Can You Play Smash with Friends? A Comprehensive Guide
Absolutely! The simple answer is yes, you can definitely play Super Smash Bros. Ultimate with friends, but the method depends on several factors, including whether you’re playing locally or online, and how many players are involved. This guide will break down all the ways you can smash with your buddies, ensuring you’re ready to jump into the action!
How to Play Smash with Friends: A Breakdown
There are several ways to enjoy Super Smash Bros. Ultimate with friends, each catering to different play styles and setups. Let’s delve into each method:
Local Multiplayer on a Single Console
This is the most straightforward method. If you and your friends are all in the same room, you can battle it out on a single Nintendo Switch console.
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How to set it up:
- From the main menu, select Smash.
- Select Smash again.
- Have Player 1 adjust the battle options as desired until you reach the character select screen.
- Up to 8 players can join on one console.
- Each player will need their own controller, either a Joy-Con (or two for a single player setup) or a Pro Controller.
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Key Points: This mode is ideal for a quick and easy gaming session with your friends. You can even play team battles where you pair up.
Local Wireless Multiplayer (Multiple Consoles)
If you have multiple Nintendo Switch consoles and want to play with friends locally, you can utilize the Local Wireless option.
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How to set it up:
- From the main menu, select Local Wireless.
- One player will need to create a Room.
- Other players can then join that room.
- Up to four players can battle with a variety of fighters and stages using separate consoles.
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Key Points: Ensure that all consoles are close enough for a stable wireless connection. This is perfect for gatherings where everyone has their own console.
Online Multiplayer: Battle Arenas
Playing online with friends typically involves creating or joining a Battle Arena. This mode allows for a more structured and consistent gaming experience with friends.
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How to set it up:
- From the main menu, select Online.
- Choose Battle Arenas.
- If you are creating an arena: Select Create Arena. Then, customize the arena settings as needed.
- If you are joining a friend’s arena: Select Join Arena, then select Friends’ Arenas.
- Once the arena is set up, your friends can find you and join.
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Key Points: This method is excellent for playing with friends located anywhere in the world. You can have 2v2 battles in this mode, which can be very fun.
Online Multiplayer: Quickplay (Co-op)
If you are specifically interested in co-op play online, Quickplay is the option for that. However, you can’t choose which friends to team up with in this mode. It pairs you with random players.
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How to set it up:
- From the main menu, select Online.
- Choose Quickplay.
- Select Co-op.
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Key Points: This mode is designed for those who want to play a co-op match but don’t have a dedicated group of friends online at the same time.
Online Multiplayer on One Console
You can play online with one of your friends on one console. You can both team up to play against other players online, or battle separately against those opponents.
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How to set it up:
- From the main menu, select Online.
- If a notice appears about online play, read through and select OK.
- Select Smash to battle players from around the world.
- You can have up to two players on the same console for an online match.
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Key Points: Remember that each player will need their own controller for online battles on the same console.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are 15 frequently asked questions to clarify any further doubts you might have about playing Super Smash Bros. Ultimate with friends:
1. Do I need a Nintendo Switch Online membership to play with friends online?
Yes, a Nintendo Switch Online (NSO) membership is required to play with friends online through Battle Arenas or Quickplay. However, the Local Wireless option does not require an NSO subscription.
2. Can I play 2v2 online with a friend on different consoles?
Yes, you can play 2v2 online with a friend using the Battle Arenas. However, the game randomizes team order, so you have to manually pair up and hope your opponents realize what you’re doing each time you have a different match.
3. How many players can play on one Switch console?
Up to 8 players can play Super Smash Bros. Ultimate on a single Nintendo Switch console.
4. Can I play Smash with friends offline?
Yes, you can play offline with friends through the Local Multiplayer feature on a single console or via Local Wireless across multiple consoles. No Nintendo Online membership is needed for these options.
5. Can two people play on one Switch online?
Yes, two people can play on one Switch online. You can either team up or battle separately against online opponents.
6. Can I play Smash co-op with my friends online?
While you can play co-op online, you cannot specifically choose which friends you team up with. Instead, you are paired with random players. For specifically playing co-op with friends, you’d need to play locally.
7. What’s the difference between Local Multiplayer and Local Wireless?
Local Multiplayer refers to playing on a single console with multiple players. Local Wireless involves playing on multiple consoles that are connected wirelessly within a close proximity.
8. Do I need two Nintendo Switch consoles to play multiplayer?
No, you do not need two consoles to play multiplayer. You can play on a single console with multiple players in the same room or online. You would only need multiple consoles to play using the Local Wireless function.
9. Can I use a single Joy-Con for two players?
Yes, you can use a single Joy-Con each for two players, but you’ll need to change the grip style in your Switch settings. Two Joy-Con controllers in dual grip mode will allow each player to have their own controller, or you can also use Pro Controllers for better handling.
10. Is Smash Bros a party game?
While primarily a fighting game, Super Smash Bros. Ultimate is also often considered a party game due to its accessible gameplay and fun multiplayer nature, making it enjoyable for casual players.
11. Can I play with friends on a Switch Lite?
Yes, you can play with friends on a Nintendo Switch Lite. The Switch Lite can connect with other Switches using Local Wireless for local play. It cannot connect to a TV.
12. Is the Switch OLED better than the Switch Lite for multiplayer?
The Switch OLED has a larger, higher quality screen, better sound, and a kickstand making it ideal for both handheld and docked modes. However, the Switch Lite is more affordable. If you plan to play docked a lot, or prioritize a better visual experience, the Switch OLED is preferable. If you want the cheapest option for playing on the go, Switch Lite is a great choice.
13. Can I spectate matches online?
Yes, you can use Spectate mode to watch battles between other players online in the Battle Arena. This allows you to enjoy the game and cheer for your favorite fighters.
14. Can I play with friends if we all don’t have the same games?
For Local Wireless, each player must have their own copy of the game. This is also true when using different consoles and playing online.
15. How do I invite friends to play online?
When using the Battle Arenas, you simply create an arena and have your friend join it from the Friends’ Arenas section. For other online matches, you can send invitations to users you have added as Friends on your Nintendo Switch account.
Conclusion
Playing Super Smash Bros. Ultimate with friends is a blast, and the game offers a wide variety of options to suit different preferences. Whether you prefer battling it out on the same couch or teaming up online, there’s a way for you and your friends to enjoy this action-packed game together. Now you’re fully equipped to gather your friends and start smashing!