Best Multiplayer Switch Games (Co-op and 2-Player)

The Switch is arguably the best couch multiplayer console ever made: two Joy-Con in the box means almost any game is instantly 2-player, no extra controller required. This guide covers the best multiplayer Switch games — local co-op, party games and 2-player picks — with a note on when each is cheapest.

Browse everything ranked by critic score on the best Switch games list, or check what is discounted now on the eShop deals page.

Best Party and Group Multiplayer

• Mario Kart 8 Deluxe — the definitive party racer; up to four players on one console, eight online.
• Super Smash Bros. Ultimate — the biggest crossover fighter, built for local battles.
• Super Mario Party Jamboree and the Mario Party series — board-game chaos for four.
• Mario Kart World — the Switch 2 evolution of the kart series, built for big lobbies.

Best Local Co-op Games

• Super Mario Bros. Wonder — the best 2D Mario in years, with drop-in four-player co-op.
• It Takes Two — a brilliant two-player-only co-op adventure, designed start to finish for a pair.
• Overcooked! 2 — frantic, hilarious co-op cooking; the ultimate test of a friendship.
• Stardew Valley — relaxed co-op farming for up to four players.
• Donkey Kong Country: Tropical Freeze — tight two-player platforming.

Best 2-Player Switch Games

Because each Joy-Con works as a standalone controller, these shine straight out of the box:

• It Takes Two and Overcooked! 2 (above) are the go-to 2-player picks.
• Snipperclips — a charming puzzle game made specifically for two Joy-Con.
• Mario Kart 8 Deluxe and Super Smash Bros. Ultimate both play great head-to-head.

Best Online Multiplayer

• Splatoon 3 — Nintendo's colourful team shooter, built around online play.
• Fortnite, Rocket League and Apex Legends — all free-to-play with cross-play (see our best free Switch games list).

Getting the Best Price

First-party Nintendo multiplayer staples (Mario Kart, Smash, Splatoon) hold their value and discount rarely, so the price history is the key signal — check it before buying. Many party and indie co-op games discount deeply and often. Watch the live eShop deals and set a wishlist alert for the titles you want.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best 2-player Switch game?

For pure two-player design, It Takes Two and Snipperclips are built for a pair, and Overcooked! 2 is the best party-of-two pick. Mario Kart 8 Deluxe and Super Smash Bros. Ultimate are the best competitive head-to-head options, and both work with a single Joy-Con each, no extra controller needed.

Which Switch games are best for local co-op?

Super Mario Bros. Wonder, Overcooked! 2, Stardew Valley and Donkey Kong Country: Tropical Freeze all offer excellent local co-op. It Takes Two is the standout two-player co-op adventure. See the full top-rated list on the best Switch games page.

Do Switch games support multiplayer out of the box?

Many do. The Switch comes with two Joy-Con, each usable as a standalone controller, so a large number of games are instantly 2-player with no extra purchase. Larger party games support up to four (or more) players, sometimes with additional controllers.

How do I find cheap multiplayer Switch games?

Check the live eShop deals page, sort by discount, and use each game page's price history to confirm the deal is a genuine low. Party and indie co-op games discount often; first-party Nintendo titles rarely do.