Talking Point: The Nintendo Switch Could Revive Local Multiplayer

I know a few friends/co-workers of mine and myself all plan on doing a good deal of local with this, so...

Unfortunately I don't see the Nintendo Switch reviving multiplayer. It may keep it alive, but to properly revive it, you need the big third parties and the likes of Sony and Microsoft to support it.

"It reminds me of when Super Smash Bros. 4 came out for the Nintendo 3DS..."

By the way, Nintendo would be absolutely foolish not to re-release a Smash Bros: Ultimate Version for the Switch.

local multiplayer never died at my place

Local multiplayer with my wife, friends, and family is way more important to me than online play....i just hope we dont have to buy a second system for games like Splatoon

A great article. I agree it could revive local multiplayer as Nintendo have some hits of their own to offer both competitive and co-op play. I hope to see third parties joining in. 2 player split-screen FPS co-op, RPG co-op with multiple party members and real time battles. It will be good to see this kind of gameplay continue / make a comeback.

I've got 3 kids, that's all the local multiplayer I'll ever need!

That's one of my biggest complaints with non-Nintendo platforms. Local multiplayer is becoming pretty scarce. Here's hoping Nintendo brings us some great games to play with people IRL, rather than just behind a screen like all the other platforms (in most cases).

I won't be buying MK8 AGAIN for some time. Not when the only upgrade really is the Battle Mode, which they should have fixed for us on Wii U. It's definitely not worth another €60 for a slight upgrade, for me at least.

For me, local multiplayer never died. If you're in the UK, please join your local StreetPass group.

@Aurumonado
+1, Still is good to know that there many games with local multiplayer.

@FragRed
However, most of those Third Parties have opted more the online than the local multiplayer (of fact, many don't have local multiplayer)

My family is always busy on the go, so me being able to whip out my Switch and play a few races of Mario Kart with them without being tethered to a TV is an exciting prospect.

Local multiplayer is a big deal in my home, especially co-op. I can't wait to see what's brought to the table with the Switch.

Nice article, here's to local revival!

Also, if WarioWare doesn't happen, I may cry. Just sayin...

With me and some of my friends being avid Monster Hunter players, local multiplayer never died for us. But I guess we are a minority at this point.

I mainly want them to abuse that local wireless multiplayer feature.
Pokemon! Overwatch! Mario Party! Four Swords!
Alot of fun possibilities with everyone bringing their own system/screen.

Mario Kart 8 is good if you can have 5+ players in any combination you want with multiple Switches

@Whopper744 my wife and I have already bought one each. I see this being a big deal in families.

@KirbyTheVampire "That's one of my biggest complaints with non-Nintendo platforms. Local multiplayer is becoming pretty scarce."

This couldn't be further from the truth at least on the ps4. There are TONS of great local multi-player games available. From smaller quirky indies like Towerfall to big publisher games like Plants vs Zombies Garden Warfare, there is no shortage of local co op games on other platforms.

I am a big fan of local multiplayer and always push it for my gamer days at home. However, I will have to start using online to play with buddies in other states. Looks like the NS will be a great home for both.

@SLIGEACH_EIRE
So your buying the switch? What made you change your mind? Your right about the Mario kart stuff... Can't argue with that

I know that I personally will be taking mine over to a friend's house for some local fun. Me and my bro played some local co-open in Streets of Rage 2 a little while back and it just goes to show that you can't replace playing right next to each other, exchanging words and strategies. Online is fun but there is definitely a place for both in the gaming world.

@SLIGEACH_EIRE You are welcome to come round my house for a multiplayer sesh even though you are a bit grumpy sometimes lol. . me and my lovely japanese gaming friends will cheer you up!

@SLIGEACH_EIRE good job you can play local co-op on the WiiU version then. I'm guessing you didn't actually read the article. I won't be upgrading to MK8deluxe for a while either but that's got very little to do with the point of the article

Looks like I'm not the only one nostalgic about the days when home consoles came with two controllers for potential local co-op. Nowadays, the controllers themselves are tech-packed and expensive enough that packing two of them in would bulk up the price noticeably. In the light of that, Nintendo managing to provide local multiplayer hardware out of the box despite it all being nominally one controller at first glance... is not to be underestimated. Unless you ponder universal questions like "how are you supposed to play BotW with one Joycon?" Don't tell these guys lest we should break their hearts, but you AREN'T - it's a single player game. Games meant for local multiplayer will be geared towards it, and even cutting down on the amount of input options from single player mode shouldn't be a deal-breaker - every joycon is equipped no poorer than a SNES controller was back in the day. And you can take it all anywhere in what seems to be the FIRST time someone enables one-screen two-controller local multiplayer on the go. Are we still asking what's so "revolutionary about Switch as compared to tablets"?

Btw - LOCAL MULTIPLAYER is where it will be at - This week I tried out "For Honor" ( yes, spelt wrong) and the multiplayer appears to be fairly broken. not only is this an AAA title but the matchmaking was entirely unreliable - I would imagine the 4x4 gameplay would be much better suited to the SWITCH local multiplayer scene. . .
I'm really really really excited about the opportunities of r play that SWITCH will give us!

I'm repurchasing MK8 for the portability. Although it'll be nice to have new characters and a proper battle mode now.

Smash 3DS was a LOT of fun to play with people IRL. It was fun being challenged by friends and people I met at conventions to a quick battle.

@redd214 I said "becoming scarcer", not "nonexistent". Of course there are local multiplayer games, but it's becoming less common than it once was, which is a bummer.

