Top 36 Best Co-Op Nintendo Switch Games Of All Time

Video games are the perfect escape from the real world, and getting away from the daily grind with friends is even better. In this list, we’re showcasing some of the very best co-op Nintendo Switch titles you can enjoy right now. Check out our wide range of picks from chill adventure games and over-the-top action titles to wacky platformers. There’s something here for everyone.

#36 Endless Ocean Luminous

Platform: PS4 PS5 XBO X/S NS
Release Date: May 2, 2024

Nintendo

While not the greatest co-op game on Switch, it’s hard to deny the appeal of something like Endless Ocean Luminous. After all, it’s a chance for you and some friends to go into the depths of the ocean and see what life is like down there. That’s truly the point of the game: just exploring the ocean and relaxing while you see the wildlife all around you.

After all, not all of us are in a place where we can just go and dive into the ocean and see wildlife ourselves. So, what’s the next best thing? A video game! We’re just saying.

#35 Grounded

Platform: PS4 PS5 XBO X/S NS
Release Date: September 27, 2022

Nintendo | Xbox | PlayStation | PC

Have you ever gone into your backyard and wondered what it would be like to see the world from the perspective of the bugs and other creatures that lurk within the grass? In Grounded, you’ll get that chance, as you and up to three friends get shrunk and dumped into the backyard of a house! That means that you’re now very small, and the “very small” creatures that live there are now rather big in comparison!

As you travel around, you’ll find out the truth about how and why you were shrunk, and you’ll have to work together to get big again! Do you think you can make it through this “whole new world?”

#34 Luigi’s Mansion 2 HD

Platform: Switch
Release Date: June 27, 2024

Nintendo

For those who played the original 3DS version, you might not remember there being a co-op mode. However, Luigi’s Mansion 2 HD does add a co-op mode called “ScareScraper” that is all about working together to get rid of some ghosts. With up to four players doing it, you’ll work together to get rid of the ghosts and then move on to your next challenge.

Then, when you’re ready to go solo, you can play as Luigi as he attempts to reconnect the pieces of the “Dark Moon” and bring the ghosts of the area back under control. No matter what, this adventure will…suck.

#33 Mario vs Donkey Kong

Platform: Switch
Release Date: February 16, 2024

Nintendo

One of the beautiful things about remakes is that they sometimes offer new experiences that weren’t options to fans and players before. Take, for example, the upcoming remake of Mario vs Donkey Kong! The original game was on the Nintendo DS, and so it had to be somewhat limited in what it could do. But with the Nintendo Switch remake, there are new ideas and options in play!

One of them is a co-op experience! You or your friend can take control of Mario, while the other will become his Mini-Mario toy companion! The levels will alter themselves if you are in co-op, so you’ll need to work together to complete the challenges and come out on top.

#32 Risk of Rain Returns

Platform: PC Switch
Release Date: November 08, 2023

Steam | Nintendo

When you’re playing a co-op title, you need to work together to get the best result, and in Risk of Rain Returns, you’ll have to do that in spades across many different metrics.

First, you’re going to a planet full of monsters trying to hurt you, so you’ll want to pick survivors that fit your playstyle and can do what you need to. But you’ll also need to consider what your co-op partner is picking for their survivor so your skills can complement each other!

Even if you don’t do that, you’ll want to pick the right kind of loot to take on foes with. Not to mention, you’ll need to have each other’s backs as you explore this world!

#31 Super Mario Bros. Wonder

Platform: Switch
Release Date: October 20, 2023

Nintendo

Co-op in Nintendo titles has been hit or miss in the past, but with Super Mario Bros. Wonder, they’re taking things in numerous directions so you can play with just about anyone. However, it may not be exactly what you picture.

For example, the game will have local co-op that you can enjoy with those within your home. Up to four players can play at once and be different characters.

Or, you can head online and do a version of co-op where you can race “ghosts” of one another or help each other by setting up places they can revive if they struggle in a level.

#30 Pikmin 4

Platform: Switch
Release Date: July 21, 2023

Nintendo

While not typically considered a co-op or multiplayer franchise, Nintendo has made it so that Pikmin 4 will continue the tradition of working together to complete tasks in an alien world.

