How many controllers do you need for Mario Kart World?
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- Two players? You don't need anything else. Nintendo says the Joy-Con 2 pair that comes with Switch 2 covers two players.
- Three or four players? Add controllers. Another Joy-Con 2 pair covers two more.
- Old Switch Joy-Con work too. Nintendo says the original Joy-Con controllers work fine.
- Split-screen at home doesn't need Nintendo Switch Online. Online races do.
In this guide
Mario Kart World is a Nintendo Switch 2 exclusive. If more than two people in your house want to play, the question is how many one console can handle, and what you need to buy for them.
How many people can play on one Switch 2?
Four. Nintendo's multiplayer guide says you pick 2P, 3P, or 4P depending on how many people are playing on a single system. The screen splits for each player.
Five or more people need more than one console. Nintendo says larger groups can play over local wireless with multiple Switch 2 systems, each with its own copy of the game.
How many controllers do you need?
Nintendo's guide says the Joy-Con 2 pair that comes with Switch 2 supports two players. After that, you need extra controllers.
| Players on one console | What you need |
|---|---|
| 1 or 2 | The Joy-Con 2 pair in the box |
| 3 or 4 | Add one more Joy-Con 2 pair, or other controllers |
Nintendo also says original Joy-Con controllers "work just fine if you have those." If your family had a Switch before, check the drawer before you buy anything.
Do you need Nintendo Switch Online?
Not for split-screen on one console. Nintendo lists the membership as required for online features.
You can also race online with a second player on the same console. Nintendo says to choose 2P when a friend is sitting next to you.
The picks
Nintendo Joy-Con 2 (L)/(R) Light Blue/Light Red
Two playersGet this if you want to add two more players to one Switch 2.
Skip it if you already have original Joy-Con from an older Switch.
- Adds
- 2 players (per Nintendo)
- Works with
- Nintendo Switch 2
- Stock (Oct 6)
- In stock
One pair covers both extra players, so it's the simplest way to get to four.
Check price on AmazonNintendo Switch 2 Pro Controller
One playerGet this if you only need one more controller and want a full-size grip.
Skip it if you need to add two players. A Joy-Con 2 pair covers both.
- Adds
- 1 player
- Works with
- Nintendo Switch 2
- Made by
- Nintendo
A full-size controller, which is handy for anyone who finds a single Joy-Con small.
Check price on AmazonNintendo Joy-Con (L)/(R) – Pastel Purple/Pastel Green
BudgetGet this if you want original Joy-Con. Nintendo says they work with Mario Kart World.
Skip it if you already have a set from an older Switch.
- Model
- Original Joy-Con (Switch)
- Sold by (Oct 6)
- SJVIDEO (third party)
- Stock (Oct 6)
- Only 3 left
This listing was sold by a third-party seller when I checked, with only a few left.
Check price on AmazonWho can skip this
If it's just you and one other person, the Joy-Con 2 in the box already covers both of you.
If you already own original Joy-Con, you may have everything you need for three or four players.