Local multiplayer never went away for me! Nintendo Land, Mario Kart 8 and Smash all got tons of multiplayer time from me, my family and friends.

@cfgk24 It's not spelled wrong. Not every country spells it like "honour".

@KirbyTheVampire I would disagree with that as well to be fair. If anything it's making a resurgence from the last generation.

To me, this is the biggest selling point. Local multiplayer of a home console that's also truly portable.

Local multiplayer is the only reason I buy games consoles, which is why I'm sticking to Nintendo. For single player(or online multiplayer, I guess) I've got my pc.

As most WiiU owners and FIFA enthusiasts on other consoles will tell you: local multiplayer never went anywhere. It's just game developers forgot about it.

What the Switch does offer though is local multiplayer /at the pub/

Local multiplayer is very much alive at my house. On Wii U and, to a lesser extent, PS4. Thank you very much. Bring us the Switch!

@FragRed They won't revive multiplayer in general, no. Not on a Nintendo console, but LOCAL multiplayer is another story entirely. Nintendo hardly ever needed third parties for their local multiplayer, so I actually see BIG opportunities for them to revive that.

Splatoon, Mario Kart, ARMS and yes, even 1-2 Switch will all prompt more players to play local multiplayer. The fact that the Switch offers two-player mode by default is already a great step towards that.

Hard to envision the Switch championing local multiplayer when extra controllers are so expensive. With the Wii and Wii U, there was backward compatibility with the controllers, which kept the cost down for local play quite a bit.

You could say that the Switch has 2 joycons right from the start, but a single joycon looks incredibly uncomfortable. Like trying to play Runbow with just a nunchuk. It's functional, but not fun.

Um, what is that blue shiny thing hanging up on the right of the last photo?

@redd214 Hmm, maybe I'm just not seeing them, but it doesn't seem to me that there's as many AAA local multiplayer games this generation. To be fair, I haven't paid very much attention, since I just got my PS4 like 2 and a half weeks ago.

Yay for local multiplayer!! Now I just need to find some local friends..... sigh

@greengecko007 It may look uncomfortable to you, but maybe you should just wait and see until you get your hands on them. Most people that have, are genuinely surprised and enthusiastic about how they feel and operate. I've seen only a small handful of bad/lesser reviews.

And they really aren't expensive, that faulty perception has definitely got to go.

The Wiimote is still 44,99 39,99 both in euros or in dollars, and it has far less tech in it. And for 35 40 dollars more, you get two Joy-Cons, so that really isn't expensive at all.

And how about this comparison:

Controllers with even less functionality than the Wiimote...

I want discounts on Mario Kart 8 and my Virtual Console games. It's unfair having to pay the same price for something I have already. I play this stuff tons with family and friends.

@KirbyTheVampire Er, it was a joke?
(Cfgk24 goes and googles Spelled vs Spelt) lol

If it wasnt for WiiU these last few years, local multiplayer would be completely dead at my house. NS is going to bring it back in a big way.

Distant friends want to team up online as soon as splatoon2 releases, while nearby friends and co-workers all have NS pre-ordered so we can local play during our time off.

It is going to be grand-tastical.

I think the difference for me is that Nintendo make games I actually WANT to play in local multiplayer. I've had a ps4 for over a year and it's a good console. But I have had no reason to buy a second pad at all. There just isn't many quality games (besides a few good indies) that are good in local multiplayer. If ever I go away I don't bring my ps4 I bring my Wii U and 3DS because Nintendo make really fun local multiplayer games. It's a shame because Microsoft and Sony used to have some absolute gems for local multiplayer. But there seems to be more effort to keep people shut in their rooms in single player and online than with others in local multiplayer.

I ain't sharing my games with anyone,there mine,mine I tell ya. I will throw myself over the top of them so you can't even see them,there mine I tell ya

Idk, to me, local multiplayer is a thing of the past. Sure, I'll play with people locally. But online. I don't really feel like the offline experience is that good anymore.

Still, happy Nintendo sticks to what makes it Nintendo. Quirky, odd, and just the right amount of classic. Now, if only they could get the right amount of modern, that'd be nice.

I'd love to see 2-4 player split screen brought back. Games like Goldeneye, Mario Kart 64, Mario Party 3, and Beetle Adventure Racing were a blast on the 64 with family & friends. I hope to see more games like it on the Switch.

@greengecko007 It's probably more intended for local multiplayer on the go than it is for local multiplayer in the house. You'd be better off buying another controller for that, at least if you plan on playing with someone for long periods. Who knows, though. I think it's supposed to be pretty comfortable for the first while, but of course, no one owns a Switch, so we can't say for sure how long you can play before it becomes uncomfortable.

Local multiplayer is way better than online in my opinion, I don't like having random people playing with you, or having lil 9 year olds shouting and swearing on ya headphones while in cod 😕... Nothing like putting ya mates off by grabbing their controllers, and having a drink and snacks in ya living room I used to do it loads years ago when I had friends lol

@ThanosReXXX With over 100 million Wii consoles sold and millions of accessories, people already have Wii remotes and classic controllers and such. Even then, I just checked on Amazon, and found new Wii branded Wii remotes for $20. They're $25 at GameStop, and less than $20 on eBay. I've never seen the ps move controllers packed like that either, and definitely not for $99. So I'm really not sure where your prices are coming from.

But really, the point is simply that if you want any local multiplayer functionality on the NS, you're going to be paying quite a bit. At least $70 for a pro controller. Again, just did a google search, and a PS4 controller will run you $45 from Amazon, Walmart, and Target.