After all, why take on the challenges alone when you can have someone back you up, right? Two heads can be better than one as you use your Pikmin to beat foes and overcome natural barriers in your way.

Just as cool, though, is the new game has a “Battle Mode” called Dandori, where you’ll face off against one another to see who can complete certain tasks first. Do you think you got what it takes to win?

#29 Lego Star Wars: The Skywalker Saga

PC | Xbox | PlayStation | Nintendo

The Lego Star Wars franchise is secretly one of the better co-op franchises out there. With a massive roster of characters to choose from, you and your friends can enjoy a truly unique adventure in a galaxy far, far away. There are plenty of reasons to bring a buddy along, too–getting out alive may rely on good teamwork.

Lego Star Wars: The Skywalker Saga is one title that you’ll definitely want to play with friends, featuring a lengthy campaign and plenty of mischief. With nine Star Wars movies reimagined in Lego Style, you’ll have plenty of characters to be, abilities to use, and collectibles to find.

#28 Monaco: Complete Edition

PC | Xbox | Nintendo

Monaco: What’s Yours is Mine throws players into a heist as they attempt to score some big loot while not getting caught. Played from a top-down perspective, players will start a heist by picking out a character, each of which will have a unique attribute. After this, you’ll attempt to grab all of the goods in a level without drawing attention or losing your life. You’ll either successfully execute a major heist without any hitches or end up in a chaotic mess as you and your friends flee for your lives.

#27 Samurai Warriors 5

PC | Xbox | PlayStation | Nintendo

Samurai Warriors first launched in 2004. A hack and slash game similar to the Dynasty Warriors franchise, the series got a reboot in 2021 with Samurai Warriors 5. Developers wanted a fresh start with the game and introduced new designs and an all-new storyline. In this game, players go through the events leading up to the Honno-ji incident, which saw the betrayal of Oda Nobunaga, one of the great feudal lords of Japan.

Fortunately, you can go through this game with a friend, but there is a process. To unlock co-op, you’ll need to progress through the first chapter. In multiplayer mode, two players can play the remaining missions together, fighting off countless enemies on the battlefield.

#26 Kirby Star Allies

Nintendo

Kirby fans were able to dive head-first into a brand new title for the Nintendo Switch, Kirby Star Allies. In this game, Kirby once again has to save the day when a new foe appears, possessing the town’s inhabitants to do their evil bidding. While this is still a side-scrolling platformer including Kirby’s wide range of abilities, there’s one big change-up. Now, Kirby can throw a heart at an enemy, swapping them onto your side. Players have more unique attributes, useful for solving puzzles and delivering attacks during boss fights. Even your friends can join in on the fun to help swap around these different abilities. If you’re after a chill platformer to enjoy, give the demo a try before you buy.

#25 Castle Crashers

PC | Xbox | PlayStation | Nintendo

Castle Crashers was a quick hit when it was first released, offering console players a taste of the classic arcade brawler experience. Developed by The Behemoth, this game is a hack and slash title that puts players in the role of a knight defending the kingdom from all kinds of hostile enemies that lurk throughout the land. Set up to be a 2D side-scroller, players are up against a series of boss battles, but best of all, up to four players can join together to take the bad guys on.

Unfortunately, those wanting a long journey won’t find it here, as this is a relatively short experience with the title clocking in at about seven hours. With that said, this title does still hold up well today. If you missed this one at release, it’s a fun time.

#24 Resident Evil: Revelations 2

PC | Xbox | PlayStation | Nintendo

Resident Evil has a long history spanning a number of major installments and a slew of spin-offs. Resident Evil: Revelations 2 is an interesting addition, taking place between the events of Resident Evil 5 and Resident Evil 6.

In the game, Claire Redfield steps back into the franchise after she is accepted into an anti-bioterrorism organization called Terra Save. However, during her welcome party, a group storms the building and takes Claire along with Moria Burton. The duo wake up to find themselves in an abandoned facility leaving them to work together in hopes of figuring out what’s going on. This game features cooperative gameplay support where you’ll find the usual tropes from the Resident Evil franchise such as gathering resources like ammo, dealing with hostile undead enemies, and completing a series of puzzles.

