Table of Contents
As you explore the vast array of gaming experiences available on the Switch, it is highly probable that the allure of couch co-op games played a significant role in your decision to embrace Nintendo’s hybrid console. It is possible to transform the Nintendo Switch into a dual gaming setup with ease thanks to its versatile Joy-Con controllers. This makes the Switch an excellent option for having shared experiences with friends, whether they are at home or on the go.
As we delve deeper into the world of cooperative local multiplayer, our goal is to find games that strengthen the personal connection you have with your gaming companions. Rather than focusing on games that encourage players to compete against one another, we have chosen to highlight games that encourage players to work together as teammates, thereby fostering a sense of camaraderie. The Switch’s one-of-a-kind capabilities bring this experience to life, and the magic lies in the shared joy that comes from accomplishing goals together.
For those who are interested in expanding their horizons beyond the realm of local cooperative gaming, our collection of the best Nintendo Switch games is waiting to be explored. It is constantly updated, and it reflects the preferences and recommendations of the active Nintendo Life community. Additionally, it ensures that you are kept up to date on the most recent and cutting-edge offerings that are available on the platform. Dive into the world of cooperative gaming on the Switch, where every moment spent together can be transformed into an experience that you will never forget.
Best Co-op Games on Nintendo Switch Comparison Table
The numerous memorable cooperative video games that Nintendo has released since its early days in the industry have contributed to the company’s widespread recognition. And even in a medium that is becoming increasingly online, that reputation continues to be strong well into the generation of Nintendo Switch consoles.
| Genre | Singleplayer/Multiplayer | Gameplay | Art Style | Critical Reception | Check Deal | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Marvel Ultimate Alliance 3 | Action RPG | Singleplayer, Multiplayer (co-op) | Action RPG with hack-and-slash combat, team building, and character customization. | 3D cel-shaded graphics with a comic book aesthetic. | Generally positive, with praise for the large roster of characters and engaging gameplay. | Check Deal |
| Super Mario Bros. Wonder | Platformer | Singleplayer | 2D platformer with classic Mario mechanics and new puzzle elements. | 2.5D pixel art with a vibrant and whimsical style. | Mixed, with some praising the nostalgia and others criticizing the difficulty and lack of innovation. | Check Deal |
| It Takes Two | Adventure | Two-player co-op only | Coop adventure with unique mechanics that require teamwork and communication. | 3D cartoon graphics with a charming and expressive style. | Overwhelmingly positive, with praise for the unique co-op mechanics and heartwarming story. | Check Deal |
| River City Girls 1 & 2 | Beat-’em-up | Singleplayer, Multiplayer (co-op) | Side-scrolling beat-’em-up with combo-based combat and local co-op. | Retro pixel art with a colorful and detailed style. | Positive, with praise for the retro visuals and engaging beat-’em-up gameplay. | Check Deal |
| The Binding of Isaac | Roguelike | Singleplayer | Roguelike dungeon crawler with procedurally generated levels and permanent death. | Dark and grotesque 2D pixel art with religious symbolism. | Generally positive, with praise for the challenging gameplay and dark humor. | Check Deal |
Best Co-op Games on Nintendo Switch
It’s hard for a lot of players to get together and play with their friends like they used to. There are a lot of great online games for today’s gaming systems, but the Nintendo Switch has a great selection of games for the whole family. You can play these games with family or friends, and they’re fun whether you’re playing with them or against them.
Marvel Ultimate Alliance 3
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Gameplay | Engaging cooperative action RPG gameplay. |
| Marvel Universe | Explore iconic Marvel locations and team up with superheroes. |
| Customization | Customize your team with various heroes and abilities. |
| Co-op Play | Play with friends in local or online cooperative mode. |
| Storyline | Enjoy an original storyline featuring popular Marvel characters. |
| Check Price |
Create your ideal team from a vast roster of Marvel heroes and villains in Marvel Ultimate Alliance 3, a game that allows you to do just that! In this action role-playing game adventure that takes place across iconic locations, oppose Thanos’ plans to destroy the entire galaxy. In order to complete your heroic quest, you will need to combine your abilities, unleash super moves, and forge unlikely alliances.
Super Mario Bros. Wonder
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Classic Platforming | Traditional side-scrolling platformer gameplay. |
| Power-Ups | Collect power-ups like the Super Mushroom and Fire Flower. |
| Cooperative Play | Team up with friends in local or online multiplayer. |
| Wonder Worlds | Explore imaginative and colorful levels. |
| Mario and Friends | Play as Mario, Luigi, and other beloved characters. |
| Check Price |
The Super Mario Bros. Wonder game allows you to experience the progression of Mario! Relive cherished memories and discover new thrills in this all-encompassing celebration of the most beloved plumber in the Mushroom Kingdom. From the pioneer of pixelated platforming to the explorer of 3D open-worlds, this game is a must-have for any fan of the game. As you make your way through history, you can jump, stomp, soar, and spin!
The Good
- Easy to pick up and play for all ages.
- Creative level design with unique challenges.
- Fun multiplayer experience.
The Bad
- Limited innovation in gameplay mechanics.
- Lack of an expansive single-player storyline.
