mario kart tour joy con

Using a Single Joy-Con for Mario Kart: Unleashing Fun with Minimal Gear

Understanding Joy-Con Controllers

In the world of Nintendo Switch gaming, Joy-Con controllers are versatile pieces of hardware, especially when playing Mario Kart 8 Deluxe . They offer different ways to play, from using them as a part of the console to holding one in each hand.

Joy-Con Basics

Nintendo Switch comes with a pair of Joy-Con controllers, each packed with an array of buttons and motion sensors. They can function together as a pair, separately in each hand, or can be used by two different players for multiplayer games. For Mario Kart 8 Deluxe, players have the option to use these controllers in various configurations to suit their gaming style.

Controller Elements:

• SL and SR buttons: Located on the top edge when held horizontally for additional input options.
• Home and Capture buttons: For accessing the console’s main menu and capturing gameplay images or videos.
• Analog Stick: Used for steering and menu navigation.
• Face buttons (A, B, X, Y): For acceleration, braking, and other game actions.

Holding a Single Joy-Con Horizontally

When you hold a single Joy-Con horizontally, it becomes a compact controller, perfect for quick multiplayer sessions of Mario Kart 8 Deluxe. Here’s how you grip it:

• Turn the Joy-Con sideways with the joystick to the left.
• Use the SL and SR buttons on top as your main action buttons (usually accelerate and use items).
• Rest your thumbs on the analog stick and the face buttons for steering and additional controls.

This setup allows for a convenient and straightforward way for friends to jump into a game with you, without the need for extra controllers.

Controller Options and Settings

Configurations for Mario Kart 8 Deluxe:

• Handheld Mode: Attach both Joy-Cons to the console for a traditional portable gaming experience.
• Joy-Con Grip: Slot the Joy-Cons into the provided grip for a more traditional controller feel.
• Dual Joy-Cons: Use both Joy-Cons separately without the grip for motion control features.
• Single Joy-Con: One Joy-Con for each player, ideal for multiplayer racing.

You can customize your Joy-Con setup in Mario Kart 8 Deluxe by navigating to the ‘Change Grip/Order’ screen from the main menu. This allows you to specify which way you’re holding the Joy-Cons. Moreover, the game provides options like auto-accelerate , which is particularly handy when using a single Joy-Con with its limited number of buttons.

Playing Mario Kart with a Single Joy-Con

Mario Kart offers a flexible gaming experience, even allowing players to race using just one half of the controller set. Here’s how to enjoy the thrill of Mario Kart with a single Joy-Con, detailing setup, control mastery, and advanced techniques that will have you zooming past the competition.

Starting a Game

To begin playing Mario Kart with a single Joy-Con, first ensure the controller is disconnected from the Nintendo Switch console. On the game’s start screen, push SL+SR simultaneously on your Joy-Con to confirm it as your chosen controller. This action tells the game to recognize the single Joy-Con as a complete input device.

Mastering Controls

The compact layout of a single Joy-Con requires getting familiar with the altered setup. Here’s a basic rundown:

• Steer : Tilt the Joy-Con left or right
• Accelerate : Press the A button
• Brake : Use the B button to slow down
• Drift : Hold R while steering to engage drift mode
• Use Items : Press the X or Y button to wreak havoc on competitors
• Reverse : Pull and hold the B button when stationary

Remember, practice makes perfect. The more you race, the better you’ll handle the Joy-Con’s layout.

Advanced Play Techniques

To truly excel at Mario Kart with a single Joy-Con, mastering advanced moves is key. One such technique is the Rocket Start : when the countdown timer hits ‘2’ in the race’s beginning sequence, hold the accelerate button for a speed boost off the line. Another critical move is the hop , done by pressing the R button; it lets you hop over obstacles and is essential for tighter cornering when drifting. These tricks require precise timing, but they can give you the edge in competitive racing.

Local and Wireless Multiplayer Gaming

Playing Mario Kart with friends can be a blast, whether you’re sharing a single console or joining multiple Switches. Let’s guide you through setting things up.

Setting Up Local Multiplayer

To get started in local multiplayer mode, simply hand a Joy-Con to a friend. On one Nintendo Switch console, up to four players can enjoy Mario Kart races together. Here’s how to set it up:

• Turn on your Switch and navigate to the Mario Kart 8 Deluxe game icon.
• Select Multiplayer from the main menu.
• Choose the number of players.
• Ensure each player has a controller, like a single Joy-Con or a Pro-controller if preferred.
• Select characters, karts, and a course to begin the race.

Engaging in Wireless Play

For wireless play mode, you’ll need multiple Nintendo Switch consoles, each with a copy of Mario Kart 8 Deluxe. Up to eight players can connect through local wireless play. Follow these steps to set up a race:

• On each Switch, open Mario Kart 8 Deluxe.
• One player will create a lobby by selecting Wireless Play and then Create Room .
• Others join by selecting Wireless Play and choosing the host’s lobby.
• Once everyone’s in, the host can select the race conditions like 150cc or 200cc speeds.
• After customization, rev up your engines for some competitive fun!

Optimizing Multiplayer Experience

To enhance your multiplayer gaming session, consider these tips:

• Charging : Keep your Joy-Con controllers charged, especially during long gaming sessions.
• Pro-Controller : Some players might prefer the Pro-Controller for a more traditional feel when drifting and maneuvering.
• 200cc Racing : Want a fast-paced challenge? Try racing at 200cc speed with friends who are looking for an intense experience.
• Use two switches for an expanded view and more room to compete.

