2-Player Super Mario Bros On Switch: A Quick Guide
So, you wanna double the fun and team up with a buddy on Super Mario Bros. on your Nintendo Switch? Awesome! Playing with a friend is a fantastic way to experience the Mushroom Kingdom, whether you're revisiting classic levels or diving into newer titles. Let's get you set up for some cooperative or competitive Mario action. This guide will walk you through how to play 2-player on various Super Mario Bros. games available on the Nintendo Switch, ensuring you and your Player 2 are ready to jump, stomp, and save the princess together!
Getting Started with 2-Player Mode
First things first, before you can dive into the 2-player action, you need to make sure you have the right setup. This mainly involves having the correct number of Joy-Cons or controllers and knowing how to sync them to your Nintendo Switch. Most Super Mario Bros. games on the Switch support local multiplayer, which means you can play with someone right next to you.
Here’s a detailed breakdown:
- Controllers: You’ll need at least two Joy-Cons or a combination of Joy-Cons and Pro Controllers. Each player needs their own controller to control their character.
 - Syncing Controllers: Make sure your controllers are synced to the Nintendo Switch. To do this, go to the Switch's home menu, select "Controllers," then "Change Grip/Order." On the controller you want to sync, press and hold the SYNC button until the player LED lights up. This indicates that the controller is paired with the Switch.
 - Game Compatibility: Not all Super Mario Bros. games have the same 2-player capabilities. Some might offer cooperative play through the main story mode, while others might have specific multiplayer modes. Knowing what each game offers is crucial.
 - Understanding Game Modes: Cooperative play lets you work together to complete levels, which can be incredibly fun and strategic. Competitive play, on the other hand, lets you race or battle against each other, adding a different kind of excitement.
 
Ensuring you have these basics covered will save you a lot of frustration and get you into the game faster. For example, in New Super Mario Bros. U Deluxe, you can play the entire main game with up to four players. Each player can choose their character and work together to complete levels or compete for the highest score. Similarly, Super Mario Maker 2 allows you to create custom levels and play them with friends, either cooperatively or competitively. Knowing these options beforehand will help you make the most of your gaming session.
Playing 2-Player on New Super Mario Bros. U Deluxe
New Super Mario Bros. U Deluxe is a fantastic choice for 2-player fun because it supports cooperative play throughout the entire main game. This means you and your friend can tackle every level together, coordinating your jumps, power-ups, and strategies. It's a blast to experience the Mushroom Kingdom with a buddy, and the game is designed to be both accessible and challenging for players of all skill levels. Whether you’re seasoned gamers or new to the franchise, New Super Mario Bros. U Deluxe offers something for everyone.
Here’s how to get started:
- Start the Game: Boot up New Super Mario Bros. U Deluxe on your Nintendo Switch.
 - Navigate to the Main Menu: From the main menu, select "New Super Mario Bros. U" or "New Super Luigi U," depending on which campaign you want to play. Both support multiplayer.
 - Add Players: Once you’re in the game, press the + button on the first controller to bring up the pause menu. From there, select "Add Player." The game will prompt the second player to press the L and R buttons on their controller to join.
 - Choose Characters: Each player can choose their character from a selection that includes Mario, Luigi, Toad, and Toadette. Toadette has a special ability where she transforms into Peachette when she grabs a Super Crown, giving her a double jump and the ability to float, which can be a great advantage for newer players.
 - Start Playing: Once everyone has chosen their character, you’re ready to start playing! Work together to navigate levels, collect coins, and defeat enemies. The game dynamically adjusts the difficulty based on the number of players, so it remains challenging and fun.
 
Tips for Cooperative Play:
- Communication is Key: Talk to each other! Coordinate your jumps and power-up usage to maximize your chances of success.
 - Watch Out for Each Other: Keep an eye on your partner. If they’re struggling, help them out by providing cover or sharing power-ups.
 - Use the Bubble: If one player is having a tough time, they can enter a bubble by pressing the ZL or ZR button. While in the bubble, they’re safe from enemies and hazards, but they can’t move until another player pops the bubble.
 - Experiment with Characters: Each character has unique abilities. Try different combinations to see what works best for you and your play style.
 
