Mario Kart World Nintendo Switch 2 Multiplayer Guide: Local, Wireless, LAN, and Online Play Explained

Mario Kart World for Nintendo Switch 2 delivers a comprehensive multiplayer experience that caters to every racing fan’s need—whether you’re competing with friends in the same living room, challenging rivals online, or connecting multiple consoles in a tournament setting.

Developed and published by Nintendo, Mario Kart World represents the latest evolution in the iconic racing franchise, expanding both gameplay and social features to leverage the power of the Nintendo Switch 2 hardware.

Understanding Mario Kart World Multiplayer Modes Mario Kart World on Nintendo Switch 2 divides its multiplayer offerings into four main categories: local multiplayer on a single system, local wireless play between multiple systems, LAN play for larger setups, and online multiplayer.

Here’s how each option works: Local Multiplayer on a Single System For quick races among friends or family gathered around a single console, players simply select the Multiplayer option from the menu and choose between 2, 3, or 4-player modes, depending on how many people are joining.

The Nintendo Switch 2 ships with a pair of Joy-Con 2 controllers, sufficient for up to two players.

Additional players require extra controllers—original Joy-Con controllers remain compatible, making it easy to expand your local racing party.

Once everyone is connected, you can choose from modes like Grand Prix, Knockout Tour, VS Race, or Battle.

In all multiplayer matches, CPU drivers fill out the grid for a total of 24 competitors.

Certain modes, such as VS Race, offer customizable settings including team play and COM difficulty, ensuring a tailored experience every session. Local Wireless Multiplayer When more than four participants want to play in the same location but on separate Nintendo Switch 2 systems, local wireless mode offers an accessible solution.

By selecting Wireless Play, each console can host up to two racers, and players can create or join wireless rooms seamlessly.

The split-screen Free Roam mode allows waiting players to explore while more friends join the lobby.

This mode is ideal for gatherings or parties where everyone wants their own screen and controller, using multiple consoles without needing an internet connection. LAN Play for Large-Scale Competitions For events featuring more than eight Nintendo Switch 2 units in close proximity—such as tournaments or esports gatherings—Mario Kart World supports LAN play.

By holding specific buttons (L, R, and clicking the Left Stick) on the mode select screen, players can reveal the "LAN Play" option.

This advanced mode requires routers and wired connections for stable, high-speed races and is intended for more technical setups.

Nintendo recommends visiting its support portal for detailed configuration guidance as needed. Online Multiplayer: Race the World Mario Kart World’s online multiplayer connects racers globally.

After selecting Online Play in the main menu, users can choose between solo or two-person play on the same console.

While racing, each player’s progress is tracked through a visible ranking system that increases with continued participation and skill, unlocking new challenges along the way.

Friends can also connect easily: the Friends option in Online Play displays who is online, and joining or creating rooms is straightforward.

For those playing with non-friend racers, Room ID codes enable easy sharing and joining of private matches.

GameChat support enhances the social experience, allowing players to communicate and coordinate strategies during Free Roam sessions.

Requirements and Availability Some features require additional hardware, such as extra controllers or systems for multiplayer.

For online play and GameChat functionality, a Nintendo Switch Online membership and Nintendo Account are necessary; the subscription auto-renews unless canceled and is available in select regions.

Importantly, GameChat can be accessed without a Nintendo Switch Online membership until March 31, 2026, after which a subscription will be required. With robust multiplayer options and flexible connectivity, Mario Kart World for Nintendo Switch 2 stands as a showcase of Nintendo’s commitment to social gaming—no matter your preferred style of play or group size.

For further details, support, and updates on Mario Kart World, visit Nintendo’s official website or support portal.

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