Nintendo Switch has revolutionized the gaming industry with its innovative design and versatility. One of the biggest advantages of the Switch is its wide range of multiplayer games that allow you to play with friends, family, or even compete against players around the world. In this comprehensive guide, we will explore the best Nintendo Switch multiplayer games that cater to every kind of gamer.
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1. Super Smash Bros. Ultimate
Super Smash Bros. Ultimate is a must-have for any Nintendo Switch owner. This all-star fighting game brings together 74 characters and 100 stages, allowing you and your friends to create chaotic brawls of epic proportions. From iconic Nintendo characters like Mario and Link to newcomers like Simon Belmont and Incineroar, the game’s massive roster is a love letter to all things video games.
With local and wireless support for up to 8 players, Super Smash Bros. Ultimate offers endless possibilities for multiplayer mayhem. Whether you prefer crazy 8-player battles with items galore or intense 1-on-1 matches, this game has it all. Additionally, the game boasts a variety of online options, ensuring that you can settle those Smash grudge matches anytime, anywhere.
2. Super Mario Bros. Wonder
Super Mario Bros. Wonder is a reinvention of the classic 2D Mario formula, packed with new characters, a distinctive art style, and gameplay twists that will constantly surprise and delight you. This game is designed for both new and veteran Mario players, and the entire experience can be enjoyed with up to four players, either locally or online.
Playing with friends and family adds a chaotic element to Super Mario Bros. Wonder, making it even more enjoyable. The game offers characters like Nabbit and Yoshi, who are immune to damage, making them ideal for first-timers still getting the hang of Switch gaming. Get ready to embark on an unforgettable adventure with Mario and friends!
3. Mario Kart 8 Deluxe
No Nintendo console is complete without a Mario Kart game, and Mario Kart 8 Deluxe is the ultimate installment in the series. With a plethora of characters, dynamic track design, and highly customizable vehicles, this game offers endless fun for players of all ages.
The addition of the Battle Mode, which was absent in the original Mario Kart 8, makes Mario Kart 8 Deluxe an even better party game. Engage in thrilling battles with your friends, pulling off crazy stunts, and experiencing adrenaline rushes like never before. Whether you play locally or online, Mario Kart 8 Deluxe guarantees hours of heart-pounding racing excitement.
4. Capcom Beat ‘Em Up Bundle
If you and your friends have fond memories of playing classic arcade beat ’em up games, the Capcom Beat ‘Em Up Bundle is a must-have for your Nintendo Switch. This collection features seven Capcom arcade classics, including beloved titles like Final Fight and Captain Commando, as well as hidden gems like The King of Dragons and Battle Circuit.
Related: 25 Free Nintendo Switch Games: The Ultimate Collection
The Beat ‘Em Up Bundle offers save states, an art gallery, and both online and local multiplayer support for every game. Relive the arcade experience from the comfort of your couch or take it on the go with the Switch’s portable capabilities. Gather your friends, mash away at hordes of bad guys, and create unforgettable gaming moments together.
5. Arms
Arms is a unique and exciting fighting game that takes advantage of the Switch’s motion controls. In this competitive title, you control a warrior with stretchy arms, engaging in intense battles that require strategic punches, dodges, and blocks. The game offers a surprising amount of depth, allowing you to choose between defensive or aggressive playstyles.
While Arms can be played alone, it truly shines when played with a partner. Grab two sets of Joy-Cons and experience the joy of throwing punches and executing long combos together. Whether you’re a fan of motion controls or not, Arms is a game that guarantees hours of fun and laughter with friends.
6. Mario Tennis Aces
If you’re a fan of tennis games, Mario Tennis Aces is a must-play on the Nintendo Switch. This game features Joy-Con motion control support, allowing you and up to three friends to engage in thrilling tennis matches just like in the days of Wii Sports. The deep roster includes fan-favorite characters like Mario, Luigi, and the best character (according to some), Boo.
Mario Tennis Aces is a fun and accessible tennis game with unique mechanical gimmicks, such as trick shots and special shots. Its simplicity is its biggest strength, making it perfect for casual gaming sessions or lively party settings. Pick up your Joy-Con and get ready to serve up some excitement on the virtual court!
7. Overcooked! All You Can Eat
Overcooked! All You Can Eat is one of the most popular local multiplayer games on any platform, and it’s a must-have for the Nintendo Switch. This co-op kitchen simulator requires you and up to three friends to work frantically together to prepare dishes in a busy kitchen. With tons of tasks to juggle, Overcooked! sessions often result in grand, hilarious failures that will have everyone laughing.