By setting up your game correctly and ensuring everyone’s comfortable, multiplayer Mario Kart can be a smooth, exciting experience for all.

Frequently Asked Questions

Playing Mario Kart 8 Deluxe with a single Joy-Con is a convenient option for multiplayer races. Many players wonder how this setup works and if there are any drawbacks or differences compared to using other controllers. Let’s address some common queries.

How do I set up a single Joy-Con for multiplayer in Mario Kart 8 Deluxe?

To set up a single Joy-Con for multiplayer, simply detach it from the Switch console. Then, from the game’s main menu, navigate to the multiplayer section and follow the on-screen prompts to pair the Joy-Con as a separate controller for each player.

Are there limitations when playing with one Joy-Con per player in Mario Kart?

Playing with one Joy-Con per player typically means you have fewer buttons and a smaller grip compared to using the Pro Controller or both Joy-Cons. This may affect comfort and accessibility of certain controls during gameplay.

What are the control differences between using a single Joy-Con and a Pro Controller for Mario Kart?

The Pro Controller offers a fuller hand grip and additional buttons, like separate left and right triggers. A single Joy-Con necessitates more compact control layouts and may use motion controls for some actions, which differs from the Pro Controller’s setup.

Can two players use one pair of Joy-Cons to play Mario Kart together?

Yes, two players can use one pair of Joy-Cons to play Mario Kart together. Each player uses one Joy-Con turned sideways, allowing for multiplayer gaming without additional accessories.

Is there any difference in functionality between using the left or right Joy-Con solo for Mario Kart?

Functionally, both the left and right Joy-Con operate the same when used solo for Mario Kart. However, the button placement is mirrored, and depending on the player’s preference, this may affect comfort slightly.

How does using the Joy-Con wheel accessory impact gameplay in Mario Kart with a single Joy-Con?

Using the Joy-Con wheel accessory for Mario Kart with a single Joy-Con can enhance the feel of steering and potentially make the game more immersive. However, this accessory does not alter the Joy-Con’s functionality or the game mechanics.

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Compatible with Toy-Con™

This game supports the cardboard Toy-Con controller.

Mario Kart 8 Deluxe

Mario Kart 8 Deluxe is compatible with the Toy-Con Car . Get the full driving experience! Use the handle to fly round corners, put your foot on pedal to accelerate, and really floor it to drift! Up to four people can play at the same time using the Toy-Con Car.

* A software update is required. Click here for more details. -->

* You can set up the controller from the LABO icon in the menu.

Instructions

Mario Kart 8 Deluxe is compatible with the Toy-Con Bike . Feel as though you're sitting in your character's driving seat, right in the middle of the action! Up to four people can play at the same time using the Toy-Con Bike.

13 Games We Can't Wait To Play With Joy-Con On iOS

Because isn’t the Switch screen kind of just cell reception away from being a phone, anyway?

Apple is arguably the biggest name in smartphones, and Nintendo is one of the biggest names in gaming. And while several properties have crossed between the tech giants, iOS updates have made it possible to sync your Joy-Con and Switch Pro controllers with your iPhone.

RELATED: Most Downloaded Mobile Games

With new control options for all your mobile gaming needs, the possibilities feel endless. Below, we’ve got a list of titles from several genres we’re excited to test out with our Joy-Con.

Updated December 9, 2022 by Gabrielle Castania : It’s been a few months now since iPhones received Joy-Con Bluetooth support, and the games that’ve gotten those capabilities have been a blast! However, there are still a few more quintessential mobile games that we’re itching to play with our Joy-Con.

13 Call Of Duty Mobile

With Call of Duty being almost synonymous with the FPS genre, it’s no surprise the team at Activision took the battle on the go. With one of the biggest launches of any mobile game, Call of Duty Mobile has remained popular ever since.

Drop into one of several game modes and equip yourself with the tools to take out your foes, and you might find yourself with a desire for better controls. The Joy-Con make for the perfect solution, giving you better movement and accuracy in your gameplay.

12 Monument Valley 2

The first Monument Valley released in 2014 with avibrant art style and captivating puzzles, so the sequel released in November 2017 to much excitement. The game sees you uncovering the secrets of The Sacred Geometry through puzzle-solving, adventuring, and the power of motherhood.

The tender story of the game comes out in its meditative puzzles, which are interesting and fun to play as they are, but the addition of a joystick could prove to be a benefit. Sacred Geometry is hard enough, so why not give it Joy-Con capabilities for easier control?

11 Fire Emblem Heroes

A tactical fantasy RPG with staying power, the Fire Emblem games have been wowing fans with strategic team-based titles for three decades now. In February 2017, the series hit mobile for the first time with Fire Emblem Heroes , a gacha-style crossover that's remained one of Nintendo's highest-grossing mobile games to date.

While some players might have an easier time with a touchscreen, longtime fans find familiar comfort in using joysticks and buttons to wage war between Askr and Embla. Rife with Norse mythology references and engaging in its freemium nature, Fire Emblem Heroes is a great way to bring your favorite series on the go.

10 Animal Crossing: Pocket Camp

The world won’t forget the popularity found by the Animal Crossing series at the beginning of the Covid-19 pandemic with the accidentally well-timed launch of New Horizons for the Switch. But fans have been bringing their cute little friends on the go with them for years, including but not limited to doing so in Pocket Camp .

