The Ultimate Guide to 8 Player Mario Kart with 2 Nintendo Switches
As a hardcore Mario Kart enthusiast, one of my favorite gaming experiences is coordinating epic 8 player races across two Nintendo Switch consoles. But setting up a smooth, lag-free session does require some strategizing!
In this ultimate guide, I‘ll share everything you need to know to pull off wireless 8 player Mario Kart using two Switch systems – from ideal equipment to pro gameplay tips. Let‘s get racing!
Gear Up: Hardware for 8 Players
First things first – here is the essential hardware to connect 8 controllers over two consoles:
| Item | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Nintendo Switch Consoles | 2 | The OLED Model offers highest performance |
| Mario Kart 8 Deluxe Game | 2 copies | Both Switches need the full game |
| TVs/Monitors | 2 is best | Gives each group of 4 players their own display |
| Controllers Per Switch | 4 controllers | Joy-Cons, Pro Controllers, or third-party |
| Ethernet Adapter LAN Cable | Optional | For most stable internet connection |
I highly recommend using the Switch‘s docked mode with wired pro controllers for minimal lag (those tiny JoyCons can get slippery!). Having two monitor screens lets each group see better instead of crowding around one TV.
An ethernet connection beats WiFi for reliability – the UGREEN network adapter maintains a strong link between Switches.
Step-By-Step: Connecting 2 Consoles & 8 Players
Follow this diagram and checklist to seamlessly connect your 8 player Mario Kart multiplayer:
On Both Nintendo Switches
- [ ] Launch Mario Kart 8 Deluxe
- [ ] Go to
Wireless Play->Create/Search Room - [ ] Plugin 4 controllers per console
On Host Nintendo Switch
- [ ] Select
Create Room - [ ] Share lobby name & password verbally
On Joining Nintendo Switch
- [ ] Select
Search Room - [ ] Input lobby name & password to connect
Once connected, the host starts matchmaking while the players select karts and characters. Time to start your engines!
Insights: How Switch Wireless Multiplayer Works
Behind the scenes, the Nintendo Switch uses local wireless communication to directly connect two consoles for multiplayer. This ad hoc network transmits signals over the 2.4Ghz WiFi band.
Here are some key facts on how Switch couch co-op works:
| Max Players On 1 Switch | 4 players |
| Max Wireless Connections | 8 Switch consoles |
| Latency | 5-10 milliseconds |
| Range | Up to 98 feet |
This short-range, low latency connection allows up to 8 Switch systems to "talk" for lag-free multiplayer. But there are still ways interference or contention over the WiFi channels can disrupt gameplay…
Troubleshooting Wireless Performance
From random disconnects to unplayable lag, here are some common wireless issues and my troubleshooting tips as an experienced gamer:
Problem: Players get disconnected from the session randomly
Fix 1: Switch consoles may be too far apart or obstacles blocking signal. Keep them within 80 feet without barriers.
Fix 2: Too much local 2.4Ghz interference. Adjust WiFi router channel, turn off other wireless devices.
Problem: Gameplay lags, graphics stutter
Fix 1: Add ethernet backhaul connection between Switches to strengthen signal.
Fix 2: Turn off all background apps and processes on the Switch draining processing.
Fix 3: Switch to wired Pro Controllers over wireless JoyCons to cut Bluetooth lag.
Expert Tips for 8 Player Glory
Once your setup runs smoothly, skill still separates the victors from the losers! Here are my top competitive tips:
Master Multiplayer Items: Practice using the crazy 8 player powerups like the Blooper‘s ink spray for mass chaos.
Know Every Track: With 32 deep courses, racing lines and boost paths must become muscle memory.
Specialized Karts: Weight, traction and handling matters more with 8 karts collisions. Tune your build.
Team Up: Coordinate item and drafting strategies with your 4 player squad in the same room.
Take Breaks: Hour-long sessions can fry focus – stay sharp with 10 minute intermissions.
Why 8 Players? Mario Kart‘s Multiplayer Dominance
While many Nintendo franchises like Smash Bros have signature couch competitions, Mario Kart dominates as the Switch‘s top local multiplayer experience:
| Game | 8 Player | 4 Player | Online Play |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mario Kart 8 Deluxe | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
| Super Smash Bros Ultimate | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
| Mario Party Superstars | ❌ | ✅ | ❌ |
| Mario Tennis Aces | ❌ | ✅ | ✅ |
And the numbers speak for themselves – Mario Kart 8 Deluxe raced to become the Switch‘s highest selling game with over 38 million copies enjoyed! Clearly the chaotic fun of battling up to 8 real-life players fuels its success.
Ready to double down on hilarity and excitement? My guide just unlocked the keys to throwing the wildest Mario Kart tournament on Nintendo‘s hottest console!
So from optimizing your WiFi setup to dominating the actual races, I hope these Nintendo Switch insights let you enjoy Mario Kart‘s multiplayer magic to the fullest. Now grab your couch co-op crew and unleash the master Switch Party Racer experience!
Let me know if you have any other questions – and may the best team win!
