Nintendo's consoles have always offered a healthy selection of multiplayer titles. While some titles, like Mario Kart, play better competitively, the Switch offers a bevy of co-op classics to play with a friend. On the Nintendo Switch, it has become possible to do even more thanks to the wireless function of handled mode.
Many gamers play online with friends. However, for those who live together or can still hang with their best friends, Nintendo Switch offers many wonderful co-op games to choose from including the upcoming Super Mario 3D World + Bowser's Fury. Check out the best co-op titles the Switch has to offer, ranked by Metacritic scores.
Updated January 1st, 2021 by Tanner Kinney: In a time where multiplayer games are one of the few things keeping people sane, co-op games are more important than ever. Each platform has its fair share, but the Nintendo Switch might be the definitive platform for classic, couch co-op experiences. Online multiplayer is inconsistent at best on Nintendo's platform, but that doesn't stop the online games from also being fun-to-play as well. Just make sure to connect to Ethernet, as the Switch and WiFi connections don't exactly get along that well. There were some co-op games we missed, so we decided to expand the list.
15 Kirby: Star Allies - 73
The latest Kirby Switch platformer, developed by HAL Laboratories, features 4-players once again. Akin to Return to Dream Land, up to four players can play as either Kirby or one of the enemies-turned-helpers. As a trait originated from Kirby Super Star, Kirby can turn his enemies into allies and the players can use their powers.
Kirby: Star Allies features an enjoyable, not-too-difficult campaign. The number of power-ups will certainly grace the player with a variety of playstyles. Furthermore, the free DLC updates for the game added even more campaigns to help lighten the load.
14 Yoshi's Crafted World - 79
The sequel to Yoshi's Woolly World takes place in a world of plush. Yoshi's Crafted World continues the traditions set forth by the SNES' Yoshi's Island and N64's Yoshi's Story. Jump on enemies, gobble them, and turn them into eggs to solve puzzles with.
This charming, adorable platformer features multicolored Yoshis, unlockable costumes, and 2-player co-op. Players can help each other solve puzzles and fight bosses together. As a game that also focuses on collecting small items for unlockables, it pays to have a friend nearby.
13 New Super Mario Bros. U Deluxe - 80
Mario makes the list in a co-op classic. Ported from the Wii U to the Switch, New Super Mario Bros. U Deluxe features 4-player co-op. Play as Mario, Luigi, Toad, and new characters for the Switch: Toadette and Nabbit.
The Deluxe version features the New Super Luigi U which includes rearranged stages and harder challenges. The game is to pick-up and play but challenging to finish. Currently, New Super Mario Bros. U offers the best co-op Mario adventure on the Switch.
12 Bloodstained: Curse Of The Moon 2 - 81
Inti Creates' and ArtPlay's latest 8-bit title hearkens back to the NES days. While this 2D platformer's predecessor did not feature co-op, the latest installment allows players to jump-in and pick a character. Featuring four characters to play as, the two will share lives as they encounter a challenging adventure.
Curse of the Moon 2, despite its intimidating appearance, features easier difficulty levels which invoke no consequences for playing them. Bloodstained players do not need to feel they're missing out on something for playing an easier difficulty. This Gothic adventure features a catchy soundtrack, tough boss battles, and multiple playthroughs to venture.
11 BoxBoy + BoxGirl - 81
HAL Laboratories' other series, BoxBoy, features a co-op element as well. While this one features a 2-player campaign, BoxBoy and BoxGirl team together to solve puzzles. It features a minimalist story and visuals with strong level design elements.
BoxBoy + BoxGirl offers a variety of stages to the player. Despite the simplicity of building boxes and using them to move, the stage designs become more and more intricate. Now with a co-op layer, it will take two heads working together in this charming Switch adventure.
10 Rayman Legends - 84
This charming co-op series started off on the Wii with Rayman Origins. Just like Donkey Kong Country and Kirby, the latest Rayman title featured gorgeous artwork, tons of unlockables, and a healthy balance of challenge and stage obstacles. While ported to other consoles, the sequel, Rayman Legends, would eventually find its way to Switch.
Rayman Legends takes everything from Origins and expands it. The fast dashing action, the fist-pummeling brawls, and the platforming meld perfectly with the enjoyable boss battles. Rayman Legends is a 4-player fun-fest that should not be missed by anyone.
9 Streets Of Rage 4 - 86
The long-heralded return of a series not seen since the mid-90s, Dotemu brings back classic 2D beat 'em up action to form once more. The gorgeous animations will catch anyone's attention while the club and dance soundtrack will perk players up to the fighting mood. Streets of Rage 4 feels like a beat 'em up for the ages and works well on Nintendo Switch.
While the online mode supports 2-player co-op, offline players can participate in up to 4-player co-op. Adjustable difficulty levels will keep players on their toes. With the style of moves, variety of character choices, and plenty of beats to listen to, Streets of Rage 4 will last as players' favorites for a long time to come.
