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Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →You need four compatible controllers total for four people to play local Battle Mode on one Nintendo Switch 2—one controller for each player. If you already have one, you need three more. This four-player setup applies to Battle Mode, not the Campaign or Challenge co-op modes.
Four players means four controllers
Nintendo’s instructions for Star Fox version 1.2.0 state that a controller is required for each player. For four people playing split-screen Battle Mode on a single Nintendo Switch 2, that means four controllers in use at the same time. Count the controllers available to the players, not the number of controller sets or packages you own.
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- No controllers available: you need four compatible controllers.
- One controller available: you need three more.
- Two controllers available: you need two more.
- Three controllers available: you need one more.
This is the local, one-console answer. A controller used by one player cannot also serve as the controller for another player in the same match.
Which Star Fox mode supports four players locally?
The four-player split-screen feature is for Battle Mode. Nintendo describes Campaign and Challenge co-op as two-player modes: one person pilots while the other operates the guns. Those modes do not use the four-player Battle Mode arrangement.
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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
The distinction matters when checking the player count. Nintendo lists play on a single system for one to four players, and online play for one to eight. The online maximum does not mean that eight people can play locally on one console. For four people sharing one Switch 2, choose Battle Mode and have four controllers ready.
Does each player need a pair of Joy-Con?
No. Nintendo’s version 1.2.0 update notes say that Joy-Con 2 and original Joy-Con controllers can be used individually in horizontal grip for split-screen play. In that setup, one individual Joy-Con serves as a player’s controller; a pair is not required for every player.
Rank #2
- Only for use with the Nintendo Switch 2 system.
That makes four separate Joy-Con controllers one possible way to meet the four-controller requirement, assuming they are compatible with the console and available for the game. A Joy-Con pair used together is still one player’s controller setup, not two players’ controllers. Check how the controllers are assigned before starting so that each person has an individual controller.
Controller options Nintendo identifies
Nintendo lists Joy-Con 2 and the Nintendo Switch 2 Pro Controller as supported choices. Nintendo’s update instructions specifically mention Joy-Con 2 and original Joy-Con used solo in horizontal grip for split-screen. Nintendo’s Star Fox information also mentions the Nintendo 64 Controller for Nintendo Switch; check its compatibility with your console and the intended setup rather than assuming that every listed controller works in every configuration.
Rank #3
- These updated Joy-Con 2 controllers have a color scheme inspired by Deep Cut from the Splatoon franchise. They have HD rumble, easy-to-use motion and mouse controls, and a C Button for easy GameChat* access (available in compatible games).
| Controller option | What Nintendo’s information establishes | What to check for four-player local play |
|---|---|---|
| Joy-Con 2 | Listed as a supported controller; may be used individually in horizontal grip for split-screen. | Have four controllers assigned, one to each player. |
| Original Joy-Con | Nintendo’s update notes allow individual horizontal use for split-screen. | Confirm the controllers are connected and assigned to the players. |
| Nintendo Switch 2 Pro Controller | Listed by Nintendo as a supported controller. | Have one controller available per player; four-player play still requires four controllers total. |
| Nintendo 64 Controller for Nintendo Switch | Mentioned in Nintendo’s Star Fox controller information. | Check compatibility with the console and the specific multiplayer setup before relying on it. |
The table distinguishes a controller Nintendo names from the separate question of how many players a local match requires. Whatever compatible option you use, the four-player Battle Mode requirement remains one controller per person.
How to check your setup before a match
- Decide how you will play. For four people on one console, use local Battle Mode. Campaign and Challenge co-op are the two-player pilot-and-gunner arrangements.
- Count the controllers available to players. You need four in total. A Joy-Con used alone in horizontal grip counts as one controller for one player; a paired set does not provide two players unless its individual Joy-Con are separated and used by different players.
- Check that each controller is compatible. Use the Nintendo-listed options and verify any older or separately supported controller against the console and the mode you intend to play.
- Connect and assign one controller per player. Nintendo’s update note establishes the one-controller-per-player requirement. If a player cannot join, check that their controller is connected and recognized rather than assuming the game supports shared use of one controller.
- Start Battle Mode and confirm all four players can participate. If you are launching Campaign or Challenge, expect the two-player co-op format instead of four-player split-screen.
Version requirement for split-screen
Nintendo’s South Africa support page identifies version 1.2.0 as released on 30 September 2026. That update added split-screen play for up to four players on one Nintendo Switch 2 console and states that each player needs a controller. If the four-player local option is unavailable, check that Star Fox has been updated to version 1.2.0 or later, then check the mode and controller assignments.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- Introducing Joy-Con, controllers that make new kinds of gaming possible, for use with Nintendo Switch.
- The versatile Joy-Con offer multiple surprising new ways for players to have fun.
- Two Joy-Con can be used independently in each hand, or together as one 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.
Rank #4
- The updated Joy-Con 2 controllers have motion controls and HD rumble 2, along with the new C Button for easy GameChat* access and all-new mouse controls in compatible games.
- This set includes both a left and right Joy-Con 2 controller (along with a pair of Joy-Con 2 straps)—perfect for local multiplayer with a friend in compatible games.
- Includes two Joy-Con 2 straps.
- Only for use with the Nintendo Switch 2 system.
Common counting mistakes
- Confusing an online player limit with a local limit: Nintendo’s listed one-to-eight online count is separate from the one-to-four single-system count.
- Counting a Joy-Con pair as two players automatically: two Joy-Con used together form one player’s setup. They can serve separate players when used individually, subject to the supported horizontal-grip setup.
- Applying the Battle Mode count to co-op: the Campaign and Challenge co-op description is for two people sharing piloting and gunning duties, not four-player Battle Mode.
- Assuming every named controller applies to every configuration: confirm compatibility for the specific console and mode, especially when using a controller option outside the Joy-Con setups explicitly described for split-screen.
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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