The “All You Can Eat” edition of the game combines the first and second Overcooked! titles, along with all their DLC, in one comprehensive package. The graphics have received a stunning overhaul, enhancing the already charming and vibrant visuals. If you’re looking for a cooperative game that will test your communication and teamwork skills, Overcooked! All You Can Eat is the perfect choice.
8. Super Mario Party
No Nintendo console is complete without a Mario Party game, and Super Mario Party is one of the best entries in the iconic multiplayer series. This game mixes up the classic four-player Mario Party experience with character-specific dice, freely explorable boards, and wacky new rules.
Super Mario Party features 80 mini-games that make clever use of the Joy-Con’s HD rumble and motion controls. Whether you’re flipping steak on a pan or shaking candy out of a virtual jar, the mini-games offer hours of laughter and excitement. The game also includes an online mini-game marathon mode and a special set of games that can be played across two separate Switch screens, making it the ultimate package for a night of raucous, controller-throwing fun.
9. Rocket League
Rocket League is a sensation in the gaming world, and the Switch version allows you to experience the thrill of this unique multiplayer game on the go. Combining soccer and cars, Rocket League features two teams of cars competing to push a massive ball into each other’s goals. The result is a high-octane, adrenaline-fueled experience that will keep you on the edge of your seat.
While the concept of Rocket League is simple, mastering the game takes time and practice. Every goal feels like a true achievement, and online matches pit you against challengers of all skill levels. Whether you’re a seasoned player or a newcomer, Rocket League offers endless hours of competitive fun.
10. Lovers in a Dangerous Spacetime
Lovers in a Dangerous Spacetime is a stunning 2D space shoot-’em-up that emphasizes communication and cooperation. In this couch co-op game, you and up to three friends control different parts of a spherical spaceship, managing weapons, shields, and engines as you navigate through colorful yet perilous levels.
The game’s entrancing visuals and increasingly challenging gameplay make it a standout multiplayer experience. Lovers in a Dangerous Spacetime is perfect for players who enjoy cooperative gameplay and want to immerse themselves in a captivating intergalactic adventure.
11. Puyo Puyo Tetris
If you’re a fan of puzzle games, Puyo Puyo Tetris is a must-play on the Nintendo Switch. This game combines two timeless puzzle game franchises into one exciting package. With a variety of game modes that mash up the Puyo Puyo and Tetris series, mastery of both blobs and bricks is crucial to success.
Puyo Puyo Tetris offers endless hours of addictive gameplay. Whether you choose to play the two titles independently or combine them for a thrilling multiplayer experience, this game is sure to keep you and your friends entertained for hours on end.
12. Splatoon 3
Splatoon 3 builds upon the success of its predecessor with a wealth of quality-of-life improvements and exciting new features. With a new training room to hone your skills and new weapons to try out, Splatoon 3 offers a refined version of the beloved ink-splattering multiplayer experience.
While the game doesn’t introduce groundbreaking changes, it remains a fun and enjoyable multiplayer game. Whether you prefer online battles with friends or local multiplayer with multiple Switch consoles, Splatoon 3 guarantees hours of ink-splattering fun.
13. Mario + Rabbids Kingdom Battle
Although the main campaign in Mario + Rabbids Kingdom Battle is a single-player affair, the game offers cooperative missions that allow you and a friend to collaborate and tackle tactical challenges together. Choose from a variety of characters, including Mario, Luigi, Peach, Yoshi, and their Rabbid counterparts, and set forth to conquer increasingly difficult maps filled with foes from the campaign.
While the cooperative missions don’t carry over into the single-player game, they provide an additional layer of fun for players looking to team up and strategize together. Mario + Rabbids Kingdom Battle also recently received a multiplayer battle mode, adding even more local multiplayer fun to the mix.
14. Snipperclips
Snipperclips is a unique and charming couch co-op game that challenges you and a friend to solve puzzles by cutting each other’s characters into unique shapes. Communication and cooperation are essential to success in this quirky and multiplayer-friendly game.
With its inventive gameplay mechanics and charming visuals, Snipperclips offers a perfect blend of puzzle-solving and cooperative fun. If you’re looking for a multiplayer game that will test your problem-solving skills and foster collaboration, Snipperclips is the game for you.
15. Fortnite
Fortnite needs no introduction. This free-to-play battle royale game has taken the gaming world by storm, and the Nintendo Switch version allows you to join the action wherever you go. Whether you want to don a bulbous tomato mask, shoot strangers, or construct walls like a master builder, Fortnite offers something for everyone.
