A good multiplayer game can help pass the time like nothing else, bringing people together or giving you an online community to sink into, and the Nintendo Switch has plenty of amazing candidates to offer up.
While some of these are online, using Nintendo's slightly odd systems, but many of them are perfect for local multiplayer, offering up split-screen or party options - making for an amazing time, when enjoyed with all your pals.
| Our Switch game buyer's guides |
| • Best Switch games overall |
| • Best role-playing games (RPGs) |
| • Best platforming games |
| • Best horror games |
| • Best shooters |
| • Best indie games |
| • Best strategy games |
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What are the best multiplayer games on Switch?
- Mario Kart 8 Deluxe
- Super Smash Bros. Ultimate
- Arms
- Mario Strikers: Battle League
- Mario Party Superstars
- Rocket League
- Minecraft
- Switch Sports
Mario Kart 8 Deluxe
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Previously released for the Wii U, Mario Kart 8 gets a graphical update for the Deluxe version on Switch, which runs at 60 frames per second even when in portable mode.
You also get a few gameplay bonuses, such as an extra weapon slot for pick-ups during races and additional karters. It is easily one of the best Mario Kart games in many years and an essential purchase for any Switch owner.
Super Smash Bros. Ultimate
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Alongside ARMs, this is the best fighting game on the Switch, and possibly the best Smash Bros to boot. Although a rehash of the Wii U version, this truly is the "ultimate" edition. It's not only fast and slick, but has a mighty cast of characters to control. And, it's one of the Switch games that has been embraced fully by the eSports community.
ARMS
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Not everyone's cup of tea, perhaps, but this motion-controlled beat-em-up is great fun if you've got a few friends round and additional Joy-Cons to compete with.
You hold a Joy-Con in each hand and use them to control the arms of your fighter, hence the name. Fighters are bionic, however, and have many properties. The whole thing is very Nintendo-esque; it's harmful fun, even for kids. One word of warning though, it isn't good for the Nintendo Switch Lite, as it's not suitable for handheld play.
Mario Strikers: Battle League
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Mario Strikers returns triumphantly on the Switch with a superb party game that is ideal for those who love the beautiful game but don't want to dabble in EA's tired FIFA re-skins on the platform. You get quickfire football action with nice interchanges and a Mario Kart-style customisation system.
Hopping online offers up a wealth of ways to play, with rewards for doing well over time and a really explosive sense of fun at the core of the game. It's perfect for families, too.
Mario Party Superstars
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Minigames galore in this for-all-the-family slice of fun. It's by far the best Mario Party game yet made, collecting 20 years' worth of Mario Party games and boards, and committed Nintendo fans will find it irresistible. It shows off the Switch's party-gaming credentials with plenty of panache.
Rocket League
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Rocket League has been a huge success story, with kids of all ages getting hooked on its bizarre mix of car racing and football. And the Switch version is a remarkable port that sticks to 60fps throughout, albeit with a slight drop in resolution.
You don't care though, as you can compete from anywhere with a Wi-Fi signal. It also links with other versions of the game, so you don't have to just compete against players on their own Switch devices.
Minecraft
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Minecraft on Switch is the exact same version of the game available across multiple platforms and replaced the former "Nintendo Switch Edition". Our only regret is that you can't use the touchscreen to choose items in your inventory, but it's an authentic Minecraft experience in all other regards.
Switch Sports
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Switch Sports is exactly what it looks like - a new version of the sports game that made the Wii such a sensation, with classics like Tennis and Bowling on board for fun casual matches against your friends. It's at its best when you're in the room together, but online modes make it great if you're flying solo, too.
There are new sports to try like Badminton and Chambara, and each is fun not just for beginners but also for returning pros. With cheaper pricing, it's a no-brainer for Switch owners.