HORI Mario Kart Racing Wheel Pro for Switch 2: $80 Mini vs $130 Deluxe — Full Specs Before March 23

HORI Mario Kart Racing Wheel Pro Switch 2 — Deluxe vs Mini Full Specs Guide

HORI’s officially Nintendo-licensed Mario Kart Racing Wheel Pro is getting an update for the Nintendo Switch 2. Two models — the Deluxe and the Mini — are set to release on March 23, 2026, with pre-orders already open through major retailers. The Deluxe is priced at $130 and the Mini at $80, with both carrying Nintendo’s official licence.

The updated wheels carry Mario Kart World branding and include a new C button for GameChat — a feature that replaces the older “Assign” button found on previous HORI Switch wheels. Both models are backward-compatible, meaning they work on the original Nintendo Switch, the Switch OLED, and the new Switch 2. They also work with the expanding Switch 2 racing game catalogue, not just Mario Kart titles.

The interactive guide below covers every confirmed spec, what each feature actually does, a head-to-head comparison, and a compatibility breakdown — so you can make an informed decision before launch day.

🏎 Switch 2 · Racing Gear · March 2026 HORI Mario Kart Racing Wheel Pro
Deluxe vs Mini — Full Spec Guide Two officially licensed wheels. Two price points. One launch date. Here’s everything confirmed before March 23.

Pre-orders Live Now Nintendo Official Licence Ships March 23, 2026 Switch 1 + OLED + Switch 2 Wired USB · No Lag

Countdown to Launch — March 23, 2026

—Days

—Hours

—Mins

—Secs

2Models available

$130Deluxe — 11″ wheel

$80Mini — 8.6″ compact

7Sensitivity levels (Deluxe)

270°Max steering (Deluxe)

Side-by-Side Specs Deluxe or Mini — Which One Fits? Both wheels are wired, Nintendo-licensed, and work with Mario Kart World and Mario Kart 8 Deluxe. The differences come down to size, control depth, and price. Use the toggle to focus on one or compare both.

Full-Size · $130 Racing Wheel Pro Deluxe $130 USD

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Wheel diameter11 inches

Pedal setIncluded

Racing paddlesIncluded

Steering range270° or 180°

Sensitivity7 levels + Dead Zone

GripTextured rubber

GameChat (C button)Yes ✓

Programmable buttonsYes ✓

Hold function (ZL)MK8 Deluxe only*

ConnectionWired USB

Nintendo licenceOfficial ✓

Compact · $80 Racing Wheel Pro Mini $80 USD Budget Pick

🏁

Wheel diameter8.6 inches

Pedal setIncluded

Racing paddlesIncluded

Steering rangeStandard (fixed)

SensitivityProgrammable remapping

GripErgonomic design

GameChat (C button)Yes ✓

Mario “M” item buttonCentre hub ✓

Hold function (ZL)MK8 Deluxe only*

ConnectionWired USB

Nintendo licenceOfficial ✓

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Important note on the Hold function: The ZL button hold — which keeps an item trailing behind the kart — works in Mario Kart 8 Deluxe only. Per HORI’s official product listing, this feature is not compatible with Mario Kart World. This applies equally to both the Deluxe and Mini models.

What Each Feature Actually Does Key Features, Explained Simply Every spec on these wheels does a specific thing on the track. Here’s what they mean in plain terms — and which model carries each one.

🎮 Both Models GameChat C Button New to both Switch 2 variants. Replaces the old “Assign” button. Connects to Nintendo’s GameChat for voice chat during online races. Requires a Nintendo Account and Nintendo Switch Online membership.

🔧 Deluxe Only 7-Level Sensitivity + Dead Zone Lets you fine-tune how responsive the wheel is to small movements. Dead Zone adjustment removes the centre “wobble” — useful for straighter driving on long sections of track.

↔ Deluxe Only 270° / 180° Steering Modes Switch between a wider simulation arc (270°) for deliberate steering or a tighter arcade setting (180°) for faster turns. A dedicated mode button handles the swap without leaving the wheel.

Ⓜ Mini Only Mario “M” Item Button Placed at the centre of the Mini’s hub. Mapped to item use — lets you throw shells or grab power-ups without lifting your grip. The Deluxe has a ZL button in the same position instead.

👟 Both Models Pedal Set (Digital) A floor pedal unit for gas and brake is included with both models. The pedals are digital (on/off), not analog — no variable pressure sensitivity. This is consistent across both the Deluxe and Mini.

🔌 Both Models Wired USB Connection Both wheels connect via USB cable to the Switch dock. Wired input reaches the console without wireless latency — relevant for tight online race situations where timing matters.

Visual Comparison How They Stack Up, at a Glance The chart plots both models across six spec dimensions. Ratings are relative — based on published specs, not performance claims. Hover or tap the data points for scores.

Deluxe ($130) — Deeper Control Scores higher on wheel size, sensitivity options, and adjustable steering range. The choice for players who want to customise how the wheel feels and responds.

Mini ($80) — Accessible Entry Smaller, cheaper, and quicker to set up. Scores higher on value. Includes the Mario “M” item button and the same GameChat C button as the Deluxe.

What Both Share Nintendo official licence, wired USB, Mario Kart World branding, pedal set, racing paddles, GameChat C button, and backward-compatibility with Switch, OLED, and Switch 2.

Device Compatibility Works Across All Three Switch Models Despite the Switch 2 branding, neither wheel requires a Switch 2. Both are confirmed compatible across the full Switch lineup — and with racing games beyond the Mario Kart series.

🎮 ✓ Nintendo Switch 2 Primary platform — GameChat via C button (Nintendo Switch Online required)

🕹 ✓ Nintendo Switch Original model — full wheel and pedal compatibility confirmed

📺 ✓ Switch OLED OLED model — confirmed in HORI’s official product description

🏁 ✓ Other Racing Games Works with any Switch or Switch 2 racing title, not limited to Mario Kart

What Was Covered Two Wheels, One Launch Date

The HORI Mario Kart Racing Wheel Pro Deluxe and Mini for Nintendo Switch 2 were covered above across specs, features, and compatibility. The Deluxe at $130 offers an 11-inch wheel, 7 sensitivity levels, adjustable Dead Zone, and switchable 270°/180° steering. The Mini at $80 brings an 8.6-inch compact wheel with the Mario “M” item button at the hub centre. Both carry Nintendo’s official licence, include a pedal set, racing paddles, and the new GameChat C button — and both work on the Switch, Switch OLED, and Switch 2.

One confirmed limitation applies equally to both models: the ZL Hold function is compatible with Mario Kart 8 Deluxe only and is not supported in Mario Kart World. Both wheels are set for release on March 23, 2026, with pre-orders currently open. More from the Switch 2 gaming scene is available in our coverage of Rocket League Season 22 and League of Legends team voice chat.

* GameChat requires an internet connection, a Nintendo Account, and a Nintendo Switch Online membership, each sold separately. The ZL Hold function is not compatible with Mario Kart World per HORI’s official product listing.

Pre-Orders Are Open Now Both models release March 23, 2026. View official product details and compatibility on Nintendo’s store. View on Nintendo.com

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