If you're stuck at home with kids or even just your partner, a couch co-op game can be a great way to stay busy and relieve some stress. The Nintendo Switch has an excellent selection of options, letting you team up for casual party games or more intense horror and action. Here's a list of the best options to help you feel social without going out.
★ Featured favorite
Super Smash Bros. Ultimate
This is the pinnacle of Switch co-op games. Challenge as many as three other local players using one of 74 playable characters. This includes every character that has ever been in a previous Super Smash games as well as characters that are new to the Super Smash Bros. series. Learn new moves and techniques to become the ultimate champion.
Who ya Goo-nna call?
Luigi's Mansion 3
Staff Pick
Luigi and his gooey doppelganger, Gooigi, need to work together to solve puzzles and capture ghost as they make their way through a haunted hotel. Will they be able to rescue Princess Peach and Mario from these mischievous poltergeists? You can play on your own or pass a controller to a friend and play together.
Cooking champs
Overcooked 2
In this silly sequel, you've saved the world, but now you must protect the Onion Kingdom from The Walking Bread. Work with up to three other chefs as you create new recipes and navigate new obstacles in the kitchen. Beat your previous scores or simply have fun with friends as you work your way through the levels.
Goooaaal!
Rocket League
This inexpensive game has won several awards for its physics-based gameplay and is one of the most fun split-screen multiplayers on the market. The Switch version gives you access to Nintendo decals for characters like Mario, Luigi, and Samus. Play with up to three other players in competitive or casual modes.
Party time
Super Mario Party
This classic party game lets you and up to three other players compete on a virtual board game. You'll be sorted into groups for 2 vs. 2 and 1 vs. 3 mini-games to earn stars and coins. Choose from 20 of your favorite playable Nintendo characters to race friends across the board.
On your left
Mario Kart 8 Deluxe
Up to four family members or friends can race each other in this couch co-op multiplayer. This game allows you to choose between 30 different characters, 14 of which you will need to unlock. This is a great game to play with little kids as it includes a smart steering mode to help them stay on track. In addition to racing, this game also features several mini battle games and provides hours of entertainment.
Family side scroller
New Super Mario Bros. U Deluxe
Purchasing this gives you both the New Super Mario Bros. U and the New Super Luigi U games in one package. You and up to three others can make your way through the Mushroom Kingdom to rescue Peach from Bowser. This is the perfect game to play with little kids since playing as either Toadette or Nabbit makes the games significantly easier.
Game night
Clubhouse Games: 51 Worldwide Classics
Play some of the most popular dice, card, and board games from around the world with your family and friends. Some games are meant for solo play, while others can host up to four players at a time. Will you beat your friends at Blackjack? Destroy them with Dominoes? You might just fall in love with a new game you've never played before.
Fight club
Capcom Beat 'Em Up Bundle
This inexpensive bundle gives you seven different arcade-style fighting games in one purchase. Games include Final Fight, Captain Commando, The King of Dragons, Knights of the Round, Warriors of Fate, Armored Warriors, and Battle Circuit. Face off against friends and family to determine the best fighter.
Classic horror
Resident Evil Revelations Collection
If you're looking for a classic split-screen cooperative shooter, Resident Evil Revelations 2 is the game for you. Work with a friend to clear rooms of horrific enemies as you make your way through an abandoned prison. This game also features a prominent single-player campaign should you want to play solo.
Put 'em up
Arms
This zany boxing game puts a playful twist on your classic fighting match. You get to choose the character you fight with, as well as the characteristics of your springy arms. Each arena brings unique challenges to add to the fun. Fight against one other player on one Switch or against three other players using two Switch consoles.
Dinner rush
Overcooked! Special Edition
This hilarious couch co-op has you and up to three other chefs preparing and serving a variety of foods for your hungry customers. Work together to cook steaks, put out fires, and keep your kitchen tidy to save the Onion Kingdom from an edible enemy. The Switch version contains both The Lost Morsel and Festive Seasoning expansions.
