Nintendo Switch Multiplayer: The Ultimate Guide to Playing with Two!
So, you’ve got a Nintendo Switch and a friend or loved one itching to dive into some multiplayer action? Excellent choice! The Nintendo Switch is a fantastic console for cooperative and competitive gaming experiences, but navigating the world of local multiplayer can sometimes feel a little confusing. This comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know to play games with two people on your Nintendo Switch, covering everything from controller options and game selection to troubleshooting common issues.
## Understanding Your Controller Options
The first step to playing with two people on your Nintendo Switch is understanding the various controller configurations available. The Switch offers incredible flexibility in this regard, allowing you to adapt to different game types and preferences.
* **Joy-Cons (Detached):** This is perhaps the most common and versatile option. Each Joy-Con can be used as a separate controller, allowing two players to jump into games right out of the box. When detached, the Joy-Cons act as miniature controllers, each with its own analog stick, face buttons, shoulder buttons, and motion controls. This is ideal for games that don’t require a lot of precision or complex controls.
* **How to Detach Joy-Cons:** Slide the Joy-Cons upwards from the console until they click. Then, press the small release button on the back of each Joy-Con and slide them upwards to fully detach them.
* **Syncing Detached Joy-Cons:** After detaching, press the SL and SR buttons (the small black buttons on the top of the Joy-Cons) to activate them. The player LED lights will indicate the controller number (1P or 2P).
* **Joy-Cons (Attached to the Grip):** You can combine both Joy-Cons into a single, more traditional controller using the Joy-Con Grip. This provides a more comfortable and ergonomic experience, especially for longer gaming sessions. However, this setup only allows for one player to use the Joy-Cons.
* **Nintendo Switch Pro Controller:** The Pro Controller is a premium option that offers a more robust and comfortable experience compared to the Joy-Cons. It features a traditional controller layout with comfortable grips, precise analog sticks, and long battery life. If you plan on playing a lot of multiplayer games, investing in a Pro Controller is highly recommended.
* **Third-Party Controllers:** Many third-party controllers are compatible with the Nintendo Switch. These can range from budget-friendly options to high-end controllers with advanced features. Make sure to check compatibility before purchasing.
## Choosing the Right Games for Two Players
The Nintendo Switch boasts a vast library of games perfect for two-player fun. Here are some popular genres and specific titles to consider:
* **Party Games:** These games are designed for social gatherings and are generally easy to pick up and play, even for non-gamers.
* **Mario Kart 8 Deluxe:** A classic kart racing game with tons of tracks, characters, and customization options. The definitive kart racer on the Switch.
* **Super Mario Party Superstars:** A collection of classic Mario Party minigames and boards from the Nintendo 64 era, enhanced with modern visuals and online multiplayer.
* **Overcooked! 2 / Overcooked! All You Can Eat:** A chaotic co-op cooking game where you and your partner must work together to prepare and serve meals under intense pressure. Communication is key!
* **Moving Out:** Similar to Overcooked, but instead of cooking, you’re moving furniture out of houses. Expect hilarious physics-based mayhem.
* **Jackbox Party Packs:** A series of party game collections that require only a single Switch console and smartphones as controllers. Perfect for large groups.
* **Fighting Games:** These games offer intense head-to-head battles with a variety of characters and fighting styles.
* **Super Smash Bros. Ultimate:** The ultimate crossover fighting game with a massive roster of characters from various franchises. Highly competitive and endlessly replayable.
* **Street Fighter 30th Anniversary Collection:** A collection of classic Street Fighter games, perfect for retro gaming enthusiasts.
* **Dragon Ball FighterZ:** A fast-paced and visually stunning fighting game based on the Dragon Ball anime series.
* **Adventure/Co-op Games:** These games allow you and your partner to embark on epic adventures together.
* **Luigi’s Mansion 3:** A charming and spooky adventure where Luigi must rescue Mario and his friends from a haunted hotel. Features excellent co-op gameplay.
* **It Takes Two:** An award-winning co-op adventure where you play as a couple undergoing a divorce. This game requires two players and features innovative gameplay mechanics.
* **Unravel Two:** A puzzle-platformer where you control two yarn creatures who must work together to solve environmental puzzles.
* **Minecraft:** A sandbox game where you can build anything you can imagine. Explore, craft, and survive together in a blocky world.
* **Diablo III: Eternal Collection:** A classic action RPG with endless loot and challenging dungeons to explore. Features excellent co-op gameplay.
* **Sports Games:** These games allow you to compete in various sports, either against each other or as teammates.
* **Mario Tennis Aces:** A fast-paced and arcade-style tennis game with a variety of characters and special moves.
* **NBA 2K Playgrounds 2:** An over-the-top basketball game with arcade-style gameplay and fun power-ups.
* **FIFA Series:** The annual FIFA soccer games offer realistic gameplay and a variety of modes for both single-player and multiplayer.
* **Puzzle Games:** These games challenge your problem-solving skills and require you to work together to find solutions.
* **Snipperclips Plus – Cut it out, together!:** A unique puzzle game where you cut each other into different shapes to solve environmental puzzles.
* **Puyo Puyo Tetris:** A mashup of two classic puzzle games, Puyo Puyo and Tetris. Highly addictive and challenging.
## Setting Up Two-Player Gameplay: Step-by-Step Instructions
Now that you have your controllers and games ready, let’s walk through the steps to set up two-player gameplay on your Nintendo Switch.
1. **Power On Your Nintendo Switch:** Make sure your Switch is powered on and docked or in handheld mode.
2. **Navigate to the Home Menu:** From the Home Menu, select the game you want to play.