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While the game is fun, moving your villager can sometimes be frustrating. Using the Joy-Con to run around your campsite will be just as satisfying as it is when you do it on the big screen.

9 Mario Kart Tour

Easy to drop into for a round or two if you’ve got an odd couple minutes, Mario Kart Tour is a great go-to for kart racing. The maps are interesting, the characters are varied, and the memes are a-plenty .

And besides, you’ve almost certainly played a Mario Kart game before — they're mainstays on Nintendo consoles. While Mario Kart Tour isn’t entirely different from the console games, it’s a simple way to keep occupied on the go. You’ll have infinitely more control the Joy-Con, so congratulations on all your future victories in iOS 16.

8 Stardew Valley

Born of a one-man company in an effort to patch problems he had with modern Harvest Moon titles, Stardew Valley has had a whirlwind lifespan. Starting as a cute little indie darling and rapidly expanding across platforms, expansions, and nations, the game very quickly became a sensation.

Your favorite small-town sweethearts and the quirky friends you meet in the Valley have been available on iPhone since 2018, but with such tiny details, you might want a bit more precision. The game got its Switch port in 2017, meaning veteran players will already be comfortable with the controls.

7 Brawlhalla

Pretty much anyone who owns Joy-Con will have played fighting games with them before, with Smash Bros Ultimate being one of the Switch’s best-selling titles, so the familiar comfort of cartoon violence will feel natural in Brawlhalla .

Like any fighting game, the goal of Brawlhalla is to kick the crap out of your enemies and send them flying from the battlefield. And if you’re aiming for nimble steps, precision jumps, and attacks that land, the Joy-Con can really only help.

6 Apex Legends

A renowned battle royale game that’s kept the attention of Titanfall fans since its release in 2019, Apex Legends sees you take control of one of the Legend characters and team up with your squad to best everyone else in combat.

RELATED: Best Multiplayer Games Available On iPhone

And fine movements like the ones your Legends will need to execute if they’d like to stay standing are typically easier with a controller. With the game out on home consoles, Joy-Con compatibility being added to controller support for mobile would only feel natural.

5 Pokemon Unite

While it didn’t take the world by storm like Pokemon Go , Pokemon fans rejoiced when Pokemon Unite launched in 2021. It sees you run around scoring points for your team by fending off and catching wild Pokemon. And wouldn’t sprinting just be so much easier with a joystick?

The Pokemon franchise has already had massive success using Joy-Con for controls. If games from the series have already been optimized for Joy-Con use, then if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.

It’s kinda sus if you’re not familiar with the mobile gaming titan that is Among Us . Launched in 2018 to limited fanfare, it got a massive boost in popularity that gave it staying power. While it’s no longer a Twitch streaming mainstay, it’s not lost its popularity with mobile gamers.

Your goal is either to kill your crewmates if you’re an impostor , or sniffing out said impostor and staying alive if not given the role of saboteur. The additional control of a joystick when you’re running around the game’s maps could spell the difference between life and ejection.

3 Minecraft

Between it being one of the earliest titles for PC gaming videos on sites like YouTube and Switch, we’ve probably all played Minecraft at some point. Made public in 2009 and coming to mobile in 2011, this sandbox block-building game has enjoyed a long life so far.

Whether you’re a builder, a collector, or something in between, we all need to be able to run around the map, grab our resources, and stay alive. A little more control of your pixelated player with a Joy-Con could only enhance your playtime.

2 Genshin Impact

Any gatcha gamer has most likely spent some time in the massively popular Genshin Impact , a game that sees you assemble a team and run across Teyvat to kick ass, take names, and level up along the way.

MiHoYo’s popular hit is reportedly coming to Switch, though, implying Joy-Con support, and games like it are often easier with a controller. There's no set release date for the Switch port yet, but with innate DualShock support for PlayStation , Joy-Con support is sure to come.

Battle royale games are just as popular now as they ever have been, and the vice-grip Fortnite has had on the genre hasn't yet waned. And with Epic Games reporting roughly 400 million users, a good chunk are bound to be mobile gamers.

Since the game is free to download, you shouldn’t have any problem getting into a match. Mobile is a great way to bring your favorite games on the go, but with so much to worry about when playing Fortnite, you will surely have a bit more luck earning that #1 Victory Royale with the Joy-Con.

NEXT: Best Mobile Games With Controller Support

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Apple iOS 16 adds native support for Nintendo Switch Pro controller and Joy-Con

Phoning it in.

Apple's incoming iOS 16 operating system will natively support Nintendo's Switch Pro controller and Joy-Con.

Already in developer testing before a full public rollout this autumn, iOS 16 will allow you to use Nintendo's controllers to play games - or do anything else app makers might imagine.

The addition of Switch controller support follows the inclusion of support for both the PlayStation 5 DualSense and the Xbox Series X/S controllers last year , as part of iOS 14.5.

Discussing the new addition, Apple engineer Nat Brown revealed a trick to pair the Joy-Con as a single controller or split them to use as two individual units: by simply holding the bottom face buttons (Capture and Home) for a few seconds.

Test away. Lmk if you hit any issues. With both paired, hold the bottom face buttons (left “capture”, right “home”) for a few seconds to join the Joy Cons into one controller and do it again to split them. — Nat Brown @[email protected] (@natbro) June 6, 2022

Nintendo has not yet commented on the move - and there's no suggestion the Switch controllers will be incorporated into any of Nintendo's iPhone games.

