The best local and split-screen co-op games you can play on Nintendo Switch (2023)

Nowadays, many players are having trouble finding each other and playing with friends like they used to. While today's gaming systems offer a bevy of quality online titles, theNintendo Switchoffers a fantastic selection of games for the whole family. Whether you play with relatives or invite friends, these games offer quality cooperative and competition experiences.

Nintendo has always had a strong selection of multiplayer titles, and the Switch is no exception. While players can certainly find dozens of titles to fit their bill, this is where they should startbest local co-op switch games.

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Updated January 28, 2023 by Mark Sammut:The Switch has a massive library of co-op and split-screen games, and that selection is expanding every month.

Overcooked! All you can eat!

Running a kitchen is hard work, and that doesn't change much when the responsibilities are shared with friends (or family).Solduses up to four players to fill orders for a restaurant, and each chef must carry their weight if the collective is to have any hope of keeping up with demand.

Despite repeated touchesSoldcan be cathartic when players get into the game properly.flow of things. It can also get stressful quickly, so communication is key to a happy kitchen.

It takes two

HazelightsIt takes twowas a smash hit from the start and immediately established itself as a modern co-op masterpiece. Although it took a while to arrive on Nintendo Switch, the adventure game is now available on the hybrid system and the port makes it possible. Along with a visual downgrade, the Switch launch has performance issues that aren't as common on other platforms. Consequently, this version should only be prioritized if it is someone's only option.

Nevertheless,It Takes Two is still awesome. The story follows a couple on the verge of divorce who shrink down and embark on a wild adventure to get back home. shehe mustwork together to survive this ordeal, and while they share some core mechanics, each character brings unique strengths to the table. Even with performance issuesIt takes twoIt's one ofThe best 2 player switch games.

Rio City Girl

Beat 'em ups are just made for thatlocal cooperative(or arcades). Ramming through city streets and slamming baddies into the stratosphere is always fun, but it gets infinitely better when a friend rides along.Rio City Girlchanges things up as two girls, Kyoko and Misako, embark on a mission to rescue their kidnapped friends. Of course, anything that moves or gets in your way just wants to be greeted with a stylish attack.

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Rio City GirlIt's a near-perfect racquet, although it doesn't reinvent the wheel. The game uses a formula that works, adding beautiful anime-style graphics, charming characters, and some light progression mechanics.

Diablo 3: Eternal Collection

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The best local co-op PC gamesThe best co-op games to play right now with friends and family

The third entry of the famous Blizzard gameEpic dungeon crawleris widely known for its robust and addictive online gameplay. However, the Switch version of this game is a fun and streamlined way to enjoy it.Diablo 3 with three other players on site.

The game's handy hotkey system and responsive interface allow players to get the most out of the experience, even in the midst of chaotic four-player skirmishes with hordes of enemies. A single screen can be shared, but remote viewing - or a combination of TV and portable viewing - istbaccessible. And with such an extensive version - which contains thereaper of soulseRise of the NecromancerDLC - Players can count on countless hours of hack 'n slash fun with their friends or family.

Kirby Star allies

Since then, Nintendo's spherical, pink mascot has been shiningDie Tagus from the SNESwhen it comes to simultaneous couch co-op - and this adorable Switch version is no different. In a way, the game takes on the feel of bothKirbyeNew Super Mario Bros.Up to four players can embark on this fun and colorful adventure that falls somewhere between a platform game and a party game.

The game emphasizes consuming enemies and merging different powers and abilities. These attributes lend themselves to cooperative play, encouraging friends to work together and join forces against the villains, bosses, and puzzles that stand in their way.

Puyo-Puyo-Tetris 2

multiplayer puzzlesseems to be a lost art, especially when it comes to local cooperatives. But Sega has proven once again that these retro gaming experiences are far from dead with this eclectic mix of two classic franchises.

Even more than its predecessorPuyo-Puyo-Tetris 2offers a variety of fun multiplayer options, both online and local. Newly implemented Skill Battles allow friends to face off against frantic mixesTetriseWhirlpoolin a new and fun way by adding game-changing items and abilities. With this well-known fun gameplay and a variety of game modes and customization options, the replay value is sky high in this party puzzler.

Kingdom of Two Crowns

Kingdom: Two crownschallenges players to develop a kingdom pixel by pixel. This Switch game is a beautiful indie RTS that largely resists the urge to hold users back. It comes with an initial learning curve, but it shouldn't take long for new players to become comfortable with its gameplay loop.