8 Donkey Kong Country: Tropical Freeze - 86
Donkey Kong Country made its return to consoles in 2010 for Nintendo Wii. Shortly after, Retro Studios developed the 2D co-op platformer's sequel on Wii U. Tropical Freeze was later ported to Switch featuring a new Funky Mode to ease intimidated players into this wonderful adventure.
Tropical Freeze features a multitude of stage choices, mine carts, rocket barrels, and a host of other amazing challenges. While P1 controls Donkey Kong, the assisting player can choose Diddy, Dixie, or Cranky, and can either hop with DK or sit on his back and fire away at enemies. Tropical Freeze offers plenty of unlockables from its many stages and is unquestionably one of the greatest 2D platformers out there.
7 Cuphead - 87
Studio MDHR's 2D run-and-gun title hearkens back to the days of Contra and Metal Slug. By joining back the old-school platforming action, they created the unthinkable with its visual style. This well-animated title boasts the aesthetics of a 1930s cartoon with the soundtrack to boot.
Cuphead's notoriously challenging stages and boss battles offer a ton of variety. Granted, it's entirely possible to lower the difficulty as well. The offline 2P co-op title offers various equippable abilities, enjoyable battles, and a truly memorable experience.
6 Stardew Valley - 87
Stardew Valley is something of a modern classic. Although the title and genre are still niche, it is one of the definitive examples and a fan-favorite. A farming simulator on the surface, Stardew Valley packs a lot more content than just simply managing a farm. Befriending townspeople, getting engaged with bachelors and/or bachelorettes, and conquering dangerous mines are just a regular part of daily life in the valley.
This daily life is also accessible with a friend on the Nintendo Switch console. Although it isn't always the easiest experience to get into while in multiplayer, there's a lot of fun to be had. Role-playing, exploring, and splitting up work all lead to a fantastic time in co-op. Just make sure all the players agree on the aesthetic of the farm, lest fights start to break out.
5 Diablo III: Eternal Collection - 88
The Diablo series is something few people probably expected to see on a Nintendo console. There's certainly a clash between the Nintendo aesthetic and the grim fantasy of Blizzard's iconic ARPG, but it fits perfectly for the console. On Switch, it even comes with exclusive content in the form of costume pieces.
Diablo III is not the best in the series, but it's easily the most accessible. Players of all kinds can jump in and start hacking-and-slashing with ease. The game is fun solo, but even more fun with other people onboard. If you have enough friends with the game on Switch, it's likely as fun as it is on PC.
4 Super Mario Maker 2 - 88
Super Mario Maker 2 is a frustrating game at times. While the new features are all better across the board, there was something so accessible and easy about building levels with the WiiU Gamepad that just can't be replicated. Of course, that's small potatoes compared to the new features added in Super Mario Maker 2.
The most important of these is, of course, simultaneous multiplayer in any of the weird and wild levels. Some are even designed for cooperative play in mind, although co-op in 2D Mario games tends to get chaotic. It's also fun to build a level with another person sitting next to you, testing and bouncing ideas off each other to create something that might even be good.
3 Animal Crossing: New Horizons - 90
Animal Crossing: New Horizons is multiplayer, and has cooperative elements, so it can be considered a cooperative multiplayer game. Of course, it isn't exactly great at multiplayer, but it still technically is a co-op game. It's not nearly as in-depth as something like Stardew Valley, but there's still fun to be had.
For example, there are plenty of little games you can play with your friends while hanging out on an island together. Fishing competitions, fashion shows, and likely other things that would require a bit more planning and creativity to push the limitations of the game. Hopefully, before the first-year anniversary the game's multiplayer will be allowed to open up and shine.
2 Sonic Mania Plus - 91
That's right, both of the top two co-op games on the Nintendo Switch feature Sonic, proof that while Nintendo won the console battle, Sega won the console war. This is a joke, of course, but it is interesting to see Sonic Mania so high on a list of co-op games. Sonic games haven't been co-op for some time, but Mania brings couch co-op back in a fun and nostalgic way.
Sonic Mania, on its own, is one of the best 2D platformers the Switch has to offer. It's a perfect balance between high-octane action and smart, intuitive level design. The platforming is just pure fun with little filler. It doesn't overstay its welcome, and multiple playthroughs are worth it to do. Co-op just allows you to rely on a friend to help you out during some of the harder levels.
1 Super Smash Bros. Ultimate - 93
The perfect multiplayer game for nearly any occasion. Super Smash Bros. Ultimate's fighting mayhem features up to 2-8 players. However, while co-op events from past titles are sadly missed, Nintendo still included co-op action in Classic Mode. In Classic Mode, players can tackle each character's story together.
However, the real fun of co-op comes from playing 2v2 (doubles) or Squad Strike. Teaming up with a friend and bonding over competition feels like nothing else out there. Whether it's playing for fun together or going to a tournament and teaming up to win in the bracket, the variety of play styles in Smash Bros. co-op is endless and plays perfectly.