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Home » Mario Kart 8 Deluxe: Complete Controls Guide

Mario Kart 8 Deluxe: Complete Controls Guide

Everything you need to know about all of the control settings for Mario Kart 8 Deluxe on the Nintendo Switch.

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• 1 Mario Kart 8 Deluxe Controller Options
• 2 Mario Kart 8 Deluxe Controls Set-up
• 3 Mario Kart 8 Deluxe Basic Controls
• 4 Mario Kart 8 Deluxe Advanced Controls

Mario Kart 8 Deluxe is one of the defining games of the Nintendo Switch. Sold in console bundles and standing as the best-selling game of the Switch, there aren’t too many owners of the hybrid console who don’t have Mario Kart 8 Deluxe.

While the game is relatively simple in its controls, there are multiple set-ups, the option to make use of the motion sensors on the controllers, and some advanced controls that you need to know to become a great racer.

In this Mario Kart controls guide, we’ll be going through the various controller options, how to set-up the controls, the basic controls, and all of the advanced controls – such as getting the perfect speed boost at the beginning of the race and how to defend.

In this guide, the buttons Left, Up, Right, and Down refer to the buttons on the direction pad (found on the left side of the controllers or the right-side of single Joy-Con controller) in the way that you see them presented when you hold the controller for a race.

Mario Kart 8 Deluxe Controller Options

On the Nintendo Switch, you have four different controller options when you play Mario Kart 8 Deluxe: handheld console, dual Joy-Cons, single Joy-Con, and the Nintendo Switch Pro Controller.

Assuming that you use the dual Joy-Cons option in the Charging Grip, the dual Joy-Con controls are the same as the Nintendo Switch Pro Controller controls for Mario Kart 8 Deluxe.

All of these controller options can be used with analogue steering or with the tilt controls. The single Joy-Con controls allow you to enjoy four-player local racing through one console.

Once you’ve selected the kind of controller that you’ll be using, you can then have a look at the controls set-up.

Mario Kart 8 Deluxe Controls Set-up

A key aspect to the controls in Mario Kart 8 Deluxe is the three settings that you can select while you’re choosing your character and customising your kart.

At any stage while picking your load-out, you can press + or – to bring up details about your character’s speed, acceleration, weight, handling, traction, and three other options. Those three options are the Smart Steering, Tilt Controls, and Auto-Accelerate.

In the image above, all three options are switched off; here’s what they do if you turn them on before a race.

Smart Steering Controls

If you turn on Smart Steering, the silhouette image of Mario in a kart on the left of the three options will show an antenna out the back of the kart. If you turn the option off, it will show a no entry symbol where the antenna was before.

Smart Steering is best suited to beginners and young players of Mario Kart 8 Deluxe, as the feature automatically drives the kart and stops it from falling off of the track. It also stops players from being able to use shortcuts.

For more experienced players, this option is very tedious but is switched on by default for all new players and controllers.

You can switch it off in the initial character select screen by pressing + or -, or by pressing + during a race, and then the appropriate button (L or SL) noted in the top left of the menu.

Tilt Controls

Nintendo likes to flex their motion-control innovations whenever they can, with Mario Kart 8 Deluxe being no different. Tilt controls can offer a new challenge or prove to be annoying if you don’t know that they’re switched on.

When selecting your character and kart for the upcoming race, press + or – to see the menu. To see if Tilt Controls are on, check out the middle image at the bottom of the pop-up kart stats.

The image will depict your current controller load-out. If you have analogue steering on, the left analogue – or only analogue – on the controller will be yellow. If Tilt Controls are on, it’ll show two yellow arrows either side of the controller image.

If you want to turn Tilt Controls off during a race, go into the menu by pressing + and then either Y or Left/B if you’re using a single Joy-Con.

All controllers can use the Tilt Controls set-up, allowing you to steer your kart by tilting your controller. You still need to press all of the appropriate buttons to perform functions such as throwing items, doing tricks, and accelerating.

Auto-Accelerate Controls

The Auto-Accelerate option does exactly as you’d expect: it allows the game to effectively hold down the accelerate button for you.

This can help against hand-cramping on the small single Joy-Con controls, but it also removes your ability to moderate speed by easing up on the accelerator – a common tactic used instead of breaking.

The Auto-Accelerate controls option is found when selecting your character and kart by pressing + or – to bring up the kart statistics overlay.

Of the three symbols at the bottom, Auto-Accelerate in the one of the right (depicted by a silhouette of Mario with an arrow in front of his kart). When this option is turned on, the arrow is shown in yellow. When Auto-Accelerate is turned off, the arrow changes colour to a pale grey.

To change the Auto-Accelerate controls while in a race, simply press +, look to the top right of the menu, and then press R or SR – depending out your controller type – to change the setting.

Mario Kart 8 Deluxe Basic Controls

In this section, we’re just going to run through all of the basic controls, assuming that you have Auto-Accelerate, Tilt Controls, and Smart Steering turned off.

Mario Kart 8 Deluxe Advanced Controls

Although the set controls of Mario Kart 8 Deluxe are quite simple, there are plenty of advanced controls to learn that can greatly enhance your racing.

From getting a boost at the start of the race to defending yourself, these are all of the driving techniques and advanced controls that you need to know.

