How Does Local Multiplayer Work?
As a long-time gaming enthusiast who regularly hosts video game nights with friends, I‘ve spent countless hours experiencing all types of local multiplayer gaming. At its core, local multiplayer refers to multiple players gaming together in-person by connecting controllers to a single console, or linking multiple consoles/devices via wireless connectivity in close proximity. This provides an affordable and social way of gaming without needing internet access or online subscriptions.
There are two primary ways local multiplayer sessions are configured:
Screen Sharing on One Device: Popular for party games. Multiple controllers are paired to one central device, like a Nintendo Switch or PlayStation 5 hooked up to a TV. Supports 2 to 4 simultaneous players depending on the game and console, either with split-screen or passing the controllers. Madden, Call of Duty Zombies, Super Smash Bros and Mario Party shine here.
Connecting Multiple Devices: Each player has their own screen via multiple console units or gaming PCs connected wirelessly in the same room. Offers more personal screen space per player. Big for racing games like Mario Kart 8 and fighting games like Super Smash Bros which thrive on quicker reaction times with no split-screen disadvantage.
Below I‘ll explore how today‘s most popular gaming platforms handle local wireless connectivity and summarize key multiplayer features across top genres like party games, fighters and racers.
Xbox Series X/S Local Wireless Connectivity
The latest Xbox Series X/S supports linking up to 8 controllers simultaneously either wireless via Xbox wireless protocol or wired USB. This cements Xbox as the undisputed champ for accommodating large local multiplayer parties with titles like Gang Beasts, Overcooked 2 and Crash Team Racing.
In my experience Xbox‘s wireless protocol offers solid connectivity, efficiently pairing additional controllers. However I have noticed some minor occasional input lag when 3 or more wireless controllers connect simultaneously in intense fighting game sessions like Super Smash Bros Ultimate. For competitive respond-dependent games I‘d recommend wiring in additional controllers if possible.
Up to 2 Xbox Series X/S consoles can reportedly connect via Xbox‘s wireless protocol for expanded local player counts, however I have yet to test this capability with friends myself. Would love to in the future!
PlayStation 5 Local Multiplayer Connectivity
For screen sharing, PS5 tops out at 4 wireless DualSense controllers simultaneously like Xbox. PS5 also uniquely offers voice command via controllers. This leads to hilarious moments with games like Just Dance and Jackbox Party titles where players can shout amusing impromptu voice commands and responses.
Regarding local wireless multiplayer between consoles, PS5 wisely incorporates Bluetooth connectivity lacking in PS4. This means syncing 2-4 PS5 consoles for races in Gran Turismo 7 or brawls in Tekken 7 is a cinch without needing an external router. Extremely responsive even with multiple PS5 systems linked up in my experience.
Sony also offers the PlayStation Link App allowing connecting additional iOS/Android devices as extra controller input which comes in handy for party titles like Knowledge is Power.
Nintendo Switch Wireless Local Multiplayer
Nintendo rules supreme when it comes to embrace of off-TV play and flexible control schemes. Up to 8 Switch Joy-Cons can pair to a single Switch system at once, making it king for chaotic same-screen party games with the Jackbox Series or Super Bomberman R.
Switch also pioneered local wireless connectivity without the need for internet access or a wireless router across 2 devices. Up to 8 Switch consoles can link to play games like Mario Kart 8 Deluxe, Animal Crossing and Super Mario 3D World together wirelessly provided they remain within 10-30 feet depending on interference. Latency remains impressively low even with 8 players wirelessly connected simultaneously in fast-paced racing and fighting titles.
Tabletop mode is brilliant for quick ad-hoc local Smash tournaments out and about. Pro Controllers and additional Joy-Cons ensure all comfort preferences are accommodated. Really my only complaint is the lack of LAN adapter support for those seeking even faster response times.
Quick Comparison of Console Local Wireless Capabilities
| Console | Max # of Wireless Controllers on 1 System | Wireless Connectivity Between Systems | Max # of Connected Systems |
|---|---|---|---|
| Xbox Series X/S | 8 | Xbox Wireless | 2 |
| PlayStation 5 | 4 | Bluetooth | 4+ (unsure of max) |
| Nintendo Switch | 8 Joy-Cons | Proprietary Wireless | 8 |
Top Genres for Local Multiplayer & Key Examples
Now that we‘ve covered the core capabilities enabling local multiplayer, let‘s discuss the best game genres and titles taking advantage of these features.
Party Games – Thrive on same-screen hijinks accommodating larger groups. Jackbox Party Pack, Gang Beasts, Super Bomberman R, Runbow
Local Co-op – Take on AI enemies together. Overcooked, Lovers in a Dangerous Spacetime, Borderlands series
Fighters – Duking it out 1v1 offers great replayability. Super Smash Bros Ultimate, Street Fighter 30th Anniversary Collection, Mortal Kombat 11
Racers – Doubles as both co-op and competitive. Crash Team Racing, Trailblazers, Team Sonic Racing
Sports – Timeless local MP fun. FIFA Series, Super Mega Baseball 3, Mario Tennis Aces
For detailed recommendations across platforms and genres see my complete party game roundup and fighting game overview. Cover deep cuts like Pode on Switch for co-op lovers alongside ever-popular Mario Kart.
Gear & Setup Considerations for Optimal Local Multiplayer
In hosting tons of gaming gatherings over the years for 2 to 12 participants, I‘ve refined an optimal configuration checklist to ensure a smooth local multiplayer experience:
- Minimum 55-65 inch TV for 4+ players. Go projector for extra immersion.
- Comfortable seating with no major height disparities.
- Ample power strips & extension cords.
- Pro controller alternatives to cramped Joy-Cons.
- Ethernet cables for console connections where possible.
- USB hub to minimize wireless controller interference.
- Fan to avoid overheating when docked Switch consoles stack up.
Positioning seating in a wide arc focused on the display rather than just side-by-side also maximizes viewing angles. For large parties, mixing both same-screen and wireless connected console setups provides flexibility.
The Future of Local Multiplayer Gaming
Despite growing focus on online experiences, local multiplayer remains integral to gaming‘s social appeal. This spirit of friendly competition and camaraderie simply cannot be replicated virtually.
Industry reports continue to demonstrate strong engagement and spending around party games and staple multiplayer genres on Switch, PlayStation and Xbox. In a 2022 study, 41% of US gamers reported regularly playing with others locally on at least a monthly basis.
The biggest potential transformation comes from VR. Now early experiments connecting multiple standalone VR headsets for shared spatial environments hint at creating couch co-op 2.0 down the road. Imagine cooperatively slaying zombies in Arizona Sunshine as if you‘re truly beside your friends.
Outside revolutionary efforts however, I expect local multiplayer to persist much as it exists today – seamlessly supplementing online play when gaming socially in-person. New controllers and accessories will connect players in fresh ways as TVs grow even larger. But little should change about the core concept of playing video games together around the same space that‘s delighted gamers for over 30 years now.
I‘ll have the popcorn and sodas ready at my place for anyone wanting to experience local multiplayer bliss – online friends also welcome with advance notice! Just bring an openness to discover new games and laughs to share.
