Mario Kart 8 Deluxe DLC Wave 5 adds new Squeaky Clean Sprint course plus new characters

Nintendo has provided a first peek at the Mario Kart 8 Deluxe DLC Wave 5 tracks during the Nintendo Direct Show.

The Booster Course Pass has extended the lifespan of Mario Kart 8 Deluxe considerably. Eight DLC Waves are planned, each containing modern versions of eight classic Mario Kart tracks including old favourites such as Kalimari Desert and Maple Tree.

Mario Kart 8 Deluxe DLC Waves are released around every three to four months. Wave 4 came out back in March, and now Nintendo has confirmed Wave 5 is on the way.

First look at Mario Kart 8 Deluxe DLC Wave 5

A trailer shown during the Nintendo Direct Show previewed Squeaky Clean Sprint, a brand-new track set in a bathroom created specifically for Mario Kart 8 Deluxe DLC Wave 5. One section sees you race underwater in a bath.

The remaining tracks are yet to be confirmed, but there will be seven other circuits.

As well as new characters, Wave 5 will also include at least three returning characters from past Mario Kart titles: Pete Piranha (Mario Kart Double Dash!!!), Wiggler (Mario Kart 7), and Kamek (Mario Kart Tour). This will mark Kamek's first appearance in a mainline Mario Kart game.

Release date

No release date was announced, but Nintendo confirmed a vague “Summer 2023” release window for the Mario Kart 8 Deluxe DLC Wave 5. We expect it will launch in July, but we should find out the release date and remaining contents soon.

You can’t purchase Mario Kart 8 DLC Waves individually. Instead, you need to buy the Booster Course Pass, which costs £22.49/$24.99. It’s also included with the Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack subscription at no extra cost.

There is only one more DLC Wave left after Wave 5. Wave 6 will likely follow in September or October. After that, all fans are hoping Nintendo will finally announce Mario Kart 9.