During the COVID era, many players have found 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 in multiplayer titles. Mario Kart, Mario Party, and Super Smash Bros. go without saying. While players could certainly find dozens of titles to fit the bill, at least ten of them would be certain go-to recommendations for anyone looking for a new experience.
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Updated February 1st, 2021 by Stephen LaGioia: As gamers are spending more time with their families - and itching to meet with friends on the regular again - it seemed appropriate to update this list with more Switch games that offer fun local multiplayer. There's certainly no shortage of them; and since the release of this piece, more great couch co-op and split-screen romps have been released for the Big N's console.
15 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 for 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 - are 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.
14 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 party romp.
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.
13 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 moreso 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.
12 Arms
This new franchise from Nintendo delivers a knockout punch with its solid local face-offs and impressive use of motion control via dual-wielding Joy-Cons.
Up to four fighters can clash in this party-fighter, which is chock-full of thrilling action and cartoony chaos. ARMS requires players to mimic punches, hooks, blocks, and dodges from a behind-the-camera perspective. This translates into the characters landing overextended jabs on-screen - bringing an immersive, tactile feel that gives it a unique charm.
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ARMS is sure to provide tons of arm-flailing fun - and likely some yuks and trash-talking.
11 Super Mario Party
The variety of mini-games will keep players hooked for hours. Super Mario Party offers a variety of modes to play as well. One even includes a new 2v2 map feature while another allows players to put Switches together in handheld mode.
10 Taiko no Tatsujin: Drum 'n Fun
Bandai Namco's rhythm series originally came to America as Taiko: Drum Master for PlayStation 2. However, it's received releases on many systems in Japan as well as its home on the arcades. Taiko no Tatsujin was also especially popular in anime conventions as well.
This rhythm game features a variety of music including pop, anime, and even gaming. Players will surely find several favorites down the list as they hit the red and blue drums and time their hits properly. The control styles allow players to play with JoyCons, a drum controller, handheld mode, or even a Pro Controller. Plus this rhythm title offers several modes including a Party Mode to play on!
9 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!
8 Clubhouse Games: 51 Worldwide Classics
This sequel to a DS title offers a new variety of classic board games. From Blackjack to Checkers, Clubhouse Games offers a bevy of tabletop games. Their charming animations feel fluid and would welcome any player. The Clubhouse Games Pass (free demo) also allows anyone to connect to other players with the demo or owners of the game. In the case of the latter, they can play any game with that person. It feels akin to the 3DS Download Play.
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What makes Clubhouse Games unique is its method to play. Since it involves card games, handheld mode is especially recommended. This will allow players to hide their hand. Furthermore, it involves a mode where players can put their Switches together, in mosaic mode, for games like Slot Car tracks!
7 Dragon Ball FighterZ
For classic 2D fighting game fans, this might be the best experience. With Street Fighter V, Tekken 7, and other known hits on other systems, FighterZ is one of the most popular titles to play in the Fighting Game Community today. As a result, it is one of the best fighting games to play on the Switch.
With its Dragon Ball Z aesthetic, this fast-paced fighting game features gorgeous animations and long-strung combos. Players can call upon an assist to lengthen their combos. For anyone seeking strong competition, FighterZ makes for a fantastic choice.
6 Splatoon 2
Splatoon 2 offers more variety to its multiplayer than its Wii U predecessor. It's entirely possible to play games together. However, it's heavily recommended to have more than two players.
It goes without saying that Splatoon 2 works best online. However, when seeking people to play offline or in the house, this third-person shooter offers a unique experience. Salmon Run allows players to play a Firefight-type mode by eliminating enemies together and collecting Golden Eggs.
5 Streets of Rage 4
This side-scrolling beat 'em up can be played with up to four players online. While this method has been toyed around 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.
4 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 together with DK or simply 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.
3 Tales of Vesperia
Originally on Xbox 360, this Action-JRPG now comes with the 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.
2 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 8 Deluxe 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.
1 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.
NEXT: 15 Switch Games To Play If You Loved Breath Of The Wild