The best choice depends on how your group will connect. Mario Kart 8 Deluxe supports four players on one console in offline split-screen, or up to 12 across multiple consoles in wired LAN play. The Crew Motorfest advertises races for 28 players online. Its separate 32-player mode is a crew-based survival contest, not a standard race. Forza Horizon 5 is a strong social-driving alternative, but the official information cited here does not establish a current large-race player cap.
Choose by setup, not just player count
A multiplayer limit is useful only when it matches the way your group plans to play. Four people sharing one screen, eight consoles connected wirelessly, and a large online race are different kinds of sessions.
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- One console: look for local split-screen and check how many compatible controllers you have.
- Multiple consoles in the same place: check whether the game supports local wireless or requires a wired LAN.
- Players joining online: distinguish a conventional race from other activities, such as a crew survival mode or cooperative event.
Best options for a large group
Mario Kart 8 Deluxe: best for flexible local play
Mario Kart 8 Deluxe offers three distinct ways to bring people together, each with its own limit. Nintendo UK documents up to four players in offline TV or tabletop split-screen on one system; each local player needs a compatible controller. Nintendo separately lists local wireless multiplayer for up to eight players. For a bigger session, Nintendo Support documents wired LAN play for up to 12 players across multiple Nintendo Switch or Switch 2 consoles—not 12-way split-screen on one console. See Nintendo’s Mario Kart 8 Deluxe product page and LAN play instructions.
Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitches2Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problems3Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minute| Mario Kart 8 Deluxe format | Documented group size | What the setup means |
|---|---|---|
| Offline split-screen | Up to 4 players (Nintendo UK; publication date not stated) | Players share one console and screen; each needs a compatible controller. |
| Local wireless | Up to 8 players (Nintendo; publication date not stated) | A separate local multiplayer format; it is not one-console split-screen. |
| Wired LAN | Up to 12 players (Nintendo Support; publication date not stated) | Multiple Switch or Switch 2 consoles connect over a wired network. |
Nintendo also offers online play, which is a separate format from local wireless and LAN. Nintendo says online play requires a paid Nintendo Switch Online membership; check the official product page for the stated service requirement. Before choosing a format, make sure your consoles, controllers, network, and online access match it.
#1 Best Overall
- READY, SET, WARP! Race across 24 tracks and warp to 15 CrossWorlds with Travel Rings, a unique gameplay mechanic that transports the iconic characters from the Sonic and SEGA universes into new dimensions. Use unpredictability to your advantage as you change the landscape of each race!
- RACE WITH THE BEST! Choose from 23 iconic Sonic characters, the largest roster of any Sonic racing game!
- MAKE IT YOURS: Mix and match between 45 unique original vehicles and 70 different gadgets to trick out your ride, level up your kart, and create the ultimate machine to match your racing style.
- GAIN THE ADVANTAGE WITH POWERFUL ITEMS! Dominate your opponents with 23 different items including returning favorites and all-new items like the Monster Truck!
- MULTIPLE WAYS TO PLAY: Gather with friends and play local split-screen in Grand Prix and the new party mode Race Park, compete against a community of players from around the world with up to 12 players online in World Match, or test your driving skills in Time Trials.
The Crew Motorfest: best verified large online race
Ubisoft advertises races for up to 28 players in The Crew Motorfest. It also advertises Last Crew Standing for 32 players divided into eight crews. That 32-player figure describes a distinct crew-based mode, not a conventional race. Ubisoft Help, in an entry updated October 1, 2026, separately states that the game supports up to 32 players online. Use the race-specific 28-player figure when comparing race sizes, and treat the 32-player figure as the limit for a broader online session or the named crew mode. See Ubisoft’s The Crew Motorfest page and Ubisoft Help entry.
Forza Horizon 5: best for a varied social session
Forza Horizon 5 combines online races with cooperative Horizon Tour, Arcade events, and player-created EventLab content. Its Hide & Seek mode is for six players, according to Turn 10 Studios’ August 21, 2024 announcement. Playground Games announced cross-play across Xbox consoles, PC, and PS5 on January 30, 2025. These features make it a useful option when the group wants to alternate between racing, co-op, and other activities. However, the official pages cited here do not establish a current cap for a conventional race or convoy, so it should not be presented as a verified largest-race pick. See the official Forza Horizon 5 PS5 and cross-play announcement and Turn 10’s Hide & Seek announcement.
Rank #2
- Fast, fun, and chaotic kart racing action
- Real-time multiplayer battles
- Unlock shields, missiles, and powerups
- Upgrade karts with cores and parts
- Race across multiple worlds and levels
Which game fits your group?
| Your plan | Best fit among these games | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Four people sharing one console | Mario Kart 8 Deluxe | Nintendo documents up to four players in offline split-screen. |
| A local session across several consoles | Mario Kart 8 Deluxe | Local wireless supports up to eight; wired LAN supports up to 12 across multiple consoles. |
| A large online conventional race | The Crew Motorfest | Ubisoft advertises races for up to 28 players. |
| A large online group that wants a different team format | The Crew Motorfest | Last Crew Standing is advertised for 32 players in eight crews; it is not a standard race. |
| A session mixing competition, co-op, and social driving | Forza Horizon 5 | It offers several activity types and cross-play, but no current conventional race cap is established by the cited official material. |
Check before you organize the session
- Confirm the exact mode: a headline player count may refer to a race, a survival contest, or a broader online session.
- Match the hardware to the format: Mario Kart 8 Deluxe’s four-player split-screen uses one console; its 12-player LAN setup uses multiple consoles and a wired connection.
- Count controllers and systems: Nintendo requires a compatible controller for each local split-screen player. Multi-console play also means arranging enough systems for your group.
- Check online access: Nintendo states that Mario Kart 8 Deluxe online play requires a paid Nintendo Switch Online membership. Verify any other platform or service requirements for the version you plan to use.
- Confirm cross-play and platform support: Forza Horizon 5 cross-play was announced across Xbox consoles, PC, and PS5; check the game’s current platform details before coordinating a mixed-platform group.
The counts in this guide are publisher-stated limits for named modes, not independent measurements. Availability and support can vary by platform or edition, so confirm the current listing for the hardware your group owns.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- INTENSE CAR RACING: HEAT: Pedal to the Metal puts you in the driver's seat of thrilling car races. Race, jockey for position, and make strategic moves to outmaneuver your opponents and be the first to cross the finish line.
- MANAGE YOUR CAR: It's not just about speed; it's about managing your car's heat. Push your vehicle to its limits without overheating. Balance speed and engine temperature to maintain peak performance.
- UPGRADE AND CUSTOMIZE: Choose the right upgrades for your car to tackle curves and maintain cool engine temperatures. Customize your vehicle before each race to gain an edge and secure victory.
- CHAMPIONSHIP SYSTEM: Experience a whole season in one game night with the "Championship System." Upgrade your car between races, adapt to changing weather and road conditions, and aim for the championship title.
- SOLO AND MULTIPLAYER: Enjoy a solo gaming experience with the Legends Module or compete with friends. Add automated drivers as opponents in multiplayer games for added excitement.
Rank #4
- The Desktop Derby Horse Race Game lets you host your very own desktop derby.
- Forget about the Triple Crown - hold as many races as you like for hours of entertaining fun.
- This miniature desktop derby table game comes with six horses.
- Approximately: 10" x 2.5" x 5"
- Requires 2 AA batteries (not included)
Rank #3
- Boxed Game
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