#23 Yoshi’s Crafted World

Nintendo

Yoshi made a big return on the Nintendo Switch with Yoshi’s Crafted World. This side-scrolling platformer with a new narrative is an absolute blast. It looks like Kamek is up to no good as he partners up with Baby Bowser and steals the fabled Sundream Stone that can grant wishes, leaving Yoshi to save the day. Unlike the last installment which put Yoshi into a yarn-made world, this particular game is focused on construction paper.

As you can imagine, the gameplay offers some puzzles that play on the new paper world. Players will need to look at each level from different points of view to solve puzzles and progress through the campaign. This title’s multiplayer allows up to two players to join a game and control their own Yoshi around the makeshift world. Now that we’ve seen Nintendo bring out a paper-crafted world and a title based around yarn, who knows where we’ll see Yoshi next.

#22 River City Girls  

PC | Xbox | PlayStation | Nintendo

This game may predate many of you. Back in 1989, there was a killer beat ‘em up game called River City Ransom. This title had players venturing through an open world attempting to fight off all kinds of thugs and bosses as a pair of high school students named Ryan and Alex. The duo was looking for their girlfriends who had been kidnapped. Fast forward several decades later and the franchise is back with a welcome change–rather than being two bros looking for their girlfriends, River City Girls puts players into the roles of Kunio and Riki, forced to save their kidnapped boyfriends.

Much of the gameplay from the original game is present here, but being developed in 2019, the mechanics have been overhauled, giving our protagonists a few more abilities as they deliver several devastating combo attacks. The visuals for this game still appear like an old-school retro title, so if you’re either a fan of the first game or a nostalgic person in general, this can be a fun brawler to enjoy with a friend.

#21 Monster Hunter Rise

PC | Nintendo

Monster Hunter games are always a ton of fun to play with friends. On the Nintendo Switch, Monster Hunter Rise is an incredible title for players to jump into, keeping the formula of other games in the franchise while pumping up the difficulty. Players work together to track down a monster, take them on, and attempt to gather the downed monster’s resources to craft better gear. As the name suggests, there is more focus on vertical movement this time around–players can climb or use a grapple, making things feel even more wide open. While not completely open-world, the areas you’ll be exploring here are vast enough. Also, having a friend may be the difference between life and death.

#20 Overcooked 2

PC | Xbox | PlayStation | Nintendo

Working in a kitchen is tough, but it’s probably not as tough as Overcooked makes it out to be. For those of you who want an over-the-top party game experience, Overcooked is the stress-inducing title for you. In particular, it’s worth diving into Overcooked 2, which comes packed with more levels and more insanity. Within the game, players take on the role of cooks that are tasked with completing dishes correctly and on time–no matter what obstacles are in their way.

With a group of players working together, things shouldn’t be too hard to complete, right? Well, this game throws players into some really wacky kitchens and locations. You’ll find the layout constantly changing and obstacles getting in the way of where you need to go. As a result, players are constantly swapping dishes around and attempting to get everything out in a timely fashion. It’s chaotic, mindless fun that will have players throwing their dishes and ingredients around the kitchen as the clock winds down. You also might end up throwing your controller.

#19 Unravel Two

PC | Xbox | PlayStation | Nintendo

Unravel is a unique platformer where players control a character made of yarn. To maneuver around the levels and obstacles, players need to ensure that they have enough yarn unraveled and free from any snags. It was during E3 2018 that we received the surprise release of Unravel Two, a new installment that takes the same core gameplay mechanics and adds a secondary player option. Now with two characters, you’ll need to work together to complete another difficult series of puzzles and hostile environments.

With a limited amount of yarn restricting their movement, the game mixes puzzle elements with platforming. It’s a fun little series, though sadly, it doesn’t look like we’ll be getting an Unravel Three.

#18 Knights and Bikes

PC | Xbox | PlayStation | Nintendo

Knights and Bikes follow the storyline of two girls on a grand adventure exploring an island. With plenty of secrets to unravel, who knows what will appear during your travels? You’ll find that most of the game is based around puzzle-solving, and with the girls having unique abilities, you’ll have to use a combination of their attributes in order to complete the tasks that lay ahead. It’s proved to be a thrilling little indie adventure title for fans, but you’ll also find that this is a game that will need to be enjoyed using local co-op.

