Nintendo has always held a strong lineup of multiplayer titles, and the Switch is no exception. While players could certainly find dozens of titles to fit the bill, they should start with the best local co-op Switch games.
Updated January 28, 2023 by Mark Sammut: The Switch has a massive library of co-op and split-screen games, and this selection expands with each passing month.
Overcooked! All You Can Eat!
Running a kitchen is hard work, and that does not really change when the responsibility is shared with friends (or family). Overcooked puts up to four players in charge of meeting a restaurant’s orders, and every chef will need to carry their weight if the collective wants to have any hope of keeping up with the demand.
Although a touch repetitive, Overcooked can be cathartic once players properly get into the flow of things. Things can also get stressful real quick, so communication is key to ensuring a happy kitchen.
It Takes Two
Hazelight’s It Takes Two was a smash hit right out of the gate, instantly establishing itself as a modern co-op masterpiece. Although it took a while to make the journey to the Nintendo Switch, the adventure game is now available on the hybrid system, and the port gets the job done. Along with a visual downgrade, the Switch release has performance issues that are not as prevalent on other platforms; consequently, this version should only be prioritized if it is someone’s only option.
Be that as it may, It Takes Two is still fantastic. The story follows a married couple on the verge of divorce who are shrunk down and go on a wild adventure to get back home. They must work together to survive this ordeal, and while they share some basic mechanics, each character brings unique strengths to the table. Even with performance issues, It Takes Two is one of the best 2-player Switch games.
River City Girls
Beat ’em ups are just made for local co-op (or arcades). Rampaging through a city’s streets while punching thugs into the stratosphere is always fun, however, it becomes infinitely better when a friend tags along for the ride. River City Girls flips things around by having two girls, Kyoko and Misako, head out on a quest to save their kidnaped boyfriends. Naturally, anything that moves or stands in their way is just asking to be greeted with a stylish attack.
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River City Girls is a brawler done to near-perfection, albeit one that does not re-invent the wheel. The game takes a formula that works and adds gorgeous anime-style graphics, characters with an overabundance of charm, and some light progression mechanics.
Diablo 3: Eternal Collection
The third entry of Blizzard’s famed dungeon-crawling epic is largely regarded for its addictive, robust online gameplay. Yet, the Switch version of this game makes for a fun, streamlined way to enjoy Diablo 3 with three other players locally.
The game’s convenient system of hotkeys and a palatable interface allows gamers to get the most out of the experience even in the midst of chaotic four-player skirmishes with enemy hordes. A single-screen can be shared, but remote play – or a combination of TV and handheld play – is also available. And with such an expansive rendition – which includes the Reaper of Souls and Rise of the Necromancer DLC – players can be assured countless hours of hack ’n slash fun with their friends or family.
Kirby Star Allies
Nintendo’s pink, spherical mascot has shined since the SNES days when it comes to simultaneous couch co-op – and this charming rendition on Switch is no different. In a sense, the game takes on the feel of both Kirby and New Super Mario Bros. Up to four players can embark on this fun, colorful adventure, which hovers somewhere in between a platformer and a party game.
The game stresses the consumption of foes and the fusion of different powers and abilities. These attributes lend themselves to cooperative play, encouraging friends to work together and combine forces against the baddies, bosses, and puzzles in their path.
Puyo Puyo Tetris 2
Multiplayer puzzlers seem to be something of a lost art, especially when it comes to local co-op. But Sega has once again proven such seemingly retro gaming experiences are far from dead with this colorful blend of two classic franchises.
Even more so than its predecessor, Puyo Puyo Tetris 2 offers a bevy of entertaining multiplayer options, both online and locally. The newly-implemented Skill Battles allow friends to face off with frantic medleys of Tetris and Puyo in a fun new way, throwing game-changing items and skills into the mix. With that familiarly fun gameplay and a slew of game modes and customizations, the replay value is sky-high in this party-puzzler.
Kingdom Two Crowns
Kingdom: Two Crowns tasks players with developing a kingdom one pixel at a time. A beautiful indie RTS that largely resists the urge to hand-hold users, this Switch game comes with an initial learning curve, but it should not take new players too long to come to grips with its gameplay loop.
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Supporting local co-op, two friends can work together to usher in a new era of prosperity and growth, with each person using one Joy-Con to control their character.
