Computer Hardware

How To Change CPU Difficulty Mario Kart 8

Are you looking to spice up your Mario Kart 8 gameplay? Well, did you know that you can actually change the difficulty of the CPU opponents? That's right! By adjusting the CPU difficulty, you can challenge yourself to a more intense race or give yourself a bit of a break for a more relaxed gaming experience. Let's dive into how you can change the CPU difficulty in Mario Kart 8 and take your racing skills to the next level!

Mario Kart 8 offers players the ability to adjust the difficulty of the CPU opponents, allowing for a customizable gaming experience. By changing the CPU difficulty, you can tailor the challenge level to your skill and preference. Whether you're a seasoned racer looking for a more challenging competition or a casual player seeking a more relaxed experience, adjusting the CPU difficulty can enhance your enjoyment of the game. So, how can you change the CPU difficulty in Mario Kart 8? Let's explore the options available to you.



How To Change CPU Difficulty Mario Kart 8

Understanding CPU Difficulty in Mario Kart 8

Mario Kart 8 is a popular racing game developed by Nintendo for the Nintendo Switch console. One of the key features of the game is the ability to race against computer-controlled opponents, known as CPUs. These CPUs come with different difficulty levels, offering players the option to adjust the challenge according to their skill level and preference. Changing the CPU difficulty can bring a whole new level of excitement and competitiveness to the game. In this article, we will guide you on how to change the CPU difficulty in Mario Kart 8, allowing you to tailor the gameplay experience to your liking.

Step 1: Accessing the Options Menu

The first step to changing the CPU difficulty in Mario Kart 8 is accessing the options menu. Follow these steps:

  • Select "Mario Kart 8" from the Nintendo Switch home screen to launch the game.
  • Once the game loads, select "Grand Prix" from the main menu.
  • In the Grand Prix menu, choose the cup you wish to play and press the "Plus" button on your controller to access the options menu.
  • Within the options menu, select "Settings" to proceed to the next step.

By following these steps, you will have successfully accessed the options menu in Mario Kart 8.

Step 2: Selecting the CPU Difficulty Setting

After accessing the options menu, you will find various settings that you can customize. To change the CPU difficulty, follow these steps:

  • Scroll down within the options menu until you find the "CPU Difficulty" setting.
  • Select the "CPU Difficulty" option to reveal a list of available difficulty levels.
  • Choose the desired difficulty level for the CPUs. Options usually include "Easy," "Normal," and "Hard."
  • Once you have selected the desired difficulty level, press the "B" button on your controller to go back to the previous menu.

By following these steps, you will have successfully changed the CPU difficulty in Mario Kart 8.

Step 3: Confirming the CPU Difficulty Level

After selecting the desired CPU difficulty level, it is important to confirm your selection. Follow these steps:

  • Scroll back up within the options menu to find the "Confirm" or "OK" button.
  • Select the "Confirm" or "OK" button to apply your chosen CPU difficulty level.
  • You will be taken back to the previous menu, and your chosen difficulty level will be in effect for the race.

By confirming your CPU difficulty level, you ensure that the game registers your selection and applies it accordingly.

Step 4: Enjoying the Game with the New CPU Difficulty

Once you have successfully changed the CPU difficulty level, you can now enjoy playing Mario Kart 8 with the added challenge or ease you desire. Whether you prefer a more competitive experience or a more relaxed race, adjusting the CPU difficulty allows you to customize the game to your liking.

Exploring Additional Settings and Features in Mario Kart 8

Aside from changing the CPU difficulty, Mario Kart 8 offers a range of other settings and features that can enhance your gameplay experience. Let's take a look:

1. Item Frequency

The "Item Frequency" option allows you to adjust the frequency at which items appear during races. Lower item frequencies result in fewer items being available, making races more challenging and requiring strategic item management. Higher item frequencies, on the other hand, provide a more chaotic and action-packed experience with an abundance of items.

How to Change Item Frequency

To change the item frequency setting, follow these steps:

  • Access the options menu by pressing the "Plus" button on your controller during a race.
  • Scroll down to find the "Item Frequency" setting.
  • Select the "Item Frequency" option to reveal the available frequency levels.
  • Choose the desired item frequency level and press the "B" button to go back to the previous menu.
  • Confirm the item frequency by selecting the "Confirm" or "OK" button.

By adjusting the item frequency, you can add an additional layer of customization to your races.

2. Race Length

The "Race Length" setting allows you to choose the number of races in a Cup. You have the option to play a single race, a best-of-three, or a full Cup. Choosing a longer race length can provide a more extensive and immersive gameplay experience, while shorter race lengths are ideal for quick and casual races.

Adjusting Race Length

To adjust the race length setting, follow these steps:

  • Access the options menu by pressing the "Plus" button on your controller during a race.
  • Scroll down to find the "Race Length" setting.
  • Select the "Race Length" option to reveal the available race length options.
  • Choose the desired race length and press the "B" button to go back to the previous menu.
  • Confirm the race length by selecting the "Confirm" or "OK" button.

By adjusting the race length, you can tailor the gameplay experience to the time available and your desired level of immersion.

