Can You Use 6 Controllers on a Nintendo Switch? A Comprehensive Guide

The short answer is yes, absolutely! You can indeed connect and use six controllers simultaneously on a Nintendo Switch console. The Nintendo Switch is designed to accommodate multiple players, allowing for a fun and engaging shared gaming experience. However, there are nuances to how these connections work, which we will explore in detail.

Understanding Controller Limits on Nintendo Switch

The Nintendo Switch has a versatile controller system that supports both wired and wireless connections. You can pair up to eight controllers in total, regardless of their connection type. This allows for a wide range of multiplayer options, from cooperative gameplay to all-out competitive battles.

Wireless Connections

The primary way to connect controllers to a Nintendo Switch is wirelessly, using Bluetooth. Each Joy-Con (either as a pair or individually) counts as one controller, and you can use several sets of Joy-Cons with your console. Other wireless controllers, such as the Nintendo Switch Pro Controller, also use Bluetooth to connect.

Wired Connections

While the Switch is primarily a wireless console, you also have the option to use wired controllers. The Nintendo Switch Dock has three USB ports where you can connect controllers via USB cables. These wired controllers also count toward the total controller limit, which means a mix of wired and wireless controllers can be used together.

Limitations and Considerations

Even though you can connect up to eight controllers, it’s important to understand that not every game supports eight players. Many games are limited to four players, while some can handle up to eight, or even more using special modes. The game itself dictates how many controllers are usable at once.

For example, Super Smash Bros. Ultimate supports up to eight players on the same console, but games like Mario Kart 8 Deluxe on a single console max out at four players. Therefore, while you can connect six controllers, whether you can use all six simultaneously depends entirely on the game you are playing.

Using Six Controllers: Practical Examples

To illustrate further, let’s consider a few scenarios:

• Super Smash Bros. Ultimate: You can have six people playing simultaneously, each using a different controller type – Joy-Cons (as pairs or singles), Pro Controllers, or even GameCube controllers (with an adapter).
• Mario Party: While the standard “Mario Party” mode is limited to four players on one console, you can connect six controllers, but only four will be active. Additional players would need their own Switch console and copy of the game for a larger local play setup.
• Mario Kart 8 Deluxe: You can have up to four players using four controllers on one console and then link two additional Switch consoles to accommodate the other two players locally, but that will require each player to have a copy of the game.

In summary, connecting six controllers is straightforward, but the game must have a multiplayer mode that supports this many players.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

To further clarify how the Nintendo Switch handles controllers, here are 15 frequently asked questions:

How many controllers can a Nintendo Switch support at the same time?

A Nintendo Switch can support up to eight controllers connected simultaneously, regardless of whether they are wireless or wired.

Can you use both wired and wireless controllers at the same time on a Switch?

Yes, you can use a mix of wired and wireless controllers simultaneously. The system allows you to combine up to eight controllers using both connection types.

How many Joy-Cons are considered one controller?

A pair of Joy-Cons counts as one controller, and a single Joy-Con also counts as one controller when used separately. You cannot mix a half Joy-Con with another controller.

Can you use six individual Joy-Cons?

Yes, you can use six individual Joy-Cons, allowing for a six-player setup if the game supports it. You will have to separate the joy-cons from their comfort grips for each of the 6 players.

How many wired controllers can I connect to the Switch Dock?

You can connect up to three wired controllers to the Switch Dock using its USB ports.

Does each player need their own Joy-Con set?

No, players do not necessarily need their own set of Joy-Cons. Single Joy-Cons can be used for games that support it and you can mix and match your controllers.

Can you play Mario Kart with six players on one console?

No, you cannot play Mario Kart 8 Deluxe with six players on one Switch console. It is limited to four players on a single console. However, you can use multiple Switch consoles connected together to play up to 8 players total.

Does Mario Party support six players on one Switch?

No, Mario Party on a single console is limited to four players. Additional players need their own consoles and copies of the game for a larger local play setup.

How many players can play Super Smash Bros. Ultimate?

Super Smash Bros. Ultimate supports up to eight players on a single Nintendo Switch. This means all six of your controllers and even more would work in the same game.

What games support more than four players on a single Switch?

Some of the games that support more than four players on a single Switch include Super Smash Bros. Ultimate and 1-2-Switch. Keep in mind that many multiplayer games still stick to the 4 player limit on a single console.

Do both Joy-Cons have motion control?

Yes, each Joy-Con has an accelerometer and gyroscope, enabling motion controls on both sides.

Can I use an Xbox controller on Nintendo Switch?

Yes, but you’ll need a special adapter to use an Xbox controller on a Nintendo Switch. A Bluetooth-enabled controller is necessary, as hard-wired third-party Xbox controllers will not work.

Is there a controller that doesn’t drift?

Yes, some third-party controllers, like the GuliKit KingKong 2 PRO Controller, use electromagnetic joysticks designed to prevent stick drift.

How many user accounts can you have on one Switch?

You can create up to eight user accounts on a single Nintendo Switch.

Can I play with multiple Switch consoles without WiFi?

Yes, you can play local multiplayer on multiple Switch consoles without WiFi, but both users must have their own copy of the game. The process requires connecting to each other’s consoles directly.

Conclusion

The Nintendo Switch’s robust controller system allows for diverse and engaging multiplayer experiences. While you can connect up to eight controllers, it’s important to be aware that the maximum number of players playable at the same time on a single console is game specific. Knowing these limitations allows you to make the most of the Nintendo Switch’s multiplayer capabilities, whether you have two, four, six, or eight players ready to join the fun. Connecting six controllers is easy, and now you know exactly when and how to make it happen. Enjoy gaming!