Nowadays, many players find themselves struggling to meet up and play with friends like they used to. While today's gaming systems feature a bevy of quality online titles, the Nintendo Switch offers a fantastic lineup of games for the whole family. Whether gaming with relatives or inviting friends over, these games offer quality co-op and competitive experiences alike.

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​​​​​.

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Great Nintendo Switch Games That Support Local & Online Co-Op
For friends who are both near and far, these Nintendo Switch titles offer great multiplayer experiences through online and local co-op.

Super Mario Bros. Wonder

Metascore: 92

Super Mario Bros. Wonder

Released
October 20, 2023
Developer(s)
Nintendo EPD
Genre(s)
Platformer
Pros
  • 4-Player Local Co-Op
  • Co-Op Campaign

A mainline Mario game will nearly always be primarily presented as a single-player package, and Super Mario Bros. Wonder is no exception. The first 2D entry in years, the October 2023 release proved that this formula is still as timeless as ever, especially when Nintendo throws in a few neat twists to give the overall package a fresh feel. While the levels largely play out as expected, the game includes things like modifiers that significantly change a stage's behavior and presentation, and this mechanic results in some of Wonder's highest points. Visually, the platformer looks fantastic, as tends to be the case with most first-party Switch offerings.

In the lead-up to the game's debut, Nintendo highlighted Wonder's co-op features, especially the 12 playable characters. Four players can jump into a playthrough, and the game provides quite a few accessibility options to cater to children who might just be entering the world of gaming. Wonder also takes a few measures to try and reduce the frustration that can come from adding co-op to 2D platformers, including the fact that players cannot bump into each other. While online multiplayer is implemented to an extent, it is nowhere as involved as Wonder's local co-op.

WarioWare: Move It!

Metascore: 75

WarioWare: Move It!

Released
November 3, 2023
Developer(s)
Nintendo
Genre(s)
Party Game
Pros
  • 2-Player Local Co-Op
  • Co-Op Campaign

WarioWare is dependable. Sure, the franchise will probably never sit among Nintendo's most popular or mainstream productions, but not every game needs to be Super Mario Bros. or The Legend of Zelda. Sometimes, nothing hits the spot like a few dozen silly microgames that are surprisingly creative despite lasting only a few seconds. Move It! is reminiscent of 2006's Smooth Moves, almost to the point of being an exercise game rather than a conventional party game.

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Crucially, the title leans very heavily into multiplayer, both co-op and competitive; in fact, it is quite light on single-player content, to the point of being difficult to unabashedly recommend to players who would like to focus only on solo sessions. Move It!'s co-op works well and can get really inventive in places.

Overcooked! All You Can Eat!

Metascore: 87

Overcooked! All You Can Eat

Released
November 10, 2020
Developer(s)
Ghost Town Games
Genre(s)
Simulation
Pros
  • 4-Player Support
  • Co-op Campaign
  • Crossplay

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 really quickly, so communication is key to ensuring a happy kitchen.

Trine 5: A Clockwork Conspiracy

Metascore: 68

Trine 5: A Clockwork Conspiracy

Franchise
Trine
Platform(s)
PC , PS4 , PS5 , Switch , Xbox One , Xbox Series X , Xbox Series S
Released
August 31, 2023
Genre(s)
Platformer , Puzzle
Pros
  • 4-Player Local Co-Op
  • Co-Op Campaign

Nintendo Switch owners have a few Trine games at their fingertips, and an argument could be made that Trine 2 and 4 are the picks of the bunch. However, Trine 5 is a very solid addition to the franchise and also the most recent project. Three adventurers who conveniently fit into fantasy archetypes find themselves having to go on another quest, this time to stop a power-hungry villain called Lady Sunny. As far as stories go, Trine 5 does not try to be anything more than just passable, but it succeeds in reaching that standard. The game is entirely about its puzzles, and they are consistently engaging and creative.

Solo runners have the option to swap between any of the characters at once, allowing them to use their unique skills to carefully work their way through each puzzling scenario. Meanwhile, co-op players can also pick any of the characters, so they won't be forced to commit to one class; as such, there could be four clones on the screen at any given time. Trine 5 is a better overall experience in co-op.

It Takes Two

Metascore: 82

It Takes Two

Released
March 26, 2021
Developer(s)
Hazelight Studios
Genre(s)
Action , Adventure
Pros
  • 2-Player Support
  • Co-Op Campaign
  • Splitscreen

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.

