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Is Mario Kart 8 Deluxe good for autistic kids?

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It can be a fun game to share with the right settings, but it’s loud and every race is won or lost. On flashing, we haven’t found a source that documents it in Mario Kart 8 Deluxe, so if your child is photosensitive, treat flashing as unknown and preview the game first. Full scores are on our Mario Kart 8 Deluxe game page.

Does Mario Kart 8 Deluxe have flashing lights?

We don’t know yet. We haven’t found a source that documents flashing in this game, and Nintendo’s general photosensitivity warning applies to it as it does to all Nintendo games. We’re checking Rainbow Road and item effects next. Until then, if your child is photosensitive, talk to your doctor and watch a track or two yourself before they play.

What our rating says (offline races against the computer, 50cc, assists on)

• Sudden loud sounds: 2 out of 3. Racing games “can be loud and high energy” (Steady Strides). Audio levels can be balanced in the settings.
• Losing: 2 out of 3. You can lose races. If losing upsets your child, Steady Strides suggests changing the goal to “finish the race.”
• Difficulty: 1 out of 3. At 50cc, with Smart Steering and Auto-Accelerate (both on by default), races are much easier.
• Competition: 1 out of 3 offline. Your child races computer players, but there are no strangers. Online it’s 2 out of 3: races against other players, with no open chat (preset phrases only, at most).
• Reading: 0 out of 3. Minimal reading.
• Still unknown: flashing, time pressure, scary moments, screen motion, and whether you can pause and save mid-cup.

Settings to change first

• Start at 50cc, the slowest speed.
• Keep Smart Steering and Auto-Accelerate on. Both can be toggled from the pause menu.
• Agree on a goal like “finish the race” before starting, rather than “win.”
• Lower the audio levels if the noise is a lot, and play offline against the computer or family.

Calmer alternatives

• Rocket League, offline Exhibition: still cars and competition, but you can set Slo-mo, a bigger ball, Unlimited match length, and Demolish off (fewer flashes).
• Bluey: The Videogame: listed with no flashes, no jump scares, and no way to lose progress, with up to 4 players on one screen.
• Super Mario Bros. Wonder: no level time limits, and Yoshi or Nabbit don’t take damage from enemies.

FAQ

Is Mario Kart safe for kids with epilepsy?

We haven’t found a source that documents flashing in Mario Kart 8 Deluxe, so we can’t say. Nintendo’s photosensitivity warning applies. Talk to your child’s doctor and preview the game yourself.

What age is Mario Kart 8 Deluxe for?

It’s rated E (Everyone). With 50cc, Smart Steering and Auto-Accelerate on, it’s much easier for young players, but losing races and the noise level are still worth thinking about.

How do I stop my child melting down when they lose at Mario Kart?

Try agreeing beforehand that the goal is to finish the race, not to win, and race against the computer at 50cc with assists on. You know what helps your child best.

Does Mario Kart have online chat with strangers?

Online races are against other players, but there’s no open chat (preset phrases only, at most). Playing offline avoids strangers completely.

Is Mario Kart World sensory friendly?

We haven’t rated Mario Kart World yet. It’s a Nintendo Switch 2 game and is on our list.

More reading: Games with no flashing lights · Best calm Switch games