Table of Contents

Ready, Set, Race! A Comprehensive Guide to 4-Player Mario Kart 8 Deluxe

So, you’re itching for some 4-player Mario Kart 8 Deluxe action? Excellent choice! Few gaming experiences can match the sheer joy (and chaos) of racing alongside your friends and family in this iconic kart racer. Here’s the definitive guide to getting you and your crew racing in no time.

The short and sweet answer: To play Mario Kart 8 Deluxe with 4 players on a single Nintendo Switch, you’ll need enough controllers (either Joy-Cons or Pro Controllers) for everyone. From the main menu, select “Multiplayer,” choose your game mode, and then follow the on-screen prompts to connect the controllers and get ready to race!

Getting Started: Controller Configuration is Key

The beauty of the Nintendo Switch lies in its versatility, and that extends to how you can play Mario Kart 8 Deluxe with multiple people. Here’s a breakdown of your controller options:

Joy-Cons: Each Joy-Con can be used as a standalone controller. This means a single pair of Joy-Cons that comes with the Nintendo Switch can be used by two players. This is the most cost-effective option but might be less comfortable for longer play sessions.
Joy-Con Grip: Combining two Joy-Cons into the Joy-Con Grip creates a more traditional controller experience, providing better ergonomics.
Pro Controllers: The Nintendo Switch Pro Controller is a full-fledged, premium controller, ideal for serious racers who want maximum comfort and control.

To play with 4 players, you’ll need a combination of these controllers. For example, you could use two pairs of Joy-Cons, two Pro Controllers, or one pair of Joy-Cons and one Pro Controller along with a detached Joy-Con setup.

Step-by-Step: Setting Up Your 4-Player Race

Power On and Sync: Ensure your Nintendo Switch is powered on and that all controllers are synced to the console. If a controller isn’t synced, press the sync button on the top of the controller (near the charging port on Pro Controllers, or between the SL and SR buttons on the Joy-Cons).
Navigate to Multiplayer: From the main menu of Mario Kart 8 Deluxe, select the “Multiplayer” option.
Choose Your Game Mode: You’ll have several options here, including:
- Grand Prix: Race through a series of four courses to earn points and compete for the overall win.
- Versus Race: Customize your race settings, including course selection, number of laps, CPU opponent difficulty, and item slots.
- Battle Mode: Engage in a variety of battle modes, such as Balloon Battle, Bob-omb Blast, Shine Thief, Renegade Roundup, and Coin Runners.
Controller Selection Screen: After selecting your game mode, you’ll be taken to a screen where each player can press a button on their controller to join the game. The game will recognize and assign a player number to each controller.
Character and Kart Selection: Once all four players have joined, each player will get to choose their character, kart, tires, and glider. Experiment with different combinations to find what suits your playstyle.
Race!: With everything set up, it’s time to hit the track!

Important Considerations for 4-Player Split-Screen

Screen Size: Playing with 4 players on a single Switch console means you’ll be using split-screen. On the standard Switch, this can make the screen feel cramped, especially in handheld mode. The Nintendo Switch OLED model offers a slightly larger and more vibrant screen, which can improve the experience.
Controller Comfort: Consider the comfort of your controllers, especially for longer gaming sessions. Using the Joy-Con Grip or Pro Controllers can significantly reduce hand fatigue.
Communication: Coordinate with your fellow racers! Effective communication can be key to securing victory, especially in team-based modes.
Have Fun! Remember, the most important thing is to enjoy the experience with your friends and family.

Delving Deeper: Multiplayer Modes and Options

Mario Kart 8 Deluxe offers a plethora of multiplayer options to keep things fresh and exciting. Here’s a brief overview:

Grand Prix Mode

The classic Mario Kart experience. Compete in a series of four races, earning points based on your finishing position. The player with the highest overall score at the end of the Grand Prix wins.

Versus Race Mode

This mode allows for complete customization. You can choose which courses to race on, the number of laps, the difficulty of CPU opponents, and even the types of items that appear during the race.