With easy-to-learn but hard-to-master gameplay, a wealth of unlockable content, and a vibrant and colorful art style, Fortnite is a game that appeals to casual and hardcore gamers alike. While it may seem overwhelming at first with its constant updates and limited-time events, the size of the community and the quality of the basic gameplay ensure that you can enjoy Fortnite as a casual fan or a dedicated player.
16. Lego Marvel Superheroes 2
Lego Marvel Superheroes 2 combines the charm of Lego games with the excitement of the Marvel universe. In this game, up to two players can enjoy the main campaign, teaming up as iconic characters like Iron Man, Star-Lord, and Spider-Man to save the day.
The massive world of Chronopolis is yours to explore, whether you want to follow the story or engage in free-roaming adventures. The game also features a four-player battle-arena mode, perfect for settling debates over which superhero is the best. If you’re a fan of Lego games and Marvel superheroes, this game is a must-play for you and your friends.
17. Super Mario 3D World + Bowser’s Fury
Super Mario 3D World + Bowser’s Fury combines the best of both 2D and 3D Mario games into a delightful package. With up to four players, you can run, leap, and explore colorful worlds in this platforming adventure.
The addition of the Super Bell power-up, which equips you with a wall-climbing Cat Suit, adds a new dimension to the gameplay. Additionally, the Bowser’s Fury expansion offers a two-player mode, allowing you and a friend to work together to unlock pieces of a massive map while facing off against the menacing Bowser. Super Mario 3D World + Bowser’s Fury offers endless platforming fun for players of all ages.
18. Minecraft
Minecraft is a blocky building game that has captured the hearts of millions of players worldwide. The Nintendo Switch version allows you to enter a fresh world, build your dream home, and embark on exciting adventures with friends.
Whether you choose to play alone or with others, Minecraft offers a limitless sandbox experience. The game’s cross-play feature allows you to connect and play with friends on other consoles, making it easy to collaborate and create together. If you’re looking for a game that promotes creativity and exploration, Minecraft is an excellent choice.
19. Nintendo Switch Sports: A Modern Classic
Nintendo Switch Sports is the follow-up to the beloved Wii Sports, and it offers a variety of sports for you to enjoy. With classics like golf, tennis, and bowling making a return, along with new additions like soccer, volleyball, and badminton, Nintendo Switch Sports provides hours of multiplayer fun for players of all ages.
While all seven sports can be played with two players locally, bowling, tennis, and volleyball support up to four players. Additionally, Nintendo Switch Sports offers online multiplayer for all seven sports, allowing you to compete against players from around the world. Grab your Switch and get ready to engage in friendly competition with friends and family.
20. Kirby Star Allies
Kirby Star Allies is a fun and accessible game that’s perfect for players of all ages, especially young gamers. In this game, up to four players can team up or play with AI-controlled companions to unleash powerful abilities on enemies.
While the game received some criticism for being too easy, it remains a great multiplayer game for kids. Team up with friends and combine Kirby’s unique abilities with those of his allies to create devastating attacks. Kirby Star Allies offers a charming and colorful co-op adventure that will keep everyone entertained.
21. WarioWare: Move It! and WarioWare: Get It Together!
If you’re looking for something off the beaten path and don’t mind a multiplayer experience that’s a bit more zany, look no further than WarioWare: Move It! and WarioWare: Get It Together! Both titles offer microgames that can be played quickly with friends and family.
WarioWare: Move It! focuses on motion-based microgames, perfect for those who enjoy moving around and wiggling Joy-Cons. On the other hand, WarioWare: Get It Together! offers more traditional microgames and is better suited for seated play. Regardless of which title you choose, both games provide quirky and enjoyable multiplayer fun.
Choosing the Best Nintendo Switch Multiplayer Games for You
When choosing the best Nintendo Switch multiplayer games, consider your preferences and gaming style. Determine whether you prefer online or local multiplayer, and ensure that the games you select support the number of players you intend to play with. If you plan to play in the same room, make sure you have enough controllers for everyone.
Additionally, consider the genre and age rating of the games. If you’re playing with younger players, opt for games that are suitable for their age range. Take the time to research each game’s features to ensure that it aligns with your preferences and will provide a great multiplayer experience.
Nintendo Switch offers a vast selection of multiplayer games that cater to every type of gamer. From intense brawlers like Super Smash Bros. Ultimate to cooperative adventures like Overcooked! All You Can Eat, the Switch has something for everyone. Gather your friends, pick up your Joy-Cons, and embark on unforgettable multiplayer gaming experiences.