Nintendo’s consoles have always offered a healthy selection of multiplayer titles. While some titles, likeMario Kart, play better competitively, the Switch offers a bevy of co-op classics to play with a friend. On the Nintendo Switch, it has become possible to do even more thanks to the wireless function of handled mode.
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Many gamers play online with friends. However, for those who live together or can still hang with their best friends, Nintendo Switch offers many wonderful co-op games to choose from including the upcomingSuper Mario 3D World + Bowser’s Fury. Check out the best co-op titles the Switch has to offer, rankedby Metacritic scores.
Updated January 1st, 2021 by Tanner Kinney:In a time where multiplayer games are one of the few things keeping people sane, co-op games are more important than ever. Each platform has its fair share, but the Nintendo Switch might be the definitive platform forclassic, couch co-op experiences. Online multiplayer is inconsistent at best on Nintendo’s platform, but that doesn’t stop the online games from also being fun-to-play as well. Just make sure to connect to Ethernet, as the Switch and WiFi connections don’t exactly get along that well. There were some co-op games we missed, so we decided to expand the list.
15Kirby: Star Allies - 73
ThelatestKirbySwitch platformer, developed by HAL Laboratories, features 4-players once again. Akin toReturn to Dream Land, up to four players can play as either Kirby or one of the enemies-turned-helpers. As a trait originated fromKirby Super Star, Kirby can turn his enemies into allies and the players can use their powers.
Kirby: Star Alliesfeatures an enjoyable, not-too-difficult campaign. The number of power-ups will certainly grace the player with a variety of playstyles. Furthermore, the free DLC updates for the game added even more campaigns to help lighten the load.
14Yoshi’s Crafted World - 79
The sequel toYoshi’s Woolly Worldtakes place in a world of plush.Yoshi’s Crafted Worldcontinues the traditions set forth by the SNES’Yoshi’s Islandand N64’sYoshi’s Story. Jump on enemies, gobble them, and turn them into eggs to solve puzzles with.
This charming, adorable platformer features multicolored Yoshis, unlockable costumes, and 2-player co-op. Players can help each other solve puzzles and fight bosses together. As a game that also focuses on collecting small items for unlockables, it pays to have a friend nearby.
13New Super Mario Bros. U Deluxe - 80
Mario makes the list in a co-op classic. Ported from the Wii U to the Switch,New Super Mario Bros. U Deluxefeatures 4-player co-op. Play as Mario, Luigi, Toad, and new characters for the Switch: Toadette and Nabbit.
TheDeluxeversion features theNew Super Luigi Uwhich includes rearranged stages and harder challenges. The game is to pick-up and play but challenging to finish. Currently,New Super Mario Bros. Uoffers the best co-opMarioadventure on the Switch.
12Bloodstained: Curse Of The Moon 2 - 81
Inti Creates' and ArtPlay’s latest 8-bit titlehearkens back to the NES days. While this 2D platformer’s predecessor did not feature co-op, the latest installment allows players to jump-in and pick a character. Featuring four characters to play as, the two will share lives as they encounter a challenging adventure.
Curse of the Moon 2,despite its intimidating appearance, features easier difficulty levels which invoke no consequences for playing them.Bloodstainedplayers do not need to feel they’re missing out on something for playing an easier difficulty. This Gothic adventure features a catchy soundtrack, tough boss battles, and multiple playthroughs to venture.
11BoxBoy + BoxGirl - 81
HAL Laboratories' other series,BoxBoy, features a co-op element as well. While this one features a 2-player campaign, BoxBoy and BoxGirl team together to solve puzzles. It features a minimalist story and visuals with strong level design elements.
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BoxBoy + BoxGirloffers a variety of stages to the player. Despite the simplicity of building boxes and using them to move, the stage designs become more and more intricate. Now with a co-op layer, it will take two heads working together in this charming Switch adventure.
10Rayman Legends - 84
This charming co-op series started off on the Wii withRayman Origins.Just like Donkey Kong Country and Kirby, the latestRaymantitle featured gorgeous artwork, tons of unlockables, and a healthy balance of challenge and stage obstacles. While ported to other consoles, the sequel,Rayman Legends, would eventually find its way to Switch.
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Rayman Legendstakes everything from Origins and expands it. The fast dashing action, the fist-pummeling brawls, and the platforming meld perfectly with the enjoyable boss battles.Rayman Legendsis a 4-player fun-fest that should not be missed by anyone.
9Streets Of Rage 4 - 86
The long-heralded return of a series not seen since the mid-90s, Dotemu brings back classic 2D beat ‘em up action to form once more. The gorgeous animations will catch anyone’s attention while the club and dance soundtrack will perk players up to the fighting mood.Streets of Rage 4feels like a beat ‘em up for the ages andworks well on Nintendo Switch.
While the online mode supports 2-player co-op, offline players can participate in up to 4-player co-op. Adjustable difficulty levels will keep players on their toes. With the style of moves, variety of character choices, and plenty of beats to listen to,Streets of Rage 4will last as players’ favorites for a long time to come.
8Donkey Kong Country: Tropical Freeze - 86
Donkey Kong Countrymade its return to consoles in 2010 for Nintendo Wii. Shortly after, Retro Studios developed the 2D co-op platformer’s sequel on Wii U.Tropical Freezewas later ported to Switch featuring a new Funky Mode to ease intimidated players into this wonderful adventure.
Tropical Freezefeatures a multitude of stage choices, mine carts, rocket barrels, and a host of other amazing challenges. While P1 controls Donkey Kong, the assisting player can choose Diddy, Dixie, or Cranky, and can either hop with DK or sit on his back and fire away at enemies. Tropical Freeze offers plenty of unlockables from its many stages and is unquestionably one of the greatest 2D platformers out there.
Studio MDHR’s 2D run-and-gun title hearkens back to the days ofContraandMetal Slug. By joining back the old-school platforming action, they created the unthinkable with its visual style. This well-animated title boasts the aesthetics of a 1930s cartoon with the soundtrack to boot.
Cuphead’s notoriously challenging stages and boss battles offer a ton of variety. Granted, it’s entirely possible to lower the difficulty as well. The offline 2P co-op title offers various equippable abilities, enjoyable battles, and a truly memorable experience.
6Stardew Valley - 87
Stardew Valley is something of a modern classic. Although the title and genre are still niche, it is one of the definitive examples and a fan-favorite. A farming simulator on the surface, Stardew Valley packs a lot more content than just simply managing a farm. Befriending townspeople,getting engaged with bachelorsand/orbachelorettes, and conquering dangerous mines are just a regular part of daily life in the valley.
This daily life is also accessible with a friend on the Nintendo Switch console. Although it isn’t always the easiest experience to get into while in multiplayer, there’s a lot of fun to be had. Role-playing, exploring, and splitting up work all lead to a fantastic time in co-op. Just make sure all the players agree on the aesthetic of the farm, lest fights start to break out.