#17 Lovers In A Dangerous Spacetime

PC | Xbox | PlayStation | Nintendo

Lovers in a Dangerous Spacetime is an indie hit and a very simple game to understand, but as the game progresses, it’s extremely difficult to master. In this game, players are in command of a spaceship where they must explore the galaxy. However, it’s not always that easy, as there are different enemies and hazards you’ll have to face on your trip. Being a big ship, there are several stations located around that make it difficult to quickly move to another area. That’s where having co-op available will come in handy, as multiple players can jump around the ship and maintain attributes such as weapons, shields, and engines.

As you progress you’ll have the ability to make upgrades to give your ship a unique load-out. Furthermore, the levels are randomized so you can always find something new to explore each time you start the game up. However, much like other titles on this list, you can add more than just two players to this game. Developers Asteroid Base has made this title to support up to four players.

#16 The Binding of Isaac: Afterbirth+

PC | Xbox | PlayStation | Nintendo

When it comes to roguelikes, there are a few instant classics that will come to mind, including The Binding of Isaac. Released back in 2011, the title follows a baby named Isaac that manages to escape a sacrifice planned by his mother. However, along the journey for survival, Isaac will face all sorts of deranged enemies. With randomly generated dungeons, each attempt at the game will provide players with a unique setup full of different layouts. With the Afterbirth+ expansion, players receive new challenges, items, another playable character, and even a new final chapter with an additional ending. With this game on the list, you can expect a multiplayer option with co-op allowing a secondary player to spawn into the game as another baby to aid you in the fight for survival.

#15 Luigi’s Mansion 3

Nintendo

Luigi’s Mansion was an iconic title when first released on the Nintendo GameCube, and the Nintendo company wasn’t going to let it sit forever. After getting picked back up on the Nintendo 3DS, the next major installment wouldn’t be available until the Nintendo Switch with Luigi’s Mansion 3. The game once again pins Luigi against a slew of ghosts as he must venture through several haunted locations to save his friends. The gameplay is similar to past installments.

Throughout the game, Luigi will use his specialized vacuum-style machine to capture the ghosts. Fortunately, Luigi can get a helping hand with a secondary player. Player two can join in and help clear out the ghosts along the way, but they’ll be made of a gooey substance. This Gooigi character can even reach certain areas that the normal Luigi can’t, which means there’s plenty of puzzle-solving for players to complete. Up to eight players can play together outside of the campaign–there are plenty of mini-games!

#14 Minecraft

PC | Xbox | PlayStation | Nintendo

You’ve heard of Minecraft. A global phenomenon, endless worlds can be created and explored, making for quite a fun and relaxing gameplay experience. The main focus of this game is to explore and thrive in a world filled with friendly critters, NPCs, and monsters. When you start a game, you’ll need to build, harvest, hunt, and maintain your health along with your hunger. Meanwhile, you’ll have the ability to explore and find great spots to start building up a base.

It’s all about progression, getting a system established to keep resources up, improving your base, and obtaining better tools to make the overall experience a bit more seamless. Of course, if you don’t want to go through the game as a survival experience, there is a creative mode option that gives players the ability to freely create without the fear of losing a life, progression, or precious items. This game does offer the ability to allow up to four players in a local co-op. Online, you can work with up to eight players.

#13 Rocket League

PC | Xbox | PlayStation | Nintendo

Rocket League was a quick indie hit when it launched. There’s not a lot to talk about here–the game throws players into supped-up cars on a futuristic soccer field. Using these cars, you’ll have to race down the area towards a massive soccer ball and attempt to smash it into the opposing player’s goal. It’s a game that will take players a while to get used to control-wise, but once you get the feel, this game is an absolute blast. Vehicles in this game feel like they are able to fly through the field and there’s nitro to further enhance your speed, not to mention a jump feature. Two players can work together as a team or engage in a competitive mode.

