Mario Kart Switch: 2-Player Mode - Get Racing!

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Mario Kart Switch: 2-Player Mode - Get Racing!

Hey there, fellow Mario Kart fans! Want to know how to play 2 players on Nintendo Switch Mario Kart? You've come to the right place. Playing Mario Kart with a friend or family member is one of the best experiences you can have on the Nintendo Switch. It's all about the laughs, the close calls, and, of course, the intense competition! Whether you're seasoned pros or complete beginners, getting two players set up for some karting action is super easy. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know to get started, from the necessary equipment to navigating the game's menus. So, grab your Joy-Cons, settle in, and let's get ready to race!

What You'll Need to Play 2-Player Mario Kart

Before you can start throwing shells and drifting around corners with a buddy, you'll need to make sure you have all the necessary equipment. Don't worry, it's pretty straightforward!

  • A Nintendo Switch: Obviously, you can't play Mario Kart on the Switch without, well, a Switch! Any model will do—the original, the OLED, or the Lite. Keep in mind that the Switch Lite is a bit smaller, which might make split-screen play a little cramped.
  • Mario Kart 8 Deluxe: This is the only Mario Kart game available on the Switch, so make sure you have a copy, either physical or digital.
  • Controllers: This is where it gets a little more interesting. There are several options for controllers, and the best choice depends on your preferences and budget:
    • Joy-Cons: Each Nintendo Switch comes with a pair of Joy-Cons. These can be used separately by two players, with each player holding one Joy-Con sideways. This is the most economical option, but some players might find the small size uncomfortable for extended play sessions.
    • Pro Controllers: The Nintendo Switch Pro Controller is a more traditional gamepad that many players find more comfortable than the Joy-Cons, especially for longer gaming sessions. If you have two Pro Controllers, each player can use one for a more comfortable experience.
    • Extra Joy-Cons: You can purchase additional Joy-Cons if you want each player to have a more traditional controller setup. This can be a good compromise between the affordability of using a single Joy-Con and the comfort of a Pro Controller.

No matter which controller option you choose, make sure your controllers are charged before you start playing. There's nothing worse than your controller dying in the middle of a heated race!

Setting Up Your Controllers

Okay, so you've got your Switch, your game, and your controllers. Now it's time to get everything connected and set up for 2-player action. Here's how:

  1. Turn on your Nintendo Switch: Press the power button on the console to turn it on.
  2. Navigate to the Home Menu: If you're not already there, press the Home button on your controller to return to the main menu.
  3. Go to the Controller Settings: From the Home Menu, select the "Controllers" option. It looks like a picture of a controller.
  4. Choose "Change Grip/Order": On the Controllers screen, select the "Change Grip/Order" option. This will take you to a screen where you can sync your controllers.
  5. Sync Your Controllers: On the "Change Grip/Order" screen, each player needs to press and hold the SYNC button on their controller. The SYNC button is a small, black button located on the top of the Joy-Cons (between the SL and SR buttons) and on the back of the Pro Controller. Hold the button until the controller LEDs start flashing.
  6. Assign Controller Order: Once the controllers are synced, they will be assigned a player number (1, 2, 3, or 4). Make sure each player knows which controller is theirs.

Once your controllers are synced and assigned, you're ready to launch Mario Kart 8 Deluxe and start playing!

Launching Mario Kart 8 Deluxe and Selecting 2-Player Mode

Now that your controllers are all set up, it's time to dive into the game and get ready to race! Here's how to launch Mario Kart 8 Deluxe and select the 2-player mode:

  1. Select Mario Kart 8 Deluxe: From the Nintendo Switch Home Menu, find the Mario Kart 8 Deluxe icon and select it to launch the game.
  2. Navigate to the Main Menu: Once the game loads, you'll be taken to the main menu. Here, you'll see several options, including "Single Player," "Multiplayer," "Online Play," and more.
  3. Choose "Multiplayer": To play with two players on the same console, select the "Multiplayer" option. This will take you to the local multiplayer menu.
  4. Select the Number of Players: On the local multiplayer menu, you'll be prompted to select the number of players. Choose "2P" to indicate that you want to play with two players.
  5. Choose Your Game Mode: After selecting the number of players, you'll be able to choose from several different game modes:
    • Grand Prix: Race against computer-controlled opponents in a series of four races. The player with the most points at the end of the series wins.
    • Versus: Customize your race settings and compete against each other in a single race.
    • Battle: Engage in a variety of battle modes, such as Balloon Battle, Bob-omb Blast, and Shine Thief.

