What you need for a Mario Kart tournament

A Mario Kart tournament needs more than consoles and a copy of the game. You will need one complete game station per race in progress, plus spare cables, power access, food and clear ways to identify players and matches. This shopping list covers the equipment, serving items and supplies to prepare before guests arrive. Check every controller, dock, HDMI cable and charging cable at least one day before the tournament, not while participants are waiting.

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What to bring

Grouped the way you'd shop for it, with quantities.

Furniture

Tablesqty 8
Chairsqty 36
Tableclothsqty 8

Equipment

Nintendo Switch Consolesqty 4
Televisionsqty 4
Nintendo Switch docksqty 4
Mario Kart 8 Deluxe gamesqty 4
Controllersqty 16
HDMI cablesqty 4
Extension cordsqty 8
Power stripsqty 8
Charging cablesqty 8
Headphonesqty 16
Timersqty 4

Tableware

Reusable cupsqty 40
Platesqty 40
Cutlery setsqty 40
Coffee cupsqty 24
Serving plattersqty 8
Serving jugsqty 4

Kitchen

Coolersqty 4
Thermos flasksqty 3
Cutting boardsqty 2
Bread knivesqty 2
Serving spoonsqty 4

Organization

Clipboardsqty 4
Pensqty 20
Name stickersqty 40
Bib numbersqty 40
Prizesqty 3
Printed match schedulesqty 12
Printed participant listsqty 4
Tapeqty 4
Scissorsqty 2

Decorations

Buntingqty 4
Balloonsqty 40
Stage backdrop

Cleaning

Waste binsqty 6
Dustpan and brushqty 2
Mopsqty 2

Catering

Groceries
- Spa Blue - 48 bottles
- Spa Rood - 24 small bottles
- Cola - 12 bottles
- Cola Zero - 12 bottles
- Sinas - 6 bottles
- Iced tea - 6 bottles
- Lemonade syrup - 2 bottles
- Coffee - 3 packs
- Tea - 2 boxes
- Sugar - 1 kilo
- Milk - 6 liters
- Oat milk - 2 liter
- Lemons - 6 pieces
- Paprika chips - 6 bags
- Plain chips - 6 bags
- Tortilla chips - 6 bags
- Salsa - 4 jars
- Snack mix - 4 bags
- Salty pretzels - 4 bags
- Popcorn - 4 bags
- Cookies - 6 packs
- Apples - 24 pieces
- Bananas - 24 pieces
- Grapes - 4 crates
- Pizza margherita - 12 pieces
- Vegetarian pizza - 8 pieces
- Vegan Pizza - 4 pieces
- Halal pizza - 4 pieces
- Garlic sauce - 3 bottles
- Tomato sauce - 3 bottles
- Ketchup - 2 bottles
- Mayonnaise - 2 jars
- Napkins - 4 packs
- Ice cubes - 8 bags
- Trash bags - 2 rolls
- Paper towels - 4 rolls
- Toilet paper - 24 rolls
- Dish soap - 2 bottles
- All-purpose cleaner - 2 bottles
- Hand soap - 4 bottles
- Sponges - 6 pieces
- Aluminum foil - 2 rolls

Tips

Plan one working Nintendo Switch, dock, television and Mario Kart 8 Deluxe game for each game station running at the same time. Buy or bring at least one spare controller and one spare HDMI or charging cable for the whole tournament.
Bring enough power strips and extension cords to reach every television safely. Label each cable and test every screen with its console before the venue opens; a missing dock or power lead can stop an entire station.
For drinks, use reusable cups and prepare coolers or serving jugs before the first match. Chill drinks several hours ahead, and keep extra cups available so players do not leave cups beside the controllers.
Portion snacks onto serving platters before racing starts, and use plates, cutlery and serving spoons for food that needs them. If pizza and bread are being served, keep cutting boards and bread knives away from the gaming tables.
Prepare name stickers, bib numbers, clipboards and pens before registration. Put prizes aside with the tournament information, and keep timers available for match limits or breaks so the schedule does not slip.

Frequently asked questions

How many Nintendo Switch consoles do I need for a Mario Kart tournament?: You need one complete console setup for each race running at the same time. Each setup requires a Nintendo Switch, dock, television, Mario Kart 8 Deluxe game, controllers, HDMI cable and power connection; add one spare controller for the event.
How many controllers are needed for a Mario Kart tournament?: Plan one controller for every player racing in the same match. For four-player races, that means four working controllers per station, plus at least one tested spare controller for the tournament.
How much food and drink should I buy for a Mario Kart tournament?: Plan two to three drinks per person for the first hour, then about one drink per person for each additional hour. Buy enough pizza, bread and snacks for every registered participant and add a small buffer rather than shopping during the matches.
When should I test the Mario Kart equipment?: Test every console, television, dock, controller and cable at least 24 hours before the tournament. Charge controllers overnight and run a complete race on each station before guests arrive.

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