3. Smart Steering and Auto-Accelerate

Mario Kart 8 also offers accessible options for beginners or players who prefer a more casual experience. "Smart Steering" assists with maintaining control of the kart, preventing players from falling off the track, while "Auto-Accelerate" automatically accelerates the kart without requiring the player to hold down a button.

Enabling Smart Steering and Auto-Accelerate

To enable Smart Steering and Auto-Accelerate, follow these steps:

  • Access the options menu by pressing the "Plus" button on your controller during a race.
  • Scroll down to find the "Smart Steering" and "Auto-Accelerate" options.
  • Toggle the options to "On" or "Off" according to your preference.
  • Press the "B" button to go back to the previous menu.
  • Confirm the settings by selecting the "Confirm" or "OK" button.

Enabling Smart Steering and Auto-Accelerate can make the game more accessible to beginners or those looking for a less challenging experience.

Mario Kart 8 offers a wealth of options to customize the gameplay experience. By adjusting settings such as CPU difficulty, item frequency, race length, and utilizing features like Smart Steering and Auto-Accelerate, you can tailor the game to suit your skill level and preferences. Whether you're a seasoned racer looking for a challenge or a casual player seeking a more relaxed experience, these settings and features in Mario Kart 8 ensure an enjoyable and customizable gameplay experience.



Changing CPU Difficulty in Mario Kart 8

In Mario Kart 8, players have the option to change the CPU difficulty to enhance their gaming experience. Adjusting the CPU difficulty level can make the races more challenging and exciting. Here are the steps to change the CPU difficulty in Mario Kart 8:

  • Start the game and navigate to the main menu.
  • Select "Options" or "Settings" from the menu.
  • Choose "Game Settings" or a similar option.
  • Look for "CPU Difficulty" or a similar setting.
  • Adjust the difficulty level according to your preference. Higher difficulty levels mean more skilled CPU opponents.
  • Save the settings and start a new race to experience the changes in the CPU difficulty.

Remember, changing the CPU difficulty can affect your gameplay, so it's important to choose a level that suits your skill and provides an enjoyable challenge. Experiment with different difficulty settings to find the perfect balance and enhance your Mario Kart 8 experience!


Key Takeaways - How to Change CPU Difficulty Mario Kart 8

  • Changing the CPU difficulty in Mario Kart 8 can make the game more challenging or easier to play.
  • To change the CPU difficulty, go to the Grand Prix mode in the game's main menu.
  • Choose the cup and track you want to race on.
  • Before starting the race, you can select the number of CPU players and their difficulty level.
  • Select a higher difficulty level for more challenging races or a lower level for easier races.

Frequently Asked Questions

In this section, we will address some common questions related to changing the CPU difficulty in Mario Kart 8.

1. How can I change the CPU difficulty in Mario Kart 8?

To change the CPU difficulty in Mario Kart 8, follow these steps:

First, open the game and navigate to the main menu. From there, select "Options." In the Options menu, choose "Game Settings." Here, you will find the option to adjust the CPU difficulty. You can toggle between easy, medium, and hard difficulty levels. Select your desired difficulty level, and the game will save your preference. Now, when you play against the CPU, it will race at the chosen difficulty level.

2. Does changing the CPU difficulty affect other aspects of the gameplay?

No, changing the CPU difficulty in Mario Kart 8 only affects the performance of the computer-controlled opponents. It does not impact any other aspects of the gameplay, such as the physics, controls, or unlockables. The difficulty adjustment is solely meant to provide a more challenging or easier experience when playing against the CPU.

3. Can I change the CPU difficulty during a race?

No, once a race has started, you cannot change the CPU difficulty. You can only adjust it before starting a race. To change the difficulty, you need to exit the race and go back to the Options menu. From there, follow the steps mentioned in question 1 to modify the CPU difficulty.

4. Does the CPU difficulty affect multiplayer races as well?

Yes, the CPU difficulty setting applies to both single-player and multiplayer races. If you have chosen a specific CPU difficulty level, it will be applied to all opponents, whether they are controlled by the computer or other players. Keep in mind that each player can have their own preference for CPU difficulty, so it's essential to communicate and reach a consensus amongst all players before starting a multiplayer race.

5. Is there a recommended CPU difficulty level for beginners?

For beginners, it's recommended to start with the easy difficulty level. This setting provides a more forgiving AI, allowing players to get comfortable with the gameplay mechanics and learn the tracks. As players gain more experience and confidence, they can gradually increase the difficulty level to medium or hard for a more challenging experience.

It's important to note that the recommended difficulty level may vary from player to player, and it ultimately depends on individual skill levels and preferences. Experiment with different difficulty levels to find the one that offers the most enjoyable and balanced experience for you.



To sum up, changing the CPU difficulty in Mario Kart 8 is a simple process that can enhance your gaming experience. By adjusting the difficulty level, you can challenge yourself or make the races more accessible and enjoyable for players of all skill levels.

Remember that you can change the CPU difficulty by accessing the settings menu before starting a race. From there, you can select from a range of options, including Easy, Normal, Hard, and Very Hard. Experiment with different difficulty levels to find the one that suits your preferences and skill level the best. Have fun and happy racing!


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