Choosing Your Characters, Karts, and Settings

Alright, you've made it to the good stuff! Now it's time to customize your experience and get ready to hit the track. This is where you and your friend can let your personalities shine through by choosing your favorite characters, karts, and settings.

Selecting Your Characters

Mario Kart 8 Deluxe boasts a huge roster of characters, from classic Mario heroes like Mario, Luigi, and Peach to more obscure characters like Pink Gold Peach and the Koopalings. Each player gets to choose their own character, so take your time and find one that you enjoy playing as.

Character selection doesn't just come down to aesthetics, either. Each character has slightly different stats that affect their kart's performance. Some characters might have better acceleration, while others might have higher top speeds or better handling. Experiment with different characters to find one that suits your play style.

Building Your Karts

Once you've chosen your characters, it's time to build your karts! In Mario Kart 8 Deluxe, you can customize your kart by selecting a frame, wheels, and a glider. Each of these components affects your kart's stats, so it's important to choose them carefully.

  • Frame: The frame is the main body of your kart and has the biggest impact on your kart's stats. Different frames offer different combinations of speed, acceleration, weight, handling, and traction.
  • Wheels: The wheels affect your kart's acceleration, handling, and traction. Smaller wheels tend to offer better acceleration and handling, while larger wheels offer better top speed and traction.
  • Glider: The glider affects your kart's air speed and handling. Different gliders offer different levels of control while gliding.

Experiment with different kart combinations to find one that you like. You can even create different karts for different tracks, depending on their unique characteristics.

Adjusting the Settings

Before you start racing, you might want to adjust some of the game settings to your liking. Here are a few options you might want to consider:

  • CPU Difficulty: If you're playing Grand Prix mode, you can adjust the difficulty of the computer-controlled opponents. If you're new to the game, you might want to start with a lower difficulty setting and gradually increase it as you get better.
  • Item Slots: You can adjust the number of item slots each player has. More item slots mean more opportunities to use items, which can make the game more chaotic and unpredictable.
  • Smart Steering: Smart Steering is a feature that helps prevent players from driving off the track. If you're new to the game, you might want to turn this feature on. However, more experienced players might want to turn it off for more control.
  • Auto-Accelerate: Auto-Accelerate is a feature that automatically accelerates your kart. This can be helpful for new players, but more experienced players might want to turn it off for more control.

Hitting the Track and Racing!

With your characters chosen, karts customized, and settings adjusted, you're finally ready to hit the track and start racing! Whether you're competing in a Grand Prix, battling it out in Versus mode, or engaging in a chaotic Battle mode, here are a few tips to help you succeed:

  • Master the Drift: Drifting is an essential technique in Mario Kart 8 Deluxe. By drifting around corners, you can build up a speed boost that can give you a significant advantage. To drift, press and hold the R button (or ZR button) while turning.
  • Use Items Strategically: Items can be incredibly powerful in Mario Kart 8 Deluxe. Use them strategically to disrupt your opponents or give yourself an edge. For example, you can use a Green Shell to knock an opponent off the track, or you can use a Mushroom to get a quick speed boost.
  • Learn the Tracks: Each track in Mario Kart 8 Deluxe has its own unique layout and challenges. Take the time to learn the tracks and identify the best shortcuts and drifting opportunities.
  • Pay Attention to Your Mini-Map: The mini-map in the bottom-right corner of the screen can be a valuable tool. Use it to anticipate upcoming turns, identify item boxes, and track the positions of your opponents.
  • Have Fun!: Most importantly, remember to have fun! Mario Kart 8 Deluxe is a game that's meant to be enjoyed with friends and family. Don't take it too seriously, and just focus on having a good time.

So there you have it, guys! You now know how to play 2 players on Nintendo Switch Mario Kart. Gather your friends, sync those controllers, and get ready for some unforgettable races! Whether you're aiming for the podium or just looking for a good laugh, Mario Kart 8 Deluxe is sure to deliver hours of fun. Now go out there and show those Koopa Troopas who's boss!