Mario Kart World is full of surprises, and one of its most intriguing hidden features is a LAN Play mode that isn’t shown in the standard menus. While this feature is unlikely to be used by most casual players, it’s a powerful option for tournament organizers and hardcore fans.
What Is LAN Play in Mario Kart World?
LAN Play allows players to connect multiple Switch 2 consoles over a local area network, either wirelessly through a router or directly via Ethernet. Unlike standard Wireless Play—which connects consoles ad-hoc—LAN Play enables up to 24 consoles to race together in a single session. It also unlocks better controller configurations, including full Joy-Con pairs per player.
This isn’t a new concept; Mario Kart 8 Deluxe on the original Nintendo Switch used a similar hidden setup. But in Mario Kart World, LAN Play has returned—just as hidden as before.
How to Unlock the Hidden LAN Play Mode
To activate LAN Play:
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Open the Main Menu
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Navigate to Wireless Play but don’t confirm the selection
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Hold L + R, then click the left analog stick
This input toggles the option to LAN Play, which replaces Wireless Play in the menu. Repeat the same button combination to switch back.
⚠️ Note: LAN Play resets to Wireless Play every time the game is restarted, so you’ll need to re-enter the input when needed.
What Makes LAN Play Special?
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Supports up to 24 consoles vs. 8 in Wireless Play
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Allows Free Roam mode in local co-op with full controller support
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Lets two players per console join, compared to four in standard modes
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Ideal for tournament setups or gaming events
This makes LAN Play a must-have for large-scale gatherings, esports competitions, or custom Mario Kart sessions with high player counts.
Why Is It Hidden?
Nintendo likely intentionally obscured LAN Play to avoid overwhelming casual users with advanced options they’re unlikely to use. For most home sessions, standard Wireless Play is more than sufficient. Local Area Network Play, by contrast, is best suited for organized events and special use cases, where its benefits really shine.
This mirrors how Local Area Network Play was handled in Mario Kart 8 Deluxe, using the same button combo to reveal the feature.
The hidden Local Area Network Play mode in Mario Kart World is a game-changer for those who need more from their local multiplayer experience. Though it won’t matter for everyday couch races, it’s a valuable tool for the competitive scene and diehard fans.
Now that you know how to access it, gather your friends, sync your routers, and take your races to the next level.