Super Mario Maker 2 is a game that seemed inevitable. The first installment in the new Nintendo level crafting franchise was a massive hit and a commercial success on a relatively unpopular console (it was even an early request for a Switch port). Giving the game a few shiny new features and releasing a sequel on the much more popular Switch was clearly a no-brainer. One of those exciting new features focuses on online multiplayer and the latest Nintendo Direct revealed details about exactly how that will work.

The new game has a few modes for players to explore. There's obviously the Story Mode, but there is also Coursebot and Course World. In Super Mario Maker 2, Course World will be the gateway to level sharing and multiplayer experiences. Players should note that the multiplayer features will require a Nintendo Switch Online subscription.

When it comes to online play, things work about the way you would expect. Any players who own the game and have a Nintendo Switch Online subscription can team up or face off in co-op or versus mode. Some of the weird limitations arise when groups of players want to get into some multiplayer levels while locally in the same room...

When playing locally, here are some of the restrictions and guidelines that apply:

1.) Every player has to have their own Switch console and copy of Super Mario Maker 2.

2.) The player who creates the room must be connected online throughout the play session. Conveniently, the other players who join the local room don't have to be online for things to work.

3.) At this point, it seems like there is no way to play multiplayer on a single Switch with multiple controllers. Multiple Switches appear to be required.

That last point is going to rub a lot of people the wrong way. Ideally the game would allow for traditional couch co-op or versus mode, but apparently that may clash with the game's design or controls. We'll keep an eye out as more information is revealed to see if that changes at all or if Nintendo makes a statement on single console multiplayer for the game.

Be sure to check back closer to the game's launch for more news, updates, and strategy guides.

Super Mario Maker 2 is set to release June 28, 2019, exclusively for the Switch.

Source: Nintendo Direct