What is Wireless Play in Mario Kart 8 Deluxe?

Wireless Play in Mario Kart 8 Deluxe is a fantastic feature that allows you to connect multiple Nintendo Switch consoles together locally, creating your own mini-racing arena without the need for an internet connection. Imagine gathering your friends and family in the same room, each with their own Switch, and battling it out on the race tracks of the Mushroom Kingdom. That’s the magic of Wireless Play. Essentially, it’s local multiplayer enabled through the Switch’s built-in Wi-Fi capabilities, creating a network specific to the game.

Up to eight players can join a single Wireless Play session, and with the ability for two players to play on a single console, it allows for a flexible gaming experience depending on your group size. This is a different experience from the online play, which connects you to players around the world and requires a Nintendo Switch Online membership. Wireless Play is a purely local experience, making it perfect for parties, family gatherings, and casual play sessions in the comfort of your own space.

How Does Wireless Play Work?

Setting up a Wireless Play session is a straightforward process:

1. Choose Your Mode: In the main menu of Mario Kart 8 Deluxe, select the Wireless Play option. You’ll see a choice of either the 1 or 2 player option depending on the number of players using the Switch. This will be used to create or join a lobby.

2. Create or Join a Lobby: If you are setting up the lobby for your friends, you need to select Create a Lobby. If you are joining an already existing lobby, select Join a Lobby and select the host’s name, displayed under Lobby.

3. Player Selection: After joining a lobby, you select a character and kart combination.

4. Course Selection and Race Start: The host player selects the tracks to race on and starts the race. Once the race has started, everyone can join in on the fun.

All participating Switch consoles need to be in close proximity to ensure a stable connection. Since this uses a local wireless connection, you don’t need a Wi-Fi router or internet access. This feature uses your Switch’s direct wireless communication capabilities. This also means that this is not reliant on a stable internet connection, making it great for on the go play or in areas with limited internet.

Benefits of Wireless Play

• Social and Fun: Wireless Play makes for social interaction, perfect for get-togethers. It is much different from online interaction, where players might be distant, making the experience more personal and enjoyable.
• Offline Gaming: No internet connection is needed, letting you play anywhere there are multiple Switch consoles available.
• Flexibility: You can play with different combinations of players – a single player per console, two players per console, or any mix of those.
• Easy Setup: The game has a streamlined process so that users can jump right into the action.
• Cost-Effective: This is a feature that does not require a Nintendo Switch Online subscription.

Wireless Play vs. Online Play

It’s important to understand the difference between Wireless Play and Online Play:

• Wireless Play: A local multiplayer experience that uses a direct wireless connection between Switch consoles. This method requires players to be in the same physical space, is for 2-8 players, and does not require a Nintendo Switch Online subscription.
• Online Play: Connects players over the internet, enabling races with friends or strangers around the world. This mode requires a Nintendo Switch Online membership.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. How many players can play Wireless Play?

Up to 8 players can participate in a Wireless Play session. This can be with 8 individual switches or a mixture of 1 or 2 players per Switch.

2. Do I need internet for Wireless Play?

No, internet is not required for Wireless Play. This feature uses a direct local wireless connection between Nintendo Switch consoles.

3. Can two players play on one Switch in Wireless Play?

Yes, two players can play on the same Nintendo Switch during a Wireless Play session. This allows for a variety of party sizes.

4. Do I need a Nintendo Switch Online membership for Wireless Play?

No, you do not need a Nintendo Switch Online membership to utilize the Wireless Play feature.

5. How close do the Switches need to be for Wireless Play?

The Switch consoles need to be in close proximity to ensure a stable connection. Generally within 20-30 feet is a good benchmark depending on obstructions such as walls.

6. Can I play with friends online who are not in the same room?

No, Wireless Play is strictly for local play. If you want to play with friends online, you need to use the Online Play feature, which requires a Nintendo Switch Online subscription.

7. Can I mix and match local and online players?

No, you can’t mix and match players in Wireless and Online modes in Mario Kart 8 Deluxe. These are two separate modes that operate independently of each other.

8. How do I create a Wireless Play room?

Select the “Wireless Play” option from the main menu, choose whether your Switch is supporting 1 or 2 players and then select Create Room. The other players can then select “Join Room” and select your Switch from the list to join.

9. What happens if the host player leaves the Wireless Play session?

If the host leaves, the session will end for all players. A new host will have to create a new room.

10. Can I play every game mode using Wireless Play?

Yes, most game modes and courses available in the game can be played through Wireless Play. However, some game modes such as online tournaments would not be accessible through this mode.

11. Can I use a Pro Controller for Wireless Play?

Yes, you can use a Pro Controller, Joy-Cons (both attached to the console and individually) or the Joy-Con Grip setup for Wireless Play.

12. What if I can’t find my friend’s lobby?

Make sure that all the switches are near one another, and that each user has selected the correct option. If the problem persists, try restarting the console.

13. Can I play single player on Wireless Play?

No, Wireless Play requires at least two players across one or more consoles. It’s designed for multiplayer interaction. If you only wish to play solo, it is recommended to play on single-player modes.

14. Can I have 2 players from one console play different online lobbies at the same time?

No, the second player from a single console cannot play on a separate lobby online. All users on a single console will play together.

15. What is the difference between local play and wireless play?

Local play and wireless play can be used interchangeably in the context of Switch. However, Local play can also be used when multiple players are on the same console. Wireless Play is specifically for players on multiple devices that are wirelessly connected.

Wireless Play is a powerful feature that unlocks the true potential of the Nintendo Switch for social gaming. It’s a hassle-free and cost-effective way to experience Mario Kart 8 Deluxe with friends and family, anytime and anywhere. So, gather your crew, get your Switches ready, and enjoy the fun that this feature offers!