How to get a Rocket Start

It used to be that getting a speedy start in Mario Kart meant that you’d have to press the accelerate button on every number shown on the race countdown.

In Mario Kart 8 Deluxe, to get a boost at the start of the race, you simply have to press and hold accelerate (A or X/Right) as soon as you see ‘2’ shown on the countdown. If you time it right, you’ll get a big Rocket Start.

How to Drift

In order to keep your speed up when you’re steering around sharp corners, and potentially get a turbo boost, you’ll want to pop a Drift.

While you’re driving, with the accelerator (A or X/Right) held down, hold down R or SR to drift, and turn your kart with the left analogue.

It takes a bit of time to master, but to help make things a little easier, you can pick karts with higher handling and grip ratings (seen by pressing + or – when in the character select screen).

The one thing that you’ll need to look out for, though, is the inward drifting bikes. The Comet, Jet Bike, Master Cycle, Sport Bike, and Yoshi Bike feature an inward drift, which means that the drift control is the opposite way to the other karts and bikes.

How to Drift Brake

Sometimes, especially in high-speed races, drifting can get a bit out of control. So, to quickly realign your kart and drop the speed of the drift, you can use a Drift Brake.

To perform a Drift Brake, while drifting, simply tap the brake button (B or A/Down). It certainly helps you to get around tight corners in the 200cc races.

How to get a Drift Turbo Boost while drifting

While you’re drifting, you’ll notice coloured sparks flying from your rear wheels. These sparks indicate the size of the Mini-Turbo that you have charged up from the length of your drift.

Blue sparks mean that, when you release the R or SR button, you’ll get a Mini-Turbo boost.

Yellow sparks mean that, when you release R or SR, you’ll get a Super Mini-Turbo boost.

Purple sparks mean that, when you release R or SR, you’ll get an Ultra Mini-Turbo boost.

The longer you hold your drift without going off of the track, hitting an item, or being thrown out of the drift by any other means, the larger the boost your Mini-Turbo will provide when you eventually release the drift button.

How to get a Jump Boost

To get a Jump Boost, and to perform a trick in mid-air, all you have to do is press R or SR when you drive to the top of a ramp or off of an edge.

If you time the button press just right – at the very peak of the ramp – you’ll get a bigger speed boost. If you time it wrong and jump too early, you might miss the ramp altogether and fall off the track.

How to get a Spin Turbo in Mario Kart 8 Deluxe

While driving around the Mario Kart 8 Deluxe tracks, you’ll encounter antigravity zones. In these zones, your wheels turn to face the track, making your kart or bike hover.

In the antigravity zones, you’ll be able to gain a Spin Turbo boost by bouncing into other racers.

How to perform a Spin Turn

To quickly turn your kart or bike around when you find yourself stationary, you’ll want to perform a Spin Turn.

When your kart or bike isn’t moving, hold down the accelerate (A or X/Right) and brake (B or A/Down) buttons at the same time and then steer with the left analogue in the direction that you wish to turn.

How to perform a U-Turn

A U-Turn works in a similar way to a Spin Turn; however, a U-Turn is performed while you’re still driving around. It’s a technique that can only be used in the Battle Mode but is very useful in the balloon-popping arena.

When you’re driving, hold down the accelerate (A or X/Right) and brake (B or A/Down) buttons at the same time and then steer with the left analogue in the direction that you wish to go with your U-Turn.

How to Hold an Item and Defend

Mario Kart 8 Deluxe is set-up to give racers chasing the leader an edge, with the further back a driver is, the higher their chance of getting a more powerful item. So, those out in front can expect to be bombarded by items.

The only defence that race leaders have against the chasing pack is strong driving and holding certain items to defend the rear of the vehicle.

Single Bananas, Bob-ombs, single Green Shells, and single Red Shells can all be held behind by pressing and holding L or SL, keeping them on the back of the kart or bike for as long as you hold the button or until they get hit.

To then use the item, all you have to do is release the L or SL button – likely wanting to direct it backwards by pulling backwards on the left analogue just as you release the item. You could also use the look behind button (X or Y/Up) to see if your opponents are closing in on you.

The biggest problem for those out in front is picking up Coins. However, when an item box does, almost inevitably, land you with a Coin, do not use it unless you’re on nine coins and want that ten-coin speed boost.

As you can’t hold two of the exact same item, if you hold onto a Coin until you hit another item box, you’ll all-but guarantee that you’ll get an item that you can use for defence.

How to Draft in Mario Kart 8 Deluxe

Drafting is another way in which chasing drivers can get ahead of race leaders. Timing a Draft well can see you slingshot past one or multiple karts that are ahead of you.

To Draft in Mario Kart 8 Deluxe, all you have to do is drive behind another racer. After a few seconds, you’ll see a wind stream pick-up either side, at which point you’ll start to drive faster. When you see the opportune moment, pull out to the side and use the speed boost to overtake them.

If the roles are reversed, and you can see another racer trying to Draft past you, throw an item backwards or hold an item in defence while trying to swerve into them.

There you have it: your complete controls guide for Mario Kart 8 Deluxe on the Nintendo Switch.

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Can You Play Mario Kart with One Joy Con?

Mario Kart is a fundamental party game, at its most fun when shared with a friend. Can you play Mario Kart with just One Joy-Con? 

Yes! There are a few different options for playing Mario Kart. 

