What are the default controls for Mario Kart 8 Deluxe?

Mario Kart 8 Deluxe, a racing game, maps 12 actions to the Nintendo Switch controller. The complete button layout is shown on this page, free to read.

What buttons do you use in Mario Kart 8 Deluxe?

Every Mario Kart 8 Deluxe action is mapped to its Nintendo Switch button on this page — face buttons, triggers, sticks and the d-pad — so you can see the whole control scheme at a glance.

Can you remap Mario Kart 8 Deluxe controls?

These are the game's default bindings. Remapping depends on the title and the Nintendo Switch's system button-mapping options.

Is this an official Mario Kart 8 Deluxe resource?

No. This is an unofficial reference and is not affiliated with or endorsed by Mario Kart 8 Deluxe or its publisher. All trademarks belong to their respective owners.

Mario Kart 8 Deluxe Nintendo Switch controls

Nintendo Switch
12 default controls
Racing →
Mario Kart collection →

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Cover art © its publisher — for identification only. Cover © its publisher. Details

The complete default keyboard control scheme for Mario Kart 8 Deluxe, grouped by category and free to read. These are the game's default bindings — most can be remapped in the in-game settings.

Mario Kart 8 Deluxe official site ↗

All Mario Kart 8 Deluxe controls

Driving 5

Action	Switch
Accelerate	`A`
Steer	`L-Stick`
Brake / Reverse	`B`
Hop / Drift (hold)	`R`
Accelerate (alt)	`ZR`

Items 4

Action	Switch
Use / Throw Item	`L`
Use / Throw Item (alt)	`ZL`
Aim Item Forward	`D-Pad ↑L`
Aim Item Backward	`D-Pad ↓L`

System 2

Action	Switch
Pause	`+`
Toggle Motion (Tilt) Controls	`Y`

Camera 1

Action	Switch
Look Behind	`X`

Sourced from outsidergaming.com, nintendolife.com, mariowiki.com Last verified September 25, 2026

12 actions mapped to the Nintendo Switch controller, grouped by category. Hover any button to read its action.

Unofficial reference. ShortcutPosters is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by Mario Kart 8 Deluxe. All product names, logos, and trademarks are property of their respective owners. See our licensing & trademark notice.

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One file: the Switch controller poster.

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Mario Kart 8 Deluxe controller poster preview

Mario Kart 8 Deluxe controls — FAQ

What are the default controls for Mario Kart 8 Deluxe?: Mario Kart 8 Deluxe, a racing game, maps 12 actions to the Nintendo Switch controller. The complete button layout is shown on this page, free to read.
What buttons do you use in Mario Kart 8 Deluxe?: Every Mario Kart 8 Deluxe action is mapped to its Nintendo Switch button on this page — face buttons, triggers, sticks and the d-pad — so you can see the whole control scheme at a glance.
Can you remap Mario Kart 8 Deluxe controls?: These are the game's default bindings. Remapping depends on the title and the Nintendo Switch's system button-mapping options.
Is this an official Mario Kart 8 Deluxe resource?: No. This is an unofficial reference and is not affiliated with or endorsed by Mario Kart 8 Deluxe or its publisher. All trademarks belong to their respective owners.

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