The Nintendo Switch is one of the market’s most versatile gaming consoles. Our list of the ten best single console multiplayer switch games
Are you wondering why that’s the case?
If so, then keep reading!
Purchasing a Nintendo Switch allows you to enjoy your favorite gaming titles on your home’s TV or on the go. The good news is that the fun won’t stop there.
Every Nintendo Switch comes with two single Joy-Con controllers that open up a world of couch co-op and multiplayer fun. It’s essential to note that couch co-op refers to gaming titles that allow players to work together as teammates toward a common objective. Multiplayer games are the same as couch co-op titles besides being able to compete against other players.
Jumping into multiplayer/couch-co-op mode is as easy as sliding the two single Joy-Con controllers out of your Switch’s portable system. You can utilize the Nintendo Switch’s Joy-Con controllers for multiplayer entertainment on your home’s TV—or through the system’s mobile tabletop mode.
Whether you’re looking to work together in some offline co-op or lay it all on the line for some competitive action—our multiplayer Switch game recommendations won’t disappoint.
The first portion of our list of recommendations will be covering the best couch co-op Switch titles.
Let’s dive in
Best Nintendo Switch Couch Co-Op Game #1: Luigi’s Mansion 3

Get ready to explore a haunted hotel full of fun surprises in Luigi’s Mansion 3. Nintendo Switch gamers can utilize couch co-op within Luigi’s Mansion 3 through Gooigi—a green slimy Luigi body double. While players will have to wait for Gooigi to enter the game’s primary campaign—the wait is well worth it. Once you do unlock Gooigi, you can play the entire game essentially in co-op mode.
Initiating co-op mode on Luigi’s Mansion 3 is straightforward. After a tutorial that shows you how to use Gooigi, you’ll activate co-op mode by:
- Hitting your controller’s plus (+) button
- Selecting “Co-Op”
- Selecting “Co-Op” once more
- Hit your ‘A’ button
Couch gaming partners will enjoy vacuuming up ghosts and working together to solve puzzle challenges as each level offers its unique splash of fun. Luigi’s Mansion 3 is perfect for casual gaming sessions as the title’s stages aren’t too long or too short of a length.
Best Nintendo Switch Couch Co-Op Game #2: Marvel Ultimate Alliance 3: The Black Order

The Marvel Universe continues to dominate with Marvel Ultimate Alliance 3: The Black Order. Gamers that play this Marvel title will enjoy the game’s expansive lineup of characters that tie into the modern status of this comic book’s universe.
If you’re seeking some good old-fashioned combat fun—Marvel Ultimate Alliance 3 has what you’re looking for. Many gamers that enjoy co-op gaming sessions want to jump right into the action. Marvel Ultimate Alliance 3 won’t hold up your ability to brawl with a narrative-heavy approach. Instead, you’ll get to kick some tail with a cast of enjoyable superhero characters.
You could classify this game as existing within the Arcade Brawling genre. Gamers will get to choose between their favorite Marvel superheroes and supervillains. As you progress through the game, you’ll be able to unlock more characters to utilize.
When it comes to hosting the ideal co-op game night—you can’t go wrong fighting hordes of enemies and giant bosses.
Best Nintendo Switch Couch Co-Op Game #3: Mario + Rabbids Kingdom Battle

Our list of co-op recommendations wouldn’t be complete without at least one Mario title. Initiating co-op mode in Mario + Rabbids Kingdom Battle allows you to enjoy an extensive amount of mission maps with all of your favorite characters. You’ll be able to access co-op mode when you complete the World 1.5 portion of the game.
Dynamic enemies and distinctive challenges help make this title’s co-op mode worthwhile. Gamers looking for a casual, feel-good co-op gaming experience will enjoy what this title has to offer. All of this game’s co-op challenges offer three levels of difficulty, so you can adjust your preferences accordingly.
Every one of this game’s co-op campaigns will be unlocked after you clear a world. The five total campaigns within this title are bound to present you with plenty of fun puzzles within this vibrant cartoon world.
Best Nintendo Switch Multiplayer Game #4: Minecraft: Nintendo Switch Edition