Table of Contents

How to Play Mario Kart with a Single Joy-Con

• One option is to use the Switch menu to activate one Joy-Con as your controller, then load into Mario Kart.
• A more straightforward way is to press the Connect button on both Joy-Cons (this button is located between the SL and SR buttons). Then, press the SL and SR buttons on the Joy-Con you plan to use as a controller. 
• Another option is available in the first game loading screen for Mario Kart. You’ll be asked to press L and R to proceed on this screen. If you choose to press the SL/SR, it will tell the game you plan to use the single Joy-Con as the controller. 

How Do You Make it Easier to Play on a Single Joy-Con

Use the shoulder straps to add a little extra bulk, particularly if you have larger hands, as the tiny buttons can cause the hand to cramp up after an intense bout of playing. 

How to Attach a Joy-Con Strap 

When you detach a single Joy-Con controller, Nintendo advises that you always use the included Joy-Con Strap. To attach it, follow these simple steps: 

• Check first to see if that strap lock is in the down or unlocked position. You’ll see the word ‘LOCK’ imprinted on the shoulder strap where the long strap is. The white button there can toggle from locked to unlocked. 
• Align the minus or plus symbol on the controller with the same symbol on the strap. This is how you ensure the right strap gets attached to the right controller. 
• Slide the strap along the rail on the side of the Joy-Con controller. You’ll hear a click once it is secured.
• Loop the wrist strap over your wrist, hold the controller firmly in your hand, and set the shoulder strap to locked.
• Tighten the strap by sliding it towards your wrist while pressing the lock button. This will help prevent it from falling off. Be mindful that you don’t tighten it too much or you could cause yourself harm and discomfort. 

How to Detach a Shoulder Strap from a Single Joy-Con

When you are ready to unite the individual Joy Con’s back to your Nintendo Switch, removing the shoulder straps is a fairly straightforward process. 

• Slide the locking mechanism to the unlocked position.
• Push the shoulder strap up along the rail, moving away from where the wrist strap hangs. 
• That’s it! You’ve successfully removed your wrist strap. 

Add-Ons to Consider for Ease of Playing a Single Joy-Con

While the wrist straps are included with the Nintendo Switch, they are not the best solution to comfortably using the single Joy-Cons as a control for your games. You can order a relatively inexpensive set of grips that will transform the small handheld controllers into something that more closely resembles a traditional console controller. These are silicone molds with a slot for the Joy-Con to nestle into for easier use. Typically, these run about $10 and are easy to find at most online retailers that sell gaming accessories. 

How Many Players Can Play Mario Kart with a Single Nintendo Switch? 

One Nintendo Switch comes with two Joy-Con controllers . With both controllers connected, they serve as a single more sizeable controller for one person. Detached, they can each act as a single, smaller controller for two people. With a single Nintendo Switch, using both sides of the Joy-Con controllers, two people can play Mario Kart. It’s possible to connect additional Joy-Con controllers to the Switch to allow more friends to play the same game. 

It’s also possible for two players to share a single Nintendo Switch if both players are using a Nintendo Switch Pro-Controller. 

How Many Players Can Play on a Local Mario Kart Game? 

With multiple Nintendo Switches available, up to 8 players can play together on a single Mario Kart game using a local wireless connection. Every Switch connecting via wireless to play a locally hosted game must have its own copy of Mario Kart 8 Deluxe. 

How Do You Host a Local Multiplayer Game of Mario Kart on a Nintendo Switch? 

If you have a group of friends who each have their Switch and a copy of Mario Kart 8 Deluxe, it’s easy to set up a group game. Here’s how: 

• There’s only one option next: Create Room. Select it. 
• This will create a hosted LAN room. Other players connected to the local wireless network will then be able to join. 
• On the next screen, they should see the host player’s name under ‘Lobby’. Select that name to join. 
• The first option selects the battle type, for example, a 150cc, 200cc, Balloon Battle, or the like. 
• The subsequent choices allow the host to toggle Teams, Item Usage, Race Counts, COM, and Vehicle selection. 
• Once settings have been chosen and all players have joined, the A button will set the choices in place. 
• Everyone will pick their Mario Karts and favorite characters, select their track of choice, and it’s off to the race. 
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How to Play Mario Kart with One Joy Con (Can You Do It?!)

• January 13, 2023

Mario Kart is like that old buddy you never get tired of hanging out with. Whether you’re flying solo or chilling with your pals on the Switch, it’s always a blast!

You can play Mario Kart on Switch by yourself or with your friends – it will, either way, be really fun!

Wondering if you can Mario Kart with just one joy-con or if you need a pair? Well, Gaming Power Up has the inside scoop on that, so let’s dive in and find out!

Double jump to specific section!

Do you need 2 joy-cons for mario kart.

No, you do not need 2 Joy-Cons to play Mario Kart . According to Nintendo , you can play Mario Kart with Friends or by yourself with only one joy-con per person.

This means that two joy-cons are not extremely necessary, but we would recommend having them because playing with two joy-cons is way more comfortable than doing so with a single one.

Therefore, you can either use a single or two joy-cons to play Mario Kart 8 on your Nintendo Switch – as simple as that.

So, Can You Play Mario Kart With One Joy-Con?

Yes, you can play Mario Kart with just one joy-con. In this case, you will use the joy-con in a horizontal position to start playing and racing against your friends and other players.

The game will run just fine on your Nintendo Switch if you play it with just one joy-con (unless your Nintendo Switch Starts Blowing Air !).

