How Many Players Can Play Mario Kart 8 Deluxe on One Switch?

ByJames Dorn Last Update on

The recently released Mario Kart 8 Deluxe allows up to 4 players to race simultaneously on a single Nintendo Switch console. By connecting multiple Switch systems together wirelessly, this can be expanded to have up to 12 players racing at once!

Local Multiplayer on One Nintendo Switch

On one Switch console, Mario Kart 8 Deluxe natively supports a 4 player local multiplayer mode. The screen splits so each player gets their own horizontal view of the race. This is known as same-screen or local split-screen multiplayer.

To get the full 4 player experience, each person needs their own controller:

  • 1 Joy-Con per player (hold sideways)
  • 2 Joy-Con pairs (2 players each with L+R)
  • Any mix of 4 Pro Controllers and/or Joy-Cons

The most affordable setup is having 4 individual Joy-Cons connected to one Switch. But Pro Controllers and Joy-Con grips provide larger handles for extended gameplay comfort.

Is 3 Player Supported Too?

Yes – you can have any number from 1 to 4 players racing on one Switch console. The screen will dynamically split depending on how many people are holding controllers.

So Mario Kart 8 Deluxe provides built-in support for 4 player same-screen local multiplayer right out of the box!

Linking Multiple Nintendo Switch Consoles

This is where it gets really interesting! Did you know you can connect up to 4 Nintendo Switch consoles together wirelessly to massively expand the multiplayer racing grid?

12 Player Maximum Overall

By linking up to 4 Switch systems via local wireless, you can have up to 12 players racing simultaneously. Here‘s a breakdown:

  • Switch 1: 4 local players
  • Switch 2: 4 local players
  • Switch 3: 4 local players
  • Switch 4: 4 local players
  • Total Racers: 12

Each Switch can still only support 4 individual player screens. But by networking multiple consoles together, the total number of racers jumps from 4 to 12!

Why Not 16 Players?

You might be wondering why the total caps at 12 participants instead of 16 (4 players x 4 Switch consoles).

This limitation was imposed by the game developers. Allowing all 16 connections could impact performance, especially for 4 player split-screen on each device.

To keep the frame rate smooth for local multiplayer, Mario Kart 8 Deluxe sets a 12 kart maximum. But this still enables 3 times more racers than a single system!

Optimizing a 12 Player Race

When playing a 12 person match, Mario Kart tries to allocate player slots evenly across the 4 Switches:

  • Switch 1 & 2: 4 players each
  • Switch 3 & 4: 2 players each

However, you can override this distribution manually via the lobby options. Like making one console favor 6 players instead.

Just keep the total at or under 12. Coordinating with friends ahead of time will ensure nobody has to sit out!

Comparing Local Wireless to Online Multiplayer

Like prior Mario Kart releases, Deluxe also incorporates online multiplayer with players worldwide:

Online Multiplayer

  • Race against random opponents via matchmaking
  • Supports up to 12 players in one arena
  • Skill level & location vary per match

Local Wireless Multiplayer

  • Race against friends & family
  • Coordinate 12 player setups
  • Less lag than Internet games

While online races are more convenient, local wireless events with voice chat provide a deeper social experience. You can even create custom tournaments spanning all 4 Nintendo Switch consoles!

Pro Tips for Large Multiplayer Races

Here are some expert recommendations when coordinating massive Mario Kart showdowns across multiple Switch systems:

Use Wired LAN for Stability

For buttery smooth 12 player races, plug each Switch console into the wireless router via Ethernet. This ensures minimal latency or disconnects during long gaming sessions.

Set Arena Rules to Match Player Count

When racing with 6 or more karts, increase item frequency to ‘Frantically‘ so more powerups enter the fray. Also extend the lap count so tracks don‘t feel overcrowded.

Agree on DLC Packs

If some players own Mario Kart 8 Deluxe DLC packs like the Booster Course Pass while others don‘t, make sure everyone has the latest content installed before the big race!

With this handy guide, you now have the knowledge to assemble 12 player Mario Kart parties by wirelessly linking multiple Nintendo Switches. So call all your friends with Switches – it‘s time for the ultimate multiplayer showdown!

References:
https://mariokart8.nintendo.com/multiplayer/
Switch Player Interview on MK8 Multiplayer

James K. Dorn, a passionate gamer deeply immersed in the world of video gaming. My journey in gaming is not just about playing; it's about exploring every facet of the games I love. I am particularly fascinated by the intricate worlds of role-playing games like "The Witcher" series and "Elder Scrolls: Skyrim," where every decision shapes the story.

As a strategy game enthusiast, I spend hours devising tactics in games like "Civilization VI" and "StarCraft II," always eager to share my strategies with fellow gamers. I'm also an ardent follower of the ever-evolving landscape of indie games, finding gems like "Hollow Knight" and "Celeste" that offer unique, compelling experiences.

My content isn't just reviews; it's about deep dives into game mechanics, storytelling, and the art of game design. I love dissecting the narratives of games like "The Last of Us" and discussing the innovative gameplay of titles like "Death Stranding."

Being at the forefront of gaming news, I eagerly anticipate and share insights on upcoming releases like the next big open-world adventure or the latest in the "Final Fantasy" series. My goal is to build a community where we not only play games but also appreciate the artistry and effort behind them. Join me in this gaming journey, where every session is an adventure, and every game is a story waiting to be told.

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