo Switch Lite.

Q: How long does the kart’s battery last and how do I recharge it?

A: The kart’s battery life will depend on how you play. For instance, the battery will last approximately 90 minutes while playing in 150cc races.

You can charge the Karts using the included USB charging cable with the Nintendo Switch dock or using the Nintendo Switch AC Adapter included with your Nintendo Switch or Nintendo Switch Lite.

The kart takes approximately 3.5 hours to fully charge. It may take longer to fully charge the Kart if it is connected to the dock while the Nintendo Switch console is docked and in use.

Q: Can I play on carpet or rugs?

A: The kart is designed to race across a variety of flat, indoor surfaces such as hardwood, laminate, tile, and short pile carpeting, so it’s possible to combine multiple different surface types in a single track. We recommend that players avoid racing on surfaces that have long fibers or heavily textured designs, and that they clean the floor before playing as hairs and dust could get tangled in the kart's wheels.

Q: Can I create a course that has jumps, slopes, drops or other similar features?

CI_NSwitchDS_MarioKartLiveHomeCircuit_ElevatedFloors.jpg

A: We do not recommend creating courses with features that include elevated surfaces as these could cause damage to the kart and affect the gameplay experience.

Q: I have pets in my home. Is it safe to play this near my pets?

A: If you have pets in your home, please make sure that pets are kept at a safe distance from the kart while playing and that the area you are playing in is free from pet fur (as this could get caught in the kart).

Q: Will the kart stay connected to my Nintendo Switch at all times during play?

A: For the best gameplay experience, we recommend playing Mario Kart Live: Home Circuit in an open space where the kart and Nintendo Switch console can remain within a range of up to approximately 5 metres from each other. You may experience difficulties staying connected if you are playing in spaces where there are a lot of wireless signals or other interferences between the kart and the console.

Q: Can I use the capture button while playing?

CI_NSwitchDS_MarioKartLiveHomeCircuit_CaptureButton.jpg

A: The Mario Kart Live: Home Circuit software does not support the capturing of screenshots or video via the Nintendo Switch console’s Capture Button.

Q: How do I change the course?

A: You can change the course how you like by rearranging the four gates that come included in the box. Once you’ve arranged the gates, drive the kart through each gate in numeric order to create a layout for your new course.

Q: Are there other modes beyond creating courses?

CI_NSwitchDS_MarioKartLiveHomeCircuit_CourseSelection.jpg

A: In addition to creating courses, Mario Kart Live: Home Circuit includes a variety of modes that should be familiar to Mario Kart fans.

Race against the Koopalings across 24 courses in Grand Prix, try to set the best times on your courses in Time Trial, or give yourself an extra challenge in Mirror Mode, where the course (and your home) will be flipped horizontally on the game screen.

You can also adjust the difficultly of the game by choosing your speed class. We recommend that newcomers start at 50cc and work their way up to 200cc at their own pace.

Q: How many people can play with just one Nintendo Switch console?

A: One player can play at a time if you are using one Nintendo Switch or Nintendo Switch Lite console. In Time Trial mode, family and friends can take turns setting the best lap time on a course.

Up to four players can play in multiplayer at the same time if each player has their own kart, Nintendo Switch or Nintendo Switch Lite console, and a copy of the free Mario Kart Live: Home Circuit software.

Q: I like to use steering assist options when I play Mario Kart. Does Mario Kart Live: Home Circuit offer similar control options?

A: The controls of Mario Kart Live: Home Circuit have been designed to be familiar to those who’ve played a Mario Kart game before. There is also a Steering Assist option that can be turned on to help keep players on the track.

Retailers

Australia

New Zealand

Game specifications

Release date

16/10/2020

Genre

Racing

No. of players

Up to 4 players

Game file size

1.97GB

Publisher

Nintendo

Supported languages

Japanese, English, French, German, Italian, Spanish, Korean, Dutch, Chinese (Simplified), Chinese (Traditional)

Supported play modes

TV mode

Tabletop mode

Handheld mode

Software compatibility and play experience may differ on Nintendo Switch Lite. Additional accessories may be required (sold separately). See support for details.

Notices

A paid membership to Nintendo Switch Online is required to use the Save Data Cloud. Find out more about the paid membership subscription.

Local multiplayer requires one console and one copy of the software per player.

Please note: Mario Kart Live: Home Circuit (Mario Set or Luigi Set) required. Please check with your local retailer.