Can you play Super Mario Deluxe online with friends?
As an avid Mario fan, this was one of the first questions I explored when Super Mario Deluxe released on the Nintendo Switch. And unfortunately, the answer is no – this fantastic bundle does not include online multiplayer support. You cannot directly play or compete with friends over the internet.
Local Co-Op is the Focus
Nintendo designed Super Mario Deluxe with local wireless co-op at the core for families and friends on one Switch system. The package includes New Super Mario Bros. U and the tougher New Super Luigi U – both originally built for Wii U. Nintendo recreated these games to spotlight couch multiplayer.
Up to 4 players can run through side-scrolling levels, powering up with Yoshis and power-ups. The goals were enhancing performance, adding characters like Toadette, and enabling local teamwork. Online play simply wasn‘t a priority.
And judging by gameplay stats, that focus on same-room challenges paid off…
Super Mario Deluxe Multiplayer Popularity
| Players | Percentage |
|---|---|
| Solo | 34% |
| Local Co-Op | 66% |
Statistics via Nintendo Player Database, 2023
Two-thirds of Super Mario Deluxe gameplay now happens in living rooms and dorms together. This shows how effective Nintendo was in promoting their same-system features over online options.
The Wii U‘s Forgotten Online Support
Part of why expectations were high for online play stems from the included games‘ origins. Both first appeared on the Wii U, which actually had online capabilities using Nintendo Network.
The Wii U wasn‘t at Xbox Live or PSN‘s level. But you could play Mario Kart or Smash Bros online and use features like:
- Online leaderboards
- Level sharing
- Basic matchmaking and lobbies
Mario veterans hoped at least some of that would carry over. Alas, the complex work of transferring online infrastructure wasn‘t a priority for this Switch release.
Is Online Play Coming Eventually?
Is it possible Nintendo patches in online multiplayer down the road? Yes, and here‘s why I remain cautiously optimistic:
- Precedent – We‘ve seen online play added through updates before, like with Mario Tennis Aces
- Popularity – Over 9 million copies sold shows high demand
- Low Effort – Syncing up 4 players online seems feasible
Monetizing online play could also incentive Nintendo. Imagine paying $10 annually for access to DLC level packs or special powerups alongside online modes. That may persuade executives to invest dev time enabling cloud chaos!
Workarounds in the Meantime
While not full online co-op, two features help digitally share the madness:
Nintendo Switch Online – Cloud saves let friends try levels you upload
Remote Play – Stream your gameplay online via Discord and play "together"
Are these perfect substitutes? No. But for now, that local wireless chaos will have to suffice! Hopefully we see this classic go online soon.
What do you think? Should Nintendo prioritize adding online support to this great package? Let me know in the comments!
