Can You Play Mario Party With Both Joy-Cons? A Comprehensive Guide
The short answer is yes, you can absolutely play Mario Party using both Joy-Cons, but the details are crucial to understanding how it works. While the core gameplay of Mario Party focuses on using a single Joy-Con per player for most game modes, there are nuances to consider, especially when looking at other games and co-op play on the Nintendo Switch. This article will explore all the possibilities, clarify the requirements, and answer common questions related to using Joy-Cons in Mario Party and other related Nintendo Switch titles.
How Mario Party Utilizes Joy-Cons
The primary way to play a standard game of Mario Party is with each player using just one Joy-Con. Whether you’re engaging in the main board game mode or one of the many mini-games, you only need a single Joy-Con (either the left or right) per person. This design makes it incredibly easy to jump into a game with friends and family, as you don’t need to purchase extra controllers right away.
Playing on Multiple Consoles
If you want to expand the fun across multiple screens, you can connect two Nintendo Switch systems together. To do this, each system needs its own copy of Super Mario Party. When connecting two consoles locally, you’ll still utilize one Joy-Con per player. This means each Switch can have up to two players for a total of four players across two systems.
Setting Up Your Controllers
To play, you’ll typically start by selecting your user account on the game’s title screen. You will then choose the number of consoles being used for local multiplayer. From there you can pair each Joy-Con controller and assign them to each user, then select your characters, and decide on the game mode you want to play. The process is generally straightforward, making it quick to get into the game.
Considerations for Co-op and Other Games
While Mario Party traditionally uses single Joy-Cons, other games on the Nintendo Switch have different controller requirements.
Games Like It Takes Two
Games like It Takes Two, designed exclusively for co-op play, require two controller inputs per player. This means you’ll need either two Joy-Cons or a Pro Controller for each player. It Takes Two also supports local wireless play with two Nintendo Switch consoles, but even then, both consoles require a full set of controller inputs.
Games Like Mario Kart and Mario Deluxe
Other multiplayer games like Mario Kart 8 Deluxe also allow for a single Joy-Con per player. This makes them very accessible, as two players can easily compete using just the Joy-Cons that come with the system. This is also the same for Super Mario Bros Deluxe.
When Two Joy-Cons per Player Can Be Better
While you can certainly enjoy most co-op and multiplayer games with single Joy-Cons, having a full set of Joy-Cons (both left and right) for each player often results in better control and a more enjoyable experience. In certain games, having the full set of buttons, triggers, and analog sticks available for each player makes navigation and gameplay more accurate and responsive.
Additional Considerations For Mario Party
Item Usage
In Mario Party, remember that you can only use an item once. Plan your item usage strategically, as you can not use multiple in a row, and once it is gone, it is gone.
Tiebreakers
If two or more players end up with the same number of stars and coins, the game will trigger a tiebreaker. The winner of the tiebreaker is determined by a dice roll, ensuring there is always a definitive winner.
Hidden Blocks
Hidden blocks are a common feature in Mario Party. In some titles, like Mario Party 4, a Hidden Block has a 50/50 chance of having either 20 coins or a Star. The presence of these blocks can drastically change the dynamics of any game.
Controller Pairing
The Nintendo Switch can pair up to eight controllers simultaneously, regardless of whether they are Joy-Cons or Pro Controllers. But the number of players that can play at a time is still dependent on the specific title. To pair your controllers, go to the “Controllers” tab on the HOME Menu and then go to “Change Grip/Order.” You can then follow the on-screen instructions to pair the controllers. Keep in mind that on the “Change Grip/Order” screen you can only pair up to four controllers.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I use two Joy-Cons for one player in Mario Party?
No, in Mario Party, each player uses a single Joy-Con. While you can connect two Joy-Cons together to use them as a single controller, you can’t use them as independent inputs for one player within Mario Party.
2. How many Joy-Cons do I need for 2 players in Mario Party?
You will need two Joy-Cons in total, one for each player. Each player uses one (either the left or right).
3. Can you play Mario Party with just one Joy-Con for two players?
Yes, you can. With the split Joy-Con setup, two players can easily participate with one Joy-Con each.
4. Do I need 4 Joy-Cons for 4 players in Mario Party?
Yes, you’ll need 4 Joy-Cons for 4 players since each player needs their own single controller.
5. Can I play Mario Party on two Nintendo Switch systems?
Yes, you can play with two Nintendo Switch systems locally. Both will need a copy of Super Mario Party and a single Joy-Con per player.
6. Can I use a Pro Controller in Mario Party?
Yes, you can use a Pro Controller for Mario Party but it will still only be used as a single-player controller. You can mix and match and use a combination of pro controllers and Joy-Cons.
7. Is Mario Party worth it for 2 people?
Yes, Mario Party can be fun with 2 people, especially if you incorporate CPU players on teams.
8. What happens if there is a tie in Mario Party?
In the event of a tie, a dice roll will decide the winner among the tied players.
9. How does the online multiplayer work with two players on the same switch in Mario Party?
When playing online, two players on the same Switch can play together only in a private room with people who have been invited.
10. What are the odds of getting a hidden block in Mario Party?
In some versions of the game, such as Mario Party 4, hidden blocks typically offer a 50/50 chance of either 20 coins or a Star.
11. Which Mario Party is better, Super or Superstars?
Preferences vary: Super Mario Party offers fresh content and larger roster, while Mario Party Superstars provides nostalgia with bigger boards and a faster pace.
12. How do you play Mario Party with two Joy-Cons?
Open the Super Mario Party game and select your user account, choose the number of systems and players, and then pair your Joy-Con controllers. Each player will choose a character, and then you will select your desired mode.
13. Can you connect two Joy-Cons together?
Yes, you can connect two Joy-Cons together to use as a single controller by going to the HOME Menu and then “Change Grip/Order” and following the instructions.
14. Do you need a second set of Joy-Cons for other games like It Takes Two?
Yes, for co-op games like It Takes Two, you will need two Joy-Cons for each player, or two pro controllers.
15. Can two players play Mario Kart with one controller each?
Yes, you can play Mario Kart with one Joy-Con per player in split-screen mode.
Conclusion
In summary, while Mario Party mainly focuses on using a single Joy-Con per player, the flexibility of the Nintendo Switch allows for various controller configurations. Understanding these nuances helps you get the most out of your gaming experiences and optimize your time playing with friends and family. Whether you’re playing with single Joy-Cons or opting for Pro Controllers, the key is to have fun and enjoy the party.