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By supporting local collaboration, two friends can work together to usher in a new era of prosperity and growth, with each person using a Joy-Con to control their character.

Flat Heroes

Flat Heroesit's deceptively difficult. On the surface, the game looks like a simplistic indie platformer that can serve as a good distraction for half an hour; then he begins throwing complex enemies that require mastery of the playable cube's movement options. Each level is presented on a single screen, and players must maneuver their square through hazards to make it out alive.

While it's a perfectly beautiful solo, the game is calledFlat Heroesfor a reason. Each mode supports local co-op, allowing four friends to team up as they progress through the various difficult stages of the campaign.

streets of villains

Ein Roguelite,streets of villainschallenges players to traverse the streets of the same name in order to defeat a corrupt mayor. The campaign is phased and locks progress behind random tasks, although the game is lenient when it comes to punishing failure.

streets of villainshas a great class system where each contestant represents a play style. Solo races allow players to choose someone who best suits their preferences and this also increases the game's replayability. In co-op mode, a team can choose characters that complement each other, adding a tactical element to the already outstanding gameplay.

The world created by Yoshi

This enchanting 2D platformer features beautiful graphics. This aesthetically pleasing plush adventure places the Yoshis in a paper world with a variety of stage options and enemies. In 2-player co-op, players can solve puzzles and collect items together.

The world created by YoshiThe charming look invites players of all ages to enjoy. For connoisseursInsel Yoshior classic 2DMarioAction with a twist, the puzzles and stage interactions are second to none. Players can also unlock new costumes for their Yoshis!

Streets of Rage 4

That sideways scrolling hit herup can be played online with up to four players. While this can be done in games likeGuardian Heroes,Scottish pilgrim, zPhantom Breaker: Battlegrounds,Streets of Rage 4proves why it's the best on the block. The hard-hitting action blends seamlessly with the incredible beats that the soundtrack will deliver.

Streets of Rage 4allows players to combine enemies together. Linking up fighting game combos with friends and crushing enemies is entirely possible thanks to the wall jumping and juggling mechanics. With a variety of characters and adjustable levels of difficulty, this hectic experience never gets boring.

Donkey Kong Country: Tropical Freeze

Arguably one of the best in the world, this classic 2D platformer is one of the best, if not the best, of its series. The co-op feature allows players to choose Donkey Kong and another Kong to help them on stage. You can jump in with DK or ride on his back and provide cover fire.

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The simplicity of the options allows even gamers intimidated by challenging side-scrollers to enjoy the game without getting too involved. However, the stunning graphics, incredible soundtrack and lengthy campaign are sure to invite any player to join Donkey Kong's latest adventure.tropical frostoffers a wealth of worlds, levels and bonus stages to enjoy and no one should miss it.

Vesperia's Tales: Definitive Edition

Originally on the Xbox 360, theAction-JRPGvonFinal Editioncomes with special content originally exclusive to the Japanese PS3 version. The expanded story alone will entice experienced players to return. However, newcomers will appreciate the epic storyline, soundtrack, and unforgettable characters.

The combat system is real-time hack and slash on a fighting game-like aircraft. Up to four players can connect and play together. Each character has its own development and fighting style. Alongside the epic story, players are sure to find a character they love the most and a fighting style to match.

Mario Kart 8 deluxe

needless to say thatMario Kartwill always be the best choice when it comes to fun,The Family Multiplayer. But what sets the Switch version apart from the rest is that it's arguably the bestMario Kartexisting title. It's the full version of the Wii U release, DLC included, along with Battle Mode on Nintendo Switch.

Three years later, Nintendo supported this excellent, fast-paced racing game. With anti-gravity tracks, 200cc and 48 tracks, the variety of characters, karts and weight classes invites everyone to enjoy this title. The battle mode alone brings an unforgettable experience thanks to its abundance of maps and modes. The possibilities are endless with such a varied and polished game.

Super Smash Bros. Ultimate

Smash Bros. remains synonymous with multiplayer games. The game for two to eight players features over 70 characters, over 100 stages and over 900 music tracks. Players can team up in Classic mode or compete against each other in Smash mode.

Finalealso features Dual Team mode for 2v2 or the new Squad Strike mode. Essentially similar toking of fighters, Squad Strike allows teams of players (3v3 or 5v5) to compete against each other with multiple characters.Smash Bros. runs incredibly smoothly even with eight players and shouldn't be missed. It could arguably be Nintendo's greatest game of all time.

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