Can You Play Super Mario Bros. U Deluxe Online With Friends? A Deep Dive

The short answer? No, Super Mario Bros. U Deluxe does not offer traditional online multiplayer where you can directly play the main campaign or side modes cooperatively with friends over the internet. The game is primarily designed for local multiplayer fun. But, that’s not the end of the story! Let’s unpack this, explore the alternatives, and delve into the world of Mario multiplayer.

Understanding Super Mario Bros. U Deluxe Multiplayer

Super Mario Bros. U Deluxe is a fantastic platformer brimming with content. Its strength lies in its accessible local co-op, allowing up to four players to team up and tackle the game’s 164 courses. Each player needs only a single Joy-Con controller, making it easy to jump into the action right out of the box. This shared-screen experience is chaotic, hilarious, and a core part of the game’s appeal. However, the absence of online multiplayer for the main game is a definite limitation for those with geographically dispersed friends.

Diving Deeper: Exploring the Multiplayer Modes

Local Co-Op: The Heart of the Experience

• Shared Screen Mayhem: The game is designed around a shared screen, where all players must coordinate to navigate each level. This can lead to both strategic teamwork and hilarious accidental sabotage.
• Character Choices: While Mario, Luigi, and other classic characters are available, the inclusion of Toadette and Nabbit offers different difficulty levels. Toadette, with her Super Crown power-up, provides an easier experience, while Nabbit is immune to enemy damage, catering to different skill levels.
• Variety of Modes: Besides the main campaign, the game includes modes like Challenges, Boost Rush, and Coin Battle, all enhanced by the local co-op experience.

The Lack of Online Multiplayer for the Main Game

The core gameplay loop of Super Mario Bros. U Deluxe, with its intricate level design and emphasis on precise platforming, seemingly presented challenges for direct online implementation. The potential for lag and synchronization issues could negatively impact the tight controls and timing required. Nintendo’s focus was clearly on perfecting the local multiplayer experience.

Indirect Online Interaction: A Glimmer of Hope

While direct co-op play over the internet isn’t available, there are potential workarounds for enjoying the game with friends remotely. By leveraging external communication platforms and screen-sharing software, a pseudo-online multiplayer experience is possible. However, this is often less than ideal, as the lack of direct control and potential for input lag can hinder gameplay.

Nintendo Switch Online and Multiplayer Mario Games

It’s essential to differentiate Super Mario Bros. U Deluxe from other Mario titles on the Nintendo Switch that do offer robust online multiplayer. Games like Mario Kart 8 Deluxe, Super Mario Party Superstars, and Super Mario Maker 2 provide excellent online experiences. A Nintendo Switch Online membership is generally required to access these online features. Let’s explore some of these options.

Mario Kart 8 Deluxe: Online Racing Fun

Mario Kart 8 Deluxe supports online races with friends and strangers alike. You can create a room, invite your friends, and compete in a variety of races and battle modes. A Nintendo Switch Online subscription is necessary for this. Local wireless play is also available without a subscription.

Super Mario Party Superstars: Minigame Mayhem Online

Super Mario Party Superstars brings the classic board game experience online, allowing you to play with friends or random players from around the world. This requires a Nintendo Switch Online membership.

Super Mario Maker 2: Create and Share Online

Super Mario Maker 2 lets you create your own Mario levels and share them online. You can also play levels created by other players. A Nintendo Switch Online membership is required to access online features.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Here are 15 frequently asked questions to further clarify the multiplayer aspects of Super Mario Bros. U Deluxe and related Mario titles:

1. Can you play Super Mario Bros. U Deluxe online with friends in the main story mode? No, the main story and side modes of Super Mario Bros. U Deluxe are limited to local multiplayer.

2. Does Super Mario Bros. U Deluxe require a Nintendo Switch Online subscription to play with friends locally? No, a Nintendo Switch Online subscription is not required for local multiplayer.

3. How many players can play Super Mario Bros. U Deluxe locally? Up to four players can play together on a single Nintendo Switch console locally.

4. What controllers are compatible for local multiplayer in Super Mario Bros. U Deluxe? Each player can use a single Joy-Con controller (either horizontal or as a pair), a Pro Controller, or a similar compatible controller.

5. Are there any online leaderboards or time trials in Super Mario Bros. U Deluxe? No, the game does not feature online leaderboards or time trials.

6. Is it possible to use screen-sharing software to play Super Mario Bros. U Deluxe with friends online? Yes, it’s possible, but the experience may be less than ideal due to potential lag and control issues.

7. Which Mario games on Nintendo Switch offer online multiplayer? Mario Kart 8 Deluxe, Super Mario Party Superstars, Super Mario Maker 2, and Super Mario 3D World + Bowser’s Fury (Bowser’s Fury only) offer online multiplayer features.

8. Do you need Nintendo Switch Online to play Mario Kart 8 Deluxe online with friends? Yes, a Nintendo Switch Online membership is required for online play in Mario Kart 8 Deluxe.

9. Can two people on the same console play Mario Kart 8 Deluxe online? Yes, two players on the same console can play Mario Kart 8 Deluxe online, but a Nintendo Switch Online subscription is still required for the console.

10. How do I create a room to play Mario Kart 8 Deluxe online with friends? From the main menu, select “Online Play,” then “Friends,” and finally “Create Room.”

11. Can I play Super Mario Party Superstars online with friends? Yes, Super Mario Party Superstars offers both online and local multiplayer options.

12. Is a Nintendo Switch Online Family Membership required to play with my family members online? A Nintendo Switch Online Family Membership allows multiple accounts on the same console or different consoles to access online features.

13. Can I play retro Super Mario games online with a Nintendo Switch Online subscription? Yes, a Nintendo Switch Online subscription provides access to a library of classic NES and Super NES games, many of which feature online multiplayer.

14. Does Super Mario 3D World + Bowser’s Fury support online multiplayer for the main game? Yes, Super Mario 3D World offers online multiplayer. Bowser’s Fury also has online co-op.

15. Where can I find more information about online multiplayer in Nintendo games? You can find more information on the official Nintendo website or by visiting resources like Games Learning Society at GamesLearningSociety.org for insights into game design and player experiences.

Conclusion: Embracing Local Co-Op and Exploring Alternatives

While the lack of direct online multiplayer in Super Mario Bros. U Deluxe may disappoint some, the game’s robust local co-op and extensive content make it a worthwhile purchase, especially for families or groups of friends who can gather together. The accessible controls, diverse character options, and challenging level design create a unique and engaging shared experience.

For those seeking online Mario multiplayer, consider exploring titles like Mario Kart 8 Deluxe, Super Mario Party Superstars, or Super Mario Maker 2, which offer dedicated online features and require a Nintendo Switch Online membership. While Super Mario Bros. U Deluxe doesn’t quite offer the online experience you might desire, its charm and local co-op fun are hard to deny.