Yes—Mario Kart World supports same-console split-screen, nearby local wireless, internet online play and wired LAN play. You can play with up to 4 people on one system, up to 8 over local wireless, or up to 24 online or over LAN. Online play requires a Nintendo Switch Online membership; local play does not.
Mario Kart World multiplayer options at a glance
| Mode | Maximum players | Connection | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Multiplayer | 4 on one console | Same system; split-screen | A group sharing one Switch 2 and screen. |
| Wireless Play | 8 total; up to 2 per system | Nearby systems over local wireless | Players together in person with multiple systems, without an online session. |
| Online Play | 24 total; up to 2 per console | Internet | Friends playing from different locations. |
| LAN Play | 24 total; up to 2 per console | Ethernet-connected systems on the same router | Group play using a shared wired network. |
These are the published player limits in Nintendo’s game information and multiplayer support guide. Nintendo described the 24-player field as the series’ largest at the time of its 2025 announcement.
How to play on one Switch 2
Same-console Multiplayer is the simplest option: everyone shares one console and plays in split-screen. Nintendo supports two to four local players on a single system.
- Launch Mario Kart World and press L and R at the title screen.
- Select Multiplayer.
- Choose the number of players using that system and follow the on-screen controller prompts.
How to play with nearby systems using Wireless Play
Wireless Play links multiple systems in the same location using local wireless, rather than the internet. Up to eight players can join, with no more than two players on each system.
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- Race from one course to another through interconnected paths that span the world
- Traverse mountains, forests, cities, and more—with shifting weather patterns and a day/night cycle
- Ride on rails, jump off walls, skim across water, and more as you race for the finish line
- Take on the adrenaline-packed Knockout Tour—a fierce 24-driver elimination mode
- Explore courses at your own pace and wander the world to discover fun surprises in Free Roam
- On each Switch 2, open the game and select Wireless Play from the title-screen multiplayer options.
- Select the number of local players on that console.
- Use separate controllers for each player if two people are sharing a system, then follow the on-screen prompts to join the session.
Each system used for multi-console play needs access to a copy of Mario Kart World for Nintendo Switch 2. Nintendo’s instructions describe each participant system as a separate console setup.
How to play online
Online Play connects players over the internet and supports up to 24 players, with up to two players per console. Nintendo Switch Online membership is required for online play.
Rank #2
- The next evolution of Nintendo Switch
- One system, three play modes: TV, Tabletop, and Handheld
- Larger, vivid, 7.9” LCD touch screen with support for HDR and up to 120 fps
- Race from one course to another through interconnected paths that span the world
- Traverse mountains, forests, cities, and more—with shifting weather patterns and a day/night cycle
- At the title screen, select Online Play.
- Choose how many players on your console will take part.
- Follow the prompts to join or create an online session.
When two players share a console online, most settings are controlled by player one. Nintendo’s announcement also describes GameChat voice chat and friends’ shared-screen viewing. Its previously announced free GameChat access ended March 31, 2026; Nintendo said membership would be required after that period.
How to set up wired LAN play
LAN Play is a wired option for up to 24 players, with up to two people per console. Every Switch 2 must be docked and connected by Ethernet to the same router. If the router does not have enough Ethernet ports, a network switch can add ports.
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Rank #3
![Mario Kart World Standard - Nintendo Switch 2 [Digital Code]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51zaiyfzDeL._SL160_.jpg)
- Race from one course to another through interconnected paths that span the world
- Traverse mountains, forests, cities, and more—with shifting weather patterns and a day/night cycle
- Ride on rails, jump off walls, skim across water, and more as you race for the finish line
- Take on the adrenaline-packed Knockout Tour—a fierce 24-driver elimination mode
- Dock each Switch 2 and connect its dock to the shared router with an Ethernet cable.
- Launch the game on each system. At the title-screen multiplayer selection, reveal and select LAN Play as described in Nintendo’s setup instructions.
- Choose the number of players on each console and follow the prompts to join the LAN session.
Each station needs a Switch 2, dock, game copy, Ethernet cable and a television or monitor. For multi-console LAN play, plan on one game copy per system.
CameraPlay: optional video, not extra player capacity
CameraPlay adds players’ faces to play and requires a compatible USB camera connected before selecting a mode that uses it. A single camera can show up to four faces during local play. Online, up to four camera-equipped consoles can contribute up to two faces each, for a maximum of eight faces in a GameChat room. That eight-face limit is separate from the 24-player online limit.
Rank #4
- [SEAMLESS OPEN WORLD] Experience an interconnected racing environment with zero loading screens between courses. Navigate a massive world featuring 24-hour dynamic day/night cycles and shifting weather patterns that directly impact vehicle traction and handling across mountains and cities.
- [ADVANCED RACING MECHANICS] Master all-new maneuvers including high-speed rail riding, wall jumping, and tactical water skimming. These next-gen traversal abilities allow players to discover hidden shortcuts and alternate routes within a 100% seamless world-map architecture.
- [24-PLAYER ELIMINATION MODE] Compete in the high-stakes Knockout Tour, an adrenaline-packed 24-driver elimination mode where racers are removed checkpoint by checkpoint. Supports up to 24-player online multiplayer with integrated GameChat for real-time social coordination.
- [NEXT-GEN TECHNICAL SPECS] Optimized exclusively for the Nintendo Switch 2 system to deliver stunning 4K Ultra HD resolution in docked mode and a locked 60FPS frame rate. Features enhanced texture mapping and global illumination for the most immersive visual experience in series history.
- [OPEN-WORLD EXPLORATION] Step away from the Grand Prix in the all-new Free Roam mode to wander the world at your own pace. Discover hidden surprises, unlockable vehicle parts, and brand-new drivers across diverse biomes including dense forests and sprawling urban landscapes.
Nintendo says CameraPlay may turn off the GameChat camera while active. See its CameraPlay support instructions for details. A camera is optional; it is not required to play multiplayer.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Controllers and accessories
A Joy-Con 2 Wheel is an optional way to hold a single Joy-Con 2 while steering. It is not required for any multiplayer mode. A compatible USB camera is only needed if you want CameraPlay.
Best Value
- Race through an interconnected world of courses spanning mountains, forests, and cities with dynamic weather patterns and day/night cycles.
- Experience intense 24-driver elimination races in Knockout Tour mode, where racers compete checkpoint by checkpoint until one champion remains.
- Master new racing techniques including rail riding, wall jumping, and water skimming to find the fastest route to victory.
- Explore the vast world at your own pace in Free Roam mode, discovering hidden surprises and alternate paths.
- Enhance your racing experience with magnetic Joy-Con 2 Wheel accessories, providing secure and realistic steering control.
Which mode should you choose?
- Same room, one system: choose Multiplayer for split-screen with up to four people.
- Same room, separate systems, no internet session: choose Wireless Play for up to eight nearby players.
- Friends in different locations: choose Online Play; membership is required.
- Organized group with Ethernet and a shared router: choose LAN Play.
Nintendo developer Yabuki described the series’ multiplayer evolution this way: “Since the very beginning, Mario Kart has been a game you can enjoy with others in split screen. Then, online and local wireless play were added. Now, with GameChat, you can even chat with other players and see their faces online, so I think it’s taken its next evolutionary step.” The comment appears in Nintendo’s Ask the Developer interview.
Quick Recap
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