It comes with two controllers as standard, so to speak, with the JoyCon (meant as plural - there is no 's' like 'sheep', 'amiibo' or 'trout')
It's the first console to do this since the Famicom unless I'm wrong.
It's an ideal opportunity to pick up and play without any additional cost. And that's a good thing.

@Bruh We would if we could, but cash isn't real easy to come by at the moment. That would also mean spending 120 bucks on games instead of 60.

Yuccccckkk. That intrusive map. I hope we can turn it off in Mario Kart 8 Deluxe. The resolution's good enough that we can see and discern where to turn without the need for a map, even for first-time players. An on-screen map is completely unnecessary IMHO.

@greengecko007 The PS4 is pretty old, though. The Switch is totally new.

@greengecko007 You will probably be able to get them for a bit cheaper after some time, but I'm strictly comparing MSRP's/RRP's, so that is where my prices come from. I honestly couldn't give a rat's @ss if you could even get them for 10 dollars on the black market, that's not their real price.

The whole point is that they're NOT expensive, mainly because of the surplus of tech they offer, also in the Pro Controller, so $10 more for all that in comparison to other controllers is nothing.

And don't just look at Sony, also look at what Xbox One controllers cost. Controller's prices nowadays are ALL "expensive" or rather, in balance with the tech they offer, so the more tech incorporated, the more expensive the controller will be.

By the way: have a closer look at those GameStop prices if you want to use them to support your assumptions:

The ACTUAL price of new official Wiimotes is $39,99. The others are either knock-offs or pre-owned controllers, both of which don't count in a fair comparison...
http://www.gamestop.com/browse?nav=16k-3-wii+remote,28zu0

I had a question, for local wireless multiplayer with Mario Kart 8, would we be able to divide players as we please?

For example if me and my friend have 3 Switches between us and 5 players, would we be able to set 3 of them to the tv Switch and the other 2 onto the other Switches in handheld mode?

Nothing beats local multiplayer! Some of my fondest childhood memories come from playing co-op games with friends and family on the DS and Wii.

Sorry, that's a serious stretch. A simple google search for a sale on Amazon or Walmart is an easy and common practice. Buying used officially licensed controllers at GameStop? Happens all the time. You may as well say you don't care how expensive anything is because you could just steal it. Comparing past MSRPs is pointless when talking about whether or not something is expensive in today's market. Seriously reaching...

You seem really hung up on the tech inside these controllers. That may be enough to justify their price to you, but it is a fact that it costs much more to buy another controller for the NS then any other relevant game system. If I want to play MK8 with my friends locally, I don't care that the pro controller has an NFC reader and HD rumble. I care that I'm paying $70 for each pair of hands that I want to be able to play with me at the same time, and wondering what is wrong with the controllers I already own for the Wii and Wii U. That's insanely expensive for me.

Don't see this happening.... I have a Wii U and it's hard enough to get friends to come play Mario kart on my kit. What makes you think my friends will go buy switches and come play?

@greengecko007 very very true!!!

I'm already mad that the new switch wonder pro controller lacks analog triggers!!! And at $70 that is insane.

@BertoFlyingFox I'm guessing your like me? In my circle of about 10 or 12 close friends that game still, exactly 3 have the Wii U. Lots have a 360 and/or PS4. Funny only one Xbone.

Maybe the switch will do it for these people. Some of my friends seem excited, some are standoffish PS fanboys and some don't care...

This will be interesting to see what happens.

@sillygostly I use to keep track of other players and keep my lead.

@Danrenfroe2016 : As I said, the map should be "optional". Making the map optional would not deprive you of doing that.

I think part of Nintendo's subliminal pitch is that it's easier for your Sony Pony or X-bot friends to play Switch without "buying in". But you bring it over and hand them a controller? That's different than anything before. Console carrying cases didn't make anyone really bring them around much. 3ds is portable, but not multiplayer unless they have one too.

That is Switch's biggest advantage. Though there's a lot I'm not loving and that includes the joycon, I think portable multiplayer is a BIG deal. A lot more people will get a chance to try it and maybe end up buying one.

Local multiplayer isn't dead, it's inconvenient for a very large majority of people. Many multiplayer games still have it, there are entire communities built around fighting games.

Having local multiplayer is almost never an excuse for not having online multiplayer, or a poor online multiplayer.

@greengecko007 Well, even though I understand your point of continuously having to buy all these controllers, it's just not always a given that you can use older controllers on newer systems.

You also can't use Xbox 360 controllers on the Xbox One and I have 3 of those controllers. But I'm not angry or salty that I have to buy new controllers for the Xbox One if I ever buy that system: it just comes with the territory.

As for these pre-owned controllers: sure, people buy them all the time, but it really doesn't count in a fair and official price comparison, so why you insist on doing that, is beyond me.

And you yourself brought up GameStop, and I checked and then showed you the ACTUAL price, which is 39,99 and that's a current MSRP/RRP, not a past one.

You can't go and compare the Switch's brand new controllers to second hand controllers of another, older console. That's not the right way to compare and establish if something is expensive or not.

I'm not really hung up on the tech, but it IS a logical explanation of why they are more expensive. That is a simple fact that cannot be denied. The same goes for the latest Playstation or Xbox controllers: they've become more expensive with each new version, but also better/more refined and indeed with more or more advanced tech inside.

P.S.

You forgot to tag me or hit reply...

This is probably one of the coolest things for me about the switch, wherever I take it and whoever I'm with (depending) on the game I can play it with them.
I generally play single player games as I love campaigns and stories but if I get a fun multi-player to play with mates it's awesome!

