Nintendo began its console domination with multiplayer in mind. Things have gotten better over the years with each new console offering a unique way for players to team up with others. One of the most interesting setups was with the GameCube which had players connect their Game Boy Advances for some experiences like Final Fantasy Crystal Chronicles.
This concept had its moments on the GameCube but it was messy. Thankfully things are more streamlined with the Switch’s connectivity, especially with Final Fantasy Crystal Chronicles which has been remastered. For players interested in co-op wherein they can drop in and drop out of experiences, these Switch games are some of the best. Most are exclusive to the big N too.
8 Brothers: A Tale Of Two Sons
Brothers: A Tale of Two Sons was, at first, a single-player game. It offered players a unique gameplay system wherein each analog stick moved one of the two titular brothers. Of the many ports this game got, the Switch edition is the only version that offers co-op.
This makes the game a lot easier as controlling two characters with a stick apiece could feel like brain surgery at times. Brothers: A Tale of Two Sons always felt like it should be a co-op game anyway especially with a loved one close by because it is one emotional journey.
7 Guacamelee 2
Guacamelee is a series of Metroidvanias that focused on wrestling moves instead of shooting. The original release of the game offered two-player co-op on the couch whereas the sequel expanded this allotment to four players. Guacamelee was re-released under the name of Guacamelee Super Turbo Championship Edition which also expanded the player count to four.
While it was cool that the multiplayer was expanded, this also means it was a bit harder to follow where one was in the 2D chaos. Both games are worth a look for Metroidvania and action fans even if players decide to tackle these two indie gems alone.
6 Luigi’s Mansion 3
Luigi’s Mansion 3 introduced the world to Gooigi which created a fun series of memes. In this return to form for the series, Luigi is given a gadget that allows him to turn ghostly goo into another version of himself. This made tackling puzzles and ghosts easier in the long run with a buddy on the couch.
This series was never meant to be scary anyway as it was made more for kids, so the addition of co-op in this form was appreciated and didn’t detract unlike how some felt about Resident Evil 5. There’s a multiplayer mode in the game as well that expands the player count but it is not part of the campaign.
5 Marvel Ultimate Alliance 3
It took a long time for Marvel Ultimate Alliance 3 to come out. It was shocking when it was announced as it had been ten years since the last game was released. It was even more stunning that it was now a Nintendo exclusive via the Switch and that it was being developed by Team Ninja who was known for creating wild action games.
Even though it had been a decade, not much changed with the gameplay but that wasn’t a bad thing. It was still a top-down brawler that offered players dozens of characters to choose from. There was four-player co-op for online and offline play too.
4 Monster Hunter Rise
Monster Hunter: World changed the series forever as it streamlined many gameplay mechanics to make it easier to jump into for newbies. Perhaps the biggest accomplishment was creating a more seamless open world to explore.
While Monster Hunter Rise isn’t as expansive as that game, it still offered players a good jumping-on point for the series. Players could go in it alone, or they could team up with three other players online. If ever a series needed co-op, it would be Monster Hunter. Co-op just makes things feel less tedious with others around for the loot grind.
3 Nobody Saves The World
Nobody Saves the World can best be described as The Legend of Zelda if it were funny and more RPG-like. Players are a nameless hero that happened upon a magic wand that allowed them to turn into magical classes and animals. Each form created a new dynamic for gameplay such as the mouse allowing players to sneak through small openings.
Players could tackle this one alone or add a friend on the couch or online. It was, and still is, a nice surprise from 2022 alongside the AAA giants out there.
2 Super Mario 3D World + Bowser's Fury
Super Mario 3D World + Bowser's Fury has two co-op games in one. The original game on Wii U featured four-player co-op wherein players could choose to be either Mario, Toad, Luigi, or Peach for some classic platforming action across multiple wild worlds.
The addition to the Switch port was set in a semi-open-world wherein Mario could be assisted by Bowser Jr. if another player joined in. Both campaigns feature couch co-op only which is typical for Nintendo games. It is an essential title for any Switch fan even if it is just an enhanced port.
1 Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Shredder's Revenge
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Shredder's Revenge is the latest game to feature the fab four turtles in action. It is a sequel to one of the best game adaptions of this cartoon classic, Turtles in Time, but players don’t need to play that to enjoy this. It’s a brawler like many TMNT games before it.
The coolest part for multiplayer fans is that it features up to six-player co-op on Switch both online and offline. Besides the green ninjas, players can take on the roles of Splinter, Casey Jones, and April O'Neil to add some diversity to the group.