How to Play 5 Player Local Multiplayer in Mario Kart 8 Deluxe
As a long-time Mario Kart fan, one of my favorite features of Mario Kart 8 Deluxe on the Nintendo Switch is its wireless local multiplayer gameplay. While the classic 4 player split screen races are a blast, there‘s nothing quite like battling with a full grid of 8 human players jostling for first place!
In this guide, you’ll learn how to easily connect multiple Switch consoles for thrilling 5 player Mario Kart showdowns.
An Overview of Multiplayer Options in MK8D
Mario Kart 8 Deluxe supports a variety of multiplayer configurations:
- 1-4 players split screen on a single Nintendo Switch
- Local wireless play for 2-8 players across multiple Switches
- Online races with up to 12 players simultaneously
The focus here is on local wireless connectivity to enable 5 player racing. But it’s worth mentioning the full breadth of multiplayer possibilities available. Online play, in particular, is fantastic for facing off against players worldwide.
Key Hardware Needed
To play a 5 person race in Mario Kart 8 Deluxe, here is the key equipment you’ll need:
- At least 2 Nintendo Switch consoles
- 1 copy of Mario Kart 8 Deluxe per console
- 5 compatible controllers
- Joy-Con controllers, Pro Controllers, or mixture
With those basics covered, let’s look at the step-by-step process for wirelessly linking 2 Switch systems…
How to Connect 2 Nintendo Switches for 5 Player Local Multiplayer
Follow these instructions to setup and connect 2 Nintendo Switch consoles running MK8 Deluxe:
- Turn on both Switch devices
- Launch Mario Kart 8 Deluxe on each system – from the Home screen icon
- Select "Wireless Play" mode on the MK8D main menu
- Choose "Create Room" on the first Switch console
- The second Switch will detect this local room and display a prompt to join
- Player 2 selects the room hosted on the first Switch
- Both systems connect wirelessly over local networking
- Proceed to character select with all players choosing their racer
- Host picks course and race settings
- Start your engines and race as normal!
Here‘s a quick snippet of gameplay with 5 players connected:
With wireless local multiplayer, Nintendo allows up to 8 players to connect across 4 Switch consoles simultaneously. So you can add even more friends and family to the racing mayhem!
Pro Controller vs Joy-Cons: Which is Better for Mario Kart?
While the Joy-Con controllers work perfectly fine, many gamers prefer the feel of the Switch Pro Controller for marathon Mario Kart sessions. Here‘s a quick comparison:
| Controller | Price | Battery Life | Ergonomics |
|---|---|---|---|
| Joy-Cons | $69.99 | 20 hours | Decent, smaller size |
| Pro Controller | $69.99 | 40 hours | Full grip, ideal for MK8D |
I‘d suggest the Pro Controller if you play docked regularly. Though Joy-Cons offer greater versatility for on-the-go and multiplayer gaming. Having a few different options on hand is never a bad idea!
Expert Strategies for 5+ Player Mario Kart Battles!
Now let‘s get into some pro strats and competitive gameplay tips tailored to crowded 5+ racer matches:
- Avoid chaos – Stay up front to dodge unpredictable collisions
- Master dash boosts – Well-timed drift turbos are key to maintain speed
- Hoard power-ups – Store defensive items to escape attacks
- Learn the tracks – Memorize shortcuts, angles, surfaces
- Experiment with karts & parts – Higher acceleration has advantages
With 8 karts cruising around, things get pretty intense! Working on those core skills above will help you maneuver through the action and stick to prime racing lines.
Of course, I have plenty more advanced tactics worth covering in a future guide. For now, just focus on your fundamentals and most importantly – have fun with friends!
The Future of Mario Kart on Nintendo Switch
As one of Nintendo‘s most popular series, you can expect more Mario Kart titles down the road. We already know that Mario Kart 8 Deluxe DLC is slated for 2023 featuring new tracks, characters and customization options. Exciting times ahead!
For now, Mario Kart 8 Deluxe remains the pinnacle of local wireless multiplayer mayhem. Gather your crew and game on! Whether you‘re racing as a party of 5 or a full grid of 8, the frantic fun never slows down.
Let me know if you have any other questions about setting up Mario Kart multiplayer. Now grab your nearest Switch, call your friends over and get racing!