3. **Check Game Compatibility:** Before launching the game, check the back of the game box or the game’s description on the Nintendo eShop to confirm that it supports two-player local multiplayer. Look for icons indicating the number of players supported and whether detached Joy-Cons are compatible.
4. **Launch the Game:** Select the game icon and press A to launch it.
5. **Navigate to the Multiplayer Mode:** Most games will have a multiplayer option in the main menu. Look for options like “Local Multiplayer,” “Versus Mode,” or “Co-op Mode.”
6. **Controller Selection/Syncing:** This is where the controller setup comes into play. The game will typically prompt you to select your controllers. Follow these steps:
* **Detached Joy-Cons:** If you’re using detached Joy-Cons, make sure they are synced to the console. To sync them, press the SL and SR buttons on each Joy-Con. The player LED lights will indicate the controller number (1P or 2P). If they are not syncing, go to the Switch’s System Settings > Controllers and Sensors > Change Grip/Order. This will allow you to re-sync your Joy-Cons.
* **Joy-Cons (Attached to the Grip):** If you’re using the Joy-Con Grip, simply ensure that the Joy-Cons are properly attached to the grip.
* **Pro Controllers:** Press the Sync button on the top of the Pro Controller to sync it to the console. The player LED lights will indicate the controller number.
* **Third-Party Controllers:** Follow the instructions provided with your third-party controller to sync it to the console. This usually involves pressing a Sync button.
7. **Player Assignment:** Once the controllers are synced, the game will typically ask you to assign each controller to a player. Follow the on-screen instructions to assign the controllers.
8. **Start Playing!** Once the controllers are assigned, you’re ready to start playing! Follow the game’s instructions to begin the game.
## Advanced Tips and Tricks
* **Controller Charging:** Keep your controllers charged! Low battery can interrupt your gameplay. The Joy-Cons charge when attached to the console, and the Pro Controller can be charged using a USB-C cable.
* **Controller Comfort:** Consider investing in Joy-Con grips or Pro Controllers for longer and more comfortable gaming sessions.
* **Screen Size:** When playing in handheld mode, the screen can feel a bit small for two players. Consider playing on a TV for a more immersive experience.
* **Experiment with Different Games:** Don’t be afraid to try out different games to find what you and your partner enjoy most.
* **Online Multiplayer:** Many Switch games also offer online multiplayer, allowing you to play with friends and strangers around the world. You’ll need a Nintendo Switch Online subscription to access online multiplayer features.
* **Controller Customization:** The Switch allows you to customize controller settings, such as button mapping and stick sensitivity. Experiment with these settings to find what works best for you.
## Troubleshooting Common Issues
* **Controller Not Syncing:** If your controller is not syncing, try the following:
* Make sure the controller is charged.
* Press the Sync button on the controller.
* Go to System Settings > Controllers and Sensors > Change Grip/Order to re-sync the controller.
* Restart the console.
* **Game Not Recognizing Second Controller:** If the game is not recognizing the second controller, try the following:
* Make sure the controller is properly synced to the console.
* Ensure that the game supports two-player local multiplayer.
* Check the game’s settings to see if there are any options related to controller configuration.
* Restart the game.
* **Lag or Performance Issues:** If you’re experiencing lag or performance issues, try the following:
* Ensure that your console is properly ventilated.
* Close any unnecessary applications running in the background.
* Reduce the game’s graphics settings (if available).
* Restart the console.
* **Sound Issues**: If you’re having sound problems, make sure that your volume is turned up and that your speakers are properly connected (if you’re using external speakers). Also, check the game’s audio settings to ensure that the sound is configured correctly.
* **Controller Drift:** Analog stick drift is a common issue with the Joy-Cons. If you’re experiencing drift, you can try recalibrating the sticks in the system settings, or contact Nintendo for repair or replacement.
## Nintendo Switch Online and Expanding Your Multiplayer Options
While this guide focuses on local two-player gaming, it’s important to acknowledge the role of Nintendo Switch Online (NSO). NSO is a subscription service that unlocks a wealth of features, most notably online multiplayer. With an NSO subscription, you can:
* **Play Online:** Compete or cooperate with players around the world in supported games like *Mario Kart 8 Deluxe*, *Super Smash Bros. Ultimate*, and *Splatoon 3*.
* **Access a Library of Classic Games:** Enjoy a growing collection of NES and SNES games, all playable online with friends. The Expansion Pack tier adds N64 and Sega Genesis games to the mix.
* **Cloud Saves:** Back up your save data to the cloud, ensuring that you won’t lose your progress if something happens to your console.
* **Smartphone App Features:** Utilize the Nintendo Switch Online app for voice chat and game-specific enhancements (like SplatNet 3 for *Splatoon 3*).
* **Exclusive Offers:** Get access to special deals and discounts on games and accessories.
NSO comes in two tiers: the standard plan and the Expansion Pack. The Expansion Pack includes everything in the standard plan, plus access to N64 and Sega Genesis games, as well as downloadable content for select games like *Mario Kart 8 Deluxe* and *Animal Crossing: New Horizons*. For families, a family membership option is available, allowing up to eight Nintendo Accounts to share the benefits of the subscription.
If you’re looking to expand your multiplayer horizons beyond the couch, a Nintendo Switch Online subscription is a must-have.
## Conclusion
The Nintendo Switch is an incredibly versatile console that offers a fantastic range of two-player gaming experiences. By understanding your controller options, choosing the right games, and following these step-by-step instructions, you’ll be well on your way to enjoying countless hours of fun with your friends and loved ones. So grab a controller, pick a game, and get ready to play!
## Further Reading:
* [Nintendo Switch Official Website](https://www.nintendo.com/switch/)
* [Nintendo Support](https://en-americas-support.nintendo.com/)