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How to Start a Local or Online Multiplayer Game (Super Smash Bros. Ultimate)

Nintendo Switch 2, Nintendo Switch, Nintendo Switch Lite, Nintendo Switch - OLED Model

Follow these steps to set up a multiplayer game in Super Smash Bros. Ultimate.

Before you start

  • When using wireless controllers, make sure to sync any controllers you need to your Nintendo Switch 2 console or Nintendo Switch console prior to starting the game.
  • The wireless GameCube Controller available to Nintendo Switch Online members can only be used with a Nintendo Switch 2 console.
  • To use a wired GameCube Controller, you will need a GameCube Controller Adapter.
    • One adapter will allow you to connect four GameCube Controllers to your Nintendo Switch 2 console or Nintendo Switch console, so you can use two adapters with a self-powered USB hub to connect a maximum of eight GameCube Controllers simultaneously.

Complete these steps

Which game mode do you want to play?

  • Multiplayer Smash Battle: 2 – 8 Players (Local Single-Card Play)

    Up to 8 players can use one console to battle.

    1. From the main menu, select Smash, then select Smash again.
    2. Have Player 1 adjust the battle options as desired until you reach the character select screen.
    3. Choose the controller type for each player:
      • For players using a single Joy-Con 2 or Joy-Con controller, hold the controller horizontally and press the SL and SR buttons on top.
      • For players using a pair of Joy-Con 2 or Joy-Con controllers, hold them vertically and press the L and R buttons on top.
      • For players using a Nintendo Switch 2 Pro Controller or Nintendo Switch Pro Controller, press the L and R shoulder buttons.
      • For players using a Nintendo Switch 2 GameCube Controller or a wired GameCube Controller, press the L and R shoulder buttons.
    4. Once the controllers are set for each player, have each player select their fighter.
    5. When all fighters are set, select Ready to Fight to begin the battle.
  • Online Play: 1 – 2 Players per console (Online Multiplayer)

    Important: A Nintendo Account with an active Nintendo Switch Online membership is required to use this feature.

    Battle with players from around the world.

    1. From the main menu, select Online.
    2. If a Notice About Online Play message appears, read through the guidelines and select OK Aceptar OK OK .
    3. Choose Smash to battle players from around the world.
      • You can also select Spectate if you’d prefer to watch other players battle, without participating yourself.
    4. Choose the type of battle you want - Quickplay to jump into a battle or Battle Arenas to create or join an arena with custom rules.
    5. Choose Solo (1 Player) or Co-op (2 Players). (Co-op Mode is available in Quickplay battles only.)
    6. If more than 1 person will be playing on the system, choose the controller type for each player:
      • For players using a single Joy-Con 2 or Joy-Con controller, hold the controller horizontally and press the SL and SR buttons on top.
      • For players using a pair of Joy-Con 2 or Joy-Con controllers, hold them vertically and press the L and R buttons on top.
      • For players using a Nintendo Switch 2 Pro Controller or Nintendo Switch Pro Controller, press the L and R shoulder buttons.
      • For players using a Nintendo Switch 2 GameCube Controller or a wired GameCube Controller, press the L and R shoulder buttons.
    7. Select your fighter, then select Ready to Fight.
    8. The system will search for additional opponents. When enough opponents are found, the battle will begin!
  • Local Wireless Play: 2 – 4 Players (Local Multi-Card Play – one card per console)

    2 – 4 players can battle with a variety of fighters and stages.

    1. From the main menu, select Local Wireless from the list on the right side of the screen. (The icon looks like a Nintendo Switch console.)
    2. One Player (Player 1) needs to create a Room:
      1. Have Player 1 select Create a Room.
      2. Adjust the Mode, Rules, and Participants (Anyone, Acquaintances, Friends Only), then select OK Aceptar OK OK twice.
      3. Choose your preferred stages when prompted.
    3. Once the Room is created, Player 1’s name should appear on the screen for the other players. Select Player 1’s name to join the Room.
    4. Have Player 1 select OK Aceptar OK OK to allow the other player(s) to join the room.
    5. Have all additional players choose two preferred stages when prompted.
    6. Have each player choose their Fighter, then select Ready to Fight.
    7. Press the L Button and R Button together to begin the battle.

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