How Many Joy-Cons Do I Need For 2 Players?
The short and sweet answer: for most Nintendo Switch games, you only need one set of Joy-Cons to play with two players. The beauty of the Switch is that each Joy-Con can function as an individual controller. However, the ideal setup and experience can vary depending on the game and your personal preferences. Let’s dive into the specifics!
Understanding Joy-Con Functionality
The Nintendo Switch’s Joy-Cons are incredibly versatile. They consist of two individual units – the left Joy-Con and the right Joy-Con – each equipped with an analog stick and a variety of buttons. These can be attached to the console for handheld mode, used together as a single controller in a grip, or detached and used as separate controllers. This flexibility makes the Switch a fantastic console for couch co-op right out of the box.
One Joy-Con Per Player: The Standard
In many games, each player can use a single Joy-Con (either the left or the right) held horizontally. To set this up, you’ll need to access the “Controllers” menu on the Switch’s home screen and select “Change Grip/Order.” From there, press the SL and SR buttons on the Joy-Con you want to use. This will register it as a horizontally held controller. This setup works surprisingly well for games with simpler control schemes. Games like Mario Kart 8 Deluxe, and many titles in the Nintendo Switch Sports collection support this.
The Joy-Con Grip: Combining for a Traditional Feel
For games that demand more complex controls, or if you simply prefer a more traditional controller feel, using both Joy-Cons together in the included Joy-Con grip is the way to go. This effectively creates a single, larger controller. However, this setup only accommodates one player.
When You Might Want More Joy-Cons
While one set of Joy-Cons can work for two players, there are situations where investing in additional controllers makes sense:
- Complex Games: Some games have intricate control schemes that are difficult to manage with a single Joy-Con. In such cases, using two Joy-Cons per player (either with a grip or separately) will greatly enhance the experience.
- Comfort: Playing with a single Joy-Con for extended periods can be uncomfortable for some players. A larger controller, like the Joy-Cons in a grip or a Pro Controller, is often more ergonomic.
- More Players: If you plan on having three or four players regularly, you’ll definitely need additional controllers. A second set of Joy-Cons gives you four individual controllers.
- Battery Life: While Joy-Cons have decent battery life (around 20 hours when fully charged), having extra controllers allows you to swap them out while others are charging, ensuring uninterrupted gameplay.
Games That Benefit From Extra Controllers
Here are some examples of games where having more than one set of Joy-Cons or Pro Controllers really shines:
- Super Smash Bros. Ultimate: A fighting game with complex inputs. Individual Joy-Cons can work, but most serious players prefer a Pro Controller or Joy-Cons in a grip.
- Mario Party Superstars: While mini-games can be played with single Joy-Cons, the overall experience is improved with a full controller.
- Multiplayer Action Games: Games like Hyrule Warriors: Age of Calamity or Diablo III become more enjoyable with dedicated controllers for each player.
Important Considerations
Before purchasing additional controllers, consider the following:
- Your Budget: Joy-Cons and Pro Controllers can be expensive. Set a budget and prioritize your purchases based on the games you play most often.
- The Games You Play: Some games are simply better suited to certain controller types. Research which controllers are recommended for your favorite games.
- Player Preferences: Talk to the other players you’ll be gaming with. Find out what controller types they prefer and make your decision accordingly.
- Educational value of gaming: It is worth mentioning that multiplayer gaming can promote cooperation, communication, and strategic thinking. Learn more from the Games Learning Society, a great organization for education and gaming at: https://www.gameslearningsociety.org/. You can visit the GamesLearningSociety.org to learn more about how gaming can benefit your children’s development.
FAQs: Understanding Joy-Con Requirements for 2 Players
1. Can you play 2 player Mario Kart with one set of Joy-Cons?
Yes, you absolutely can! Each player can use either one Joy-Con (Left or Right) held horizontally. However, some players find this setup less comfortable for extended play.
2. Do you need 4 Joy-Cons for 2 players?
No, you don’t need four Joy-Cons for two players. One set of Joy-Cons is sufficient, as each Joy-Con can function as an individual controller.
3. Can you play 2 player with one Joy-Con?
Technically, no. You cannot play with one Joy-Con total for two players. You need one set of Joy-Cons, meaning the left and right Joy-Con, which can each be used as individual controllers for two players.
4. How many Switch controllers do you need for 2 players?
The Switch comes with two Joy-Con controllers, which is enough for two players in many games. You don’t need to purchase additional controllers unless you want more comfortable or advanced control options.
5. Do you need two sets of Joy-Cons for multiplayer in all games?
No. Many games are designed to be played with one Joy-Con per player. Check the game’s packaging or online description to confirm its multiplayer controller requirements.
6. Does It Takes Two require two sets of Joy-Cons?
It Takes Two is designed specifically for co-op play. You’ll need either two Joy-Cons (one pair) or two gamepad controllers to play this game in couch co-op.
7. What do I need for 2 player Nintendo Switch gaming?
You need the Nintendo Switch console itself and the included Joy-Cons. The Joy-Cons can be used as two individual controllers for two-player gaming in many games.
8. Can you play 4 player Mario Kart with 2 Joy-Cons?
Yes, but only if each player is okay using a single Joy-Con. With two Joy-Cons, you have four individual controllers, enough for four players.
9. Is one Joy-Con required per player?
Not always, but Nintendo aims to make as many games as possible playable with one Joy-Con per player to encourage accessibility. Some games, however, require a Joy-Con pair or a Pro Controller due to their complex controls.
10. How do you connect two Joy-Cons?
On the HOME Menu, select “Controllers” → “Change Grip/Order.” Then, follow the on-screen instructions to pair the controllers you want to use.
11. How many controllers can you use on one Switch?
The Nintendo Switch can connect with up to eight wireless controllers simultaneously. This allows for a robust multiplayer experience.
12. How long do Joy-Cons last?
Joy-Cons take approximately three and a half hours to fully charge. When fully charged, the battery duration can last approximately 20 hours, though this can vary depending on the game.
13. Is the Joy-Con one controller or two?
The Joy-Con is technically two controllers in one package. The left and right Joy-Cons are separate units that can be used individually or combined into a single controller with the Joy-Con grip.
14. Can you play Switch Sports with 1 Joy-Con?
Yes, for many of the sports in Nintendo Switch Sports, you only need one Joy-Con per player. However, Soccer and Chambara ideally require a pair of Joy-Cons per player for the best experience.
15. Why are Joy-Cons so expensive?
Joy-Cons are relatively expensive due to the complex technology packed into a small space, including motion sensors, HD Rumble, and wireless connectivity.
Final Thoughts
While one set of Joy-Cons is technically all you need for two-player gaming on the Nintendo Switch, consider the types of games you play and your personal preferences. Investing in additional controllers can significantly enhance your gaming experience, especially for more complex games or for longer play sessions. Happy gaming!