How to Start a Multiplayer Game (Mario Kart World)
Follow these steps to start a local, wireless, or online multiplayer game in Mario Kart World.
Before you start
A Nintendo Switch Online membership is required to play online.
Make sure everyone playing with their own copy of the game has updated their software to the latest version.
For more details, see How to Update Software on Nintendo Switch 2
A compatible USB camera, such as the Nintendo Switch 2 Camera, can be connected to enable CameraPlay in Multiplayer and Online Play modes.
Complete these steps
Select the mode you would like to play:
Start the Mario Kart World software from the HOME Menu.
Press the L Button and R Button on the title screen.
Select Multiplayer, then select the number of players who will be playing on this system.
You'll be prompted to select a controller for each player.
Nintendo Switch 2 controllers
For players using a single Joy-Con 2 each, hold the controller horizontally and press the SL and SR buttons on top. You can also insert the Joy-Con 2 controller into a Joy-Con 2 Wheel.
For players using both Joy-Con 2 controllers, hold them vertically and press the L and R buttons on top.
For players using the Nintendo Switch 2 Pro Controller, press the L and R shoulder buttons.
Nintendo Switch controllers
For players using a single Joy-Con each, hold the controller horizontally and press the SL and SR buttons on top. You can also insert the Joy-Con controller into a Joy-Con Wheel.
For players using both Joy-Con controllers, hold them vertically and press the L and R buttons on top.
For players using the Nintendo Switch Pro Controller, press the L and R shoulder buttons.
Select the mode you'd like to play, then follow a few additional steps depending on which you selected:
Have each player select their character and kart.
Select the Grand Prix cup you'd like to race in.
Select the class you'll race in, then select OK to start the Grand Prix.
Have each player select their character and kart.
Select the Knockout Tour you'd like to race in.
Select the class you'll race in, then select OK to start the Knockout Tour.
If any player does not make the cut, they'll have to watch the other players until the Knockout Tour concludes.
Have each player select their character and kart.
Set the following rules:
Class: Choose what class of race to use (e.g. 50cc, 100cc).
Teams: Choose how many teams to split the players into.
Items: Choose between normal or frantic items.
COM Difficulty: Choose how strong the computer players will be, or remove them.
Course Selection: Choose between open, random, or connected courses.
Race count: Pick how many races in a row will be played.
After deciding the rules, press the A Button.
Select a course to start the race.
Have each player select their character and kart.
Select Balloon Battle.
Set the following rules:
Teams: Choose how many teams to split the players into.
Items: Choose between normal or frantic items.
COM Difficulty: Choose how strong the computer players will be, or remove them.
Course Selection: Choose between open or random selection.
Round count: Pick how many rounds in a row will be played.
After deciding the rules, press the A Button.
Select a course to start the battle.
Have each player select their character and kart.
Select Coin Runners.
Set the following rules:
Teams: Choose how many teams to split the players into.
Items: Choose between normal or frantic items.
COM Difficulty: Choose how strong the computer players will be, or remove them.
Course Selection: Choose between open or random selection.
Round count: Pick how many rounds in a row will be played.
After deciding the rules, press the A Button.
Select a course to start the battle.
Start the Mario Kart World software from the HOME Menu.
Press the L Button and R Button on the title screen.
Select Online Play, then select the number of players who will be playing on this system.
If you pick two players, you'll be prompted to select the controller for each player. Most settings will only be available for player 1 to adjust, such as picking rules, courses, and opening the map to warp to other areas. One player may also be warped back to the other if you get too far apart.
Nintendo Switch 2 controllers
For players using a single Joy-Con 2 each, hold the controller horizontally and press the SL and SR buttons on top. You can also insert the Joy-Con 2 controller into a Joy-Con 2 Wheel.
For players using both Joy-Con 2 controllers, hold them vertically and press the L and R buttons on top.
For players using the Nintendo Switch 2 Pro Controller, press the L and R shoulder buttons.
Nintendo Switch controllers
For players using a single Joy-Con each, hold the controller horizontally and press the SL and SR buttons on top. You can also insert the Joy-Con controller into a Joy-Con Wheel.
For players using both Joy-Con controllers, hold them vertically and press the L and R buttons on top.
For players using the Nintendo Switch Pro Controller, press the L and R shoulder buttons.
Do you want to play with anyone, or just your friends?
Select Race, Knockout Tour, or Battle.
Have each player select their character and kart. You will load into Free Roam.
Wait for other players to connect to you.
Once other players have gathered, everyone selects a course, and the game will randomly decide one of the selected options to start on.
