So, you’re itching to throw a Mario Party Superstars bash with more than the standard four players? Unfortunately, the bad news is: natively, you can’t. Mario Party Superstars on a single Nintendo Switch console only supports a maximum of 4 players in its main game modes. However, don’t despair! There are alternative strategies to involve more people in the fun, and we’ll explore those below. While you can’t directly play the core game with more than 4 simultaneously on one Switch, innovative setup options and alternative Mario Party titles can bring everyone into the action. Let’s dive into your options.
Understanding the Limitations of Mario Party Superstars
It’s essential to first understand why Mario Party Superstars caps at four players on a single console. This limitation stems from the game’s design, which is heavily focused on individual turns and mini-games played sequentially. The game board and screen real estate become cluttered and unmanageable with more than four independent player pieces moving around.
Workarounds and Alternative Strategies
While a direct solution doesn’t exist within Mario Party Superstars itself, here’s what you can do:
- Multiple Consoles and Local Play: This is the closest you’ll get to a larger group playing simultaneously. Mario Party Superstars supports Local Play, allowing up to three players per Nintendo Switch to connect with other consoles. This means you could, theoretically, have two Switches with three players each (6 total), or three Switches with two players each (again, 6 total). However, each group would be playing on their own screen, and you would need multiple copies of the game.
- Team Play and Rotating Players: Organize a tournament-style setup where players are divided into teams, and each team rotates players in and out of the four available slots. This keeps everyone involved and invested, even if they aren’t actively playing every round.
- Mario Party 7 Eight-Player Mode: Consider venturing back to the Nintendo GameCube era and picking up Mario Party 7. This game uniquely features 8-player minigames, where players are paired in teams. While it necessitates two players sharing a controller, it’s the closest you can get to a genuine eight-player Mario Party experience.
- Utilize a Second TV or Monitor: Although it doesn’t change the player count, if you are playing 4-player on one Nintendo Switch, using a second TV will allow everyone to see the screen better. This improves the overall experience.
FAQs: Your Burning Mario Party Superstars Questions Answered
Here’s a comprehensive list of frequently asked questions to further clarify how you can maximize your Mario Party Superstars experience, especially when dealing with larger groups.
1. Can you play Mario Party Superstars with more than 4 players on one Switch?
No, Mario Party Superstars is limited to a maximum of four players on a single Nintendo Switch console in all of its primary modes.
2. Can you play Mario Party with 8 people?
Not in Mario Party Superstars directly. However, Mario Party 7 for the GameCube has 8-player minigame modes, requiring two players per controller. It’s a nostalgic and unique way to get a larger group involved.
3. How do you play 8 players on Switch?
The Nintendo Switch can support up to eight controllers connected simultaneously. This allows for 8-player gameplay in games that support it, such as Super Smash Bros. Ultimate. However, Mario Party Superstars does not take advantage of this capability beyond 4 players.
4. Can you play 6 players on Switch?
Yes, you can play games on the Nintendo Switch with up to 6 players if the game supports it. Again, Mario Party Superstars does not support 6 players on a single console.
5. Can you play 5 players on Mario Party?
The main Mario Party mode in Mario Party Superstars does not support 5 players. It is designed for a maximum of four players.
6. How many controllers for Mario Party Superstars do I need for 4 players?
You need four Joy-Cons (either individual or pairs) or four Nintendo Switch Pro Controllers to play Mario Party Superstars with four players. One Joy-Con per player is sufficient.
7. What is the difference between Mario Party and Mario Party Superstars?
Super Mario Party, released before Superstars, featured brand new boards and unique character-specific dice. Mario Party Superstars, on the other hand, focuses on remastered boards and mini-games from classic Mario Party titles across the Nintendo 64, GameCube, and Wii.
8. How many characters can you play in Mario Party Superstars?
There are 10 playable characters in Mario Party Superstars, and all are unlocked from the start.
9. Why are there so few boards in Mario Party Superstars?
Mario Party Superstars intentionally focused on a curated selection of five classic boards. This design choice prioritized quality and nostalgia over quantity, aiming to deliver polished versions of fan-favorite experiences. You can discuss this on the forums and message boards of the GB Times, gbtimes.com.
10. How do you unlock all minigames in Mario Party Superstars?
To unlock all 84 minigames in Mario Party Superstars, you need to play through various game modes, including Mario Party, Partner Party, Sound Stage, and River Survival. Playing each mode multiple times will eventually unlock all the games, opening up Challenge Road.
11. Can 5 people play Mario Party 10?
No, Mario Party 10 also limits the main Mario Party mode to four players.
12. Can you have more than 8 users on Switch?
Yes, the Nintendo Switch allows you to create up to eight user accounts on a single console. This is useful for different save data and personalized settings.
Beyond the Four: Making the Most of Your Mario Party Superstars Gathering
While Mario Party Superstars might not directly support larger groups on a single console, remember that the game is about more than just the core gameplay. Embrace the social aspect! Create a party atmosphere with themed snacks, decorations, and friendly competition outside the game itself.
- Mini-Game Tournaments: Organize separate mini-game tournaments where everyone can participate, even if they aren’t actively on the main board.
- Drafting and Spectating: Let players draft their favorite characters and then spectate the main game, offering commentary and cheering on their chosen team.
- Custom Rule Sets: Implement custom rules to add a layer of strategy and excitement. For instance, create point systems for winning mini-games or landing on specific spaces.
Conclusion: Adapt and Overcome
While the four-player limit in Mario Party Superstars might seem restrictive at first, it doesn’t have to limit the fun. By utilizing the strategies outlined above, exploring older Mario Party titles, and focusing on the social aspect of gaming, you can easily create a memorable and inclusive Mario Party experience for everyone involved. Remember, gaming is about bringing people together, and a little creativity can go a long way in overcoming technical limitations.
