How To Play Mario Kart With More Than 4 People
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So, you’ve gathered your friends, dusted off your Nintendo Switches, and are ready for some high-octane Mario Kart action. But there’s a snag: you have more than four people itching to race. Fear not, aspiring racers! While Mario Kart 8 Deluxe only supports four players on a single screen, there are multiple ways to get up to eight or even twelve players involved in the fun. Let’s dive into how you can achieve this multiplayer madness.
Expanding Your Race: Beyond the Single Screen
The key to playing Mario Kart 8 Deluxe with more than four people lies in utilizing multiple Nintendo Switch consoles. You won’t be squeezing everyone onto one screen, but with a bit of setup, you can create a chaotic and exhilarating multiplayer experience. Here are the main methods:
Local Wireless Play (Up to 8 Players)
This is the most common way to get more than four people racing in Mario Kart 8 Deluxe. Here’s how it works:
- Each Player Needs a Console and Game: Each person needs their own Nintendo Switch console and a copy of Mario Kart 8 Deluxe.
- Wireless Connection: Ensure all consoles are close enough to connect via a local wireless connection. No internet connection is necessary for this method.
- Create a Lobby: One player will act as the “host.” On their console, they will select “Wireless Play” from the main menu.
- Join the Lobby: Other players will also select “Wireless Play” and then select the host’s name, displayed under “Lobby” to join the room.
- Race Time! Once everyone is in the lobby, the host selects the game type (Grand Prix, VS Race, or Battle) and course settings and starts the match.
Using this method, you can have up to 8 players racing simultaneously, with a maximum of two players per Switch console. The more the merrier!
LAN Play (Up to 12 Players)
For the ultimate multiplayer setup, you can use LAN Play, which allows up to 12 players to connect for a race. This method requires a wired network setup:
- Nintendo Switch Docks: Each Switch needs to be plugged into a dock connected to a TV or monitor.
- Wired LAN Connection: Each dock needs to be connected to a local area network (LAN) via an Ethernet cable. A network hub or router is required for multiple connections.
- Enable LAN Play: On the main menu of each console, hold down the L and R buttons while pressing in the left joystick. This will change the “Wireless Play” option to “LAN Play”.
- Create a LAN Lobby: One player selects LAN Play and will act as the host, creating a lobby.
- Join the LAN Lobby: Other players will also select LAN Play and will see the host’s lobby name on the screen. They can then select it to join the game.
- Start the Race: Once all players have joined, the host will select the game settings and start the race.
LAN Play is especially useful for larger gatherings and provides a more stable connection for multiplayer mayhem.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are some common questions about playing Mario Kart with more than 4 players.
1. How many players can play Mario Kart 8 Deluxe on a single Nintendo Switch?
A single Nintendo Switch can accommodate up to four players in multiplayer mode.
2. Can you play 5 player Mario Kart on one Switch?
No, you cannot play 5-player Mario Kart on a single Switch. You need to utilize multiple consoles for more than four players.
3. Do you need multiple copies of Mario Kart 8 Deluxe to play with more than 4 people?
Yes, each console being used needs to have its own copy of Mario Kart 8 Deluxe for both Local Wireless Play and LAN Play.
4. Can I play with friends online?
Yes, you can play with friends online by selecting “Online Play” from the main menu. You can create a room and invite friends. Note that each Switch needs an active Nintendo Switch Online subscription for online play.
5. How many controllers can connect to a single Nintendo Switch?
You can pair up to eight controllers with a Nintendo Switch console, regardless of controller type. However, many games are limited to the number of players that can actually participate at once.
6. What is the maximum number of players in Mario Kart 8 Deluxe?
The maximum number of players is 12 via LAN play and 8 via wireless play.
7. Is there a way to play with more than 4 players on one screen in Mario Kart 8 Deluxe?
No, there is no way to play with more than 4 players on one screen in Mario Kart 8 Deluxe. The game is designed for split-screen with a maximum of 4 players locally.
8. Do I need a Nintendo Switch Online subscription to play with more than 4 players locally?
No, a Nintendo Switch Online subscription is not required to play via Local Wireless or LAN Play (local multiplayer). It’s only needed for online play with others over the internet.
9. Can you play LAN play wirelessly?
No, LAN Play specifically requires a wired connection to a local area network. If you are not using a wired network connection, you must use wireless play instead.
10. What kind of network hardware is required for LAN Play?
For LAN Play, you will need a network hub or router with sufficient Ethernet ports for all connected consoles. Each Switch dock must be connected via an Ethernet cable.
11. Can I mix LAN play and wireless play?
No, you cannot mix LAN Play and Wireless Play in the same game session. All consoles must be on the same type of connection.
12. Are there other Nintendo Switch games that support more than 4 players locally?
Yes, some games support more than 4 players locally, such as Super Smash Bros. Ultimate, Super Mario Party, and Super Mario Strikers: Battle League.
13. Can you play Mario Kart 8 Deluxe with two players on each Switch using LAN play?
Yes, LAN Play supports up to two players per Switch, allowing for a maximum of 12 players when all systems are connected.
14. How do I pair additional controllers to my Switch?
To pair additional controllers, go to the HOME Menu, select Controllers, then select Change Grip/Order. Then, press the Sync Button (usually located on the top or back) on each controller you want to connect.
15. Can you play the battle mode with 8 players in local wireless?
Yes, you can play the battle mode with up to 8 players via Local Wireless Play using multiple Switch consoles.
Conclusion
Getting more than four people racing in Mario Kart 8 Deluxe takes a little bit of extra setup, but it’s absolutely worth it for the fun and chaos it brings. Whether you opt for Local Wireless Play or go all-out with LAN Play, you’ll be sure to have an unforgettable gaming experience with all your friends. So grab your consoles, gather your crew, and get ready to race!