What a racket
Mario Tennis Aces
Mario Tennis Aces puts a spin on the traditional tennis game by including cartoony antics and zany obstacles. Choose one of 28 playable Nintendo characters, each with unique moves, as you play with 1 - 3 other players. This game also has a solo mode, where you can fight bosses and overcome new challenges with your tennis racket.
Find room
Puyo Puyo Tetris
This game perfectly combines classic Tetris with Sega's Puyo Puyo puzzle game to create a truly competitive party experience. Choose from several Tetris game variants as you compete with up to three other players. It also features single-player mode so you can entertain yourself when others aren't available.
Save Mushroom Kingdom
Mario + Rabbids Kingdom Battle
This lighthearted, turn-based multiplayer has you and up to three other players fighting to protect the Mushroom Kingdom. Choose from eight unique characters and an arsenal of weapons as you battle your way through four new worlds.
Straight cut
Snipperclips Plus: Cut it out, Together!
This simple game premise requires lots of creativity and cooperation as you and one other friend solve puzzles together. Cut each other into the proper shapes to hold items, push buttons, and turn cogs as you make your way through the many levels.
Nemeses
Lego DC Super-Villains
Wreak havoc on this open-world game with a friend as you undermine familiar-looking superheroes. Play as several iconic DC characters, including Joker, Harley Quinn, Cat Woman, Riddler, Scarecrow, and many others. You can also create a brand new villain and play with that character throughout the game.
Suit up
Lego Marvel Superheroes 2
Experience the Marvel universe with a friend as you battle enemies and experience silly Lego moments. This game also features new battle modes so you can play against up to three other players. It features characters from Spider-Man, Thor, Hulk, Black Panther, Captain Marvel, Guardians of the Galaxy, Doctor Strange, and more.
Lego police
Lego City Undercover
Play as undercover police officers to track down Rex Fury, a criminal mastermind who has recently escaped prison. This open-world game features an original plot and plenty of humor to keep you and a buddy entertained for hours. You can also play in solo mode.
Good time
Dragon Ball Xenoverse 2
Fans of Dragon Ball Z can relive key moments in the series as they battle against familiar characters. This game responds to motion controls and allows you to create your own character. Play with another friend locally or add additional Switch consoles to play with up to six local players.
Pokémon battles
Pokkén Tournament DX
In this game, you and a friend can fight against each other to determine who really is the best Pokémon trainer of them all. The roster includes 21 different Pokémon. Utilize impressive moves and master individual characters in the arena.
Legendary paintings
Rayman Legends: Definitive Edition
This award-winning game allows gamers to play as Rayman, Globox, and the Teensies as they make their way through several worlds via magical paintings. Work in a team of up to four players or compete against your friends using the Kung Foot tournaments. Either way, it's sure to be loads of fun.
Fire and brimstone
Diablo 3: Eternal Collection
Take on evil cultists, walking corpses, and all of the inhabitants of hell in this four-player, local co-op. It features the Reaper of Souls expansion along with the Rise of the Necromancer pack. This Nintendo version also includes allusions to The Legend of Zelda with a Cucco pet and the ability to change your character's clothes to Ganondorf's armor.
Play with me
Compared to other consoles, the Nintendo Switch has a large number of quality local player games. If you're looking for serious competition, we recommend Super Smash Bros. Ultimate. Players looking for something they can play with little kids should consider New Super Mario Bros. U Deluxe. It has kiddie modes that allow anyone of any skill level to play together.
Looking for an action-adventure game that you can play through with a buddy? Then you really need to check out Luigi's Mansion 3. Luigi and his gelatinous counterpart, Gooigi, need to work together to solve puzzles and capture ghosts.
If you are looking for some silly fun with food puns and cooperative gameplay galore, try Overcooked 2. With plenty of crazy characters, DLC, and cooking fun, this game will keep your group playing for hours.
Nintendo and indie developers are constantly creating the best Nintendo Switch games. We'll keep an eye out and add any must-have couch cooperative games to this list as time goes on.