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To play Super Mario Odyssey with two players on one console, start the game, press + during regular gameplay, choose Two Players, then select Start in Two-Player Mode on Nintendo Switch or Share the Controllers on Nintendo Switch 2. One player controls Mario and the other controls Cappy.
How to start two-player mode on one console
- Start Super Mario Odyssey from the HOME Menu and begin regular gameplay.
- While controlling Mario, press + to open the menu.
- Select Two Players.
- On Nintendo Switch, select Start in Two-Player Mode. On Nintendo Switch 2, select Share the Controllers.
- Assign one player to Mario and the other to Cappy, then choose a controller type for each player.
- Connect the controllers using the on-screen instructions below, then have Player 1 press the displayed button to continue.
How to connect controllers
Nintendo lists these controller setups for the one-console mode:
| # | Preview | Product | Price | |
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| 1 |
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Super Mario Odyssey [Nintendo Switch] (German Version) | $54.93 | Buy on Amazon |
- One Joy-Con per player: Hold each Joy-Con horizontally and press SL and SR.
- A pair of Joy-Con for a player: Hold the Joy-Con vertically and press L and R.
- Nintendo Switch Pro Controller: Press L and R.
- Nintendo Switch 2: The setup also lists Joy-Con 2 and Nintendo Switch 2 Pro Controller options; follow the prompts for the controller type selected.
What Player 2 does as Cappy
Player 1 controls Mario; Player 2 controls Cappy. Cappy is an active helper: Nintendo describes using him to knock down objects and enemies, bounce off him in a cap jump, and capture certain objects, enemies, and other targets. The cited setup instructions do not provide a complete button-by-button control map for Player 2, so use the game’s on-screen guidance for specific inputs.
Nintendo says the players can switch roles by pressing left on the directional buttons.
#1 Best Overall
- Explore 3D kingdoms filled with secrets and surprises, including costumes for Mario and several ways to interact with environments
- Mario's new friend, Cappy, lets you master new moves like cap throw, cap jump and capture
- Visit astonishing new locales, such as the skyscraper-packed New Donk City, and run into familiar friends and foes as you try to save Princess Peach from Bowser's clutches and foil his dastardly wedding plans
- Hand a Joy-Con controller to a friend to enjoy simultaneous multiplayer: Player 1 controls Mario while Player 2 controls Mario’s new ally Cappy
- Unlock even more features with the exclusive new amiibo figures - Mario, Princess Peach and Bowser dressed in their wedding outfits
Playing across consoles with Nintendo Switch 2 GameShare
Nintendo Switch 2 can host a GameShare session. Nintendo documents two options: GameShare + Local Play and GameShare + GameChat. The Switch 2 host needs a copy of the game; the host controls Mario and the guest controls Cappy.
- GameShare + Local Play: A nearby player joins from a Nintendo Switch 2 or Nintendo Switch.
- GameShare + GameChat: Players first join a GameChat room, then the host invites a participant from that room.
To return to single-player or end the host session, the host presses +, selects One Player, then chooses Continue. Nintendo’s update history records GameShare support for Switch 2 in version 1.4.0, released June 3, 2025; version 1.4.1 followed on June 24, 2025, addressing issues to improve gameplay on Switch 2. Nintendo’s product page describes the update as adding local sharing or online sharing through GameChat.
Rank #2
- Mario embarks on a new journey through the unknown, running and jumping through huge 3D worlds in the first sandbox-style Mario game since Super Mario 64 and Super Mario Sunshine
- Jump out of the Mushroom Kingdom on a journey through mysterious places and new experiences whilst sailing between worlds aboard an airship;Number of Players: 2 players simultaneous; ESRB Content: Cartoon Violence, Comic Mischief ; Genre: Action, Platformer
- Find something interesting? Toss your cap at it and see what happens! There are lots of fun and surprising ways to interact with your surroundings
- Compatible with the Nintendo Switch only
Which two-player option should you use?
| Setup | Platform and players | What to know |
|---|---|---|
| Share controllers on one console | Nintendo Switch or Nintendo Switch 2; two players | Use the console’s Two Players menu and assign Mario and Cappy. |
| GameShare + Local Play | Nintendo Switch 2 host; nearby guest on Nintendo Switch 2 or Nintendo Switch | The host needs a copy of the game and hosts the session. |
| GameShare + GameChat | Nintendo Switch 2 host and a guest invited from a GameChat room | Join GameChat first; the host then invites a participant. |
The game is listed for one to two players on a single system. Nintendo’s documented GameShare options are specific ways to share play through a Switch 2 host; they are not an unrestricted online multiplayer mode. Nintendo’s two-player setup instructions cover the platform-specific steps and controller options. The official Mario and Cappy page describes Cappy’s abilities.
Quick Recap
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
