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Eight people can play Mario Kart 8 Deluxe together using Local Wireless Play, but not on one Switch: you need at least four consoles, no more than two players per console, and a copy of the game on every console in the session. Local Wireless Play works without Nintendo Switch Online.
What you need for an eight-player session
- Four to eight Nintendo Switch consoles. Four is the minimum when two people play on each console.
- One copy of Mario Kart 8 Deluxe per console. A copy can be physical or digital; one cartridge cannot be shared across consoles during the same wireless session. Nintendo’s local wireless instructions specify a copy for each system.
- Up to eight controllers for eight players, plus charged batteries or access to power.
- A screen for each console. A TV is not required, but the standard setup does not combine several consoles onto one shared TV image.
Local Wireless Play means nearby consoles connect to one another; it is not internet-based Online Play. Nintendo lists the mode for two to eight players, with up to two players on each console. Nintendo’s game listing identifies the local wireless player range.
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The simplest arrangement: four consoles, two players each
| Players | Consoles | Players per console |
|---|---|---|
| 8 | 4 | 2 |
Each console needs its own copy of the game and two usable controllers. If everyone has a system, the group can instead use eight consoles with one player on each. You do not need eight Switches, but you cannot put three or more people on one console in Local Wireless Play.
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Tabletop mode can work without a TV, though each pair has to share a small screen. TV mode is easier to see, but typically means a display for each console. Switch Lite can run the game, but it cannot dock to a TV in the usual way and may require separate controllers; Nintendo warns that the experience and accessory needs can differ on Lite. See Nintendo’s compatibility note.
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- Two Joy Con can be used independently in each hand, or together as 1 game controller when attached to the Joy Con grip
- They can also attach to the main console for use in handheld mode, or be shared with friends to enjoy two player action in supported games
- Each Joy Con has a full set of buttons and can act as a standalone controller, and each includes an accelerometer and gyro sensor, making independent left and right motion control possible
How to start Local Wireless Play
- Start Mario Kart 8 Deluxe on every console and choose Wireless Play from the title menu.
- On each console, select 1P for one player or 2P for two. Follow the prompts to choose controller types and confirm each player.
- On the host console, select Create Room. Set the race or battle options, such as VS Race, Battle, engine class, teams, items, and race count.
- On the other consoles, select the host’s room from the lobby. Players choose characters and karts; wait until everyone has joined.
- The host confirms the settings, players choose a track, and the race begins.
If a room does not appear, check that every system selected Wireless Play, the consoles are nearby, the host created a room, and no console is in Online Play or LAN Play by mistake. Make sure the game is updated on each system as well. Nintendo’s full lobby flow is in its multiplayer setup guide.
Controller options for eight players
The most economical arrangement is often one Joy-Con per person. A pair of Joy-Con can be split between two players, with each holding one horizontally. A player using a single Joy-Con presses SL + SR when prompted. With two Joy-Con held vertically, press L + R; for a Pro Controller, press L + R.
Pro Controllers offer a more conventional grip for long sessions, but controllers do not replace consoles or game copies. For original Nintendo Switch systems, use compatible original Switch controllers; do not assume Switch 2 controllers or accessories work with original Switch hardware. Nintendo’s controller selection steps and button prompts are covered in its support instructions.
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Why one Switch is not enough
Standard single-system multiplayer supports up to four players. Adding more controllers does not raise that limit to eight. The modes have different capacities and requirements:
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- Two Joy Con can be used independently in each hand, or together as 1 game controller when attached to the Joy Con grip
- They can also attach to the main console for use in handheld mode, or be shared with friends to enjoy 2 player action in supported games
- Each Joy Con has a full set of buttons and can act as a standalone controller, and each includes an accelerometer and gyro sensor, making independent left and right motion control possible
| Mode | Player capacity | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Single-system multiplayer | 1–4 players on one console | A group of up to four sharing one Switch |
| Local Wireless Play | 2–8 players; up to two per console | Nearby players who want a straightforward multi-console session |
| LAN Play | Up to 12 players | Wired events or crowded venues |
| Online Play | 2–12 players | Players connecting over the internet from different places |
For Local Wireless Play, Nintendo Switch Online is not required. Online multiplayer does require a Nintendo Switch Online membership. Nintendo’s mode guide distinguishes local, online, and single-system play.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.When LAN Play is worth the extra setup
LAN Play is a wired alternative for tournaments or venues where wireless connections are unreliable. Nintendo supports up to 12 players in this mode. Every console must connect by Ethernet to the same shared router; you will need compatible docks or an appropriate wired adapter, Ethernet cables, and possibly a network switch if the router does not have enough ports. Nintendo’s LAN instructions give the equipment and procedure.
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- Connect each participating console to the same router by Ethernet.
- At the game’s title menu, hold L and R, then press the left stick in. The menu should change from Wireless Play to LAN Play.
- One system selects Create Room; the others select that room from the lobby.
LAN is unnecessary if Local Wireless Play is working for an eight-person gathering. It adds cabling and networking equipment, but avoids relying on console-to-console wireless communication.
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| Your situation | Recommended mode |
|---|---|
| Eight people together, casual play | Local Wireless Play with four consoles and two players per console |
| Up to four people and one Switch | Single-system multiplayer |
| Tournament or unreliable wireless environment | LAN Play, if wired networking is available |
| Players in different homes | Online Play |
Common snags and fixes
The host’s room is missing
- Confirm all consoles chose Wireless Play and the host chose Create Room.
- Move the systems closer together and finish controller selection on each one.
- Check that the game is updated and that the group has not entered LAN Play or Online Play instead.
The game reports too many players
In Local Wireless Play, no console can have more than two players. If the group is trying to use one console, switch to another mode or limit the session to the single-system maximum of four.
You only have one game copy
One copy will not support an eight-player Local Wireless or LAN session across multiple consoles. The group can play with up to four people on one console, or obtain a copy for each participating system.
Wireless connections are unreliable
Interference in a crowded space can make discovery or connection less reliable. If practical, use LAN Play with every console connected to the same router by Ethernet.
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