Do you want to create a room for your friends to join, or join a room created by a friend?
Select Friends.
Select Create Room.
Have each player select their character and kart. You will load into Free Roam.
Wait for other players to connect to you. You can check the Room ID to share with friends by pressing the + Button to open the Pause menu, and then select View Room Info.
Once all players have joined, press the + Button and select Start Game to set the rules you'll be playing by.
Set the following rules:
Class: Choose what class of race to use (e.g. 50cc, 100cc).
Teams: Choose how many teams to split the players into.
Items: Choose between normal or frantic items.
COM Difficulty: Choose how strong the computer players will be, or remove them.
Race count: Pick how many races in a row will be played.
Intermission: Set how long the game will wait between finishing one course and starting the next.
After deciding the rules, press the A Button and then select OK.
All participating players select a course, and the game will randomly decide one of the selected options for the race. After each race finishes, everyone will pick another course until the race count has been reached.
Players are free to leave the race at any time and return to Free Roam. Your player in the race will be temporarily replaced by a COM player, and you can rejoin in the next race.
Set the following rules:
Class: Choose what class of race to use (e.g. 50cc, 100cc).
Items: Choose between normal or frantic items.
COM Difficulty: Choose how strong the computer players will be, or remove them.
After deciding the rules, press the A Button and then select OK.
All participating players select a Knockout Tour, and the game will randomly decide one of the selected options for the tour.
Players are free to leave the race at any time and return to Free Roam. Your player in the race will be temporarily replaced by a COM player, and you can rejoin after the tour is finished.
Set the following rules:
Teams: Choose how many teams to split the players into.
Items: Choose between normal or frantic items.
COM Difficulty: Choose how strong the computer players will be, or remove them.
Round count: Pick how many rounds in a row will be played.
Intermission: Set how long the game will wait between finishing one round and starting the next.
After deciding the rules, press the A Button and then select OK.
All participating players select a course, and the game will randomly decide one of the selected options for the battle.
Players are free to leave the battle at any time and return to Free Roam. Your player in the battle will be temporarily replaced by a COM player, and you can rejoin after the battle is finished.
Set the following rules:
Teams: Choose how many teams to split the players into.
Items: Choose between normal or frantic items.
COM Difficulty: Choose how strong the computer players will be, or remove them.
Round count: Pick how many rounds in a row will be played.
Intermission: Set how long the game will wait between finishing one round and starting the next.
After deciding the rules, press the A Button and then select OK.
All participating players select a course, and the game will randomly decide one of the selected options for the battle.
Players are free to leave the battle at any time and return to Free Roam. Your player in the battle will be temporarily replaced by a COM player, and you can rejoin after the battle is finished.
You can also drive around together in Free Roam.
Press the Y Button to open the map and find other players. By selecting a course or player on the map, you can warp there.
Press the + Button to open the menu and then press right on the directional buttons to open Photo Mode.
Select Friends.
Select Search by Room ID.
Enter the six-digit Room ID shared by the host, then press the + Button or select OK.
Have each player select their character and kart. You will load into Free Roam.
Wait for other players to join the room. Once all players have joined, the host will decide the rules and start a game.
Players are free to leave a race at any time and return to Free Roam. After leaving, your player in the race will be temporarily replaced by a COM player, and you can rejoin in the next race.
You can also drive around together in Free Roam.
Press the Y Button to open the map and find other players. By selecting a course or player on the map, you can warp there.
Press the + Button to open the menu and then press right on the directional buttons to open Photo Mode.
How to host Wireless Play
Start the Mario Kart World software from the HOME Menu.
Press the L Button and R Button on the title screen.
Select Wireless Play, then select the number of players who will be playing on this system.
If you pick two players, you'll be prompted to select the controller for each player. Most settings will only be available for player 1 to adjust, such as picking rules, courses, and opening the map to warp to other areas. One player may also be warped back to the other if you get too far apart.
Nintendo Switch 2 controllers
For players using a single Joy-Con 2 each, hold the controller horizontally and press the SL and SR buttons on top. You can also insert the Joy-Con 2 controller into a Joy-Con 2 Wheel.
For players using both Joy-Con 2 controllers, hold them vertically and press the L and R buttons on top.
For players using the Nintendo Switch 2 Pro Controller, press the L and R shoulder buttons.
Nintendo Switch controllers
For players using a single Joy-Con each, hold the controller horizontally and press the SL and SR buttons on top. You can also insert the Joy-Con controller into a Joy-Con Wheel.
For players using both Joy-Con controllers, hold them vertically and press the L and R buttons on top.
