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.