By following these steps and tips, you and your friend can enjoy countless hours of cooperative fun in New Super Mario Bros. U Deluxe. It’s a fantastic way to bond over a shared love of Mario and create lasting memories.
Playing 2-Player on Super Mario Maker 2
Super Mario Maker 2 takes the fun to a whole new level by allowing you and your friends to create and play custom Mario levels. This game is perfect for unleashing your creativity and challenging each other with fiendishly designed courses. Whether you want to build cooperative levels that require teamwork or competitive levels where you race to the finish, Super Mario Maker 2 offers endless possibilities.
Here’s how to dive into 2-player action:
- Start the Game: Launch Super Mario Maker 2 on your Nintendo Switch.
 - Navigate to Course World: From the main menu, select "Course World." This is where you can find and play levels created by other players, as well as your own creations.
 - Local Multiplayer: To play with a friend locally, select "Play Together" from the Course World menu. This will allow you to play either cooperative or versus modes with up to four players.
 - Choose a Course: You can either select a pre-made course from the Course World or play a level you’ve created yourself in Course Maker.
 - Add Players: Once you’ve selected a course, the game will prompt additional players to press the L and R buttons on their controllers to join. Each player can then choose their character.
 - Start Playing: Depending on the mode you’ve selected, you’ll either work together to complete the level or compete against each other to reach the goal first.
 
Tips for Cooperative and Competitive Play:
- Communication is Essential: Whether you’re working together or competing, communication is key. Coordinate your moves and strategies to maximize your chances of success.
 - Use the Tools at Your Disposal: Super Mario Maker 2 gives you access to a wide range of tools and items. Experiment with different combinations to create unique and challenging levels.
 - Design Cooperative Levels: If you want to focus on cooperative play, design levels that require teamwork and coordination. Include elements like switches that need to be activated simultaneously or obstacles that require players to help each other overcome.
 - Create Competitive Courses: For competitive play, design levels that emphasize speed and skill. Include elements like branching paths, hidden shortcuts, and challenging obstacles that will test your friends’ abilities.
 
Super Mario Maker 2 is an incredibly versatile game that offers endless hours of fun for both creators and players. By following these steps and tips, you and your friends can unleash your creativity and enjoy countless hours of cooperative and competitive Mario action.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Sometimes, getting 2-player mode to work smoothly can hit a snag. Don’t worry; most issues are easy to fix. Let's walk through some common problems and their solutions.
- Controller Syncing Problems: If your controllers aren't syncing, go back to the Switch's home menu and check under "Controllers" then "Change Grip/Order." Make sure each controller is properly synced and assigned a player number. Sometimes, simply turning the controller off and on again can resolve the issue.
 - Game Mode Confusion: Ensure you're in the correct game mode. Some games require you to be in a specific multiplayer mode to add additional players. Check the game's menu or options for multiplayer settings.
 - Controller Compatibility: Not all controllers are compatible with every game. Make sure the controllers you're using are supported by the specific Super Mario Bros. game you're playing. The official Nintendo Pro Controller and Joy-Cons are generally the safest bet.
 - Software Updates: Make sure your Nintendo Switch and the game itself are up to date. Software updates often include bug fixes and improvements that can resolve compatibility issues.
 - Internet Connection: For online multiplayer, a stable internet connection is essential. Check your connection speed and ensure you're connected to a reliable Wi-Fi network. If you're still having trouble, try restarting your router.
 - Game-Specific Bugs: Sometimes, the issue might be a bug in the game itself. Check online forums or the game's official website for known issues and potential workarounds.
 
By systematically troubleshooting these common issues, you can quickly identify and resolve most problems, ensuring you and your friend can get back to enjoying the 2-player fun.
Final Thoughts
Playing 2-player on Super Mario Bros. games for the Nintendo Switch is a fantastic way to share the fun and excitement of the Mushroom Kingdom with a friend. Whether you're working together to conquer challenging levels or competing against each other in custom-made courses, the possibilities are endless. By following this guide, you'll be well-equipped to set up your controllers, navigate the game menus, and troubleshoot any issues that may arise. So grab a friend, fire up your Nintendo Switch, and get ready for some unforgettable Mario adventures!