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Nintendo Switch 2: The Best Local Co-op Games of 2026
What are the best local co-op games for the Nintendo Switch 2? We’re bringing you the top 8 games of 2026.
You’ll have more fun playing these games together: these are currently the best couch co-op games for the Nintendo Switch 2 in 2026.
- Tip: As the Switch 2 is backwards compatible, most couch co-op games from the original Nintendo Switch can also be played on it. It’s worth taking a look at our list of the best co-op titles.
01
Split Fiction
Split Fiction kombiniert Science-Fiction mit Fantasy.
© EA
Split Fiction is the latest stroke of genius from Hazelight Studios, who have already made a name for themselves in the couch co-op genre with titles such as ‘A Way Out’ and ‘It Takes Two’.
As with the studio’s previous games, the co-op experience takes centre stage in Split Fiction: after all, the varied adventure featuring the two heroines, Mio and Zoe, simply cannot be mastered alone. The game follows the story of the two authors, who could hardly be more different, and takes you on a lovingly crafted and gameplay-rich adventure where you’ll travel through futuristic sci-fi and picturesque fantasy worlds, with each section introducing new gameplay mechanics.
The result is one of the best co-op games of all time and an absolute must-have for the Nintendo Switch 2.
02
Mario Kart World
Mario Kart World
© Nintendo
Mario Kart World is the biggest Mario Kart instalment to date and has been released exclusively for the Nintendo Switch 2. As well as an open-world environment supporting up to 24 drivers in online races, the game also brings back the classic split-screen mode that has been a staple of the series for years.
Up to four of you can line up at the start on a single Switch 2 and pelt each other with items such as shells and bananas. Only the new free-roam mode, in which you explore the open world between races, cannot be played in split-screen. However, this isn’t an obstacle for the classic couch co-op Grand Prix: Cups, Battle mode and the new race modes all work in split-screen.
03
Star Fox
Star Fox landet auf Nintendo Switch 2
© Nintendo
After a break of almost a decade and a screen comeback in the ‘Super Mario Galaxy’ film, Fox McCloud is back with Star Fox , delivering a complete remake of Star Fox 64 exclusively for Nintendo Switch 2. The campaign takes you through 12 planets in the Lylat System in the Arwing, enhanced with a new orchestral soundtrack, revamped graphics and fully voiced cutscenes.
The local co-op mode is fully integrated into both the campaign and challenge modes: one player controls the Arwing, while the other uses a second Joy-Con 2 to operate the guns as the gunner. This way, you share a single ship and fight your way through aerial battles and boss fights side by side.
04
Survival Kids
Survival Kids is an impressive couch co-op game available exclusively on Nintendo Switch 2. The title combines the survival game genre with charming graphics and a healthy dose of childlike humour to create a unique and captivating adventure.
Survival Kids
© Konami
Four curious children discover an old, tattered map in an attic and set sail in a makeshift boat to recover an ancient treasure. But when the boat is caught in a violent storm, the quartet finds themselves transported to a hidden world full of dangers and gripping mysteries.
What follows is a classic survival adventure in which players must work together to gather resources, craft items, fish and cook, solve puzzles and find their way back to safety. The whole thing can be tackled either as a two-player local co-op or with up to four players in online co-op mode. Great fun.
05
Puyo Puyo Tetris 2S
Puyo Puyo Tetris 2S
© SEGA
Everyone is bound to know Tetris. The legendary puzzle game has been an absolute institution in the gaming world for around 40 years. Here, the iconic puzzle game meets the cult Japanese series Puyo Puyo, culminating in a unique gameplay experience in Puyo Puyo Tetris 2S.
As well as the classic puzzles, this new release for Nintendo Switch 2 also offers an extensive story mode and plenty of other party game modes, which are primarily designed for competitive fun. However, there’s also a couch co-op mode where you can team up with up to four players to take on bosses or go head-to-head with your friends in the brand-new 2-versus-2 mode.
Red Bull Tetris Key Visual
© Red Bull
06
Donkey Kong Bananza
Affenstark: Donkey Kong Bananza bietet zerstörbare Umgebungen
© Nintendo
A monkey-tastic adventure for Nintendo Switch 2 was only released in July 2025. With Donkey Kong Bananza, the King of the Apes finally gets his own game again after more than 10 years – and it’s a real cracker. Thanks to destructible environments, a good dose of humour and plenty of fresh gameplay ideas, Nintendo has delivered not only one of the best games of 2025, but also one of the best 3D platformers of all time.
Fortunately, however, Bananza isn’t just a single-player experience. There’s also a couch co-op mode in which one player controls DK, while the other takes on the role of young Pauline, who has made herself comfortable on the monkey’s furry back. Although Pauline cannot set off on her own, she can copy items and fire them at enemies or the environment.
More on Donkey Kong Bananza
07
Fantasy Life i: The Girl Who Steals Time
Fantasy Life i: The Girl Who Steals Time
© LEVEL-5
Fantasy Life i: The Girl Who Steals Time combines crafting elements with role-playing mechanics. It’s a laid-back, slow-life RPG in which you have 14 professions to choose from. Whether it’s fishing, cooking, building or treasure hunting: it’s all a piece of cake.
The game combines its mechanics into a unique blend that’s sure to delight not only fans of life simulation games, but also RPG enthusiasts. In couch co-op mode, a second player can assist the main character, allowing you to build an island with friends, explore dungeons or find other ways to have fun.
More to watch
08
Kirby and the Forgotten Land – Nintendo Switch 2 Edition
Kirby und das vergessene Land – Nintendo Switch 2 Edition
© Nintendo
With *Kirby and the Forgotten Land*, the pink ball of cuteness already made a glorious comeback on the Nintendo Switch, featuring a fun couch co-op mode.
A revamped ‘Nintendo Switch 2 Edition’ is now available for the new Nintendo console, bringing with it, amongst other things, improved graphics and smoother gameplay. Above all, however, the re-release offers the Star Shard World – a brand-new game environment to explore either on your own or in co-op. This 3D platformer delights with fresh ideas and perfect playability, and is great fun for young and old alike.
Take your gaming skills to the next level
Not yet made the upgrade to the Nintendo Switch 2? Click here to read a list of the best couch co-op games for the original Switch
