How to Use the LAN Play Feature of Mario Kart 8 Deluxe

Applies to:  Nintendo Switch Family, Nintendo Switch, Nintendo Switch Lite, Nintendo Switch - OLED Model

In this article, you'll learn how to set up local LAN play with Mario Kart 8 Deluxe.

Note: If two players are playing on the same Nintendo Switch console, each player will use either one Joy-Con Controller (Left or Right) or one Nintendo Switch Pro-Controller.

Mario Kart 8 Deluxe supports LAN play, allowing players to connect multiple Nintendo Switch consoles together over a wired connection for the ultimate Mario Kart competition with up to 12 players. Before you get started, you'll need the following items:

  • Mario Kart 8 Deluxe (physical or download)
  • Nintendo Switch dock
  • LAN Adapter (only required when using a dock without LAN port)
  • Ethernet cable
  • Television

You will also need a wired router to connect the systems together via a wired connection. Depending on the number of systems connected, a networking switch may also be needed to connect all players together.

Complete these steps

  1. Create a wired Internet connection on each Nintendo Switch system.
    Important
    • All of the Nintendo Switch systems must be connected to the same, shared router to use the LAN Play feature.
    • If your router does not have enough LAN ports for every system you wish to connect, a networking switch can be connected to the router to provide additional LAN ports.
  2. When all of the desired Nintendo Switch systems are connected, have a player create a room and act as a lobby host.
    1. Start Mario Kart 8 Deluxe
    2. From menu, hold the L Button and R Button, and then press the left stick in.
      • If done correctly, the Wireless Play option will change to LAN Play.
      LAN Play selected on the Mario Kart 8 Deluxe start menu
    3. Select LAN Play.
    4. Select Create Room
      Create Room selected on the LAN Play menu in Mario Kart 8 Deluxe
  3. Have the other players join the room.
    1. Start Mario Kart 8 Deluxe
    2. From menu, hold the L Button and R Button, and and then press the left stick in.
      • If done correctly, the Wireless Play option will change to LAN Play.
      LAN Play selected on the Mario Kart 8 Deluxe start menu
    3. Select LAN Play.
    4. Select the name of the host player, displayed under Lobby.
  4. Have the host select the game type and settings, and then start the match.
    1. After selecting their character and kart and while viewing the garage, have the host player press the A Button to bring up the game settings.
      The game type and settings are selected for a Mario Kart 8 Deluxe race
    2. Use the first option to select the race or battle type (i.e.. 150cc, Balloon Battle, etc.)
    3. Use the following options to select the race settings, such as the Team, Item, and Race Count settings.
    4. Once the appropriate settings have been selected, and all the players have joined the lobby, press the A Button again to confirm the settings.
    5. After the players in the room have selected their characters and karts, players will be asked the select their preferred track, and then the match will start.

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