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You can expand your game, add characters or items, or continue your adventure with paid downloadable content (DLC*) for certain games on the Nintendo Switch system. Here’s the lowdown on what’s included with paid DLC for the Mario Kart 8 Deluxe, Pokémon Scarlet, Pokémon Violet, Splatoon 3, and Animal Crossing: New Horizons games, all of which are available exclusively for the Nintendo Switch family of systems.

 

What is DLC (downloadable content)?

Downloadable content, also known as DLC, is bonus content made available to players after a certain game has been purchased. (DLC is not available for all games.) This additional content may include new characters or items, new courses or levels, and other ways to extend gameplay. Some DLC is sold separately; some DLC is available through a paid Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack membership**. You can keep reading to learn more about DLC in five fantastic games for the Nintendo Switch system.

 

What kind of DLC is available for the Mario Kart 8 Deluxe game?

The Mario Kart 8 Deluxe game is a great game for players of all ages and skill levels, with fun and challenging courses to race on. You can double your course options with the Mario Kart 8 Deluxe – Booster Course Pass paid DLC. With a total of 48 additional courses from throughout the world of the Mario Kart series, there’s bound to be a track for just about everyone in the family.

 

This DLC can be accessed at no additional cost with any paid Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack membership or purchased as the Mario Kart 8 Deluxe – Booster Course Pass on its own from Nintendo eShop. 

 

What kind of DLC is available for the Splatoon 3 game?

You can splash ink all over the place and try to take out the other team in Splatoon 3, a game full of ink-splatting mayhem. With the Splatoon 3: Expansion Pass – Inkopolis & Side Order paid DLC, you can take a deeper dive into the expansive world and colorful characters of the Splatoon series of games. In Wave 1 – Inkopolis Plaza (available now), you can return to the bustling city center from the original Splatoon game and make it your main hub. In Wave 2 – Side Order (available spring 2024), you can challenge yourself to a new single-player campaign.

 

What kind of DLC is available for the Pokémon Scarlet and Pokémon Violet games?

You can embark on an open-world Pokémon adventure through the rich and expansive Paldea region in the Pokémon Scarlet and Pokémon Violet games. Then you can continue your adventure and go beyond the Paldea region with the paid DLC The Hidden Treasure of Area Zero for the Pokémon Scarlet and Pokémon Violet games***. You can join a special school trip to the land of Kitakami in Part 1: The Teal Mask and get to know the resident and customs of Mossui Town. In Part 2: The Indigo Disk, you can visit the Blueberry Academy and explore the undersea Terarium as an exchange student. 

 

What kind of DLC is available for the Animal Crossing: New Horizons game?

You can create your own personal island paradise in the Animal Crossing: New Horizons game. With the Animal Crossing: New Horizons – Happy Home Paradise paid DLC, you can expand your horizons and help create vacation homes for clients on resort islands! You can choose from a variety of islands, an expansive inventory to customize homes, and other great features are included.

 

This DLC can be accessed at no additional cost with any paid Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack membership or purchased as the Animal Crossing: New Horizons – Happy Home Paradise DLC on its own from Nintendo eShop.

 

*Full version of game required to use DLC. Sold separately.

**Any Nintendo Switch Online membership (sold separately) and Nintendo Account required for online features. Paid Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack membership required to play the Nintendo 64 – Nintendo Switch Online, Game Boy Advance - Nintendo Switch Online and SEGA Genesis – Nintendo Switch Online collections of games, and to access the Mario Kart 8 Deluxe – Booster Course Pass, Animal Crossing: New Horizons – Happy Home Paradise and Splatoon 2: Octo Expansion DLC at no additional cost. Membership auto-renews after initial term at the then- current price unless canceled. Persistent Internet, compatible smartphone and Nintendo Account age 13+ required to access some online features on the app, including voice chat. Data charges may apply. Online features, Save Data Cloud and Nintendo Switch Online smartphone app features available in compatible games. Not available in all countries. The Nintendo Account User Agreement, including the Purchase and Subscription terms, apply. nintendo.com/switch-online

***Pokémon Scarlet: The Hidden Treasure of Area Zero is only compatible with the Pokémon Scarlet game. Pokémon Violet: The Hidden Treasure of Area Zero is only compatible with the Pokémon Violet game. Please only choose the DLC for the full game that you own. If you own both the Pokémon Scarlet and Pokémon Violet games and want access to the DLC for both games, both the Pokémon Scarlet: The Hidden Treasure of Area Zero and Pokémon Violet: The Hidden Treasure of Area Zero are required.

Mario Kart 8 Deluxe ESRB Rating: Everyone with Comic Mischief

Splatoon 3 ESRB Rating: Everyone 10+ with Cartoon Violence

Animal Crossing: New Horizons ESRB Rating: Everyone with Comic Mischief

Pokémon Scarlet ESRB Rating: Everyone with Mild Fantasy Violence

Pokémon Violet ESRB Rating: Everyone with Mild Fantasy Violence