How to connect two Nintendo Switch consoles for local wireless gaming

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A local wireless game may seem strange to those of us who rely on online access for multiplayer of any kind. But you don’t need an internet connection for a local wireless game. All you need are two Nintendo Switch consoles (you and your friend), two copies of the game and the simple task of being next to each other. For this guide, we used Mario Kart 8 Deluxe as an example of how to set up a local wireless game.

Note that each game that supports local wireless play has a different setup method.

Make sure the game you are playing supports a local game

Not every game offers local gaming, so you’ll want to make sure it’s even possible before you try. Here’s how to figure it out.

1. If you have a physical copy. Look at the back of the box near the bottom. You can see that Mario Kart 8 Deluxe offers a local game for up to 8 players.

2. If you don’t have a physical copy of the game, go to Nintendo.

   

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3. Enter the name of the game in the search box.

4. If more than one option appears, click on the right game.

   

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5. Read game information to see if it supports local wireless playback.

   

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How to Connect Two Switch Consoles for Local Game Connecting Switch Consoles

1. Sit close by the person or persons you will be playing locally with. Proximity is required for local wireless gaming.

2. Each player will need their own Nintendo Switch and a copy of the game, either digital or physical. If you have a physical copy, insert Mario Kart 8 cartridge in your Nintendo Switch console.

   

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3. Click on the Mario Kart 8 Deluxe icon from the Nintendo Switch menu to start the game.

4. Press any button to jump from this screen.

   

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5. Scroll down to Wireless Play.

6. Select local wireless game an option that suits your needs. If you want to play with two people on this switch, press 2p. Otherwise, stick to 1p where one person will be on this Switch.

   

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7. Only one player needs to make a room. This person needs to press create a room.

8. The player (s) from the first Switch will have to choose a driver.

   

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9. Then these players from the first Switch will have to choose a kart, a set of wheels and a sailboat.

10. When this is done click on A to move on. Your Miii will now show up in the garage. Now is the time to join any other Switch consoles to the room that was created. Up to eight players can play together. This can be done with eight people each on their Switch or with four Switch consoles hosting two players.

    

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11. Any additional Switch consoles wishing to join the room will need to move to the Mario Kart 8 Deluxe main menu until they reach local wireless game.

12. Choose whether you want to host one or two players from the Switch console who want to join the room by pressing either 1p or 2p.

    

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13. On the screen you will see your friend’s host room. Choose your friend’s room.

14. Any player who joins the room will have to they choose their character.

    

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15. On the next screen, players will have to choose their own driver, wheels and sailboat. When this is done, Mii enters each player’s garage.

    

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16. The first player then sets the rules of the race. Once everything is set, player one presses office to start the race.

17. All Switch consoles are now connected. Enjoy the race!

    

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One of the best things about Nintendo Switch is that it offers plenty of games that you can play with friends instead of relying on random players online. Several games support local wireless play, but the setup steps vary from game to game.

Our top selection of equipment

If you are excited about the local wireless game, then you will need the necessary equipment. Of course, that means you have a Nintendo Switch ready and a fun game to play with your friends.

Accessories

If you are looking for other games that support local wireless play, we will cover you. Here are three other Multiplayer Switch games that we highly recommend:

New releases!

All Nintendo Switch games are coming in November 2021!

If you’re in the market for new Nintendo Switch games, here are the ones that will be released in November. The most notable are Pokémon Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl, Shin Megami Tensei V and The Smurfs – Mission Vileaf