Battle Mode

A chaotic and hilarious break from traditional racing. Choose from a variety of battle modes, including:

Balloon Battle: Pop your opponents’ balloons while protecting your own.
Bob-omb Blast: Use Bob-ombs to eliminate your rivals.
Shine Thief: Steal and hold onto the Shine Sprite for as long as possible.
Renegade Roundup: One team tries to capture the other team, who must then try to escape from jail.
Coin Runners: Collect the most coins before the timer runs out.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Here are some frequently asked questions about playing Mario Kart 8 Deluxe with 4 players, designed to address common concerns and provide extra tips.

1. Can you play Mario Kart 8 Deluxe with 4 players on one Nintendo Switch?

Yes, Mario Kart 8 Deluxe fully supports 4-player split-screen on a single Nintendo Switch console.

2. How many controllers do I need for 4-player Mario Kart?

You’ll need four individual controllers. This can be achieved with two sets of Joy-Cons, four Pro Controllers, or a combination of both. Remember that each individual Joy-Con can function as a controller.

3. Do I need to buy extra Joy-Cons to play with 4 people?

If you only have the Joy-Cons that came with your Nintendo Switch, you’ll need to purchase at least one additional set of Joy-Cons or Pro Controllers to play with 4 players.

4. Can I use third-party controllers for multiplayer?

Yes, many third-party controllers are compatible with the Nintendo Switch and can be used for multiplayer. However, compatibility can vary, so it’s always a good idea to check reviews before purchasing.

5. How do I connect multiple controllers to my Nintendo Switch?

Go to the HOME Menu, select “Controllers,” then “Change Grip/Order.” Press the sync button on each controller you want to connect.

6. Is it difficult to play split-screen on the Nintendo Switch’s screen?

Playing with 4 players on the standard Nintendo Switch screen can be a bit cramped. The Nintendo Switch OLED model offers a slightly larger screen, which can improve the experience. Consider playing on a TV for a better view.

7. Can I play Mario Kart 8 Deluxe with 4 players online?

Yes, but not directly in a 4-player split-screen format. Online multiplayer supports up to two players on a single console. To have 4 players participate in an online race, you would need two consoles with two players each.

8. What’s the best controller setup for 4-player Mario Kart?

The best setup depends on personal preference and budget. Pro Controllers offer the most comfortable and precise experience, but using Joy-Cons is a more affordable option.

9. Can I use motion controls in 4-player multiplayer?

Yes, Mario Kart 8 Deluxe supports motion controls with Joy-Cons and Pro Controllers. Enable motion controls in the game settings.

10. How do I change the item settings in Versus Race mode?

In Versus Race mode, before starting the race, you can customize various settings, including the types of items that appear during the race.

11. What are some tips for winning in 4-player Mario Kart?

Master drifting and using items effectively. Pay attention to the track layout and take advantage of shortcuts. Most importantly, practice!

12. Is there a way to handicap players who are better than others?

Yes, you can adjust the CPU difficulty for each player individually in Versus Race mode, giving less experienced players an advantage. You can also enable Smart Steering for less experienced players.

13. Can I play with 4 players using the Mario Kart Live: Home Circuit?

Yes, Mario Kart Live: Home Circuit supports up to four players, but requires four Nintendo Switch systems and four Mario or Luigi karts.

14. Is Mario Kart 8 Deluxe suitable for younger children?

Yes, Mario Kart 8 Deluxe is generally considered family-friendly and suitable for younger children. The game offers assist features like Smart Steering and Auto-Acceleration to make it easier for beginners to play.

15. What else can I do with my Nintendo Switch to enhance the gaming experience?

Explore educational games and resources for kids. Organizations like the Games Learning Society offer valuable insights into the intersection of gaming and learning. You can visit their website at https://www.gameslearningsociety.org/ to discover more about the benefits of game-based learning.

How to play Mario Kart 8 with 4 players?