How Many People Can Play Smash Bros? A Comprehensive Guide
The Super Smash Bros. series is renowned for its chaotic, fun, and accessible multiplayer battles. But how many people can actually join the fray? The short answer is: up to eight players can engage in a single match of Super Smash Bros. on the Nintendo Switch and Wii U. This holds true for Super Smash Bros. Ultimate and Super Smash Bros. for Wii U, where the 8-Player Smash mode is available. However, the exact number of players you can have varies depending on which specific mode and game you’re playing within the broader Smash Bros. universe. Let’s dive into the details and explore everything you need to know about player limits in Smash Bros.
Understanding Player Counts Across Different Games
The maximum player count has varied throughout the Super Smash Bros. series history. It’s crucial to understand which console and which mode you are considering. Here’s a quick breakdown:
- Super Smash Bros. Ultimate (Nintendo Switch): This is the most recent mainline entry in the series and allows for up to 8 players in the “8-Player Smash” mode. Standard smash battles, however, default to a maximum of 4 players.
- Super Smash Bros. for Wii U: Similar to Ultimate, this game also features 8-Player Smash mode allowing for up to 8 players, while standard battles support up to 4.
- Super Smash Bros. for Nintendo 3DS: The 3DS version is limited to 4 players maximum. There is no 8-player mode.
- Super Smash Bros. Brawl (Wii): Like the 3DS, Brawl also has a maximum of 4 players.
- Super Smash Bros. Melee (GameCube): Melee supports up to 4 players simultaneously.
- Super Smash Bros. (Nintendo 64): The original Super Smash Bros. also supported a maximum of 4 players.
As you can see, the ability to play with eight players is a relatively recent addition to the series, debuting on the Wii U. It adds a whole new level of frenetic action and makes large gatherings incredibly fun!
How 8-Player Smash Works
Setting up for eight players
To play in 8-Player Smash mode, you’ll need to select the “Smash” option on the main menu and then choose the “8-Player Smash” option, if available on your version of the game. When on the character select screen, all players will need to press the A button on their controller of choice to indicate they are ready to select a character.
Controller Requirements
Achieving an 8-player battle requires multiple controllers. The Nintendo Switch supports up to 8 controllers at once, whether they are Joy-Cons or Pro Controllers, or even controllers from previous consoles using an adapter. This is a crucial detail – ensuring you have enough controllers is key to getting everyone involved. Remember, the standard Switch includes 2 Joy-Cons, which you can use for a two-player game right away or divide into two separate controllers for four player gaming.
Essential Considerations for Multiplayer
When planning a Smash Bros. session with multiple players, there are some important things to keep in mind:
- Controller Pairing: Each player needs a controller that is paired with the console. For the Switch, this can involve connecting Joy-Cons directly to the console, using them wirelessly, or using Pro Controllers, or other supported controller types.
- Game Mode Restrictions: Some modes are not available in 8-Player Smash, such as Coin Battles and Special Smash.
- Screen Size: Having a bigger screen becomes more essential with more players, to ensure everyone can follow the action.
- Number of Consoles: While you can have up to 8 players on a single console with most games, to use 8 player smash with 8 distinct controllers, it has to be all on one console. You can connect multiple Nintendo Switch consoles together, but it would still be only 4 players per console for most Smash Brothers game modes.
- Game Version: Not all Smash Bros. games are the same, the most recent one being Super Smash Bros. Ultimate, while Super Smash Bros. for Wii U also has a dedicated 8-Player Smash mode, other iterations do not support it.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are some frequently asked questions to further clarify how many people can play Smash Bros and related topics:
1. Can you play Smash with 8 people on one console?
Yes, on the Nintendo Switch and Wii U versions of Super Smash Bros. You can play 8-Player Smash on a single console, provided you have enough controllers.
2. How many controllers can be paired to a Nintendo Switch?
A Nintendo Switch can have up to 8 controllers connected at one time, either wired or wirelessly. This makes 8-player Smash possible.
3. Do I need to buy extra controllers to play with my friends?
Yes, if you want to play with more than two people on a single console, you will need to buy additional controllers. The Switch comes with two Joy-Cons, suitable for 1 or 2 players, which is enough for some games but not for large-group Smash Bros.
4. What is “8-Player Smash”?
8-Player Smash is a special mode in Super Smash Bros. Ultimate and Super Smash Bros. for Wii U that allows up to eight players to battle simultaneously on one console.
5. Is 8-player Smash available on the Nintendo 3DS?
No, the Nintendo 3DS version of Super Smash Bros. is limited to a maximum of 4 players.
6. Can you play 8-player smash online?
The 8-Player Smash mode is typically a local multiplayer experience. Online matches are generally limited to 4 players and are done with standard modes.
7. Are there any game modes restricted in 8-Player Smash?
Yes, some modes such as Coin Battles and Special Smash are not available in conjunction with 8-Player Smash.
8. Can you use multiple controllers of different types for 8-player Smash?
Yes, you can mix and match controller types as needed, as long as all controllers are compatible with the Nintendo Switch. For instance, you could have Pro Controllers, Joy-Cons, and GameCube controllers via an adapter all active at the same time.
9. Is Super Smash Bros. Ultimate the last game in the series?
While the series creator, Masahiro Sakurai, had mentioned “retiring”, and the community has largely accepted Ultimate as the concluding title, there has been some recent chatter that another game is a possibility.
10. Why do I only have 8 characters at the start of Smash Ultimate?
You will start with only the original eight characters from the Nintendo 64 version of the game. You must unlock characters as you progress through the game. This was a deliberate choice by the developers, creating a rewarding and engaging experience.
11. Can you have 8 controllers connected on a Wii U?
Yes, the Wii U supports up to 8 controllers when playing Super Smash Bros. for Wii U which is required to play the 8-Player Smash mode.
12. Can I play Smash Up with more than 4 people?
No, Smash Up is a card game that is limited to a maximum of 4 players. It is a separate game, unrelated to the Super Smash Bros. series.
13. How does the duel system work in the card game Smash Up?
Duels in Smash Up occur when a card ability triggers a duel between two minions. The minion with the higher power wins unless the other player plays an action card to affect the outcome.
14. Is the Wii U still being produced?
No, Nintendo formally announced the end of the Wii U’s production on January 31, 2017.
15. Is there a new Super Smash Bros. in 2023?
No official new Super Smash Bros title was released in 2023. Fan speculation and rumors are often confused for actual news, but there is no official announcement of a new Smash Bros game.
Conclusion
Super Smash Bros. is a fantastic game that brings people together with its fun and competitive action. Knowing how many people can play, and understanding the nuances of player counts across different modes and consoles, is essential for making the most out of this party game. Whether you’re battling with four friends or engaging in an all-out eight-player brawl, Smash Bros. continues to be a beloved game that’s all about having a great time with friends. Remember to stock up on those extra controllers to ensure that everyone can get involved!