PS Splatoon local multi-player, holy sh#t!

Not if theres no option for horizontal split screen it wont!

@greengecko007 P.S. And why should you pay for others? In general, I have only two controllers for each console I own, except for the Wii, because of all the different ones, so I have two wiimotes, and two classic controllers. And for the Wii U I only have one pro controller because I already have the GamePad, obviously.

So, if other people also want to play with you, let them bring their own controllers. And while they're at it, their Switch as well. Set up a little LAN party...

Local multiplayer is always better, nothing beats that vibe of having friends round, heavy duty trash talking while having a few beers etc and taking names on some games... the wars we had on games like Mario Kart, Virtua Tennis, Super Speed Racing, Soul Calibur, EA Hockey, Monkey Ball...no amount of online infrastructure could replace those laughs we had.

Echoes of Wii U launch here.

Nintendoland was a fantastic local multiplayer game but nobody has ever really played it besides a few hardcore Nintendo fans

@WiltonRoots And let's not forget being able to laugh at the disappointed faces of the friends that lost the game, and punching them in the arm when they make some capital mistake...

@Folkloner Yo are you the same Folkloner from Miiverse?

@ThanosReXXX oh yes!

@ThanosReXXX One of my favourite times was playing EA Hockey with my friend in a professional recording studio, we rigged the Megadrive through the mixing desk and he pushed the reverb and effects up, it sounded just like we were in an arena.

when Mario kart hits switch there will be lots of time spent with my three kids in battle mode. many gamers nowdays have never even played local multiplayer that way. it really can be a great time!

Wasn't this same thing said about Wii U 4 years ago?

Switch is not reviving local multiplayer. Nothing is. Local multiplayer was a by-product of the pre-internet days.

This is like stating newspapers could be revived. Or house phones.

Why else would online gaming be more popular than it's ever been? It's the natural evolution of things. Local multiplayer is now very niche, almost exclusive to house parties with drinking involved.

"I can only wonder how wacky a WarioWare game could get "

that would require them to make a new WarioWare game though

one day, self... one day

@SLIGEACH_EIRE MK8D isn't for the 8 million people who bought MK8; it's for the 88 million people who bought Wii but not Wii U. They'll try to get your money with Federation Force 2.

@PanurgeJr Um. so let me get this straight...

The 88 million people that didn't buy a Wii U and MK8 are suddenly going to buy Switch and MK8D because.... why exactly?

@WiltonRoots Sounds like a blast (processing)...

Little Sega joke there...

I really, really want to see local multiplayer become big again. Online multiplayer is vastly inferior to it in my opinion. I just hope that when they say local multiplayer for Splatoon 2, they mean Splitscreen- only one of my friends is getting a Switch at launch, and of course my family is only getting the one, so the local multiplayer wouldn't be used much otherwise.

@ThanosReXXX The people who have issues with local multiplayer obviously have no friends in real life so I can see why they don't see local multiplayer as a big deal.

@WiltonRoots Well, the nice thing is that the Switch offers both, so whether or not they have real friends or a thousand online-only friends, they'll still be able to play in the way they prefer, and that's probably the most important thing.

Oh, and not bashing each other if you don't like online or offline multiplayer...

@WiltonRoots Obviously, this is the case.

@gatorboi352 Um, because of games like MK8D. Are you saying it's a bad game not worth playing?

@ThanosReXXX I'm looking forward to the sessions to come, it's going to be a blast...

It's really two separate issues-SHOULD local multiplayer be revived, and then CAN Nintendo do it.

Anyone who has read my comments at all know my thoughts on local multiplayer. My first experience was with golden eye at a sleep over. I was hooked. We would make up excuses to stay the night together, the 4 amigos, pretend to sleep, so we could get up after parents went to bed and game all night.

I know in the age of adult hood this isn't ideal. People move away, people have work and families. I get it. But there's something magical about being in room together. You want to trash talk on a headset? It's better when you can look them in the eye, do your "you are a loser even though I'm the guy doing a lame dance" dance (trademark pending). It's a throwback to childlike days of yore, sitting at an arcade together plotting how to make $5 last all afternoon. That's what gaming was to me, and it is nice to be able to get back to those roots on occasion.

Will the big N be able to do it? No one can, because online is such an integral part of so many people's lives. It's easier to head to the bedroom and meet up together on a server than all getting hours out of the house to meet in person. I do think the Switch can make local multiplayer an actual option again, sometimes for some people. To me, that's good enough.

Switch can definitely help to normalise local multiplayer, but for those of us who use Steam regularly, it has never been a better time. I can't see me challenging a complete stranger to a game on Switch, but who knows, I may surprise myself!

@Rumncoke25 And now I want to see what that lame victory dance looks like...

@ThanosReXXX I love that comparison... People always wanna hammer on Nintendo... Video games is an expensive hobby anyway you slice it.

local multiplayer doesn't need reviving in my household. Let me say why... its because its our favorite way to play..

@jaymacx Exactly. All of them become more expensive with each new console and/or peripheral, no big surprise, really.

@KingOfTheFools ABSOLUTELY! It's complete crap that they abandon a platform, and not give you a huge break when you have to rebuild your library. Should be free if you've already bought it. It like .99 to update.

"Everyone can gather around and play some really weird cowboy games, or milk a cow together."

... I don't know who contributed this article, but they have some odd cosplay fetishs...

"The Nintendo Switch is capitalizing on those emotions, and that's a really cool thing to see."