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Shredder's Revenge

Metascore: 87

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Shredder's Revenge

Released
June 16, 2022
Developer(s)
Tribute Games Inc.
Genre(s)
Beat 'Em Up
Pros
  • 2-Player Support
  • Co-Op Campaign

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles is oddly an amazing franchise for local co-op Switch games. The Cowabunga Collection is an incredible compilation that contains more than 10 classics, some of which like Turtles in Time support co-op. This package is an easy recommendation for fans of the franchise or anyone with a fondness for old-school games. Then, there is Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Shredder's Revenge, a modern project that harbors back to the license's gaming golden era. Tribute's title is not only a loving homage to TMNT's storied history but also one of the best beat 'em ups of recent years. It looks fantastic, plays beautifully, and sounds great.

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Unsurprisingly for a series revolving around four siblings, Shredder's Revenge supports co-op in a big way. The game allows for 6 players to share the screen, taking up almost all the playable characters. When taken to the limit, things can get a bit overwhelming as levels become flooded with both players and characters, but it is a delightful type of hectic. Although accessible, the combat system is fairly deep for a beat 'em up, and there are even moves revolving around co-op.

Diablo 3: Eternal Collection

Metascore: 88

Diablo 3

Released
September 3, 2013
Developer(s)
Blizzard
Genre(s)
Action RPG
Pros
  • 4-Player Support
  • Co-Op Campaign

The third entry of Blizzard's famed dungeon-crawling epic is largely known for its addictive, robust online gameplay. Yet, the Switch version of this game makes for a 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 amid 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 goodness with their friends or family.

Unravel Two

Metascore: 82

Unravel Two

Released
June 9, 2018
Developer(s)
Coldwood Interactive
Genre(s)
Puzzle , Platformer
Pros
  • 2-Player Support
  • Co-Op Campaign

Unravel was and still is great, and its sequel takes the same core concept and throws in a second Yarny. Once again, players find themselves traversing fairly realistic locations as a yarn-based entity that needs to use their own string to overcome puzzle and platforming challenges. While most of the mechanics are similar to the first entry, Unravel Two shakes things up considerably by introducing a second playable character that, ideally, is controlled by another person. That said, the campaign can be easily completed in single-player, so it is not like the game becomes unplayable if co-op is not an option.

Most challenges emphasize multiplayer/teamwork, encouraging players to support each other to get through the presented obstacles. Although not excessively difficult, Unravel Two's puzzles are hard enough to require some thinking, all the while still being accessible to younger players who might be taking their first steps into the world of gaming.

Risk Of Rain Returns

Metascore: 84 (PC)

Risk of Rain Returns

Released
November 8, 2023
Developer(s)
Hopoo Games
Genre(s)
Roguelike , Platformer
Pros
  • 4-Player Support
  • Co-Op Campaign

2013's Risk of Rain has been largely overshadowed by its 3D successor, but the first game is still a great and influential roguelike. 2023's Returns serves as both a 10-year celebration of the original project's debut and a revamp that irons out some of its rougher and more dated components. Nowadays, Risk of Rain Returns is arguably the best way to experience this seminal release, offering an addictive and challenging experience that can keep players engaged for potentially months on end.

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The remake pays quite a bit of attention to the multiplayer portion, and this is arguably the most improved area over the 2013 version. Online multiplayer is easy to set up and allows four people to participate together. While joining up with strangers is naturally an option, Risk of Rain Returns' high difficulty and item sharing (or exclusivity, depending on the host's decision) demand a united front if players wish to get far in a playthrough. Couch co-op is also available, and it plays out largely the same as the online variant. As the action gets hectic quickly in single-player, co-op amplifies the chaos quite a bit; however, it is all part of the fun.

Kirby Star Allies

Metascore: 73

Kirby Star Allies

Developer(s)
HAL Laboratory
Genre(s)
Platformer
Pros
  • 4-Player Support
  • Co-Op Campaign

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 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.

Kirby and the Forgotten Land's campaign can also be played in co-op, with a second player controlling Bandana Waddle Dee. The game is great and co-op is a nice option; however, Bandana definitely comes across as a support figure rather than Kirby's equal.

