Nintendo Switch is home to some of the best games of all time — single-player or multiplayer. Unlike its competition with the best PS5 games and best Xbox Series X games, the Switch hasn’t moved away from the classic couch co-op style of games we all grew up with. That isn’t to say there aren’t online co-op and cross-platform games as well, but you do have a lot more options on the Switch than other systems. As we approach the end of the Switch’s lifecycle and prepare for the Switch 2, now is the best time to check out the massive library of co-op games to make the wait a little easier.
Pokémon Scarlet and Pokémon Violet Double Pack
3.5/5
Platforms
Nintendo Switch
Genre
Role-playing (RPG), Adventure
Developer
Game Freak
Publisher
Nintendo
Release
November 18, 2022
Pokémon Scarlet and Violet may not be the prettiest games in the monster-catching series, but their approach to multiplayer is unmatched. That’s because they don’t just let players battle and trade — they can actually explore the Paldea region together. By letting players freely explore the world with up to three friends, Game Freak has put together one of the series’ best multiplayer experiences yet, one that’s especially great for families looking to play together. For a real co-op challenge, team up with some pals to take on the game’s tough raids, which will require some solid coordination to take down a gigantic Pokémon.
Recommended Videos
Super Smash Bros. Ultimate
87%
Platforms
Nintendo Switch
Genre
Fighting
Developer
Sora, Bandai Namco Studios
Publisher
Nintendo
Release
December 07, 2018
It might be one of the most popular competitive games on Switch, but Super Smash Bros. Ultimate is also a great cooperative game. Instead of facing off against each other, the game lets you and a few friends join forces to take on NPC opponents. The gameplay is just as frenetic as usual, although the ability to work as a team adds a fun layer of nuance to the action. Throw in a bunch of unlockable characters and plenty of difficulty settings, and it’s easy to sink hundreds of hours into Smash without realizing it.
Super Mario Bros. Wonder
89%
4/5
Platforms
Nintendo Switch
Genre
Platform
Developer
Nintendo EPD
Publisher
Nintendo
Release
October 20, 2023
It took way too long, but we finally got a brand new 2D Mario title on the Switch with Super Mario Bros. Wonder. With a brand-new art style, this game absolutely pops, especially when you engage with the new wonder mechanic. Picking up a wonder flower will change each stage in a new way that keeps the game fresh from start to finish. Possibly the best change, especially for those who want to play co-op, is the elimination of collision. In past 2D titles, you and your friends could bump, bounce, and jump off one another. While this could be fun, more often than not it was frustrating and too chaotic. Wonder does away with it, making it the best game to play with friends and family of all ages.
Luigi's Mansion 3
84%
Platforms
Nintendo Switch
Genre
Adventure
Developer
Next Level Games
Publisher
Nintendo
Release
October 31, 2019
Luigi doesn’t get to be the hero too often, but he does have his fantastic Luigi’s Mansion series. The third game is the first to offer a full co-op mode where a second player can take control of the adorable Gooigi to help solve puzzles and capture ghosts. While horror-themed, this game is by no means scary, and a great time to play with younger kids. The unique floors of the hotel are always fun to explore and the puzzles and bosses are never too tough as to make you get stuck or annoyed.
Nintendo Switch Sports
72%
3.5/5
Platforms
Nintendo Switch
Genre
Sport
Developer
Nintendo
Publisher
Nintendo
Release
April 29, 2022
After the success of Wii Sports, Nintendo has remained well aware of the love for its casual sports series. With Nintendo Switch Sports, players have access to even more sports shenanigans to play with friends, such as badminton, soccer, and volleyball. But for those who adore the classics, rest assured that the new sports come alongside returning favorites of golf, bowling, and tennis to ensure that there’s something for everyone.
Minecraft
79%
Platforms
PC (Microsoft Windows), Android, iOS, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Windows Phone, Nintendo Switch, Amazon Fire TV
Genre
Simulator, Adventure, Arcade
Developer
Mojang Studios
Publisher
Mojang Studios
Release
September 20, 2017
The blocky adventure game has only grown larger over the years, and Minecraft continues to be one of the most popular games on the planet. The Switch version allows you and three friends to play together on a single system, or you can head online to join in with up to seven other adventurers. You might miss out on some of the mod support offered on PC, but the ability to bring your world on the road makes Minecraft on Switch a great option.
