For decades, Nintendo has captured the hearts of millions of gamers across the world with its cutting-edge console and seasonal game releases that promote shared experiences. Games like Super Mario, Pokémon Scarlet and The Legend of Zelda have been culture-defining for both the old and the young. 

Robin Williams, American actor and comedian best captured the immersive nature of Nintendo's video games when he revealed, "I bought one of the first Nintendo systems and brought that home, and we were playing 'Legend of Zelda' at the time, and it was addicting, and I was playing it for hours and hours and hours."

And now, with the launch of the Nintendo Switch, the experience has even cranked up a notch. From timeless classics to thrilling action titles. But if you want a break from playing solo and need some cooperative options that you can play with friends, then you're even more in the right place. 

With thousands of titles available, picking the best multi-player experiences can turn out pretty daunting. That's why Kate Richardson, leading games correspondent at MightyTips has done the hard work for you. 

In this article, she sets out all the best online multiplayer games available on the Nintendo Switch, helping you make the best decision when it comes to selecting free options that brings out that teamwork spirit in you and your friends. 

That said, below are 10 of the finest co-op releases that take two to play. 

Mario Kart 8 Deluxe

Undoubtedly one of the best Nintendo releases ever, Mario Kart hit the markets as far back as 1992. More than 30 years after, it is now the highest selling title on the Nintendo Switch with 67.35 million units sold. The local multiplayer game features tons of improved features from the previous installment on the Wii U, including a new Battle mode that's sure to excite gamers. 

With the course pass, you also get to tune some features and enjoy more racing tracks. 

Overcooked 2

Built exactly as the name suggests, Overcooked 2 is sure to throw you into a frenzy. The aim here is to meet up with your customers' demand for sizzling hot meals while you deal with the craze of cooperative cooking in a chaotic kitchen. 

Even better, you can try out the Overcooked! All You Can Eat which combines the two iterations of the game and boasts hundreds of timed levels players have to smash.

Super Smash Bros. Ultimate

Do you crave a fight-to-death gaming experience feature four players or more? Well, the Super Smash Bros. Ultimate presents a brawl between up to seven people where you fight to be the last man standing. 

Because of its highly competitive layout and large player count, games like Super Smash Bros. Ultimate are great options for esports bettors who want to wager on video games. If you fall into this category, you may want to consider betting at Lazybar Sportsbook for the wholesome experience. 

Not only can you compete in Super Smash Bros. Ultimate and win real money, but you can try out other betting markets ranging from soccer to tennis and virtual sports. There's also the Lazybar bonus which gives you a headstart, allowing you to play almost for free. 

Untitled Goose Game

Prepare to terrorize the entire city while you take on the character of a goose in this rather exciting yet delinquent game. Join your co-op action gaming partner as you two become geese, setting up pranks, toppling stalls, making annoying sounds and stealing farmers' hats. 

Ultimately, you win by making sure to ruin the day for everyone else. Although dating back to 2019, the game still boasts incredible visuals fitting for a modern player. 

Mario Party Superstars

One of the latest additions to this list by Nintendo, the Mario Party Superstars was released in 2022. 

It features some of your favorite Super Mario Party characters as well as new mini-games to spice up the overall action. In your quest to gather up all those yellow stars, you're sure to hit some snags with other partygoers but the aim is to stay on course. With this much adventure, Mario Party Superstars may well be the perfect couch co-op game to play together.

Super Mario Maker 2

The old and legendary Super Mario is back, this time with lots of friends. Your partners are setting traps for you and trailing your every move, but your goal is to outsmart them and emerge eventual winners. With the Super Mario Maker 2, all of that is possible. 

The game combines an incredible attention to detail and what can best be described as a killer design layout that sucks you into the Nintendo Switch 2 player experience. 

Stardew Valley

Another remarkable gaming option available to Switch users, the valley here awaits only the brave and courageous. In this player co-op, you and your friends team up to build a successful farm. The farm is located within the mystical Stardew Valley. 

Your mission among many other things includes planting different crops and anticipating a harvest. Through it all, you are also trying to stay friendly with people of the valley. 

Super Mario Party Jamboree

This party video game was released by Nintendo Cube in 2024 and has grown popular ever since. For your minigame extravaganza, Super Mario Party Jamboree is another option to consider. One of the card games available is Trading Cards and it reminds us that Nintendo was in fact a playing card company out of Kyoto before it developed a video gaming franchise. 

Super Mario 3D World + Bowser's Fury

Do you remember quotes like "King Bowser Koopa is nobody's fair game?"

Well, dial back the experience with Super Mario 3D World + Bowser's Fury on your Nintendo Switch. This is the first 4 player 3D Mario game to be released and it brings back a lot of top characters, including Toad and Princess Peach. Here, you get to enjoy a bigger dimension of Mario's world with more imaginative gameplay and effects than ever. 

Super Mario Bros. Wonder

Lastly on this list is the Super Mario Bros. Wonder. The traditional side scrolling game presents another evolution of your favorite characters and is a top-rated Nintendo Switch release. 

Players are thrown into the Flower Kingdom and play as one of either Mario, Luigi or Peach. The release is perfect for beginners but grows in your in a delicate way. Also, experience the boost of power-ups and try to defeat your friends in a match. 

Honourable Mentions and Unreleased Nintendo Switch Sports and Party Games: Donkey Kong Country, Minecraft & Others

Several factors make a two-player co-op title stand out. Some of elements are as follows:

  • Replay value: Many of these classics were released in the 90s and still have players in big 2025 taking a crack at them. 
  • Balance of cooperation and challenge: While designed for two, these titles should still offer a real challenge and require strong teamwork.
  • Ease of pick-up and play: The most accessible ones support different skill levels, starting easy and gradually ramping up.
  • Fun factor: Of course, the game should be entertaining and engaging for all its participants. In some instance, a blend of real or virtual rewards is also a good one. 

With thousands of shooting and puzzle options available, it's impossible to mention them all. However, honorable mentions include Luigi's Mansion 3, Donkey Kong Country, It Takes Two, Cuphead and Diablo 3. 

Final Thoughts on the Best Nintendo Switch Multiplayer Games

The Nintendo Switch excels at bringing people together with games that are equal parts fun, engaging, and diverse in genre. So, what's left to consider? Whether you like frantic action and cooperative strategy, or you simply prefer casual bonding time, we've ensured that there’s a local co-op title for you. 

Grab a pair of Joy-Cons today, call your friends together and choose from any of our remarkable games listed here for the adventure of a lifetime. 

The article is written by Kate Richardson