#12 Streets Of Rage 4  

PC | Xbox | PlayStation | Nintendo

The Streets of Rage series was widely popular in the early ’90s for its side-scrolling beat ‘up gameplay, and that hasn’t changed in this installation. Up to four players can duke it out against waves of enemies as they pick up different dropped items and power-ups, the same as the classic arcade game. There is even some fantastic DLC that you can take advantage of, though we won’t go into detail–it will spoil the main game. If you’re a fan of titles like The Simpsons arcade game, then there’s a good chance that you’ll like Streets of Rage 4.

#11 Stardew Valley

PC | Xbox | PlayStation | Nintendo

Taking some inspiration from the Harvest Moon franchise, Stardew Valley was created by indie developer ConcernedApe. The game put players in control of a rundown farm with the goal of making it profitable again by raising healthy crops and livestock. This will mean tending the weeds, clearing fields, planting seeds, watering crops, maintaining the livestock, supplying food, and harvesting goods. Working together to make the best possible farm manages to be both engaging and eternally relaxing, and most call this the ultimate ‘zen’ game.

#10 Cuphead

PC | Xbox | PlayStation | Nintendo

Cuphead is seeing a resurgence in popularity following the recent Netflix television series. You play as the titular Cuphead while a second player can take control of his brother Mugman as you’re taken through several levels and boss fights to repay your debt to the Devil. The game utilizes an incredible hand-drawn aesthetic and features a soundtrack that will absolutely be remembered for years to come. A new DLC titled The Delicious Last Course was released in June, where you can enjoy a new story–and some challenging new battles–with your buddies. If you’re a fan of boss battles and stress, look no further.

#9 Enter the Gungeon

PC | Xbox | PlayStation | Nintendo

Enter the Gungeon was a mega-hit when it first launched in 2016. Now that it’s been quite a few years since it was released, those of you who missed out on its original launch can enjoy the title on the Nintendo Switch. This dungeon crawler throws players into a massive building full of different enemies and complex layouts to complete. While you may find yourself dying plenty of times along the way, the game’s ability to reward players with new loot and weapons will keep you hooked. What better way to complete a series of terrifying mazes full of hostile otherworldly enemies than having your best bud join in? This game does feature multiplayer, so you’ll have the ability to hit the enemies where it hurts–double.

#8 Splatoon 3

Nintendo

At long last, Splatoon 3 is here, and if you haven’t heard, it’s already doing REALLY well.

Which is not surprising because Splatoon is a beloved franchise with gameplay that stays mostly the same, but tends to add more fun and nuance to it.

For example, you’ll have more weapons and abilities to do in the game! As well as more time to do things like Salmon Run, there’s even a new card battle game to go and play!

Fear not though, Turf Wars, Splat Zones, Clam Blitz and more are waiting for you online with a mix of fresh and familiar stages.

Play with friends, or battle against the online elite, whatever it takes to let you be squid kid again!

#7 Kirby and the Forgotten Land

Nintendo

Kirby has always been known for his special adventures, but Kirby and the Forgotten Land is easily one of his best. Because this time around, you’ll be going from Dream Land into an all new dimension. One that has been capturing the Waddle Dees for some unknown purpose!

Now, Kirby must wander through the land, and use familiar and new abilities like the “Mouthful Mode” in order to traverse tense levels full of secrets and bad guys!

What is the secret of the Forgotten Land? Get the game right now and find out! Plus, you can play with a friend and have them control Bandana Dee to aid you in combat and level traversal!

#6 Diablo III: Eternal Collection

PC | Xbox | PlayStation | Nintendo

The Diablo franchise has been around for decades and while we all wait for the next mainline installment to release, we can still pick up and enjoy Diablo 3. This action RPG still holds up just as well today, giving the definitive loot-filled hack-and-slash gameplay experience. A traditional Diablo game, players pick a class, head into different levels, fight off a slew of demonic enemies, and gather all kinds of loot. You’ll find all sorts of equipment to further buff your character and working with another player will make for some epic questing and fast leveling.

You’ll want to go for Diablo III: Ultimate Evil Edition, as it includes both Diablo III and the Reaper of Souls DLC.

#5 Super Mario Maker 2

Nintendo

The most fun thing about Super Mario Maker 2 isn’t the fact that you can create levels using different templates and items from classic Mario games, it’s the fact that you can play with your friends. Players can create levels and share them online for people to play at their leisure. Creating insanely difficult levels and sending the codes over to your friends is a blast, and there’s an endless amount of levels that you could design and play. Up to two players can create stages together at the exact same time, and up to four players can play the levels together.

