Does Mario Party Require Joy-Cons? A Comprehensive Guide
The answer, like many things in the world of Nintendo, isn’t a simple yes or no. It depends entirely on which Mario Party game you’re playing on your Nintendo Switch. Some entries in the series demand the Joy-Cons for their motion controls and unique features, while others offer more flexibility with controller options. Let’s break it down to avoid any pre-party controller chaos.
Understanding the Controller Landscape of Mario Party
Different Mario Party titles on the Switch have different controller compatibility. Understanding these nuances is crucial for planning your game nights. The two main entries we’ll focus on are:
- Super Mario Party: This title heavily emphasized motion controls and Joy-Con specific functionalities.
- Mario Party Superstars: This game, however, is a love letter to the classic Mario Party experience, focusing on traditional button controls and broader controller support.
Super Mario Party: A Joy-Con Affair
Super Mario Party was designed with the Joy-Con in mind. In fact, it requires the use of single Joy-Cons for each player. You cannot use Pro Controllers, two Joy-Cons paired, or play in handheld mode with this title. Several minigames require motion control, which makes the Joy-Cons essential. The game leverages the unique capabilities of the Joy-Cons, offering a variety of engaging and interactive experiences.
The reasoning behind this restriction lies in the game’s reliance on motion controls for various minigames. Many of these minigames involve precise movements, shaking, or pointing, which can only be effectively achieved using the Joy-Cons. While some players found this approach innovative, others considered it limiting due to the lack of controller options. If you are interested in the educational potential of gaming, check out the Games Learning Society at GamesLearningSociety.org.
Playing Toad’s Rec Room in Super Mario Party
One interesting feature of Super Mario Party is Toad’s Rec Room, which allows players to connect multiple Nintendo Switch consoles to create larger, more immersive gaming experiences. To take advantage of this feature, you’ll need:
- Two Nintendo Switch systems.
- Two copies of Super Mario Party.
- Each player must use a single Joy-Con.
Mario Party Superstars: Controller Freedom
Mario Party Superstars, on the other hand, offers far more controller flexibility. It harkens back to the classic Mario Party games of the Nintendo 64, GameCube, and Wii eras, prioritizing traditional gameplay and button controls.
You can play Mario Party Superstars with:
- Single Joy-Cons
- Two Joy-Cons paired
- Nintendo Switch Pro Controller
- GameCube Controller (via an adapter)
- Nintendo Switch Lite
This wider controller compatibility makes Mario Party Superstars a more accessible and versatile game for players with different preferences.
Benefits of Expanded Controller Options
The decision to support multiple controller types in Mario Party Superstars was a welcome change for many fans. It allows for greater convenience and inclusivity, enabling players to use their preferred controllers and enjoy the game in a way that suits them best. The Games Learning Society would certainly find the shift toward accessibility to be a boon for those interested in leveraging games for education.
Choosing the Right Mario Party for Your Needs
When deciding which Mario Party game to play, consider your controller setup and preferences. If you enjoy motion controls and are comfortable using Joy-Cons, Super Mario Party might be a fun choice. However, if you prefer traditional button controls and want the flexibility to use different controllers, Mario Party Superstars is the clear winner.
Mario Kart 8 Deluxe: A Quick Word on Controller Compatibility
Since the article mentions Mario Kart 8 Deluxe, it’s worth noting that you do not need Joy-Con wheels to play. You can use:
- Single Joy-Cons
- Two Joy-Cons paired
- Nintendo Switch Pro Controller
- Steering wheel accessories (optional)
Playing Mario Kart with One Joy-Con
You can even play Mario Kart 8 Deluxe with a single Joy-Con per player. To do this, go to the Controller settings in the HOME menu and press the SL and SR buttons on the Joy-Con to register it as a horizontally held controller.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can you play Mario Party without Joy-Cons?
Yes, but only Mario Party Superstars. Super Mario Party requires Joy-Cons.
2. Is Super Mario Party Joy-Con only?
Yes, Super Mario Party is Joy-Con only. It does not support other controller types or handheld mode.
3. Can you play Mario Party Superstars with a normal controller?
Yes! Mario Party Superstars supports a wide range of controllers, including the Nintendo Switch Pro Controller, GameCube controller, and single or paired Joy-Cons.
4. Can you play Mario Party Superstars on Switch handheld?
Yes, Mario Party Superstars supports handheld mode, unlike Super Mario Party.
5. Does Mario Party Superstars require motion controls?
No, Mario Party Superstars does not require motion controls. It focuses on traditional button controls.
6. Can you use non-Nintendo Joy-Cons?
Yes, third-party Joy-Cons are compatible with the Nintendo Switch and can be used with games that support Joy-Cons.
7. How many Joy-Cons do I need for 2 players Mario Kart 8 Deluxe?
You can play Mario Kart 8 Deluxe with two players using a single Joy-Con each.
8. Can you use your phone as a controller with Mario Party?
While there are apps like Joycon Droid that allow you to use your phone as a controller, compatibility and performance may vary. This is not an officially supported method.
9. What is the difference between Mario Party and Mario Party Superstars?
Super Mario Party is a new Mario Party with unique boards and mechanics that use motion controls. Mario Party Superstars is a compilation of remakes from classic Mario Party games, focusing on button controls.
10. Does Mario Party Superstars work with one Joy-Con?
Yes, if you play with four people, each player can use a single Joy-Con.
11. Can u play Mario Kart 8 Deluxe on Switch with one controller?
Yes, you can play Mario Kart 8 Deluxe with one Joy-Con or a Pro Controller per player.
12. Do you need 4 Joy-Cons for 2 players?
No, you only need two Joy-Cons for two players. You can each use one.
13. How to use amiibo without Joy-Con?
You can scan an amiibo with the Pro Controller by touching it to the Nintendo Switch logo on the front of the controller, without needing the Joy-Cons.
14. Can you play games with a single Joy-Con?
Yes, all Nintendo Switch games that support a controller support a Joy-Con pair or a right Joy-Con as a controller.
15. Is Mario Kart Joy-Con only?
No, Mario Kart 8 Deluxe is not Joy-Con only. You can use a single Joy-Con, two Joy-Cons paired, or a Pro Controller.
Hopefully, this guide has cleared up any confusion about controller compatibility in the Mario Party universe. Now, go forth and party on (with the right controller in hand)!