Theres a lot to love about the Nintendo Switch, not least of which the abundance of titles with local multiplayer features, making it a great console for game night with friends or a casual play session with a roommate. Weve collected some of our favorite titles that allow for some good old-fashioned local play.
Its also my preferred play style, as the last few years have given me more excuses to stay in and try new games. Local multiplayer makes ass-kicking games much more approachable, thanks to friends respawning my character. I also love building something together in real time, like a farm in Stardew Valley, or causing communal chaos like with Untitled Goose Games treacherous honking. Sure, couch co-op can also mean getting revived just to get ragdolled across spikes in Spelunky 2. But it sure beats dying alone.
And if youre looking for more platform-agnostic couch co-op recommendations, here are our favorite local multiplayer games, games to play with a Valentines Day beau, and a Dear Polygon column about couch co-op. Our last update added Super Mario Party Jamboree, Lego Horizon Adventures, and Cult of the Lamb!
For two players Cult of the LambPikmin 4s couch co-op mode is pretty simple, which makes it one of those games thats perfect for an adult to play with a young child. Two adults might find the experience a little underwhelming, as youre tasked with controlling a single character, not two individual pilots. The main player controls the pilot, while the secondary player controls the games cursor and throws pebbles. Its an entirely different experience than Pikmin 3, but it doesnt necessarily make it worse — just a different experience for a different player. —N. Carpenter
Stardew ValleyScrew playing as the plumber in the red hat — its time to be his taller counterpart. In Luigis Mansion 3, you can play local co-op with player two as Gooigi (a spooky goo Luigi) after finishing the intro walkthrough and getting E. Gadds briefcase. Platform your way through the haunted hotel to save your friends Mario, Peach, and numerous Toads. —N. Clark
CupheadAnother Switch take on a stone-cold classic, Nintendos fight-to-the-death brawler is stocked with all of your favorite characters. Play with up to seven other people and survive to be the last one standing. —N. Clark
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Shredder’s Revenge Image: Tribute Games/Dotemu/NickelodeonTMNT: Shredders Revenge is a return to the halcyon days for any TMNT fan, and a truly excellent beat-em-up brawler. Players can choose between the four Turtles — Leonardo, Michelangelo, Donatello, and Raphael — along with April ONeil, Master Splinter, or Casey Jones. —N. Clark
