how to turn off smart steering mario kart 8

February 26, 2026

You can turn off Smart Steering in Mario Kart 8 Deluxe either from the kart- select screen before a race or from the pause menu during a race. Both methods only take a couple of button presses and apply per player.

Turn it off before a race

This is the cleanest way because you can set it up for each player before you start.

Go to any mode where you pick your character and kart.

On the kart selection screen, press + or - to open the detailed stats/control assist screen.

Look for the Smart Steering icon (left-most icon, looks like an antenna/signal).

Press L to toggle Smart Steering off; when it is off, the icon will change (often a red “no” symbol over it) and the antenna will disappear from the back of your kart.

Repeat for each controller/player that you want Smart Steering off for.

Turn it off during a race

If you forget to change it beforehand, you can disable it mid-race.

Start the race as normal.

Press + or - to bring up the pause/options overlay.

Use L on the Smart Steering icon at the top of the screen to toggle it off.

Unpause to resume driving with full manual steering.

How to tell it’s off

Smart Steering gives you a subtle visual cue on your kart and in menus.

If you see a small antenna on the back of your kart, Smart Steering is on.

If the antenna is gone and the Smart Steering icon shows the red “blocked/stop” sign, it is off.

With it off, you can take tight shortcuts and charge Ultra Mini-Turbos (purple sparks) that Smart Steering can prevent.

Quick recap

For a fast mental checklist:

Before race: kart screen → press +/- → press L on left icon until it’s off.
During race: pause → use L on Smart Steering icon at top.
No antenna = Smart Steering is off and you have full control.