Nonetheless, if you have big hands , then it will be a little more problematic to control your character in Mario Kart.

This doesn’t necessarily have to be a limitation, but in our opinion, playing the game with a Nintendo Wheel or two joy-cons feels way, way better.

Can You Play 2 Player Mario Kart With One Switch?

Yes! Up to two players can play Mario Kart on the same Nintendo Switch console. If you want to play with more people, then you will indeed need more than one Nintendo Switch.

Some Nintendo Switch Games Need Two JoyCons , and some don’t.

In the case of Mario Kart, you do not need two joycons at all – one joy-con per player will do the trick, and you can both be on the same console, so worry not!

So, How Many Joy-Cons Do I Need for 2 Players in Mario Kart?

You need a single set of JoyCons, which are two individual pieces of JoyCon , for 2 players in Mario Kart.

You do not need to buy extra gear, but you could if you want to be more comfortable while playing the game against your friends locally.

Needless to say, you can simply grab the set of JoyCons that comes with your Nintendo Switch, use them both individually, and play Mario Kart 2 players easily. 

How to Play Mario Kart With One Joy Con

It is common knowledge now – you can play Mario Kart Switch with just one joycon, but how do you do it?

If you are having problems while trying to set up the game with just a single joycon, then these are the quick steps that you need to follow.

Step 1: Turn On Nintendo Switch Console and Launch Mario Kart

Simply turn on your Nintendo Switch as you normally do while connected to the TV or in portable mode, and launch the Mario Kart game.

You must do this while having a single JoyCon turned on.

Step 2: Press the SL and SR Buttons On Mario Kart’s Menu

Before starting the game, the main Mario Kart menu will ask you to press the buttons on your controller.

Here, you must just press the SL and SR buttons on the single Joy-Con you have at hand. This will let the game automatically know that you will be using a single JoyCon, so it will automatically take it as one.

Step 3: Play Mario Kart 8 Deluxe on Switch with One JoyCon!

From now on, the game will be set to play with just one joy-con. Therefore, you don’t need to do anything else!

If you want a friend to join locally, then simply make them press the same SR and SL buttons for their Joy-Con to pair with the game.

Gaming Summary: Can You Play Mario Kart With One Joy Con?

Yes, you can play Mario Kart with just one joy-con! This is a great alternative if you want two individuals to play on the same console, or if you like the old Nintendo Wii way of playing Mario Kart back in the early 2000s.

Doing so is quite easy, so simply follow the steps in this guide so you can start playing Mario Kart on Switch with just one joycon controller.

Gamers Also Ask

How many players can play mario kart with a single nintendo switch .

Up to four players can play Mario Kart on a single Nintendo Switch . No more than four players can join the same local session, so keep this in mind before you have a sleepover and invite more than four friends to play with you!

How Many Players Can Play On a Local Mario Kart Game? 

Up to 8 players can play locally on Mario Kart by using Local Wireless Play, which is a feature integrated into your Nintendo Switch. Of course, you will need multiple Nintendo Switch consoles in order to achieve this, which is a story for another day.

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How-To Geek

How to play mario kart with your friends on the nintendo switch (online and in person).

The new Mario Kart 8 Deluxe is out for the Switch, and it's awesome.

Quick Links

Play local split-screen with up to four players on one switch, play with up to eight friends using wireless play, play with your friends anywhere in the world with online play.

The new Mario Kart 8 Deluxe is out for the Switch, and it's awesome. There are more ways to play with your friends (and subsequently lose them) than ever before. Some of those options are a little confusing, so we're going to break down how to play with your friends, no matter where you are or how many Switches you have.

Several people can play on one console with a split-screen. Up to eight people can play on their own Switches with wireless play. You can also play with up to twelve friends over the internet with online play. The Switch also supports several controller configurations. Let's go over how to do each of these one by one.

Note: The Switch's controllers work a little differently than most consoles. Each Switch comes with a pair of Joy-Con controllers that can be used as a single large controller for one person, or as individual, smaller controllers for two people. So, if you want to play with four people, you only need two pairs of Joy-Con controllers . You can also use Pro controllers , though those are obviously limited to one per player.

The easiest (and cheapest) way to play Mario Kart with your friends is local multiplayer. This mode only requires one Switch and one copy of Mario Kart (plus controllers for everyone). It will also be familiar to everyone who's been hurling blue shells at their friends and relatives since the Super Nintendo.

To use this mode, choose Multiplayer from the main menu. Here, you can select how many people you want to play with---up to four players.

Next, choose your game mode. If you choose Grand Prix, you'll need to choose your difficulty (50cc, 100cc, etc.) before moving on to the next step.

You'll see a screen like the one below where you can assign controllers to players. Press and hold the L and R (or SL and SR) buttons on your controller in the configuration you want to use. At the top of the screen, you'll see the three different configuration options you can use your controllers in.

For example, if you want to use the left and right portion of a Joy-Con controller separately, you would turn the controllers sideways and hold the SL and SR buttons on each controller. Your screen should look something like this.

If you want to use both Joy-Cons to make a full size controller, press L and R on the two halves of the Joy-Con at this screen. Your controller configuration should look something like this.

You can add up to four players using any combination of controllers. For example, if you have two Joy-Con pairs, each half can be a standalone controller, allowing four people to play. In that case, your screen would look like this.