Mario Kart 8 Deluxe
85%
Platforms
Nintendo Switch
Genre
Racing, Arcade
Developer
Nintendo EPD Production Group No. 7
Publisher
Nintendo
Release
April 28, 2017
It is almost a law that anyone who buys a Switch is required to get at least one copy of Mario Kart 8. Thankfully, you won’t regret it because this is one of the best racing games ever made. Between all the classic characters, dozens of tracks, and different karts to race, it’s no wonder this game is still so popular. Between the colorful visuals and tight controls, you can enjoy tossing shells and completing tournaments all day with your friends.
Cuphead
86%
Platforms
PC (Microsoft Windows), Mac, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch
Genre
Shooter, Platform, Adventure, Indie, Arcade
Developer
Studio MDHR
Publisher
Studio MDHR
Release
September 29, 2017
Cuphead might be one of the hardest games on this list. In fact, it might be one of the hardest games on Switch. The dastardly platformer pits you against a new boss on each level, with fast reflexes and memorization skills needed to make it out alive. You can ease the burdens by teaming up with another player in local co-op, but you’ll still be in for a challenge. Regardless of how frustrating it becomes, Cuphead is always fun — thanks to innovative cartoon graphics and tough-but-fair mechanics.
Fortnite
70%
4/5
Platforms
PC (Microsoft Windows), Mac, Android, iOS, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S
Genre
Shooter, Role-playing (RPG), Strategy, Adventure
Developer
Epic Games
Publisher
Epic Games
Release
July 25, 2017
Let’s be clear right out of the gate: Few games on the planet have the name recognition of Fortnite. Epic’s wildly popular battle royale has remained a significant part of the gaming landscape for over half a decade, and there are tons of good reasons for that. Among those are its cooperative options that span from tackling the battle royale mode in duos or squads, to dabbling in thousands of user-created maps and game types in its impressively expansive Creative Mode. The addition of Lego Fortnite, a fully featured game in itself within the game, is a survival experience perfect for playing with friends.
Mario Party Superstars
82%
Platforms
Nintendo Switch
Genre
Card & Board Game
Developer
NDCube
Publisher
Nintendo
Release
October 28, 2021
If there was one Nintendo franchise most associated with local co-op, it’s Mario Party. Sure, teamwork does tend to fall away as the tension rises, but it’s all in good fun. Mario Party Superstars is the perfect blend of old and new. It recreates all the best boards and games from the original N64 games but gives them a new coat of paint and better controls. It is even easy for newcomers to games because of its board-game format and quick minigames that are easy to understand and emphasize fun over competition and skill.
Mario Strikers: Battle League
3/5
Platforms
Nintendo Switch
Genre
Sport
Developer
Nintendo
Publisher
Nintendo, Nintendo
Release
June 10, 2022
Rocket League might be the strangest version of soccer on Switch, but Mario Strikers: Battle League is giving it a run for its money. You’ll head onto the pitch alongside the usual cast of Mario characters, each with there own unique attributes. The action is fast-paced and chaotic — and there’s even a way to earn double points when scoring a goal. Up to eight local players can join in on the cooperative and competitive action, making this a great multiplayer choice for sports fans.
Diablo III: Eternal Collection
85%
Platforms
PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch
Genre
Role-playing (RPG), Adventure
Developer
Activision Blizzard, Blizzard Entertainment
Publisher
Blizzard Entertainment
Release
June 27, 2017
The Diablo series is always more fun with friends, and that trend continued with Diablo 3. Its controls translated surprisingly well to console, and the Eternal Collection on Switch includes multiple expansions and exclusive content — such as a Cucco companion, Triforce portrait frame, and more. The iconic ARPG supports four local players on a single console.
Streets of Rage 4
81%
Platforms
Linux, PC (Microsoft Windows), Mac, iOS, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, Google Stadia
Genre
Fighting, Hack and slash/Beat 'em up, Indie, Arcade
Developer
DotEmu, Guard Crush Games, Lizardcube
Publisher
DotEmu, Yooreka Studio
Release
April 30, 2020
After more than 15 years, the Streets of Rage franchise burst back onto the beat ‘em up scene in 2020. Streets of Rage 4 offers the same frantic gameplay that made it popular in the 90s, but this time it’s sporting a new art style and plenty of modern enhancements. There’s also an intriguing story with plenty of comic book-inspired cutscenes to go with it. Up to four local players can take to the streets, and you’ll need all the help you can get to clear its highest difficulty setting.
