How many controllers do you need for SONIC PICO PARK? One player isn't enough
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- Two players is the minimum. Nintendo lists SONIC PICO PARK as "Single system (2-8)." There's no one-player number on the store page.
- Your console already covers two. The left and right Joy-Con 2 each count as their own controller.
- Three or more players? Add controllers. Nintendo allows up to 8 wireless controllers on one console.
- Bluetooth headphones cut you down to two controllers. Nintendo says so in its pairing FAQ.
- Skip the memory card. The game is 381 MB on Switch 2. It also doesn't play in handheld mode.
In this guide
- Can one kid play SONIC PICO PARK alone?
- How many controllers does your console come with?
- Does Nintendo say which controllers this game supports?
- Why Bluetooth headphones can end game night early
- Can you play it in handheld mode?
- What if your family has a Switch Lite?
- Do you need a microSD card for it?
- Do you need Nintendo Switch Online?
- The picks
- Who can skip this
- Sources
SONIC PICO PARK arrives November 12 on Switch 2 and on the original Switch. It's a co-op puzzle game, and Nintendo's description is blunt about it: "cooperation is absolutely essential!"
That one line changes what you need to buy. Here are the numbers from Nintendo's own store and support pages.
Can one kid play SONIC PICO PARK alone?
Nintendo's US store page lists the game as "Single system (2-8)." Online, it's listed as "Online (2-8)" too.
The smallest number on both lines is two. Nintendo's description says the game "supports 2 to 8 players locally or online, and all content can be enjoyed with any party size."
So if you're buying this for one child, plan for a second player. That's either another controller in the room, or online play with a membership.
How many controllers does your console come with?
Two. Nintendo's pairing FAQ says "the right and left Joy-Con 2 each connect as individual controllers to a console."
A Switch 2 ships with one Joy-Con 2 pair, so a family starts at two players with nothing extra.
| Players on one console | What you need |
|---|---|
| 2 | The Joy-Con 2 pair that came with the console |
| 3 or 4 | One more Joy-Con 2 pair |
| 5 to 8 | One controller per player |
Does Nintendo say which controllers this game supports?
No. The store page doesn't list supported controllers. It does carry the standard line: "Additional accessories may be required(sold separately)."
What Nintendo does spell out is the console side. Its pairing FAQ says "in most circumstances, up to eight wireless controllers can be connected to a console."
The same page says the Nintendo Switch 2 Pro Controller "is always counted as one controller." A Joy-Con 2 pair on a grip still counts as two.
Why Bluetooth headphones can end game night early
This one surprises people. Nintendo's FAQ says "when a Bluetooth audio device is connected, no more than two wireless controllers can be connected."
So wireless headphones and four players don't mix. Disconnect the headphones first, then connect the third controller.
Can you play it in handheld mode?
No. Nintendo lists TV mode and tabletop mode only, on both the Switch and the Switch 2 versions.
That rules it out as a car game, and it means every player needs a controller of their own.
What if your family has a Switch Lite?
Nintendo's store page warns that compatibility and play experience "may differ on Nintendo Switch Lite."
A Lite can't help here the way a regular Switch can. Nintendo's play mode FAQ says "Nintendo Switch Lite does not support TV Mode." For tabletop games, it says "players can wirelessly connect compatible controllers (sold separately), such as the Joy-Con or the Nintendo Switch Pro Controller, to Nintendo Switch Lite."
Nintendo also says charging Joy-Con needs "a Nintendo Switch system or the Joy-Con Charging Grip (sold separately)." A Pro Controller avoids that problem, because it charges over USB.
Do you need a microSD card for it?
No. Nintendo lists the download at 381 MB on Switch 2 and 375 MB on Switch. That's small enough to skip a card.
The game is a download, though. There's no boxed copy listed, so it isn't something you can wrap.
Do you need Nintendo Switch Online?
Only for online play. Nintendo's page says "Nintendo Switch Online membership (sold separately) and Nintendo Account required for online features."
Everyone playing on one console doesn't need it. Nintendo's description also notes online cross-play, "with up to 7 players able to join online."
The picks
Nintendo Joy-Con 2 (L)/(R) Light Blue/Light Red
Two more controllersGet this if three or four people will play on one Switch 2.
Skip it if only two people will play. The pair in the box is enough.
- Adds
- 2 controllers
- Works with
- Nintendo Switch 2
One pair takes a family of four to four controllers. Search results also show the older Joy-Con, without the "2" in the name. Those are the original Switch controllers.
Find it on AmazonNintendo Switch 2 Pro Controller
Counts as oneGet this if you're filling out a bigger group, or an adult wants real buttons.
Skip it if your group tops out at four players.
- Counts as
- 1 controller
- Works with
- Nintendo Switch 2 only
Nintendo's FAQ says it "is only for use with Nintendo Switch 2." Search results mix it with the older Nintendo Switch Pro Controller, so check the name for "Switch 2."
Find it on AmazonNintendo Switch Pro Controller
For Switch and LiteGet this if your family plays on an original Switch or a Switch Lite.
Skip it if you have a Switch 2. Get the Joy-Con 2 pair instead.
- Works with
- Nintendo Switch, Nintendo Switch Lite
- Counts as
- 1 controller
Nintendo names this controller as one you can connect to a Lite for tabletop games. It charges over USB, so you don't need a grip for it.
Find it on AmazonWho can skip this
If only two people will play on a Switch 2, you're set. The pair in the box is both controllers you need.
Don't buy a memory card for this game. At 381 MB, it fits on any console Nintendo sells.
And if your child wants to play alone, this isn't the one. Nintendo's own numbers start at two players.
Sources
- Nintendo: SONIC PICO PARK for Nintendo Switch 2 (US store page)
- Nintendo: SONIC PICO PARK for Nintendo Switch (US store page)
- Nintendo Support: Controller Pairing on Nintendo Switch 2 FAQ
- Nintendo Support: Nintendo Switch 2 Pro Controller FAQ
- Nintendo Support: Nintendo Switch Play Mode, Accessory, and Features Compatibility FAQ