While the game has a campaign for players to go through, the main focus of this game is to build your own unique levels. Players can use assets that come from Super Mario Bros., Super Mario Bros. 3, Super Mario World, New Super Mario Bros. U, and Super Mario 3D World. Of course, you can play the different user-generated levels as well, either as a solo experience or with co-op enabled.

#4 Animal Crossing: New Horizons

Nintendo

Let’s add some context here—this game was released right at the start of the pandemic, so immersing oneself in an island getaway full of things to do was the perfect escape. Animal Crossing: New Horizons is the latest entry in the franchise but retains classic gameplay elements like fishing, decorating one’s house, making money, and socializing with villagers. Overall, the game offers an open-ended experience where relaxation is derived through anything from creating and customizing characters that reflect the player’s own identity, to hunting down rare items. Multiplayer support allows players to visit other users’ islands to trade, fish, and more. Check out these tips and our Before You Buy if you’re new to the game.

#3 Shovel Knight

PC | Xbox | PlayStation | Nintendo

Shovel Knight is a love letter to the classic era of gaming. This old-school feeling 2D hack and slash title follows Shovel Knight on a grand quest to save his partner, Shield Knight, who has been stuck in a sealed tower. With the tower finally open once again, Shovel Knight takes his chance to defeat the enemy bosses and hostile creatures along the way in hopes of making a daring rescue. As mentioned, the game feels like an old retro title that might have come from the Nintendo Entertainment System era, and with its tight controls, it’s a game that’s tough to put down.

There are several campaigns to enjoy, so you’ll have plenty of content to enjoy with the available expansion packs. Thanks to an update, there is now cooperative gameplay in which a secondary player can join in as another Shovel Knight to help out in battle. Players will be able to share the same resources that are collected along the way, and there’s even the ability to revive a fallen player.

#2 Mario Kart 8 Deluxe

Nintendo

Mario Kart has been around since the days of the Super Nintendo Entertainment System. Each installment brings something new to the table and while we didn’t get a standalone new installment for the Nintendo Switch, we did receive a Deluxe edition of Mario Kart 8 which originally launched for the Nintendo Wii U. This one was an instant pickup–there’s so much fun to be had in this racing title full of colors and unique map locations. The title features a wide range of characters and players can customize their kart with different base body types and wheels.

Mario Kart has been an iconic multiplayer franchise for years and is probably responsible for ending a few friendships as well. Players can race against each other locally or online.

#1 Super Smash Bros. Ultimate

Nintendo

Super Smash Bros is another iconic video game franchise that’s exclusive to the Nintendo company. Ever since the launch of the Nintendo 64, players have been diving into this platform fighter with iconic Nintendo characters. Super Smash Bros Ultimate adds every fighter that has ever made an appearance in a Super Smash Bros game, meaning this roster is stacked right from the start. Outside of random matches either with AI or your friends, there’s a storyline to complete, a slew of iconic video game characters to revisit, and a very competitive online gaming scene.

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Bonus

Monster Hunter Generations Ultimate

Nintendo

While this entry to the franchise may be overlooked, Monster Hunter Generations Ultimate is a great time. This game is an HD port of Monster Hunter Generations for the Nintendo 3DS. Offering the same classic strategic gameplay found in other entries to the series, this game is, similarly, best when played with friends. Players will need to know about the monster that they are hunting for, its weakness, moves, and what resources it will give when slain. From there, you’ll be able to acquire the different loot and craft up more gear to further take down other stronger monsters along the way.

Crash Bandicoot 4: It’s About Time 

PC | Xbox | PlayStation | Nintendo

As a bonus game, we wanted to mention Crash Bandicoot 4: It’s About Time. This game was a bit of a surprise since fans hadn’t received a new mainline installment to the Crash Bandicoot franchise in years. There is a makeshift cooperative game mode here called Pass N. Play. With this, players can setup up a game campaign with up to four players. When one player dies, the game will have players pass the controller to the secondary player, and they will get a chance to complete the level. Meanwhile, the game itself will keep track of score points and lives.