Mario Kart 8 Deluxe for Nintendo Switch is one of the greatest entries to the long-running series. Mario and his friends take to the racetracks around the Mushroom Kingdom and beyond, to see just who is the best.
Released originally for the Nintendo Wii U in 2014, Mario Kart 8 Deluxe came to the Nintendo Switch in a complete package that contained all the previously released DLC. New tracks have been added to the Switch version with the Booster Course Pass, which has added 48 courses over six waves.
Many advanced tips will help players in the karting extravaganza, none of which help get the upper hand like learning to throw items not only forward, but backward too. Not all items can be thrown, however, items such as Green Shells, Red Shell, Bob-ombs and Bananas are common and can all be thrown forwards as well as back.
How To Throw Forwards
Firstly, players must drive through an item box to obtain an item. Once a throwable item is picked up, to throw forwards simply hold up on the Left Stick and press ZL/L. This will launch the item forward towards any competitors ahead of the player.
Try not to throw Bob-ombs forwards, the blast radius is quite significant and can hit the player who threw it as well as other drivers.
How To Throw Backwards
To throw an item backwards, hold the Left Stick down and press the ZL/L button, this will launch the chosen item behind the player hitting anyone trying to sneak up behind to overtake. While in first place, it becomes a fruitless endeavor to throw forward, so mastering the backwards throw is essential in keeping a hold of the top position.
Use the X button to look behind before throwing an item backwards. This way the item can be lined up slightly before releasing it.
Bonus Technique
There is also a further tactic involving items that can be mastered. When players obtain an item that can be thrown, such as a shell, press and hold ZL, and this will hold the item directly behind the kart, as long as the button is held.
Whilst difficult to do at first, holding items behind the kart gives the advantage of acting like a shield. Enemy shells will break the item, as will other racers coming into contact with them. Releasing the button will also let the item go to act like a trap for the other competitors to try and avoid.
Mario Kart 8 Deluxe is available now for Nintendo Switch