How Many Switches Can Play Mario Party Superstars? A Deep Dive
The answer to the question “How many Nintendo Switches can play Mario Party Superstars?” isn’t a simple one, as it depends entirely on how you want to play. The number of consoles involved changes based on whether you’re playing offline, via local wireless, or online.
- Offline Play: On a single Nintendo Switch, up to 4 players can compete using individual Joy-Cons or Pro Controllers. This is your classic couch co-op experience.
- Local Play: For local wireless play (meaning everyone is in the same room, but using separate Switches), you can have 2-4 Nintendo Switch consoles connected, with up to 3 players playing on each system.
- Online Play (With Friends): Similar to local play, online play with friends allows for 2-4 Nintendo Switch consoles, with up to 3 players per console.
- Online Play (Global Game): In a Global Game (playing online with random players), only 1 player can play on each Nintendo Switch system.
This article dives deep into the nuances of Mario Party Superstars‘ multiplayer capabilities and answers all your burning questions.
Unpacking the Multiplayer Modes of Mario Party Superstars
Offline Mayhem: The Joy of Couch Co-Op
The most straightforward way to play Mario Party Superstars is on a single Nintendo Switch. This setup supports up to 4 players, each using a single Joy-Con or a Nintendo Switch Pro Controller. This is perfect for family game nights, impromptu gatherings with friends, or anyone who enjoys the classic, face-to-face Mario Party experience. No Nintendo Switch Online subscription is required for this mode, making it the most accessible way to play.
Local Wireless Play: Spreading the Fun Across Multiple Screens
Local wireless play lets you connect multiple Nintendo Switch consoles for a more expansive multiplayer experience. This setup requires each player to have their own Nintendo Switch and a copy of Mario Party Superstars. The game supports 2-4 consoles, with up to 3 players on each, allowing for a maximum of 12 players in a single game. This is ideal for larger groups of friends who want to play together but have their own systems. A Nintendo Switch Online subscription is not required for local wireless play.
Online Play: Connecting with Friends and the World
Mario Party Superstars offers two distinct online play modes:
- Playing with Friends: This mode mirrors the local wireless play, allowing you to connect with friends online. You can have 2-4 consoles connected, with up to 3 players on each console. This mode requires a Nintendo Switch Online subscription for each console participating.
- Global Games: This mode is for playing with random players worldwide. In this mode, only 1 player can play on each Nintendo Switch. This ensures a fair and balanced experience. A Nintendo Switch Online subscription is also required for this mode.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Mario Party Superstars Multiplayer
Q1: Do I need a Nintendo Switch Online membership to play Mario Party Superstars?
A: Yes, you need a Nintendo Switch Online membership to play online with friends or in Global Games. However, you do not need it for offline play or local wireless play.
Q2: Can I play Mario Party Superstars with more than 4 people on one Switch?
A: No, a single Nintendo Switch only supports up to 4 players for offline play. For larger groups, you’ll need to utilize the local wireless or online modes with multiple consoles.
Q3: How many Joy-Cons do I need to play Mario Party Superstars?
A: You need at least one Joy-Con per player. For 4-player games on a single Switch, you’ll need four Joy-Cons or a combination of Joy-Cons and Pro Controllers.
Q4: Can I use a Pro Controller to play Mario Party Superstars?
A: Yes, Mario Party Superstars is fully compatible with the Nintendo Switch Pro Controller.
Q5: Does Mario Party Superstars have motion controls?
A: No, Mario Party Superstars does not utilize motion controls. This is a departure from Super Mario Party, which heavily featured motion control mini-games.
Q6: Can I play Mario Party Superstars with someone who has a different version of the game?
A: No, all players must have the same version of Mario Party Superstars to play together.
Q7: Can I play Mario Party Superstars on the Nintendo Switch Lite?
A: Yes, you can play Mario Party Superstars on the Nintendo Switch Lite. However, you’ll need separate Joy-Cons to play with multiple players, as the Switch Lite has integrated controls.
Q8: Can I play Mario Party Superstars cross-platform?
A: No, Mario Party Superstars is only available on the Nintendo Switch and does not support cross-platform play.
Q9: What’s the difference between Super Mario Party and Mario Party Superstars?
A: Super Mario Party features all-new boards and mechanics, emphasizing motion controls. Mario Party Superstars is a collection of remade boards and mini-games from classic Mario Party titles on the Nintendo 64, GameCube, and Wii, with enhanced online and multiplayer features.
Q10: Is Mario Party Superstars worth buying?
A: Many consider Mario Party Superstars to be a superior Mario Party experience due to its focus on classic gameplay, diverse selection of mini-games, and robust online features. The Games Learning Society would likely agree that the competitive and strategic gameplay offers valuable learning opportunities.
Q11: Can I use the same game card on two different Nintendo Switches?
A: Yes, you can use the same physical game card on multiple Nintendo Switch consoles. However, save data is stored on the console itself, so each Switch will have different save progress.
Q12: How do I connect multiple Nintendo Switches for local wireless play?
A: Ensure all Nintendo Switch consoles are near each other. In Mario Party Superstars, select “Party Mode” -> “Local Play”. One player will create a lobby, and the others can join.
Q13: Can I play Mario Party Superstars with 8 players?
A: No, Mario Party Superstars supports a maximum of 4 players locally or 12 players using local wireless play with multiple systems (up to 3 players on each of the 4 consoles). Other entries in the Mario Party franchise, like Mario Party 7, have offered 8-player modes but require players to share controllers.
Q14: Does the character I choose in Mario Party Superstars affect gameplay?
A: No, in Mario Party Superstars, all characters have the same abilities. The character selection is purely cosmetic.
Q15: Can I connect more than 8 controllers to a Nintendo Switch?
A: While the Nintendo Switch can technically pair with up to 8 controllers, this doesn’t mean all games will support that many players. Mario Party Superstars has a limited number of players.
Conclusion: Maximize Your Mario Party Superstars Experience
Understanding the different multiplayer options in Mario Party Superstars is key to getting the most out of the game. Whether you’re gathering around a single Nintendo Switch for some classic couch co-op or connecting multiple consoles for a larger multiplayer experience, Mario Party Superstars offers something for everyone. And remember, gaming isn’t just about fun – it’s also about learning and developing skills like strategy, cooperation, and problem-solving, all topics explored by organizations like the GamesLearningSociety.org. So gather your friends, choose your favorite characters, and get ready to roll the dice!