It Takes Two
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Co-op Adventure | A unique cooperative gameplay experience. |
| Storytelling | Gripping narrative with a focus on relationships. |
| Puzzles and Challenges | Navigate through diverse puzzles and challenges. |
| Varied Environments | Explore a world with different settings and themes. |
| Mini-Games | Engage in entertaining mini-games throughout the journey. |
| Check Price |
This hilariously heartwarming cooperative adventure is called It Takes Two! Take control of Cody and May, a tense couple who have been transformed into miniature dolls by a magical spell. The goal of this whimsical journey is to prove that teamwork is the key to making the dream come true. Along the way, you will solve quirky puzzles, master gravity-defying platforming, and mend your fractured relationship.
The Good
- Innovative and immersive cooperative mechanics.
- Emotional and well-crafted storyline.
- Varied gameplay with a mix of genres.
- Beautifully designed and visually appealing environments.
The Bad
- Strictly designed for cooperative play.
- Limited replay value for solo players.
River City Girls 1 & 2
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Beat ‘Em Up Action | Classic beat ’em up gameplay with a modern twist. |
| Playable Characters | Control tough and stylish female protagonists. |
| Co-op Multiplayer | Team up with a friend in local or online multiplayer. |
| Upgrades and Skills | Unlock new moves and abilities as you progress. |
| Retro Aesthetic | Pixel art graphics with a nostalgic yet modern feel. |
| Check Price |
Double the chaos, and two times the amount of beatings! Exciting beat-’em-up action awaits Kyoko and Misako as they make their return. As you pummelled, kick, and suplex your way through a vibrant world filled with pixelated criminals, you will have the opportunity to explore expansive environments, master punishing combos, and unleash devastating special attacks!
The Good
- Vibrant and expressive character designs.
- Catchy soundtrack that complements the action.
- Cooperative play enhances the fun factor.
- Humorous dialogue and entertaining story.
The Bad
- Repetitive enemy encounters.
- Limited depth in character progression.
The Binding of Isaac
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Roguelike Gameplay | Procedurally generated levels with permadeath mechanics. |
| Dungeon Crawling | Explore dark and challenging dungeons. |
| Variety of Items | Hundreds of unique items and power-ups to discover. |
| Randomized Enemies | Encounter a wide range of bizarre and unpredictable foes. |
| Dark Humor | Story with a dark and twisted sense of humor. |
| Check Price |
Begin your descent into a dungeon crawler that is eerily surreal and filled to the brim with monstrous secrets. Take control of Isaac, a tearful child who is armed with his own tears, as he embarks on a perplexing journey through labyrinths that are generated through a procedural process. In this darkly addictive roguelike adventure, you will discover hidden depths, come face to face with grotesque abominations, and face horrific terrors that are beyond your comprehension.
The Good
- Highly replayable with endless possibilities.
- Challenging gameplay that rewards skill and strategy.
- Deep and complex item interactions.
- Unique art style and atmosphere.
- Regular updates and community support.
The Bad
- Steep learning curve for newcomers.
- Randomness can lead to frustrating runs.
How to Choose the Right Co-op Game for You
When picking the right co-op game, you need to think about a number of things, including your own tastes, the way you like to play, and the tastes of your gaming partners. How do you choose the best co-op game for you? Here are some important things to think about:
- Type of Co-op Game: Think about the type of co-op games you like. Different types of games, like action, adventure, puzzle, and role-playing, can be played with a friend. Pick a game that’s similar to the ones you like to play.
- Number of Players: Find out how many people can play the co-op game at the same time. Some games are made for two people, while others can be played by a lot of people. Make sure the game can handle the number of people who will be playing at once.
- Local or Online Co-op: Choose whether you’d rather play with friends on the same screen or over the internet (online co-op). Some games give you both choices, so you can play them in a variety of ways.
- Level of Difficulty: Rate how hard the co-op game is. Some games are easier for new players to pick up, while others may be more difficult for seasoned gamers. Make sure that the level of difficulty is right for each player’s skill level.
- Story and Narrative: Think about how important story and narrative are in the co-op game. Some games are more about the gameplay, while others have deep stories and characters that grow. You can choose based on whether you want a story-driven or a gameplay-focused experience.
- Game Length: Look at how long gameplay sessions last. Some co-op games are meant to be played in short bursts, while others may offer longer, more in-depth sessions. Pick a game that fits the amount of time you and your gaming partner are willing to spend on it.
- Game Progress: Look at how the co-op game handles progress. Some games let you move through them in a straight line, while others let you explore an open world. Think about whether you’d rather be led or have more freedom to explore.
Questions and Answers
The Nintendo Switch is capable of supporting a wide variety of multiplayer gaming options. Playing together in the same room or online using a single system or multiple systems* is an option for this activity. Specific features, such as voice chat or split-screen play, vary from game to game; however, the Nintendo Switch places a strong emphasis on the ability to enjoy one’s games with one’s family and friends.
Although the Xbox Series S and Xbox Series X have the most advanced capabilities for online multiplayer and exclusive titles, the Nintendo Switch is currently the front-runner when it comes to games that can be played with a friend on the couch.