Super Mario Odyssey
90%
Platforms
Nintendo Switch
Genre
Platform, Adventure
Developer
Nintendo
Publisher
Nintendo
Release
October 27, 2017
Super Mario Odyssey is one of the best-reviewed games on Switch, and for good reason. It offers the usual Mario charm alongside fluid 3D platforming. New mechanics are introduced regularly, meaning there’s always something interesting to experiment with. There are also plenty of memorable boss fights and a unique cooperative mode that lets one player controller Mario while the other takes control of Cappy.
Animal Crossing: New Horizons
83%
4/5
Platforms
Nintendo Switch
Genre
Simulator
Developer
Nintendo EPD, Nintendo
Publisher
Nintendo
Release
March 19, 2020
Animal Crossing: New Horizons took the world by storm when it launched in 2020, and the game is just as compelling today as it was then. You’re tasked with turning a desolate island into a bonafide tourist destination. As you set about accomplishing this task, you’ll find yourself hunting for fossils, fishing for rare creatures, catching bugs, and terraforming your landscape. Best of all, you can team up with other players locally or online to help turn your island into a must-visit destination.
Overcooked! All You Can Eat
82%
Platforms
PC (Microsoft Windows), PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, Google Stadia
Genre
Simulator, Strategy, Indie
Developer
Team17, Ghost Town Games
Publisher
Team17
Release
November 12, 2020
Cooking isn’t easy, and Overcooked! All You Can Eat proves it. The wacky, top-down cooking game puts you and some friends in charge of a kitchen. Orders from customers will come in, and you’ll need to prep, cook, and serve the dishes as soon as possible. It sounds straightforward, but demanding customers and hilarious levels make it more challenging than you’d expect. Excellent communication is required to successfully please the hungry crowd — so make sure you’ve got a few trusty friends by your side before launching the game.
Hyrule Warriors: Age Of Calamity
80%
4/5
Platforms
Nintendo Switch
Genre
Fighting, Hack and slash/Beat 'em up, Adventure
Developer
Omega Force
Publisher
Nintendo, Koei Tecmo
Release
November 19, 2020
As one of the few multiplayer Zelda games, Hyrule Warriors: Age of Calamity is already an oddity. Add in some musou-style action, and now it’s downright bizarre. But despite the big changes to the usual formula, Age of Calamity is a blast. It serves as a prequel to Breath of the Wild, with Link, Zelda, and other familiar faces going up against hordes of Bokoblins and fearsome Lynels. Playing local co-op is a blast (as you both slice your way through wave after wave of enemies), although it can be a bit taxing on the aging Nintendo Switch.
Monster Hunter Rise
95%
4.5/5
Platforms
PC (Microsoft Windows), Nintendo Switch
Genre
Role-playing (RPG), Hack and slash/Beat 'em up, Adventure
Developer
Capcom
Publisher
Capcom
Release
March 25, 2021
Monster Hunter Rise is both methodical and action-packed. Before setting out on an adrenaline-pumping hunt, you’ll first need to craft gear, items, and other accessories that’ll help you on the field. You’ll also have access to a wide variety of weapons, each with their own unique playstyle. Once that’s been sorted, you can finally head out to slay some oversized beasts. The hunt is best experienced with a few friends by your side, as the ability to coordinate your attacks makes it much easier to bring down your target.
Super Mario 3D World + Bowser's Fury
89%
4.5/5
Platforms
Nintendo Switch
Genre
Platform, Adventure
Developer
Nintendo EAD Tokyo
Publisher
Nintendo
Release
February 12, 2021
This entry is essentially two games in one. Super Mario 3D World is a bombastic platforming game that lets up to four players team up to tackle each of its fast-paced levels. Mario, Toad, Luigi, Princess Peach, and Rosalina are all playable, each with tiny quirks to their gameplay style. Bowser’s Fury, meanwhile, it largely a solo experience, although a second player can jump in and play as Bowser Jr.
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Shredder's Revenge
82%
5/5
Platforms
PC (Microsoft Windows), PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, Xbox Series X|S
Genre
Fighting, Hack and slash/Beat 'em up, Adventure, Indie, Arcade
Developer
Tribute Games Inc.
Publisher
DotEmu
Release
June 16, 2022
Shredder’s Revenge is a throwback to old-school TMNT games. The pixel art graphics are both stunning and nostalgic, and its combat is simple to learn but difficult to master. It’s a beat ‘em up all the way to its core, with no shortage of Foot soldiers thrown you way as you side-scroll through its levels. When you’re not button mashing, you’ll find a bunch of collectibles scattered through each map along with plenty of achievements to chase after. If you need a bit of help, you can team up with five other players locally or online.
