Can You Play Mario Kart 8 Deluxe Online with Friends on Nintendo Switch? A Comprehensive Guide
Absolutely! Yes, you can play Mario Kart 8 Deluxe online with friends on the Nintendo Switch. It’s one of the most popular and enduring features of the game, allowing you to race against pals near and far, adding a layer of social fun to the already exhilarating gameplay. However, there are a few key things to know to get everything set up correctly and ensure smooth racing. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know to dominate the track with your friends.
Understanding the Basics: Nintendo Switch Online
The Essential Subscription
The first and most important piece of the puzzle is Nintendo Switch Online. This is a subscription service from Nintendo that’s required to access most online multiplayer features on the Switch, including online play in Mario Kart 8 Deluxe. Think of it like needing a membership to your favorite online club! Without it, you’ll be limited to local multiplayer options. A basic Nintendo Switch Online membership is $19.99 for a year, while the “Expansion Pack” plan is $49.99.
Local Wireless Play
If you don’t want to subscribe to Nintendo Switch Online, you can still play with friends using local wireless play. This requires each player to have their own Nintendo Switch console and a copy of Mario Kart 8 Deluxe. You can connect up to eight consoles together locally for a grand prix showdown without an internet connection.
Setting Up an Online Race with Friends
Creating a Room
The easiest way to play with friends online is to create a private room. Here’s a step-by-step guide:
- Boot Up: Start Mario Kart 8 Deluxe on your Nintendo Switch.
- Online Play: From the main menu, select “Online Play”.
- Friends: Choose “Friends” from the options presented.
- Create Room: Select “Create Room” and then confirm by selecting “Yes”.
- Character Select: Choose your racer and kart customization.
- Invite Friends: Your friends will now be able to see your room and join. They need to select the “Friends” option in the Online Play menu to find your room.
Friend Codes and Adding Friends
Before you can race together, you’ll need to add your friends on your Nintendo Switch. This involves sharing Friend Codes. You can find your Friend Code on your profile page on the Switch’s home menu. Share this code with your friends, and have them add you using the “Add Friend” option. Once you’re friends, inviting them to your online room is a breeze.
Alternative Online Play Options
Regional and Worldwide Races
While playing with friends is great, Mario Kart 8 Deluxe also offers the option to race against players from your region or even worldwide. These races are a fantastic way to test your skills against a wider range of competitors.
Tournaments
Keep an eye out for online tournaments! These offer structured competitions with specific rules and timeframes. They can be a fun way to earn bragging rights and potentially even in-game rewards.
Optimizing Your Online Experience
Stable Internet Connection
A stable and fast internet connection is crucial for a smooth online racing experience. Consider using a wired connection (with a USB-to-Ethernet adapter) for your Switch when docked, as this generally provides a more reliable connection than Wi-Fi.
Communication
Communication can greatly enhance the fun. While Mario Kart 8 Deluxe doesn’t have built-in voice chat, you can use a separate voice chat app on your smartphone or computer to talk with your friends while you race.
The Educational Value of Gaming
Online gaming, including Mario Kart 8 Deluxe, can offer unexpected educational benefits. They help develop strategic thinking, problem-solving skills, and even teamwork. If you are interested in the educational value of gaming, be sure to visit the Games Learning Society website, GamesLearningSociety.org, where you can find a wealth of resources and research on the topic.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are some frequently asked questions about playing Mario Kart 8 Deluxe online with friends:
1. Do I need Nintendo Switch Online to play Mario Kart 8 Deluxe online with friends?
Yes, a Nintendo Switch Online membership is required to play Mario Kart 8 Deluxe online with friends over the internet.
2. Can I play Mario Kart 8 Deluxe online with friends without Nintendo Switch Online?
You can play locally with friends without Nintendo Switch Online using local wireless play, provided each player has their own Switch console and a copy of the game.
3. How many players can play Mario Kart 8 Deluxe online together?
Up to 12 players can participate in an online race in Mario Kart 8 Deluxe.
4. Can two players play online on the same Nintendo Switch console?
Yes, two players can play online on the same Nintendo Switch console.
5. Do I need two Nintendo Switch consoles to play multiplayer Mario Kart?
No, you don’t need two consoles if you are playing split-screen locally. However, for local wireless play, each player needs their own console.
6. Can I use a single Joy-Con controller for online play?
Yes, you can use a single Joy-Con controller for online play, but it might be more comfortable to use a pair or a Pro Controller for extended gaming sessions.
7. How do I add friends on Nintendo Switch?
You can add friends on Nintendo Switch by sharing Friend Codes. Go to your profile on the Switch’s home menu to find your Friend Code and add others.
8. What is the Nintendo Switch Online Expansion Pack?
The Nintendo Switch Online Expansion Pack is an enhanced subscription that includes all the benefits of the base Nintendo Switch Online membership, plus access to a library of Nintendo 64 and Sega Genesis games, as well as DLC for select games like Mario Kart 8 Deluxe (Booster Course Pass).
9. Is the Mario Kart 8 Deluxe Booster Course Pass free with Nintendo Switch Online?
The Mario Kart 8 Deluxe Booster Course Pass is included with the Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack membership. Otherwise, it must be purchased separately.
10. How do I create a room to play with friends online?
To create a room, select Online Play from the main menu, then choose Friends, and finally select Create Room.
11. Can I play Mario Kart 8 Deluxe online with friends on different continents?
Yes, you can play with friends regardless of their location, as long as you both have a stable internet connection and a Nintendo Switch Online membership.
12. What if my internet connection is unstable during an online race?
An unstable internet connection can lead to lag and disconnections. Try to use a wired connection or move closer to your Wi-Fi router for a better signal.
13. How do I find tournaments in Mario Kart 8 Deluxe?
Tournaments are usually announced within the game itself or on Nintendo’s official website and social media channels. Check regularly for upcoming events.
14. Can I customize the rules of an online race with friends?
Yes, when creating a room, you can customize various rules such as the number of races, CPU difficulty, and item slots.
15. Does each user need Nintendo Online?
Yes, As with a Nintendo Switch Online membership, each Nintendo Account needs an Individual Membership or needs to be part of a Family Membership to access Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack benefits.
Conclusion
Playing Mario Kart 8 Deluxe online with friends on the Nintendo Switch is a fantastic way to enjoy the game and connect with others. By understanding the basics of Nintendo Switch Online, setting up a room, and optimizing your connection, you can ensure countless hours of fun on the track. So, grab your controller, invite your friends, and get ready to race!