How many players can play Mario Kart 8 on Wii U?
As a hardcore Mario Kart fan since the early days on SNES, I‘m constantly researching the latest updates to the iconic Nintendo racing series. So I can definitively state that up to 4 players can experience split-screen racing action in Mario Kart 8 on the Wii U.
With the huge variety of Wii U controller options, Nintendo makes it easy to setup 4-player local multiplayer for your next big Mario Kart bash:
- Wii U GamePad
- Wii Remotes and Wii Wheels
- Wii U Pro Controllers
- Wii Classic Controllers
Get Multiple Wii U Controllers Connected
From my experience, the best setup is the GamePad along with 3 Pro Controllers or Classic Controllers if you have enough. This gives each player access to dual analog sticks for full control.
But in a pinch, clearing out your stash of old Wii Remotes and plastic Wii Wheels also does the trick! Up to 3 Wii Wheels can connect while Player 1 cruises along on the Wii U GamePad.
According to Nintendo, syncing additional controllers is a cinch:
From the HOME Menu, select Controllers, then Change Grip and Order. While the following screen is displayed, press and hold down the SYNC Button for at least one second on the controller you wish to pair.
Once synced, you‘re all set for split-screen competition across a range of crazy Mario Kart 8 circuits.
Local and Online Multiplayer Specifics
On top of 4 player local play, Mario Kart 8 enables online competition with up to 12 players simultaneously. However, there is an important caveat:
- If racing online, only 2 players on the same Wii U system can play at once – the remaining 10 need to be on separate consoles
- This differs from Mario Kart 8 Deluxe on Nintendo Switch, which allows full 4 player local play while online
Additionally, linking multiple Switch systems allows for 8 player local wireless play. So while Wii U tops out at 4 players huddled around one unit, Switch opens up options for monster 8 player Mario Kart get-togethers!
| Version | Local Players | Online Players |
|---|---|---|
| Mario Kart 8 (Wii U) | 4 | 12 (max 2 local) |
| Mario Kart 8 Deluxe (Switch) | 4 (8 using wireless) | 12 |
Imagining Even Bigger Local Multiplayer Parties
As a gaming fanatic, I can‘t help dreaming about what it might look like to have EVEN MORE simultaneous Mario Kart players battling it out. Just picture the joyful chaos of 6, 8, or 12+ racers jockeying for position as you approach that crucial first turn!
While I doubt the aging Wii U hardware could handle that many karts smoothly across four split screens, here‘s hoping Nintendo keeps upping the multiplayer ceiling in future Mario Kart iterations (and hardware advancements).
For now though, grabbing 3 friends or family members for pulse-pounding 4 player Grand Prix or Versus races on the Wii U is an absolute blast – and highly recommended!
Let me know in the comments if you‘ve ever taken Mario Kart 8‘s local 4 player multiplayer for a spin! And what‘s been your wildest Mario Kart get-together? I‘d love to hear about it.
Now if you‘ll excuse me, I need to dig out those plastic Wii Wheels for this weekend‘s marathon gaming session…
