How Many Joy-Cons Do You Need for Mario Kart 8 Deluxe?
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The short answer is: it depends on how many players are participating and whether you are playing on one or multiple Nintendo Switch consoles. For single-console play, you can use as little as one Joy-Con per player. For multi-console play, each player will need to have their own system with their own controls. Let’s break it down further:
Single Console Gameplay
For two players on a single Nintendo Switch, you need a minimum of two Joy-Cons. Each player can use either a single Joy-Con (held horizontally) or a full controller (two Joy-Cons attached to the grip). So, the included Joy-Cons with your Switch can get you and one friend playing right away.
- Two Players: Either two individual Joy-Cons (one per player) or one set of Joy-Cons each.
- Three Players: You’ll need an extra Joy-Con. For example, two players could use a single Joy-Con each, while the third player uses a full set of Joy-Cons.
- Four Players: To play on a single console, you’ll need a total of four Joy-Cons if everyone is using one Joy-Con each or two full sets. It’s essential to remember that you can mix and match. For instance, two people can use single Joy-Cons, and two can use paired Joy-Cons.
The critical thing to note is that Mario Kart 8 Deluxe allows for a flexible approach to controllers. You can adapt to what you have available.
Multi-Console Gameplay
When playing with multiple Nintendo Switch consoles, each console can support one or two players locally. For a full 8-player experience, you will need to link up four Nintendo Switch systems, each with either one or two players. Each player needs their own controller, whether a single Joy-Con, a set of Joy-Cons, or a Pro Controller.
Other Controller Options
While Joy-Cons are the standard controller, you can also use Nintendo Switch Pro Controllers for Mario Kart 8 Deluxe. If you have multiple people playing on a single console, you can mix and match these options with the Joy-Cons.
It’s also worth mentioning the motion controls. You can tilt the Joy-Cons (or even the entire console in portable mode), or a Pro Controller like a steering wheel.
Key Takeaways
- Single Console (1-4 Players): Minimum of 1 Joy-Con per player; maximum of 2 sets of Joy-Cons or a mix of Joy-Cons and Pro Controllers.
- Multiple Consoles (Up to 8 Players): Requires multiple consoles, each with its own copy of the game and each player with their own controller.
- Flexibility: You can mix single Joy-Cons, paired Joy-Cons, and Pro Controllers.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can you play Mario Kart with just one Joy-Con?
Yes! Mario Kart 8 Deluxe can be played with a single Joy-Con. To do this, navigate to the “Controller” settings in the HOME menu and press both the SL and SR buttons on the Joy-Con. This will register it for horizontal use.
2. Do I need two sets of Joy-Cons for two players?
No, you don’t need two full sets of Joy-Cons for two players. You can play with one Joy-Con each or with two sets of Joy-Cons if you prefer. While one Joy-Con works perfectly, some people find a full controller more comfortable.
3. How many Joy-Cons do I need for four players on one console?
For four players on one Nintendo Switch console, you’ll need a total of four Joy-Cons if everyone is using single controllers or two full sets if everyone uses two Joy-Cons, or a mix and match combination of single joy-cons and pairs.
4. Can you play 8-player Mario Kart on one Switch console?
No, 8-player Mario Kart requires multiple Nintendo Switch consoles. You can have up to two players per console in a local wireless setup for a total of eight players using four Switch consoles.
5. Can you play Mario Kart 8 Deluxe with two switches and one game?
No, each Nintendo Switch console needs its own copy of the game, whether it’s the digital or physical version.
6. How do you play 8 players using multiple Switch consoles?
You need to connect each system to a wired internet connection. One player then creates a room, acting as a lobby host. The other players then join that room. The host sets the game type and starts the match.
7. Can I use Pro Controllers instead of Joy-Cons?
Yes, you can use Nintendo Switch Pro Controllers with Mario Kart 8 Deluxe, either on their own or mixed with Joy-Cons.
8. Do I need a steering wheel for Mario Kart 8 Deluxe?
No, steering wheels are not mandatory. You can use the standard controllers and even take advantage of the motion controls by tilting your Joy-Cons or Pro Controller.
9. How can I mix Joy-Cons and Pro Controllers in multiplayer?
You can freely mix controllers as needed. For example, one player can use two Joy-Cons connected, another can use a single Joy-Con, and another can use a Pro Controller simultaneously on a single console.
10. How many karts can you unlock in Mario Kart 8 Deluxe?
There are 23 karts, 17 bikes, 21 wheels, and 14 gliders to unlock in Mario Kart 8 Deluxe.
11. Why do you need 10 coins in Mario Kart 8?
Collecting coins increases your maximum speed. You gain speed by collecting up to 10 coins. If you are hit by an item, you lose 3 coins.
12. Can you play Mario Kart without Joy-Cons?
No, the game requires a controller of some sort. You can use Joy-Cons or Pro Controllers, but you do need some kind of control input device.
13. What is the best kart combination in Mario Kart 8 Deluxe?
There are many effective combinations but the best are said to be Kamek, Teddy Buggy, Roller Wheels, & Paper Glider and also Luigi, Streetle, Rollers, & Parachute. Experiment to find what suits your play style!
14. How do you play 2-player on Mario Kart 8 Deluxe?
From the main menu, select either 1P for each player using their own console or 2P for two players sharing the same console.
15. Do you need extra Joy-Cons for other Switch games?
The necessity of additional Joy-Cons depends on the game. Many games allow for 2-player co-op with a single set of Joy-Cons. However, some games such as some of the Nintendo Switch Sports games, require extra pairs of joy-cons for optimum gameplay. Always check the game’s specifications on how many controllers are required.
Conclusion
Understanding controller requirements for Mario Kart 8 Deluxe is essential for planning fun multiplayer sessions. The flexibility of the Nintendo Switch allows for many configurations, ensuring everyone can join in the kart-racing action. Whether it’s one Joy-Con each, paired Joy-Cons, Pro Controllers, or a mix, the choice is yours. So, gather your friends, grab your controllers, and get ready to race!