Flat Heroes
Flat Heroes is deceptively hard. On the surface, the game seems like a stripped-down indie platformer that might serve as a fine distraction for half an hour; then, it starts to throw out complex enemies that require mastery of the playable cube’s movement options. Each level is presented on a single screen, and players must maneuver their square through hazards to make it out alive.
While perfectly enjoyable solo, the game is called Flat Heroes for a reason. Each mode supports local co-op, enabling four friends to team up as they go through the campaign’s many difficult stages.
Streets Of Rogue
A rogue-lite, Streets of Rogue tasks players with making their way through the eponymous streets en route to defeating a corrupt mayor. Split into stages, the campaign locks progression behind randomized tasks, although the game is lenient when it comes to punishing failure.
Streets of Rogue has a great class system, which each candidate representing a play style. In solo runs, players can pick someone who best suits their preferences, and it also enhances the game’s replayability. In co-op, a team can pick characters that complement each other, which adds a tactical element to the already stellar gameplay.
Yoshi’s Crafted World
This charming 2D platformer offers beautiful visuals. This aesthetically-pleasing plush adventure pits the Yoshis in a papercraft world featuring a variety of stage choices and enemies. With 2-player co-op, gamers can solve puzzles and collect items together.
Yoshi’s Crafted World’s charming appearance invites players of all ages to enjoy the fun. For those familiar with Yoshi’s Island or classic 2D Mario action with a twist, the puzzles and stage interactions are second to none. Players can also unlock new costumes for their Yoshis to wear!
Streets Of Rage 4
This side-scrolling beat ’em up can be played with up to four players online. While this can be done in games like Guardian Heroes, Scott Pilgrim, and Phantom Breaker: Battle Grounds, Streets of Rage 4 proves why it’s the best on the block. The hard-hitting action flows perfectly with the incredible beats the soundtrack will provide.
Streets of Rage 4 allows players to combo enemies off each other. Thanks to wall-bounce and juggle mechanics, it’s entirely possible to link fighting game-esque combos with friends and tear enemies apart. With the character variety and the difficulty levels adjustable, this frantic experience will never get old.
Donkey Kong Country: Tropical Freeze
This classic 2D platformer is arguably one of the best in the world as well as one of the best, if not the best, in its series. The co-op feature allows players to pick Donkey Kong plus another Kong to assist them in the stage. They can either hop with DK or ride on his back and provide cover fire.
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The simplicity of options allows even players intimidated by challenging side-scrollers to enjoy the game without committing to it much. However, the gorgeous visuals, amazing soundtrack, and lengthy campaign will surely invite any player to enter Donkey Kong’s latest adventure. Tropical Freeze offers a multitude of worlds, levels, and bonus stages to enjoy and should not be missed by anyone.
Tales Of Vesperia: Definitive Edition
Originally on Xbox 360, the Action-JRPG’s Definitive Edition comes with special content originally exclusive to the Japanese PS3 version. The expanded story alone will invite veteran players back. However, newcomers will certainly enjoy the epic storyline, soundtrack, and memorable characters.
The battle system is real-time hack-and-slash on a flat plane akin to a fighting game. Up to four players can connect and play together. Each character has their own development and fighting style. Along with the epic story, players will certainly find a character they love most and a fighting style to accompany it.
Mario Kart 8 Deluxe
It goes without saying that Mario Kart will always be a top choice when it comes to fun, family-friendly multiplayer. But what separates the Switch version from the rest is that it’s arguably the best Mario Kart title in existence. It’s the complete version of the Wii U’s release, DLC included, along with Battle Mode on Nintendo Switch.
Three years later and Nintendo has supported this excellent, fast-paced racing game. Featuring antigravity tracks, 200cc, and 48 tracks, the variety of characters, karts, and weight classes will invite anyone to enjoy this title. Battle Mode alone brings about a memorable experience thanks to its bevy of maps and modes. The possibilities are endless with a game this varied and polished.
Super Smash Bros. Ultimate
Smash Bros. remains synonymous with multiplayer gaming. The two-to-eight player game features over 70 characters, over 100 stages, and over 900 pieces of music. Players can team up in Classic Mode or go head-to-head in Smash mode.
Ultimate also offers the doubles team mode for 2v2 or the new Squad Strike mode. Essentially similar to the King of Fighters, Squad Strike allows for teams of players (3v3 or 5v5) to compete using multiple characters. Smash Bros. runs incredibly well even with eight players and should not be missed by anyone. It may arguably be Nintendo’s greatest game of all time.
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