6 Tips for Throwing a Video Game Playdate With 'Yoshi's Woolly World'

Having your friends over to play video games isn’t a new idea. If you grew up in the 80s and 90s, you probably had some buddies over to check out the rad new Super Mario World or Sonic the Hedgehog. But “playing games together” back then was more your friends staring at the screen while you play, instead of playing together.

Thanks to the attention spent to co-op play in games like the upcoming Wii U title Yoshi’s Woolly World, video games now are more social than ever! Plan a perfect video game playdate for rainy day fun with the help of these six tips and Yoshi’s Woolly World.

Choose a game that emphasizes cooperation over competition. Of course you know your kids the best, so if you know they can have a drama-free afternoon of Super Smash Bros. with their pals, there’s nothing at all wrong with that. But if you’re inviting over new friends or kids who don’t play a lot of games, co-op games like Super Mario 3D World or Yoshi’s Woolly World are both good choices.

Yoshi’s Woolly World is a platformer in one of the most adorable settings ever in a video game. (Have you ever wanted to snuggle a video game? You will when you see Woolly World.) Don’t let that fool you into thinking it’s an easy game, though. In co-op mode, players have to work together to make it through the level.

Play the game before the kids arrive in case they need some tips. For example, the controls for Yoshi’s Woolly World are similar to other Yoshi games, but anyone who takes a turn might need a refresher on what button does what.

Set up time limits for the GamePad and taking turns before starting the game. It might just be my daughter and her friends, but the GamePad is a hot commodity around here. Be clear about how long a turn will last, and who gets to hold the prized GamePad for their turn.

Yoshi’s Woolly World is compatible with several different types of Nintendo controllers, though, so there shouldn’t be too much demand for the GamePad for this particular game.

Have some other activities ready for when it’s not their turn. Two players can play Yoshi’s Woolly World at the same time. Other guests of course can watch or backseat play, but having some other things to do might stave off the cries of “my turn!” for at least a little while.

Keep some Yoshi coloring pages stashed nearby, and let them be as creative as they’d like. With the tap of an amiibo, Yoshi’s appearance in Woolly World changes to match the figure, so they might be inspired to make a Mario Yoshi or Splatoon Yoshi of their own.

There’s nothing wrong with easy mode. Put Yoshi’s Woolly World on Mellow Mode to make it fun for players of all levels. If your kids are around the ages of 6-8, like my daughter and her friends, Mellow Mode can keep the game going longer by giving Yoshi wings. And his flying sound effect is pretty darn cute to boot.

Play with the kids! Don’t just shuffle the kids off upstairs—consider joining them for a level or two! Yoshi’s Woolly World is engaging for all ages and makes great use of teamwork, so you don’t have to worry about being bored if you want to sneak in a few minutes of family time into the playdate.