...Those are emotions that people have!? Is there anyone else here who can attest to having burning emotions of wanting to play cowboy/cowgirl and milk... various things with their friends, families, significant others, friendly neighborhood hobo's, etc?

When reading this article, I just cant stop thinking about this video ^^. Fun read too and thank you for you opinion Funké Joseph :+).

Im digging that Mario kart Deluxe!

@SLIGEACH_EIRE sell your copy

@SLIGEACH_EIRE No it's not really worth that kind of price, but of course Nintendo knows the demographic for the Deluxe version is anyone who didn't already own and play it to death on Wii U.

You and I will have to wait for 9.

@jaymacx I actually find video gaming can be a fairly inexpensive hobby, depending on how you do it. A lot of people will spend around a hundred dollars or more (could be much more if you're paying for a family) just on a single concert or sporting event or night out, and do that regularly.

In comparison, I'm amazed at how many hours of entertainment can be had per dollar with video games.

Every Nintendo home console has promoted local multiplayer. That's kind of Nintendo's thing. I couldn't describe the countless memories I have playing Wii U games like Nintendo Land and Mario Kart 8 at home with a group of friends.

The question isn't if it can; the question is will it sell enough units to make local multiplayer mainstream again. I hate to be a stickler about sales, but if we want everyone who plays games to be grouped up by the couch playing local multiplayer again, it needs to be in a LOT of households.

The first couple of years the Wii was out, a lot of people around my area would always play Wii Sports, Mario Kart, and other games together. Granted, the Wii's charm fell due to Nintendo's inability to keep up with modern technology and trends (HD, power, online infrastructure...). If the Switch sells well and fixes these issues, which it seems to be for the most part, I can see local multiplayer being more mainstream.

I've always preferred local multiplayer over online. I grew up with the NES and SNES... so many great memories playing with friends. And still now, Monster hunter or Mario Kart with a group of friends next to you is so much more fun than playing online imo.

This current gen has been awesome for local multiplayer, and the Switch is definitely looking like it will continue that tradition.

@SLIGEACH_EIRE
The mighty Sligeach has spoken. And so Mario kart deluxe was hurled into the great abyss for none to enjoy. All hail Sligeach "the buzzkill".

@tedko if you compare it to other forms of entertainment it can be cheaper..

@Superzone13
Dude your profile pic is sweet. I need that right now. Ganondorf is my all time favorite nintendo character. They need more amiibo if him.

I would be shocked if people started really getting into local multiplayer again. People dont' like face to face interaction anymore, they like it through the phone.

Its not going to hurt it. And the people that do still get together will. But I can't see it causing a revival. People got together to play tennis and bowl. They aren't going to be dying to milk a cow and count make believe ice cubes.

@ThanosReXXX
I'm rather proud of it, but my girlfriend says it looks like an ostrich with a firecracker in its nethers.

I'm sure she meant a peacock strutting in its rainbow glory 😎.

Next time we all get together for a match, I'll have her record and make the gif my avatar and hold a poll for nintendolife to decide.

I think the downfall is not having a cable that could connect to the tv and the $90 dock. I mean bringing the Switch and 2 joycons to a friends to play is an interesting idea. But are people really going to be cramped together playing on a screen slightly bigger than a cell phone screen when a large flat panel tv sits next to them unused?

Oh yeah, now local and online multiplayer is "the new" for the internet drama about of Nintendo, ok...

The switch is something special. Nothing beats local multiplayer, can't wait to dive in to this machine.

@2CUTE4YOU Hey, that could be a new commercial...

"I'm always ready to flip my Switch on the go. All the ladies love it. And you will too."

I think the most interesting thing about the Switch is not necessarily the fact that it's a handheld/home console hybrid, but the fact that it offers local multiplayer using just a single portable device. Playing Mario Kart 8 Deluxe and Snipperclips with a friend on the go using a single Switch device may seem cramped, but it is a concept that previous Nintendo handhelds have not offered before.

I don't think the Switch will "revive" local multiplayer in the sense that more multiplayer games will include local multiplayer game modes, but the Switch could allow the current local multiplayer gaming landscape to permeate away from the TV into to the outside world if it is successful.

Local multiplayer did live on during the Wii/DS era. It also exists in the tournament scene, but even that's kind of faded out during this decade. The 3DS probably got lots of local multiplayer action in Japan, and the Wii U was a failure, so it didn't continue the Nintendo home console local multiplayer legacy.

There's been no real flag bearer of local multiplayer since the decade began. So Nintendo has their work cut out for them to regain their losses.

@CharlieSmile Here here. We really need a combination of the two previous Smash games to be ported over to the Switch. For people who play competitively, they can do so on the go a lot easier. If they want to bring in more casual players, make an HD variant of Smash Run...that exclusive on the 3DS version was addictive. Throw in 2-3 more new characters and all the stages from the 3DS/Wii U versions and you will have something every Smash fan would buy...well, except the Melee-for-life people.

@PlywoodStick I would actually strongly disagree with regard to a decrease of the tournament scene. In regards to the Wii U, I would argue that this is one of the few highlight of the console...it started things rolling on legitimizing Nintendo Esports games.

Prior to Smash 4, the only two Nintendo games played competitively were Smash Bros Melee and Brawl...and even then, Brawl was not overly popular. Major tournament groups were starting to exclude Melee on the grounds of its age and fanbase that wasn't really increasing. But with the advent of Smash 4, the Smash fanbase gained a major boost. Now Smash 4 rivals other Esports in participants at tournaments like EVO, and if I recall Melee has also gained quite a few participants in the process.