Resident Evil 5

Metascore: 72

Resident Evil 5

Released
March 5, 2009
Developer(s)
Capcom
Genre(s)
Survival Horror
Pros
  • 2-Player Support
  • Co-Op Campaign
  • Splitscreen

Players looking for local multiplayer Nintendo Switch games with a horror twist have a couple of Resident Evil titles at their fingertips. Revelations 2 is a great pick due to its co-op raid mode, which is a blast with friends; however, while two players can take on the campaign, one of them will feel like a passenger rather than a fully active participant. Resident Evil 6 has a fleshed-out co-op campaign, but the game itself tends to attract a fair amount of criticism. That said, fun can still be had with Capcom's title.

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Ultimately, that leaves Resident Evil 5, the first entry in the franchise to properly embrace co-op. The story mode supports two players, and they are both treated as equals in terms of gameplay. Even though it leans heavily into action, the 2009 release is still a polished and entertaining experience. The game's West African setting also sets it apart from most other action-horror projects on the market.

Hyrule Warriors: Age Of Calamity

Metascore: 78

Hyrule Warriors: Age of Calamity

Released
November 20, 2020
Developer(s)
Koei Tecmo , Omega Force
Genre(s)
Action
Pros
  • 2-Player Support
  • Co-Op Campaign

The Nintendo Switch has a couple of Musou games that support co-op. While their quality varies to an extent, someone's preference is likely to come down to which license they feel most attached to. Fire Emblem fans should check out the Warriors sub-series, while One Piece has a couple of decent entries. Koei Tecmo's Samurai Warriors and Warriors Orochi also have representatives on Nintendo's hybrid system.

Along with just screaming "Nintendo," The Legend of Zelda's Hyrule Warriors spin-offs are arguably the most impressive Muou games on the Switch, excluding Persona 5 Strikers since it does not support co-op. Age of Calamity gets the nod as it is a proper Switch project rather than a port of a Wii U release. Supporting split-screen, two players can take charge of Link, Zelda, and a host of other characters as they engage in a strange twist on the Breath of the Wild mythos. While not free of the occasional stutter, Age of Calamity looks great and plays reasonably well.

River City Girls

Metascore: 79

River City Girls

Released
September 5, 2019
Genre(s)
Beat 'Em Up
Pros
  • 2-Player Support
  • Co-Op Campaign

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 entertaining, 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 kidnapped boyfriends. Naturally, anything that moves or stands in their way is just asking to be greeted with a stylish attack.

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.

Kingdom Two Crowns

Metascore: 85

Kingdom Two Crowns

Released
December 11, 2018
Developer(s)
Noio , Coatsink
Genre(s)
Strategy
Pros
  • 2-Player Support
  • Co-Op Campaign

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.

Darksiders Genesis

Metascore: 74

Darksiders Genesis

Released
December 5, 2019
Developer(s)
Airship Syndicate
Genre(s)
Action RPG
Pros
  • 2-Player Support
  • Co-Op Campaign
  • Splitscreen

If nothing else, Darksiders cannot be criticized for playing it safe. The series swaps genres with each new experience, and no entry seemed to undergo a more significant shift than Darksiders Genesis. Rather than a third-person game, this spin-off is a top-down RPG, although it still very much feels like Darksiders. This means fast-paced hack and slash combat, visually impressive bosses, and a solid selection of unlockable skills.

Genesis introduces Strife as a playable character, and the sharpshooter is accompanied by War. In single-player, these two can be swapped with the click of a button, granting users the option to go from melee to ranged combat. In co-op, each player assumes control of one Horseman, and they can play through the full campaign.

Rayman Legends

Metascore: 84

Rayman Legends

Released
August 30, 2013
Developer(s)
Ubisoft Montpellier
Genre(s)
Platformer
Pros
  • 4-Player Support
  • Co-Op Campaign

Originally released in 2013, Rayman Legends was one of its decade's best platformers. Featuring colorful visuals, creative levels, tight and fast-paced gameplay, and an awesome soundtrack, the game scores a homerun in nearly every area, and it is an easy recommendation for those seeking an engaging single-player package on the Switch. Even if it is not the definitive way to experience the campaign, Ubisoft's project also supports co-op, allowing up to 4 players to take on the roles of Rayman and his friends.

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Rayman Legends' co-op does not change all that much in the grand scheme of things, as it basically amounts to the group running through the standard levels as solo players (albeit with the introduction of a mechanic that allows someone to save their downed partners). However, the core gameplay loop is so strong that it applies seamlessly to co-op. Ubisoft needs to develop a new Rayman.

