New details for Mario Golf: Super Rush‘s multiplayer options have been released. The most notable new information regards split-screen multiplayer when using local wireless or online play. Options for local play with up to four players and single-player modes are also detailed.
Mario Golf: Super Rush is the latest title in the Mario Golf subseries from Nintendo. Much like the similar Mario Party games, Mario Sports always have an emphasis on multiplayer, traditionally local. With newer titles, however, the focus has shifted to playing over the internet. Super Mario Party was recently updated to include online play. Super Rush, meanwhile, has had a heavy emphasis on online play since its announcement in February 2021.
That online play comes with a few caveats. According to the Super Rush website, local wireless and online play will only support two-player split-screen. Local multiplayer with 2-4 players is available, either by using split-screen or turn-based play. Online play will require a Nintendo Switch Online subscription. Additionally, not every mode will be available for multiplayer of any kind. Golf Adventure and Solo Challenge are limited to one player. Standard Golf, Speed Golf, and Battle Golf will be available online, over local wireless, or for local multiplayer. Players on their own can also opt to go head-to-head with CPUs.
Overall, this falls in line with Nintendo’s other titles, with an emphasis on online multiplayer. Both Super Smash Bros. Ultimate and Mario Kart 8 Deluxe offer two players per console online but allow for more players in offline matches. While the exact reasoning has never been shared, it could be for the purposes of saving bandwidth and server space. It could also be to ensure that a smooth framerate and connection are maintained. There’s also the possibility that the console itself simply couldn’t handle four players on one system online at once.
Whatever the exact reasoning, Super Rush is following in the footsteps of its predecessors. While there are some that will be disappointed by these limitations, this is not an entirely unexpected development. The game still has a healthy balance between multiplayer and single-player modes. Playing with two players online or over wireless is better than not having the option at all. Admittedly, this title will be reliant on the Nintendo Switch Online service, which has a rocky history. But if the local multiplayer is anything like similar titles on the system, players should be in for a madcap visit to the Mushroom Kingdom greens.
Mario Golf: Super Rush releases on June 25th for the Nintendo Switch.