And it's not just Smash 4 either. The Wii U brought in the likes of Pokken Tournament and Splatoon, and while Pokken is admittedly dwindling in participants after a decent run, Nintendo is putting in the effort to encourage people to participate in these games competitively, with their regular Splatoon tournaments throughout the past several months, and the recent news that Pokken would be at Pokemon Worlds this year (though they really need to add the missing DLC if they want to save that competitive scene outside Japan).

It is true that games like Splatoon appear to be receiving a larger boost in 2017 with the Switch, but the Wii U made that all possible thanks to Nintendo's excellent work on those games and the console that runs them well. So the Wii U may have had its issues, but I fully believe that it saved and even expanded upon Nintendo's tournament-worthy titles. And that largely has played a role in local multiplayer for the Wii U too.

The Switch launch already feels like Wii U deja vu.

Nintendo have already quit on the Switch. Thats why there is still so much secrecy, nobody outside of the gaming world has heard of it.

On Wii U they spent so much on R and D they pulled the plug on marketing expenditure. Switch is the same - it's sad in a way. So much potential, but lack of foresight...

I've heard rumours that Switch is going the way of new 3DS XL.

Apparently Switch will randomly have IPS or TN screens.

If this is true, Nintendo can say bye bye.

@paulw101 Mario Kart 8 Deluxe looks to be adding nothing new but Battle Mode and a few new characters. I hope it gets DLC later - some of the characters in Wii were superior to the choices in 8. Pink Gold Peach? Come on. Characters like her should just be made alternate costumes for existing ones.

Mario Kart means a lot to me - It's the definitive multiplayer experience for me, but Battle Mode as the main selling point is a bad decision.

I should note that I miss the Wii series of games dearly. I hope they make 'Switch Sports' or something and implement Miis a little further.

@greengecko007 spend an additional $70 on another set of JoyCons and you have a four player set up just like that. That has never been possible before for so cheap at launch. And Ps why on earth are you buying procontrollers for all your mates? Just get one for yourself. Then for multiplayer sessions you can all use a single JoyCon so it's fair

As for WarioWare, I remember playing that Wii multiplayer mode where two people have to jump to avoid pits, and grab cake, eventually running and jumping (and flying) into space. Such silly fun.

Still have Gamecubes linked up in LAN for MK:DD. Local isn't going anywhere, it just doesn't get too many worthy new games on modern systems (I almost exclusively used my second PS4 controller to replace the other one while being charged). Online never really caught on with me. It leaves all the infuriating frustration and hardly any of the friendly fun. I'd much rather play Timesplitters 3 with screen-watching friends (if not just co-op) on a small section of the screen, than any online FPS. Also, that game had an awesome campaign, in single player and co-op, which is a bit of a rarity with FPS games that focus on online multiplayer. And a map maker. And monkeys, a T-rex, zombies, robots, old and futuristic weapons, vehicles,... It's perfect, without any DLC.

I don't know anyone near me to play Nintendo games with, so I can't do local multiplayer. Just as long as games have online modes as well as local modes, then I won't complain.

That's one of the reasons why I have no interest in 1-2 Switch, since that's focused on local multiplayer.

There is no annual subscription fee for local multiplayer. That is why no one is pushing for it. Having said that, I love that Nintendo is pushing the local co op games. I am more excited for switch than I was for the PS4 or the Xbox one, I love Nintendo's uniqueness and am ready for something different.

@liveswired Can you please provide evidence Nintendo has already given up on the Switch?

We played a lot of Mario Party games on GameCube and Wii, but online multiplayer for that series is way overdue. Maybe the Switch subsciption will make this possible.

@Shambo I still have a fat ps2 specifically for Timesplitters. It is probably one of the best games of all time.

Mario Kart 8 on Wii U is fun, but the person with the gamepad seemed to have the advantage. For deluxe, everyone using joy cons could level the local playing field.

I think that the Switch will bring back ownership. You don't own online multiplayer portions. MAG for PS3 or Tabula Rasa for PC are good examples of the pitfalls of $60 passes that are worthless discs now. Halo, Timesplitters, Age of Empires are all good examples of how ownership matters. They are all still fun. The Switch just makes it way easier now. Wizards of the Coast and the Pokemon company have seen growth in TCG local multiplayer while things like C.A.H., Catan, and Munchkin are cultural pbenomenons in the States. Local never slowed, it just moved to a cheaper venue. The Switch's portable system in a monitor with two controllers should make a reasonable venue for consumers to return to.

@Jayronauron On the contrary, even though it's overall viewership has markedly decreased by now, Melee viewership has consistently remained higher than Smash 4 viewership at tournaments like EVO and Apex. (I think that's still true even now...)

Not to mention, Brawl was never considered tournament worthy, and Smash 4 is much slower and less technical than Melee, hence the lower interest at tournaments. Project M had a really good chance to become the modern tournament standard for Smash Bros, but unfortunately, Nintendo killed it. Melee in particular wasn't disappearing due to it's age, but rather because of Nintendo's interference. So I would levy the decline of Smash Bros. in the tournament scene entirely at Nintendo's feet.

Pokken was never a really serious contender for long term tournament play. The first sign of this was it being discontinued rather quickly from the Japanese arcade scene. So it was more or less a failed experiment, although I hope Nintendo tries again to make a fully fledged Pokken title on NS.

