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To play with eight people in Super Smash Bros. Ultimate, choose Smash → Smash from the main menu on one Nintendo Switch. Set the battle options, activate each player’s controller at the fighter-select screen, choose fighters, then select Ready to Fight. Nintendo supports local Smash for up to eight players on one console.
Set up an eight-player Smash match
- Sync wireless controllers first. Nintendo recommends syncing them before starting. Each player needs a compatible controller; a single Joy-Con can serve as one player’s controller.
- Open local Smash. From the main menu, select Smash, then select Smash again.
- Choose the battle options. Player 1 sets the rules before proceeding to fighter select. Pick the options your group wants; no particular rules configuration is required for an eight-player match.
- Activate each controller. Use the button combination for the controller type, shown below. Follow the on-screen prompts if your hardware’s labels differ.
- Select fighters and start. Each player chooses a fighter. When everyone is ready, select Ready to Fight.
Nintendo’s local and online multiplayer setup instructions cover the Ultimate menu flow and controller activation.
![Super Smash Bros. Ultimate - Nintendo Switch [Digital Code]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/61bkI3XqQ7L._SL160_.jpg)
Which controllers can eight players use?
The simplest choice depends on the controllers your group already has. Nintendo documents these controller activation methods for local Smash:
| Controller | How to activate it at fighter select | Extra hardware Nintendo specifies |
|---|---|---|
| One Joy-Con | Hold it horizontally and press SL and SR. | None specified. |
| Pair of Joy-Con | Hold them vertically and press L and R. | None specified. |
| Pro Controller | Press L and R. | None specified. |
| Wired GameCube controller | Press L and R. | A GameCube Controller Adapter. To connect up to eight wired GameCube controllers, Nintendo specifies two adapters and a self-powered USB hub. |
The GameCube adapter and hub are only relevant if your group chooses wired GameCube controllers; they are not requirements for Joy-Con or Pro Controller setups. Nintendo’s support page also notes that the wireless GameCube Controller available to Nintendo Switch Online members can only be used with a Nintendo Switch 2 console. Compatibility details can vary by hardware, so check Nintendo’s current support information for your console.
#1 Best Overall
- New stages and fighters are joined by the combined rosters of every past Super Smash Bros. Game
- Challenge others anytime, anywhere, whether you're on the couch or on the go
- Play any way you want—locally, online, in TV mode, Tabletop mode, Handheld mode, or even with GameCube Controllers
- Fight faster and smarter with new and returning techniques, like the perfect shield and directional air dodge
- Face off in 2-4 player battles, or play against the computer
What happens during the match?
The goal is to attack opponents and launch them off the stage. Fighters travel farther when hit as their damage increases, so avoid attacks when possible and try to return to the stage if you are launched. Nintendo’s beginner’s guide explains the basic objective.
Is the menu the same in the Wii U game?
No. This guide’s Smash → Smash route is for Super Smash Bros. Ultimate on Nintendo Switch. In Super Smash Bros. for Wii U, Nintendo documents a distinct mode reached through Smash → 8-Player Smash, with different syncing directions for players five through eight. Use the instructions for the game you are playing rather than mixing the two menu flows. Nintendo’s Wii U 8-Player Smash instructions cover that version.
Rank #2
Does one Switch support eight players?
Yes. Nintendo lists local multiplayer Smash for up to eight players on one console; its US product page also gives a single-system player count of one to eight. This is a local match, not a claim that eight people can join one online lobby. See Nintendo’s Ultimate product page for the single-system player count.
Quick Recap
Best Value
![Super Smash Bros. Ultimate - Fighters Pass Vol. 2 - Nintendo Switch [Digital Code]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/513xrBEbo0L._SL160_.jpg)
- Challenger Pack 6 includes Min Min as a playable fighter, their stage, and a selection of music
- Challenger Pack 7 includes Steve & Alex as a playable fighter, their stage, and a selection of music
- Challenger Pack 8 includes Sephiroth as a playable fighter, their stage, and a selection of music
- Challenger Pack 9 includes Pyra/Mythra as a playable fighter, their stage, and a selection of music
- Challenger Pack 10 includes Kazuya Mishimia as a playable fighter, their stage and a selection of music
Rank #4
![Nintendo Super Smash Bros. Ultimate + Super Smash Bros. Ultimate Fighter Pass Bundle - [Digital Code]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/516jRPfTrLL._SL160_.jpg)
- New stages and fighters are joined by the combined rosters of every past Super Smash Bros. game
- Play any way you want—locally, online, in TV mode, Tabletop mode, Handheld mode, or even with GameCube Controllers
- Fight faster and smarter with new and returning techniques, like the perfect shield and directional air dodge
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.
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