Gaming
Gaming
The best couch co-op games for Nintendo Switch
Find a playing partner and grab a controller: these are the greatest couch co-op games for Nintendo Switch right now
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Have you been playing your Nintendo Switch solo instead of in co-op mode, and now feel like you’re late to the Mario Party? Or are you simply looking for some better games to tackle with friends? Well, this list has you covered.
Multiplayer games on one screen continue to be hugely popular on the Nintendo Switch console – not least thanks to its shareable Joy-Cons, which can make playing a game with a friend feel like a true bonding experience. Best of all, every single title below also works for the Nintendo Switch 2 as well.
Here is our selection of the best couch co-op games for the Switch that demand attention.
If you enjoy co-op gaming then check these out
01
Super Mario Bros Wonder
The elephant is the new power-up in Super Mario Bros. Wonder
© Nintendo
Watch it, Goombas: Nintendo's cult plumber Super Mario is back on his grind in Super Mario Bros. Wonder, a classic 2D platformer which features enough new power-ups and game elements to also make it feel like a real step forward in the series.
From charming animations to the varied levels and even an elephant or drill item, the hunt for the wonder seeds is great fun for the whole family (up to four players can jump through the levels together). It had its release back in 2023 but still draws people in thanks to its riveting gameplay.
If this is your bag, you might want to also check out Super Mario 3D World (more on that below).
02
Cat Quest 2
Cuddly comic action RPG with furry heroes: Cat Quest 2
© The Gentlebros
'Feline' adventurous? Cat Quest 2 could be just the addition your household needs.
A classic 2D, action role-playing (and dimension-hopping) game in which you take control of a de-throned cat and dog who must battle together in the kingdom of Felingard against enemies to restore peace and return to their respective thrones.
Naturally, in couch co-op mode, one player controls the cat and another player controls the dog. And with so many magical additions and other novel features, it's an RPG where battles always feel fresh.
Simply pawsome (the game developers insist on similar animal puns, so you better get used to it), Cat Quest 2 combines a charming story with a surprisingly complex combat system, plenty of humour and numerous secrets to discover.
03
Kirby and the forgotten land
Great fun for two: Kirby is back!
© Nintendo
With Kirby and the Forgotten Land, Nintendo catapulted its titular pink ball into the third dimension for the first time in a spin-off title.
As Kirby and Bandana Waddle Dee, co-op couch mode players can explore an abandoned world, performing rescue missions and smashing enemies together to save the day.
As a classic 3D jump-and-run, you explore this colourful world and acquire a variety of new skills.
04
Portal: Companion collection
Crunchy puzzles and lots of fun: Portal 2 is a real co-op hit.
© Valve Corporation
With its unique gameplay, the puzzle shooter Portal 2 is one of the best co-op games ever. Since 2022, the adventure about two crazy robots Atlas and P-body has been available for Nintendo Switch.
The aim of the game is to use a portal gun to create dimensional gates and solve tricky puzzles. This requires two players to work together perfectly, especially in couch co-op. The companion collection includes Portal 1 and Portal 2 as remasters, which also have a lot in store for solo players.
05
Super Mario 3D World + Bowser's Fury
Super Mario 3D World + Bowser's Fury offers an extensive co-op mode
© Nintendo
First released on the Wii U, but now remastered for Switch, Super Mario 3D World is a multiplayer masterpiece. It comes complete with a brand new world added in the form of the Bowser's Fury expansion.
Another new feature is the co-operative mode for up to four players, in which you slip into the skin of Mario, Luigi, Princess Peach and Toad to take on Mario's arch-enemy Bowser together.
In the expansion, a second player can take on Bowser Jr. if desired, who can provide Mario with further assistance. Mario and co-op? It never misses.
WATCH: Speedrunner against Bowser: The former snowboarder-turned speedrunning pro David 'GrandPOOBear' Hunt takes on Bowser's Fury in this video, below:
06
Super Smash Bros. Ultimate
Super Smash Bros. Ultimate brings back every character
© Nintendo
In classic mode, you can also play co-operatively against a number of challengers. Thanks to the gigantic roster, you have a number of different characters to choose from, all of which are very different from one another in terms of gameplay.
Alternatively, you can also compete in ghost board mode and face tricky challenges together. Either way: In co-op mode, time will fly.
5 things we learned from playing Super Smash Bros.
07
Donkey Kong Country: Tropical Freeze
Although DonkeyKong Country: Tropical Freeze is only a conversion of the Wii U spin-off, that doesn't change the fact that you're dealing with one of the best 2D jump-and-runs of recent years. The return of Donkey Kong, Diddy Kong and co. plays just as well as it did in SNES times. Especially in co-op mode for two players, as each character has their own special abilities that need to be combined to solve the challenging levels.
08
Unravel 2
Exciting co-op adventure for two people: Unravel 2.
© Electronic Arts
The cute little yarn man Yarny gets support in the second instalment of the series, Unravel 2.
Connected by the same thread, you and a playing partner must use the yarn to create bridges, swing across obstacles and anchor each other to safety throughout this puzzle-packed caper. This dynamic is not only silky smooth as part of the gameplay, but tons of fun, forcing couples to think as one while learning to play to each other's strengths.
Together, you will experience an emotional and quite literally gripping adventure that tells a story of love, friendship and hope. It also features some of the most gorgeous visuals you will ever see on screen.
09
Rocket League
Rocket League from Psyonix
© Psyonix
If you want a beginner's guide to help you dominate matches, click here.
10
Minecraft: Nintendo Switch Edition
Minecraft
© Microsoft
The title is far more than "just" a simple video game. Depending on the game mode, Minecraft: Nintendo Switch Edition is almost a meditative experience that will keep you glued to the screen for hours, if not weeks. Those who like a little more excitement can take on the challenge in survival mode, but even those who want to create a breathtaking world in peace and quiet will get their money's worth with Minecraft: Nintendo Switch Edition.
Discover the history of Minecraft right here.
11
Monster Hunter Rise
Snappy action: Monster Hunter Rise utilises the gameplay engine from World
© Capcom
What could be better than hunting monsters with a few friends? How good that Monster Hunter Rise is the first instalment of the cult series on Nintendo Switch.
Together with up to four players, the aim is to protect the village of Kamura from the approaching monster invasion. To do so, you have a huge arsenal of weapons at your disposal to face the varied and challenging monsters. Monster Hunter Rise is great fun, especially in co-op mode.
12
Luigi's Mansion 3
Has no fear of ghosts: The green m... Luigi!
© Nintendo
Sneaking through a creepy ghost hotel alone with Luigi can be quite nerve-wracking. Luigi's Mansion 3 is undoubtedly one of the best games for Nintendo Switch, but the co-op mode makes the already successful action adventure even better.
While one player slips into the skin of the plumber, the other takes on the slippery doppelganger Fluigi, who is given a very special role, especially in the varied puzzles. After all, Fluigi is able to squeeze through narrow grids or pass through nasty traps unscathed thanks to his consistency. With moreish gameplay, an incredibly charming game world and exciting puzzles, this is an absolute feast for couch co-op.
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