Splatoon on Wii U lacked tournament standard setup protocols, so it wasn't going to achieve critical mass on Wii U. The interest is there, though, so with the technological improvements of the NS, Spla2n could become a serious contender. However, it seems like it will use wireless local multiplayer, much like the way DS/3DS multiplayer works. This could lead to some lag due to wireless interference (and of course, a slower connection than wired), which could potentially kill Spla2n's potential. Nintendo needs to utilize the USB-to-Ethernet adaptor support to truly get the ball rolling on making Spla2n into a serious contender for tournament use.

On the one hand, this is literally exactly what we said about the Wii U.

On the other hand, I can pull this out at any time and snap the controllers off and play Mario Kart, Snipperclips, Tetris, and presumably SNES games with anyone anywhere, so there's that. It's the only console other than the Famicom to always come with two controllers, and it's a handheld that's as portable as the 3DSXL. It could work this time.

I don't know about he rest of the world, but kids in USA will go see a movie together, then go back to their separate homes to play battlefield together instead of smash brothers. Nintendo needs to have all the games ps/Xbox have to really compete. Indies are great, switch is great, but so aren't some PS4 games like rocket league or dark souls too. If Nintendo wants kids to play their console, it needs to have the gta's of the gaming world too.
Even snes has mortal kombat and sf2 to play along side with MARIO kart

@beazlen1 Extra JoyCons/Pro controllers are anything but cheap. I think even buying two multitaps and seven extra controllers for 8-player (Sega) Saturn Bomberman was cheaper than six JoyCons for 4-player motion controlled matches of the future, and around the price of three Pro controllers. Only needing to buy two extra JoyCons for 4-player MK8D is a good value, but how often will that technique be used?

Getting MK8 because battle-mode. Loved underrated Cars 2 Wii.

@subpopz And how much of that tech will actually be used in most games? It may be put to good use in 1st party titles (I should hope), and the JoyCons definitely make their value known for MK8D and ARMS. But how many third parties and non-Nintendo fans will care?

It took the likes of Super Mario 64, NIGHTS into Dreams, and Ape Escape/Metal Gear Solid to tear people away from the SNES/non-DualShock PS/original Saturn style of controller. It took Wii Sports and Wii Fit to convince people of switching to motion controls (temporarily). What's it going to take to permanently convince people that "high definition motion controls" are here to stay?

@SLIGEACH_EIRE
I won't be buying MK8 AGAIN for some time. Not when the only upgrade really is the Battle Mode, which they should have fixed for us on Wii U. It's definitely not worth another €60 for a slight upgrade, for me at least

I might agree, if it was only a slight upgrade.

But being on a portable device changes everything. How many people were willing to buy Smash Bros again to have on the go, or Mario Maker, or Yoshis Wooly World, or Monster Hunter 3 Ultimate. Some of which had less features, no online, and all of them looked absolutely primitive compared to their HD counterparts.

If a person is willing to buy a game again with those deficiencies, just because it's portable, then how much more will a person be willing to buy a game again with actual improvements, and instead of visual downgrade a visual upgrade, and instead of losing modes, adding in one of the most funnest aspects of the game (battle mode)

So I respect your decision, but understand why this is a far better proposition then any 3DS game has ever been.

@KingOfTheFools
Just thought I'd share my thoughts on the subject, as noted in my comment above.

I think Local Multiplayer has been unfairly overshadowed by the internet. While online play works well for shooters and the like, I feel local multiplayer works the best for Nintendo games like Mario Party and Mario Kart. A perfect example of the fun of local multiplayer is the upcoming Snipperclips - tried it at the Chicago Switch Preview Event last night and it was so much fun, so much laughter to be had. It is the perfect game for same-room multiplayer and shows that local gaming like that still has a place in the world.

@Nintenjoe64
True indeed.

But Wii U was permanently glued to your living room, and in this day and age as adults most people don't have friends coming and going to play local multiplayer.

I think the whole point about Switch being able to revive it, is precisely because it's not glued to your living room. Nobody comes over to peoples houses anymore like when we were kids, but with Switch, the console comes with you.

Which means whether you're at work or at school or anywhere else other human beings congregate, you will have a system with you that you can play on the spot and has a second controller at the ready. That's why this could succeed in reviving local multiplayer where the Wii U failed. It's not just about having multiplayer games, it's about having multiplayer games in an environment in which other people can play with you. And the living room is a ghost town for local MP nowadays, at least in the west. But a portable console with 2 controllers... that could work (not saying it will, but it could- if anything has a chance at doing so this system is it)

Just wondering if Smash will be playable with one joy-con.

@Blizzia 3 other mates, pizzas, beer and Halo, Mario Kart and Smash. Nothing else like it.

Online multiplayer has its place; I still meet up with my old school mates for Sunday Night Perfect Dark HD (SNPD) but throughout the whole thing we lament not being able to meet up often enough to do it IRL. How can I stop John headshotting me without a patented elbow to the kidneys?

Well since we have to pay for online service they should give some online options to newer games

@PlywoodStick a single JoyCon is £40. A pair is £70, so £35 each. A single wiimote plus is still £40. So the prices are no more than previous controllers plus the tech is more refined. How much the tech gets used and how much it contrbutes to immersive gameplay is up to the devs. I'm hopeful it'll get extensive use, esp. the HD rumble, and becomes the norm. But I also appreciate I'm full of optimism for all things Switch.

@Rumncoke25 And the curiosity level rises...

