STACK #219 January 2023

GAMING FEATURE

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PLAY ANYTHING, ANYWHERE! While the Switch can easily be taken anywhere, you’d think that a TV-based console like the PS5, PS4 or Xbox couldn’t. Ah, but thanks to a couple of very handy apps, you can hook into your system from anywhere via an internet connected smartphone, tablet, or PC. Play with onscreen buttons, or alternatively connect your controller wirelessly for a more genuine experience. PlayStation players should check out the free PS Remote Play app, while Xboxers should grab the also free Xbox Remote Play .

It’s summer, so it’s time to get outside and enjoy some rays - but that doesn’t mean that the gaming has to stop.With so many lucky people unwrapping shiny new consoles at Christmas, we thought it a good time to take a look at ways to keep connected with your gamer mates and family over the summer break, even if you’re away on holidays. Words Amy Flower TEAM UP FOR SUMMER GAMES! W hile video games may have been seen as more of a solitary pursuit in the past, nowadays for so many players they’re all about making connections with close family and friends, and possibly even new ones that you meet online. All each of the three major console makers – Nintendo, PlayStation, and Xbox – offer great options for multiplayer experiences at home, and even away. Let’s take a look.

be connected together, depending upon the game. Taking one release that every Switch owner should have in their arsenal, Mario Kart 8 Deluxe , as an example, you can wirelessly link up to eight Switch units for individual full screen racing on each handheld unit against those in the room with you. Each player will need a copy of the game, then getting it all up and running takes next to no time via a couple of quick menu dives. Some games even offer up to eight players the chance to participate on the one system with just one copy of a game, with the addition of extra pairs of clever Joy-Con controllers synced to your setup. Some may involve taking turns, while others will split the screen into sections for each participant. While usually attached either to an adaptor or the Switch unit itself in handheld guise, these smart Joy-Con units also function as full controllers on their own. So, if you add three extra pairs, you have eight controllers at your disposal for games that support them.

TOP SWITCH MULTIPLAYER GAMES Mario Kart 8 Deluxe The big daddy of multiplayer go-karting fun, ready for up to eight eager racers. Nintendo Switch Sports Anywhere from two to eight can get involved here, with seven sports packed in. Splatoon 3 Crazy – and stylish - ink splatting shooter mayhem for up to eight players at once. Mario Party Superstars Grab some classic Mario-infused board game fun for up to four players, locally or online. Just Dance 2023 Edition Up to six friends can dance to the hits together, either from anywhere, or in the same room.

Nintendo Switch Offering the versatility of being hooked into a television or taken with you wherever you may travel, the core Nintendo Switch and the newer OLED model really cover all game playing bases. Players can get together in the same room or online, and multiple systems can even

SWITCH ONLINE For most online pursuits you’ll need a pleasingly affordable Nintendo Switch Online subscription, which not only unlocks multiplayer, but also the ability to save your data to the cloud, as well as access to a raft of classic Nintendo Entertainment System and Super Nintendo games, all playable right there on your Switch.

44 JANURY 2023

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