Playing Super Mario Bros. with Friends on Nintendo Switch: A Comprehensive Guide

So, you want to embark on a Super Mario Bros. adventure with your friends on the Nintendo Switch? Fantastic! The Switch offers numerous ways to team up and conquer those challenging levels together. The method depends on which “Super Mario Bros.” game you’re playing. This guide breaks down how to play different Super Mario Bros. titles with your buddies, both locally and online. Let’s jump in!

Local Co-Op on Nintendo Switch

This is the classic way to play Super Mario Bros. side-by-side, experiencing the thrill of the game in the same room with your friends. Here’s a game-by-game breakdown:

Super Mario Bros. Wonder

Super Mario Bros. Wonder is a newer title built for cooperative play.

1. Start the Game: Boot up Super Mario Bros. Wonder.

2. World Map: While on the world map, press the + Button to open the Main Menu.

3. Local Play: If you’re all together in person, make sure everyone has a controller. Super Mario Bros. Wonder allows up to four players locally.

4. Controller Configuration: Each player can use a single Joy-Con, a pair of Joy-Con controllers, or a Pro Controller. Ensure each controller is paired with the Switch.

5. Jump In: Additional players can jump in and out of the game at any time. Once controllers are set up, have players press the A Button to join the adventure.

Super Mario Odyssey

Super Mario Odyssey offers a unique co-op experience where one player controls Mario and the other controls Cappy.

1. Start the Game: Launch Super Mario Odyssey.

2. In-Game Menu: At any point during gameplay, press the + Button to open the Menu.

3. Two-Player Mode: Select Two Players, then press the A Button to Start in Two-Player Mode.

4. Controller Assignment: Decide who will be Mario and who will be Cappy.

5. Controller Type: Choose the controller type for each player. Each player can use a single Joy-Con, a pair of Joy-Con controllers, or a Pro Controller.

Nintendo Switch Online: Classic Super Mario Bros.

If you have a Nintendo Switch Online subscription, you can access classic Super Mario Bros. games. These are often emulated versions of the NES or SNES games.

1. Nintendo Switch Online App: Open the Nintendo Switch Online application.

2. Select the Game: Choose the Super Mario Bros. game you want to play (e.g., Super Mario Bros., Super Mario Bros. 3, Super Mario World).

3. Two-Player Mode (If Available): Some classic titles may offer a two-player mode where players take turns. However, not all titles have simultaneous multiplayer.

4. Controller Setup: Ensure both controllers are connected and assigned to Player 1 and Player 2.

Online Co-Op on Nintendo Switch

Playing online expands your pool of potential teammates. You can connect with friends or even random players around the world.

Super Mario Bros. Wonder

Super Mario Bros. Wonder offers robust online features.

1. Start the Game: Begin Super Mario Bros. Wonder.
2. World Map: While on the world map, press the + Button to open the Main Menu.
3. Play Online: Select Play Online at the bottom right.
4. Connect: Select Connect.
5. Enjoy the Adventure: Once the connection is successful, select OK and start playing with friends or random players online.

Nintendo Switch Online: Classic Super Mario Bros.

While not all classic Super Mario Bros. games support direct online multiplayer, Nintendo Switch Online does offer some workarounds.

1. Nintendo Switch Online App: Launch the Nintendo Switch Online application.

2. Select the Game: Choose the Super Mario Bros. game you want to play.

3. Online Play (If Available): Some emulated titles may offer asynchronous online play, where you can see other players’ ghosts or leave messages for them.

Additional Tips for Co-Op Fun

• Communication is Key: Whether playing locally or online, communication enhances the experience. Use voice chat or in-game emotes to coordinate your strategies.
• Experiment with Characters: Each character in games like Super Mario Bros. Wonder has unique abilities. Experiment to find the best combination for your team.
• Be Patient: Co-op can sometimes be chaotic, especially with varying skill levels. Be patient and supportive of your teammates.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can you play all Super Mario Bros. games with friends on Switch?

Not all, but many! Super Mario Bros. Wonder is designed for co-op. Some classic games available through Nintendo Switch Online may have limited or no simultaneous multiplayer. Always check the game description for details.

2. Do you need a Nintendo Switch Online subscription to play with friends online?

Yes, generally. To play Super Mario Bros. games online with friends, you typically need a Nintendo Switch Online subscription. This allows you to access online multiplayer features.

3. How many players can play Super Mario Bros. Wonder locally?

Super Mario Bros. Wonder supports up to four players in local co-op.

4. Can you play Super Mario Bros. Wonder with one Joy-Con per player?

Yes, Super Mario Bros. Wonder allows each player to use a single Joy-Con, making it easy to jump into co-op with minimal equipment.

5. What controller options are available for Super Mario Bros. games on Switch?

You can use a single Joy-Con, a pair of Joy-Con controllers, or a Nintendo Switch Pro Controller.

6. Is Super Mario Odyssey a good co-op game?

Yes, Super Mario Odyssey offers a unique co-op experience where one player controls Mario and the other controls Cappy. It’s a fun and engaging way to play together.

7. Do both players need a copy of the game to play online?

Generally, yes. For online multiplayer, each player typically needs their own copy of the game.

8. Can you play classic Super Mario Bros. games online with friends?

Some classic Super Mario Bros. games available through Nintendo Switch Online may offer limited online features, such as asynchronous play. However, not all support direct simultaneous multiplayer.

9. How do you invite friends to play online in Super Mario Bros. Wonder?

In Super Mario Bros. Wonder, go to the world map, open the Main Menu by pressing the + Button, select Play Online, and follow the prompts to connect with friends.

10. What if my friend doesn’t have a Nintendo Switch Online subscription?

Unfortunately, your friend will need a Nintendo Switch Online subscription to play most Super Mario Bros. games online with you. However, you can still play together locally without a subscription.

11. Are there any Mario games on Switch that don’t require motion controls?

Yes, many Mario games on Switch can be played without motion controls. Games like Super Mario Bros. Wonder and Mario Party Superstars can be fully enjoyed with standard button controls.

12. What’s the difference between Super Mario Party and Mario Party Superstars?

Super Mario Party features new boards and mechanics, while Mario Party Superstars is a collection of remakes of minigames and boards from classic Mario Party games.

13. Does everyone need to have Mario Party to play online?

Yes, for online play in Mario Party, each player needs their own copy of the game and a Nintendo Switch Online membership.

14. Can you play Mario Party with random people online?

Yes, Mario Party Superstars features online matchmaking, allowing you to play with random players around the world.

15. Where can I learn more about the educational aspects of gaming?

To explore more on the intersection of gaming and education, visit the Games Learning Society website at https://www.gameslearningsociety.org/. You can also visit GamesLearningSociety.org to read articles, research and connect with other gamers.

Playing Super Mario Bros. with friends on the Nintendo Switch is a fantastic way to bond, have fun, and experience the magic of the Mushroom Kingdom together. Whether you’re teaming up locally or connecting online, the Switch offers plenty of options for cooperative gaming!