Minecraft gives you one of the most versatile co-op experiences that the Nintendo Switch has to offer.
When you’re eager to flex your creative muscles, you can build your own dream world from the ground up. During times when you’re ready to get in on some action—Minecraft supplies you with plenty of enemies to stay busy.
You’re going to need some weapons to fight off the waves of enemies that Minecraft can throw at you. Crafting weapons is one of the engaging activities that Minecraft offers.
An exciting session of co-op gameplay can look like you achieving all of the above. An essential component of what makes Minecraft great is the lack of limitations that the game presents.
Choose Minecraft for a multi-dimensional co-op gaming experience.
Best Nintendo Switch Couch Co-Op Game #5: Resident Evil Revelations 2

Ok—we admit it.
While our picks so far are all quality games, our selections lack a certain edge that many gamers seek.
Cue the entrance for Resident Evil Revelations 2.
Resident Evil is back on the Nintendo Switch to provide you with all of the gory zombie action that fans of this franchise crave. Switch gamers will have the opportunity to enjoy this title’s co-op play through campaign or raid mode.
This Resident Evil game’s raid mode offers deep levels of game design that include:
- A leveling system
- Character customization
- Skill trees
- Progressively more difficult stages of play
Gamers seeking a multi-faceted zombie game will get plenty of bang for their buck with Resident Evil Revelations 2. The discounted price that this game holds makes this title well-worth a try.
While there’s no denying that Nintendo Switch co-op centered titles offer plenty of opportunities for fun—sometimes you’re going to be in a competitive gaming mood.
Refer to the following titles when those times strike:
Nintendo Switch Competitive Multiplayer Game Recommendation #1: Mario Kart 8 Deluxe

Owning a Mario Kart title is almost a requirement when gaming on a Nintendo console. Mario Kart 8 Deluxe doesn’t disappoint with its 30 different characters, with 14 being unlockable. Gamers of any age can enjoy what this game offers, as the smart steering track feature helps younger gamers stay in the race.
The entertainment that Mario Kart 8 Deluxe offers is essentially endless. When you want to switch your gameplay up from racing, you can jump into one of the several mini-games that this title has to offer. Up to four different players can race on a wide range of courses. The split-screen visual presentation that Mario Kart 8 Deluxe provides is far better suited to a TV than the portable variety—especially if you’re adding more than two players.
Mario Kart 8 Deluxe proves that Nintendo Switch titles have the power to offer top-tier levels of local multiplayer potential.
Nintendo Switch Competitive Multiplayer Game Recommendation #2: Mortal Kombat 11

Like Super Mario, Mortal Kombat is one of the most beloved video game franchises of all time. Going off our earlier Resident Evil recommendation—this edition of Mortal Kombat offers plenty of blood and gore for gamers seeking gameplay of that variety.
Nothing sparks gaming competition like the opportunity to play Mortal Kombat. When you’re looking to raise the stakes, the game’s Tournament option gets the job done.
The only real downside to Mortal Kombat 11 is the fact that you’ll have to sacrifice the game’s quality of graphics a tad to run the title on your Switch. Even with slightly lower quality graphics—the Nintendo Switch version of Mortal Kombat 11 still provides a beautiful presentation.
Nintendo Switch Competitive Multiplayer Game
Recommendation #3: Super Smash Bros. Ultimate

Super Smash Bros. offers one of the best competitive local multiplayer experiences of all time. 70 characters, 900 music pieces, and more than 100 stages are more than enough to keep all types of gamers entertained.
Ultimate offers you plenty of opportunities to spice up the multiplayer competition with the doubles team mode and the all-new Squad Strike mode.
The presentation that Ultimate delivers can be described as silky-smooth. Even with eight players, Ultimate runs exceptionally well.
When considering the greatest Nintendo games of all time—you can leave Super Smash Bros. off the list. Super Smash Bros. Ultimate is the definition of a can’t-miss title.
Our Takeaway
The Nintendo Switch more than embraces local multiplayer. Offering others the opportunity to jump into Switch gaming action is a surefire way to elevate the time you spend socializing.
One perk you’ll receive with the Nintendo Switch’s emphasis on local multiplayer is a wide range of titles. If you enjoy shoot em’ up titles—games like Resident Evil Revelations 2 offer what you’re looking for. Those who regularly host gaming nights can benefit from the accessibility that titles like Mario Kart offer.
Whatever your gaming tastes are, there’s a local multiplayer Switch title out there for you…a
—and your friends!
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