How to Start a Local or Online Multiplayer Game (Super Smash Bros. Ultimate)
Instructions on setting up a multiplayer game in Super Smash Bros. Ultimate.
Additional Information:
- Make sure to sync additional Nintendo Switch Pro Controllers to the Nintendo Switch console 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. | |
Online Play: Battle with players from around the world. | |
Local Wireless Play: 2–4 players can battle with a variety of fighters and stages. |
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 Nintendo Switch Pro Controller, or a GameCube controller.
- For players using a single Joy-Con, hold the controller horizontally and press SL and SR on top.
- For players using both Joy-Con controllers, hold them vertically and press L and R 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.
Complete These Steps:
- From the main menu, select “Online”.
Note: A Nintendo Account with an active Nintendo Switch Online 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).
- If more than 1 person will be playing on the console, complete these additional steps.
- Choose the controller type for each player. Each player can choose between a single Joy-Con, a pair of Joy-Con controllers, a Nintendo Switch Pro Controller, or a GameCube controller (GameCube controller adapter required).
- For players using a single Joy-Con, hold the controller horizontally and press SL and SR on top.
- For players using both Joy-Con controllers, hold them vertically and press L and R 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.
- Choose the controller type for each player. Each player can choose between a single Joy-Con, a pair of Joy-Con controllers, a Nintendo Switch Pro Controller, or a GameCube controller (GameCube controller adapter required).
- Select your fighter, then select “Ready to Fight”.
- The console will search for additional opponents. When enough opponents are found, the battle will begin!
Complete These Steps:
- 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.
- Have Player 1 select “Create a Room”.
- Adjust the Mode, Rules, and Participants (Anyone, Acquaintances, Friends Only), then select “OK” twice.
- 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.