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Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →Mario Kart 8 Deluxe multiplayer setup depends on whether everyone shares one console, nearby players have separate consoles, or the group is playing online or over wired LAN. Choose Multiplayer, Wireless Play, Online Play, or LAN Play from the title menu, then follow the steps below. Nintendo’s current support guidance, accessed October 8, 2026, lists different player limits by mode and console. Nintendo’s setup guide.
Choose the multiplayer mode
| Mode | Use it when | Players | Key requirement |
|---|---|---|---|
| Multiplayer | Everyone is sharing one console | 2–4 on Nintendo Switch; 2–8 on Nintendo Switch 2, according to Nintendo’s guidance accessed October 8, 2026 | Extra supported controllers; not available in Handheld Mode |
| Wireless Play | Players with separate consoles are nearby | 2–8 total, up to two per console | Each participating console needs a copy of the game, according to Nintendo UK |
| Online Play | Players are connecting over the internet | 2–12 total, up to two per console | Nintendo Switch Online membership |
| LAN Play | Consoles are connected on the same wired network | Up to 12 | Wired networking and a shared router |
Player limits are mode limits, not a guarantee that every console and controller combination will support the maximum. Follow the player-count options shown on your console.
| # | Preview | Product | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
![Mario Kart 8 Deluxe - Nintendo Switch [Digital Code]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/517O3bI45YL._SL160_.jpg)
|
Mario Kart 8 Deluxe - Nintendo Switch [Digital Code] | $59.99 | Buy on Amazon |
| 2 |
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Mario Kart 8 Deluxe (Non-US Version) | $57.20 | Buy on Amazon |
| 3 |
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NINTENDO Mario Kart 8 Deluxe Switch | $58.90 | Buy on Amazon |
Set up multiplayer on one console
- From the title menu, highlight Multiplayer.
- Choose the player count available for your console. Nintendo’s guidance lists 2P, 3P, or 4P on Nintendo Switch; its Nintendo Switch 2 flow lists 2–8 players.
- Player 1 sets the race options and proceeds to controller setup.
- Assign a supported controller to each player using the on-screen prompts. To use one Joy-Con or Joy-Con 2, hold it horizontally and press SL and SR. For a Joy-Con pair or Pro Controller, select the corresponding controller option on screen.
- Choose characters and race options, then confirm to start.
Same-console multiplayer cannot be played in Handheld Mode. The available player count depends on the console model and how many supported controllers are available. Nintendo’s multiplayer instructions.
Connect nearby consoles with Wireless Play
- On each console, choose Wireless Play from the title menu, then select whether one or two players will use that console.
- One player creates a room. On the other consoles, select the host in the Lobby to join.
- The host sets the race or battle type and other options, then confirms after everyone has joined.
- Each player chooses a character, kart, and preferred course.
Wireless Play supports 2–8 players total, with up to two players per console. If two people are sharing a console, this arrangement cannot be played in Handheld Mode. Nintendo UK says each console in a local wireless session needs its own copy of the game. Nintendo UK’s Wireless Play instructions.
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#1 Best Overall
- Hit the road with the definitive version of Mario Kart 8 and play anytime, anywhere! Race your friends or battle them in a revised battle mode on new and returning battle courses
- Play locally in up to 4-player multiplayer in 1080p while playing in TV Mode. Every track from the Wii U version, including DLC, makes a glorious return
- Plus, the Inklings appear as all-new guest characters, along with returning favorites, such as King Boo, Dry Bones, and Bowser Jr.
- Players can choose a new Smart Steering feature which makes driving and staying on the track easy for novice players and kids even at 200cc
Set up an online room
- Choose Online Play from the title menu and select how many people on your console will play.
- For a friends room, one player creates the room and sets the race or battle options.
- Other players join the host through the lobby.
- Once everyone is in, players choose characters, karts, and preferred courses.
Online Play supports 2–12 players total, with up to two per console. A Nintendo Switch Online membership is required. Nintendo also says everyone playing with their own copy should update the game software before connecting. Nintendo’s online setup instructions.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Set up wired LAN Play
Prepare the network
- Connect all consoles to the same wired router. If the router does not have enough LAN ports, add a networking switch.
- Set up a wired internet connection on each console.
- Nintendo Switch 2 must be docked for wired networking. Nintendo Switch – OLED Model must be in TV mode for a wired connection.
Switch the game to LAN Play and join
- At the Mario Kart 8 Deluxe title menu, hold L and R, then press the left stick. This changes the Wireless Play option to LAN Play.
- The host chooses Create Room. Other players select the host’s name under Lobby.
- The host chooses the race or battle type and other settings, then confirms once everyone has joined.
- Players choose characters, karts, and courses.
Nintendo’s dedicated LAN guide supports up to 12 players. It also warns that consoles on different software versions may not connect over local wireless or LAN, so update the game on each console. Nintendo’s LAN instructions.
Quick Recap
Rank #3
- With Nintendo Switch, fans can enjoy the definitive version of Mario Kart 8 anywhere, anytime
- the Mario Kart you know and love, with many new features
- Enjoy Mario Kart alone or with friends, anytime, anywhere, with anyone
- Supports 2 players in handheld mode, 4 players on one TV and 12-player online
- 5 exclusive new characters join the tournament, including Inkling Boy and Inkling girl.4 exclusive new multiplayer battle modes including Balloon battle and Bob-omb blast.48 tracks.40+ racers.It's the biggest Mario Kart roster ever.all downloadable content from the Wii U version included as standard Compatible with the Nintendo Switch only
Rank #2
- Nuevos personajes: Inkling, Rey Boo, Huesitos y Bowsy
- Inclusi n de circuitos in ditos en el modo batalla
- Los pilotos cuentan con el volante inteligente, que ayuda a no salirse de la pista
- Hasta 8 pilotos en partidas de multijugador local
If players cannot connect
- Check the mode: Wireless Play is for nearby consoles, Online Play uses the internet, and LAN Play requires a shared wired network.
- Check the game version: Nintendo warns that different software versions may prevent local wireless or LAN connections.
- Check the room flow: In Wireless Play and friends’ online rooms, one player hosts and everyone else joins through the Lobby.
- Check the required setup: Online Play needs Nintendo Switch Online; Wireless Play needs a game copy on each participating console; LAN Play needs the consoles wired to the same router.
- Check the displayed player count: Console model, controller availability, and mode affect how many players can join.
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.
