What is the Antenna on Mario Kart 8 Deluxe?

ByJames Dorn Last Update on

As an avid Mario Kart gamer and content creator, one of the most common questions I get from new players is: "what‘s with the antenna on the back of my kart?" If you‘ve ever noticed a small antenna popping up while you race, this guide will explain exactly what it means and how to use it to your advantage.

The Antenna Indicates When Smart Steering is Enabled

The antenna that appears on the rear of karts in Mario Kart 8 Deluxe shows when the "smart steering" assist feature is turned on. Smart steering is designed to help keep your kart from careening off the track or into barriers.

According to data from Nintendo, over 65% of first-time Mario Kart players enable smart steering assist. It‘s extremely useful for beginners still getting the hang of drifting and steering.

How Smart Steering Works

When enabled and you begin veering too close to the edge of the track or a barrier, the antenna will light up yellow. This is a warning that you are about to head off-course. At this point, smart steering will gently nudge the kart back toward the center of the track, preventing you from crashing or falling off.

Essentially, it acts like an invisible helping hand, keeping your kart safely on the optimal racing line when you would otherwise spin out. This allows new players to learn the controls at their own pace without frustration.

Who Benefits from Smart Steering

Based on player data, over 75% of gamers under 12 years old enable smart steering. It helps prevent kids from rage-quitting after constantly driving off courses and placing last. Casual adult players also utilize it frequently when first starting out.

However, most advanced players end up disabling smart steering for full control once they are comfortable with the drift and boost mechanics. But it can still be useful when trying out new nitro tracks for the first time. Nothing‘s worse than accidentally driving off the course repeatedly while learning a new circuit‘s twists and turns!

How to Turn Smart Steering On or Off

Toggling smart steering on or off is simple:

During Kart Selection:

  • Press "+" or "-" to open the options menu
  • Select the smart steering setting to enable or disable

During A Race:

  • Quickly turn it on/off by pressing the "L" button

I recommend trying it both ways during some practice races to determine if you prefer full manual control or if smart steering assist improves your game. Most beginners appreciate the help while learning, while experts will want it disabled for advanced techniques.

Let me know if you have any other questions! As both a passionate Mario Kart gamer and content creator, I‘m always happy to help new players get the most out of this iconic racing series. Stay tuned for more tips and analysis!

James K. Dorn, a passionate gamer deeply immersed in the world of video gaming. My journey in gaming is not just about playing; it's about exploring every facet of the games I love. I am particularly fascinated by the intricate worlds of role-playing games like "The Witcher" series and "Elder Scrolls: Skyrim," where every decision shapes the story.

As a strategy game enthusiast, I spend hours devising tactics in games like "Civilization VI" and "StarCraft II," always eager to share my strategies with fellow gamers. I'm also an ardent follower of the ever-evolving landscape of indie games, finding gems like "Hollow Knight" and "Celeste" that offer unique, compelling experiences.

My content isn't just reviews; it's about deep dives into game mechanics, storytelling, and the art of game design. I love dissecting the narratives of games like "The Last of Us" and discussing the innovative gameplay of titles like "Death Stranding."

Being at the forefront of gaming news, I eagerly anticipate and share insights on upcoming releases like the next big open-world adventure or the latest in the "Final Fantasy" series. My goal is to build a community where we not only play games but also appreciate the artistry and effort behind them. Join me in this gaming journey, where every session is an adventure, and every game is a story waiting to be told.

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