Untitled Goose Game

Metascore: 81

Untitled Goose Game

Released
September 20, 2019
Developer(s)
House House
Genre(s)
Puzzle , Stealth
Pros
  • 2-Player Support
  • Co-Op Campaign

An idyllic British village finds itself under siege by a feathered fiend determined to spread chaos with reckless abandon. And, just when the locals thought things could not get worse, the goose brings a friend along for the ride. Untitled Goose Game is an absolute joy, particularly for those players who just want to mess around in a cute sandbox. The eponymous bird(s) slowly plow through the town's areas, ruining everyone's day in the process. Although they have a couple of objectives they need to complete, players are generally encouraged to experiment and do their own thing.

Untitled Goose Game is perfect for all ages. Older players will likely appreciate its picturesque visuals and well-implemented mechanics; meanwhile, kids will have a good laugh courtesy of the geese's antics. Sometimes, a game does not have to be complicated.

Snipperclips: Cut it Out, Together!

Metascore: 84

Snipperclips: Cut It Out Together

Released
March 3, 2017
Developer(s)
SFB Games
Genre(s)
Puzzle
Pros
  • 4-Player Support

Snipperclips is a charming puzzle game that feels tailor-made for the Nintendo Switch. Depending on the chosen mode, either up to 2 or 4 players need to work together to solve short but amusing puzzles. They control paper-esque characters who can have their designs changed, a process that requires coordination between the players. The puzzles largely fit on one screen and are self-contained, making them perfect for quick sessions.

While accessible for all ages, Snipperclips encourages creative thinking, to the point that older players are likely to have just as much fun as their younger counterparts. SFB's title is one of the best co-op Switch games for parents searching for something to play with their kids.

Yoshi's Crafted World

Metascore: 79

Yoshi's Crafted World

Released
March 29, 2019
Developer(s)
Good-Feel
Genre(s)
Platformer
Pros
  • 2-Player Support
  • Co-Op Campaign

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.

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Yoshi's Crafted World's precious aesthetic invites players of all ages to take part. 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.

For The King

Metascore: 76

For The King

Released
April 19, 2018
Developer(s)
Ironoak Games
Genre(s)
RPG
Pros
  • 3-Player Support
  • Co-Op Campaign

Taking inspiration from tabletop classics and turn-based JRPGs, For the King is a good pick for solo players and a great one for a group of friends. As three adventurers, players explore a sizable randomly generated land in order to stop the approaching darkness, which naturally means completing the occasional puzzle, exploring dungeons, and fighting a lot of enemies.

Do not be fooled by its cute art style, For the King is a grueling game that punishes parties who are ill-prepared for encounters or have made some costly mistakes during their movement on the overworld.

Streets Of Rage 4

Metascore: 87

Streets of Rage 4

Developer(s)
Dotemu , Guard Crush Games , Lizardcube
Genre(s)
Beat 'Em Up
Pros
  • 4-Player Support
  • Co-Op Campaign

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

Metascore: 86

Donkey Kong Country: Tropical Freeze

Released
February 21, 2014
Developer(s)
Retro Studios
Genre(s)
Platformer
Pros
  • 2-Player Support
  • Co-Op Campaign

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 a stage. They can either hop with DK or ride on his back and provide cover fire.

7:10
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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

Metascore: 83

Tales of Vesperia Definitive Edition

Released
January 11, 2019
Developer(s)
Namco Tales Studio
Genre(s)
JRPG
Pros
  • 4-Player Support
  • Co-Op Campaign

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.

Lego Games

Metascore: 82 (Skywalker Saga)

LEGO Star Wars: The Skywalker Saga

Released
April 5, 2022
Developer(s)
Traveller's Tales
Genre(s)
Action , Adventure
Pros
  • 2-Player Support
  • Co-Op Campaign

Lego games are synonymous with co-op, and the franchise has released many titles on the Switch. While they don't all support local multiplayer, most of them do, especially the licensed projects. Games like Lego Star Wars: The Skywalker Saga and Lego Marvel Super Heroes represent this IP at its best, and they are fun for children and also adults craving a relaxing way to spend a few hours. Players are dropped into charming sandboxes as they work their way through comedic interpretations of beloved stories, all the while unlocking dozens upon dozens of characters.

Blending puzzles, exploration, and action, the Lego games are crowd-pleasers that generally look great and play well. As the licensed entries tend to stick to the same formula, it might be best to avoid playing too many of them in quick succession; however, the core gameplay loop is generally great, and it complements co-op very well.

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