Super Smash Bros. Ultimate: How to start local multiplayer (up to 8 players) or online multiplayer (up to 4 players)

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

Make sure to sync additional Nintendo Switch Pro Controllers to the Nintendo Switch before beginning the game.
To use a GameCube Controller, you will need a GameCube Controller Adapter.
- One adapter will allow you to connect four GameCube controllers.
- You can use two adapters to connect a maximum of eight GameCube controllers simultaneously.

Which game mode do you want to play?

Mode	Players
Multiplayer Smash Battle: Up to 8 players can use one Nintendo Switch console to battle.	2 – 8 Players (Local Single-Card Play)
Online Play: Battle with players from around the world.	1 – 2 Players per console (Online Multiplayer)
Local Wireless Play: 2 – 4 players can battle with a variety of fighters and stages.	2 – 4 Players (Local Multi-Card Play – one card per console)

2 – 8 Players (Local Single-Card Play)

Complete These Steps:

From the main menu, select “Smash,” then select “Smash” again.
Have Player 1 adjust the battle options as desired until you reach the character select screen.
Choose the controller type for each player (each player can choose between a single Joy-Con, a pair of Joy-Con controllers, a Pro Controller, or a GameCube controller.
- For players using a single Joy-Con, hold the controller horizontally and press the SL and SR buttons on top.
- For players using both Joy-Con controllers, hold them vertically and press the L and R buttons on top.
- For players using the Pro Controller, press the L and R shoulder buttons.
- For players using the GameCube Controller, press the L and R shoulder buttons.
Once the controllers are set for each player, have each player select their fighter.
When all fighters are set, select “Ready to Fight” to begin the battle.

1 – 2 Players per console (Online Multiplayer)

Complete These Steps:

From the main menu, select “Online.”
- Note: A Nintendo Account with an active NSO membership is required to use this feature.
If a “Notice About Online Play” message appears, read through the guidelines and select “OK.”
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.
Choose the type of battle you want – “Quickplay” to jump into a battle or “Battle Arenas” to join an arena with custom rules.
Choose “Solo” (1 Player) or “Co-op” (2 Players). (Co-op Mode is available in Quickplay battles only.)
Select your fighter, then select “Ready to Fight.
The system will search for additional opponents. When enough opponents are found, the battle will begin!
If more than 1 person will be playing on the system, complete these additional steps.
1. Choose the controller type for each player. Each player can choose between a single Joy-Con, a pair of Joy-Con controllers, a Pro Controller, or GameCube controller (GameCube controller adapter required).
  - For players using a single Joy-Con, hold the controller horizontally and press the SL and SR buttons on top.
  - For players using both Joy-Con controllers, hold them vertically and press the L and R buttons on top.
  - For players using the Pro Controller, press the L and R shoulder buttons.
  - For players using the GameCube Controller, press the L and R shoulder buttons.

2 – 4 Players (Local Multi-Card Play – one card per console)

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.)
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” twice.
3. Choose your preferred stages when prompted.
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.
Have Player 1 select “OK” to allow the other player(s) to join the room.
Have all additional players choose two preferred stages when prompted.
Have each player choose their Fighter, then select “Ready to Fight.”
Press the L Button and R Button together to begin the battle.