For those unaware, accessory manufacturer Hori produced two Nintendo-approved steering wheels for Mario Kart 8 Deluxe during the Switch era. Fans previously debated whether these peripherals offered lasting value for enthusiasts.
Testing reveals compatibility updates: Tom’s Guide confirmed Hori’s racing wheel accessories function seamlessly with Switch 2 titles like the recently launched Mario Kart World, including responsive pedal integration. This applies even to legacy hardware components from the previous console generation.
“We really hadn’t heard much about Switch 2 compatibility with third-party Switch controllers ahead of launch which is why I was pleasantly surprised when I turned on the console and the Hori racing wheel instantly worked without any issues. If, like me, you’re testing out original Switch controllers on the new console, one thing worth noting is that Switch 1 controllers aren’t able to wake the Switch 2 from sleep. All of their buttons and everything else should work as intended though…The same was true with the racing wheels’ floor pedals which connect at the back using a connector similar to the ones you’d find on a wired telephone.”
While functional, testers emphasized the wheel shines more in open-world exploration modes than competitive play. Casual users might prefer traditional controllers for multiplayer matches or online races requiring precise inputs.
“I switched over to playing Mario Kart World’s Free Roam mode. This was a lot of fun with the racing wheel, especially when just cruising around. I really liked having all of the standard controller buttons right there on the hub. The D-pad on the left side certainly came in handy when looking at Mario Kart World’s overworld map and choosing which course I wanted to fast travel to next.
“Now is it worth it to pick up the Hori Pro Deluxe racing wheel if you want to get better at Mario Kart World? Well, after trying it out for myself, I’d say probably not. Playing with a controller is always going to be the best way to play Mario Kart and this is certainly true if you’re racing online or playing against your friends and family in split screen mode on your TV.”
Budget-conscious players can explore first-party alternatives like Nintendo’s redesigned Joy-Con steering attachments. For detailed hardware compatibility, consult Nintendo’s official documentation regarding legacy accessory support.
Compatibility guidance for legacy peripherals is available through Nintendo’s support portal, clarifying functionality for previous-generation controllers on the new system.