For players using the Nintendo Switch Pro Controller, press the L and R shoulder buttons.
Select Create Room, then Yes.
Select your character and kart. You will load into Free Roam.
Wait for other players to join your room. Once all players have joined, press the + Button and select Start Game to set the rules you'll be playing by.
Set the following rules:
Class: Choose what class of race to use (e.g. 50cc, 100cc).
Teams: Choose how many teams to split the players into.
Items: Choose between normal or frantic items.
COM Difficulty: Choose how strong the computer players will be, or remove them.
Race count: Pick how many races in a row will be played.
Intermission: Set how long the game will wait between finishing one course and starting the next.
After deciding the rules, press the A Button and then select OK.
All participating players select a course, and the game will randomly decide one of the selected options for the race. After each race finishes, everyone will pick another course until the race count has been reached.
Players are free to leave the race at any time and return to Free Roam. Your player in the race will be temporarily replaced by a COM player, and you can rejoin in the next race.
Set the following rules:
Class: Choose what class of race to use (e.g. 50cc, 100cc).
Items: Choose between normal or frantic items.
COM Difficulty: Choose how strong the computer players will be, or remove them.
After deciding the rules, press the A Button and then select OK.
All participating players select a Knockout Tour, and the game will randomly decide one of the selected options for the tour.
Players are free to leave the race at any time and return to Free Roam. Your player in the race will be temporarily replaced by a COM player, and you can rejoin after the tour is finished.
Set the following rules:
Teams: Choose how many teams to split the players into.
Items: Choose between normal or frantic items.
COM Difficulty: Choose how strong the computer players will be, or remove them.
Round count: Pick how many rounds in a row will be played.
Intermission: Set how long the game will wait between finishing one round and starting the next.
After deciding the rules, press the A Button and then select OK.
All participating players select a course, and the game will randomly decide one of the selected options for the battle.
Players are free to leave the battle at any time and return to Free Roam. Your player in the battle will be temporarily replaced by a COM player, and you can rejoin after the battle is finished.
Set the following rules:
Teams: Choose how many teams to split the players into.
Items: Choose between normal or frantic items.
COM Difficulty: Choose how strong the computer players will be, or remove them.
Round count: Pick how many rounds in a row will be played.
Intermission: Set how long the game will wait between finishing one round and starting the next.
After deciding the rules, press the A Button and then select OK.
All participating players select a course, and the game will randomly decide one of the selected options for the battle.
Players are free to leave the battle at any time and return to Free Roam. Your player in the battle will be temporarily replaced by a COM player, and you can rejoin after the battle is finished.
You can also drive around together in Free Roam.
Press the Y Button to open the map and find other players. By selecting a course or player on the map, you can warp there.
Press the + Button to open the menu and then press right on the directional buttons to open Photo Mode.
How to join Wireless Play
Start the Mario Kart World software from the HOME Menu.
Press the L Button and R Button on the title screen.
Select Wireless Play, then select the number of players who will be playing on this system.
If you pick two players, you'll be prompted to select the controller for each player. Most settings will only be available for player 1 to adjust, such as picking courses and opening the map to warp to other areas. One player may also be warped back to the other if you get too far apart.
Nintendo Switch 2 controllers
For players using a single Joy-Con 2 each, hold the controller horizontally and press the SL and SR buttons on top. You can also insert the Joy-Con 2 controller into a Joy-Con 2 Wheel.
For players using both Joy-Con 2 controllers, hold them vertically and press the L and R buttons on top.
For players using the Nintendo Switch 2 Pro Controller, press the L and R shoulder buttons.
Nintendo Switch controllers
For players using a single Joy-Con each, hold the controller horizontally and press the SL and SR buttons on top. You can also insert the Joy-Con controller into a Joy-Con Wheel.
For players using both Joy-Con controllers, hold them vertically and press the L and R buttons on top.
For players using the Nintendo Switch Pro Controller, press the L and R shoulder buttons.
A list of available rooms is displayed. Select the room you'd like to join and then select Join.
Select your character and kart. You will load into Free Roam.
Wait for other players to join the room. Once all players have joined, the host will decide the rules and start a game.
Players are free to leave a race at any time and return to Free Roam. After leaving, your player in the race will be temporarily replaced by a COM player, and you can rejoin in the next race.
You can also drive around together in Free Roam.
Press the Y Button to open the map and find other players. By selecting a course or player on the map, you can warp there.
Press the + Button to open the menu and then press right on the directional buttons to open Photo Mode.
Additional information
You can play together with friends using GameChat to enhance your multiplayer experience.