I don't think local multiplayer ever actually died. Nintendo has consistently kept it alive with their consoles and the Switch is no different in that regard. The Wii U for example is an excellent "couch co-op" console. The Switch if anything might just excel at spreading local multiplayer to more places outside of the home due to its portable nature and built-in controllers for two. Or, it may not, it may flop like the Wii U sadly flopped because the majority of gamers prefer online play these days, sitting at home in their comfy chair with their beer or bong at their side. I hope the Switch succeeds because local multiplayer is still a lot of fun. Every time my coworker or I have brought a Wii U into work for game day lunches everyone involved has a blast. The Switch should make that even easier and more frequent since it's easier to transport around than a Wii U.

What about the people who don't know any gamers? :/

@subpopz The PS4 was actually $399 at launch, plus there are few more added features that made it that price, such as hardrive, internet functionalities, blu ray player, etc. Also they are working outside of the dualshock with PSVR.

@subpopz Ok then, I didn't really see any sarcasm within your statement, since it kinda seemed like your were actually serious on what you were saying. Plus even if the Joycon has a lot more functions in it then a regular controller, the majority of 3rd parties and gamers alike won't really use it, so it is a bit of hindrance in terms of price when you think about it.

Not at those controller prices.

.... no more than a Wii with 2 controllers could. The Wii U gamepad features had a better chance of reviving local multiplayer ... no one was interested. As the individual Joycons are severely lacking in an industry standard suite of buttons (No L2/R2/Right analogue stick-seriously.... again Nintendo!!!???), I doubt very much will change!

I should point out that Xbox controllers were sold for around £90 at launch.

Local multiplayer did not fade away, my wife and I and even my kids constantly play 2-player games on the PS4 (even 4 player). It's just that many people are now playing online instead, which I'm not one to do. Nintendo has always been with local multiplayer, which is what makes them unique in my category...tons of party and multiplayer titles. That's also why I choose Sony as my second console...they also get good multiplayer games (Hot Shots Golf, Buzz, Sing Star, Little Big Planet, Mod Nation Racers and many more). This is why I look on the back of the boxes to see, I don't play online and don't really care too and I won't let my kids play online either (the cursing from little kids and even adults is enough to ruin the whole point to playing online). Glad nintendo is going for this again, but if they are, what's the point of their paid-service for online? Also, does anyone know yet if you'd have to pay for their service if Netflix comes over??? That was one thing that kept me away from Microsoft (and 'No' you don't have to be a plus member to enjoy the apps on the PS4, before the wonderful XBONE fans start complaining about that).

@KingOfTheFools Playstation's are pretty expensive too. Actually, both Sony and Microsoft made newer controllers that are over $100, so I kind of agree with you that the cost of the joy cons are not that expensive (but they could be cheaper, just like the controllers for Sony and Microsoft)...Hmm...$60 for a controller or a new game...wonder what people would do?

@fluggy The Wii U lacked it basically...I kind of wish they sold the game pads separate and allowed at least 2 to be connected to the console. Other than that, the Wii's controller scheme wasn't something that should have been on a brand new console...good for playing the classic Wii titles, but was annoying when trying to use the Wii U pad and also Wii remotes too...sort of like how we had to switch to the Wii page of the system before updates happened later. Log in with the Wii U pad, press the Wii channel button, pick up a Wii remote, use the wii remote for the rest. Wii U (and this is my personal opinion and I'm not busting on the console itself) was just kind of a mess and seemed to be nintendo working on the idea of a handheld/console together. Glad they thought better with the Switch.

@Zadaris The only thing it makes you wonder, is if there will be a 9 on the Switch. Seems like nintendo only makes one Mario Kart per system, and if this is counted as their new one, then we won't see another one until their next console...who knows though.

While I like that I can play with people around the world online, there's an inherent loneliness to playing only online. Since I can't play with friends at home (they live far away), I usually don't bother.

However, it's nice when developers give the option for local multiplayer so I can feel happy playing with friends when I can. It's a good feeling.

@JLPick
I'm fairly confident we will see a new Mario Kart on the Switch. The fact that the Mario Kart 8 Deluxe is actually titled "Mario Kart 8 Deluxe" rather than "Mario Kart 9" or "Mario Kart Switch" is telling. Logically, it would also be financially stupid not to release a new Mario Kart game on Switch as it is one of the biggest Nintendo franchises (3rd best selling DS game, 2nd best selling Wii game, 3rd best selling 3DS game, the best selling Wii game, etc).

I believe Arms was developed by the Mario Kart development team, which meant they didn't have the time or resources to develop a brand new Mario Kart game alongside. Nintendo probably wanted to get some form of Mario Kart on the Switch ASAP due to the franchise's draw and because the Switch's online multiplayer will soon costs money, so having big online multiplayer games early on is critical.

This will definitely usher in lots of local multiplayer in my circle. For me, seeing the improved battle mode on Kart 8 was a huge selling point on The Switch. I regard 8 as the finest entry in one of the greatest game series of all time – with the notable exception of the deeply flawed battle mode. To bring that back around full circle and fix the mode by making it at least appear to mirror the greatest version of Kart Battle (N64) is priceless to me. Effective Kart battling local or online could be an unstoppable system seller, it's so fun it makes my eyes sweat.

I'm looking much forward to multiplayer mariokart, snipklip, Troll and I, Overcoocked to name a few. Here it will be with husband and son, 3yo, and a perfect starter console for him
I love that we can play 2 at home on friday.

Re: the controller price issue. New/old aside, the regional price may vary alot. I'm from Denmark, and because of a huge tax, everyone here would probably be thinking my prices (converted to €/$) would be false... Keep that in mind prices in euro vary alot between countries...