During this phase, you can easily pair controllers from other consoles to your Switch. To pair a Joy-Con controller with your Switch, hold the small round button along the flat edge of the controller until the green row of lights start blinking.

Joy-Con controllers will also automatically pair with any Switch they're physically connected to. So, if you want to share controllers between consoles, it's as easy as sliding them onto the Switch.

Once you've paired and configured all of your controllers, you can choose your characters, customize your vehicles, and pick your track to start racing just like normal.

Split-screen multiplayer is cool, but it's an old trick. If you want to really want to get the most out of your Switch, Wireless Play mode is where it's at. In this mode, up to eight players can use up to eight Switches to play a game in the same room, each with their own (or shared) screen. Up to two players can play on a single Switch at a time in split-screen, which means you only need four at least four Switches for eight person racing. Likewise, you can do a four-way race with only two Switches.

Wireless Play is slightly more complicated than split-screen, but it's still pretty easy. To get started, choose Wireless Play from Mario Kart's main screen. Choose the number of players that will be playing on this Switch console. So, if you're going to play a two-player race, but each person has their own Switch, you would choose "1P" from the main menu.

The first person to start Wireless Play will need to create a room for everyone to play in. This allows Switches to connect directly to each other without an internet connection. Select Create Room and press A.

After that, every Switch that chooses Wireless Play while near the first Switch will see a screen like the one below. The room you just created should be in the list of rooms under Lobby, along with a counter for the number of players in that room. Choose the room you want to join and press A.

Once everyone has joined the room, you can choose your character and customize your vehicle. In Wireless Play mode, each player gets to vote on which map they'd like to race on next and the game will randomly pick the next track from each player's selections.

While it's nice to be in the same room as your friends while playing, so you can hear their rage screams, it's not necessary. Mario Kart also lets you play with your friends over the internet. Up to twelve people can play in a single race using an online match, though only two people can share a single Switch. For a full twelve person Grand Prix, you'll need at least six Switches.

To get started, choose Online Play from the main menu. As with Wireless Play, choose the number of players who will be playing on this Switch, not the number who will be playing overall.

From the Online Play menu, choose Friends. Worldwide and Regional mode will pair you with Mario Kart players from elsewhere in the world, even if you're not friends. For this guide, though, we'll assume that you only want to infuriate the people who know where you live.

Related: Nintendo Account vs. User ID vs. Network ID: All of Nintendo's Confusing Accounts, Explained

Just like in Wireless Play, you'll need to create a room for you and your friends to hang out in. You'll also see a list of people you've added as friends . You can select them from the menu to see if they're already in a room. If not, you'll need to create one. Select Create Room and press A.

When your friends log into Online Play, they'll see a checkered flag next to your name in their Friends list. To join your room, they should select your name and press A.

Your friend will see your name as well as some stats for the games you've played against each other. With Join highlighted, they should press A to start the game.

Currently, Online Play is free for everyone, but Nintendo will start charging for it some time in Fall 2017 . While Nintendo hasn't committed to a price for this service yet, it will be less than $30 per year . Enjoy the free ride while it lasts!

Mario Kart Tour

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List of 2023 tours in Mario Kart Tour

This is a list of tours in Mario Kart Tour that debuted in 2023.

Courses in gray debuted during the respective tour. "N" indicates a normal course, "R" a reversed course, "T" a trick course, and "R/T" a reversed trick course. Course variations in blue were newly added to the game, variations in green were used in previous tours, and variations in red text have not yet made a reappearance since their debut tour. Cup icons with darkened cells indicate newly added cups.

The 2023 Anniversary Tour was the final tour to add new content to the game. All subsequent tours are reruns of previous tours, starting with 2022 's Battle Tour .

• 1.1 Space Tour (2023)
• 1.2 Winter Tour (2023)
• 1.3 Exploration Tour (2023)
• 1.4 Doctor Tour (2023)
• 1.5 Mario Tour (2023)
• 1.6 Ninja Tour (2023)
• 1.7 Yoshi Tour (2023)
• 1.8 Spring Tour
• 1.9 Bowser Tour (2023)
• 1.10 Mii Tour (2023)
• 1.11 Princess Tour
• 1.12 Mario vs. Luigi Tour (2023)
• 1.13 Night Tour
• 2.1 Pipe Tour
• 2.2 Sunshine Tour
• 2.3 Vacation Tour
• 2.4 Summer Tour (2023)
• 2.5 Sundae Tour (2023)
• 2.6 Anniversary Tour (2023)

January–June [ edit ]

Space tour (2023) [ edit ], winter tour (2023) [ edit ], exploration tour (2023) [ edit ], doctor tour (2023) [ edit ], mario tour (2023) [ edit ], ninja tour (2023) [ edit ], yoshi tour (2023) [ edit ], spring tour [ edit ], bowser tour (2023) [ edit ], mii tour (2023) [ edit ], princess tour [ edit ], mario vs. luigi tour (2023) [ edit ], night tour [ edit ], july–october [ edit ], pipe tour [ edit ], sunshine tour [ edit ], vacation tour [ edit ], summer tour (2023) [ edit ], sundae tour (2023) [ edit ], anniversary tour (2023) [ edit ], see also [ edit ].

• List of 2019 tours in Mario Kart Tour
• List of 2020 tours in Mario Kart Tour
• List of 2021 tours in Mario Kart Tour
• List of 2022 tours in Mario Kart Tour
• Mario Kart Tour tours

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