Looking for a game to share without buying a second console? These Nintendo Switch games offer cooperative play on one system. We chose a mix of platforming, puzzles, action and relaxed mischief, then ordered them editorially for variety and usefulness to different groups—not from a hands-on performance test. “Best” depends on who is playing: a gentle two-person puzzle and a six-player brawler solve different problems.
The counts below refer to co-op players on one original-generation Nintendo Switch system, not online or local wireless. This guide covers the Nintendo Switch versions, not separate Switch 2 editions. Each person needs an appropriate compatible controller; configurations differ by game, and one Joy-Con per person does not work for every title. Check the product page and in-game controller settings before buying additional hardware. Prices, availability and features can change.
Which Switch model? Nintendo Switch and the OLED Model support TV and tabletop play. Switch Lite cannot output to a TV and has no built-in stand; compatible external controllers and a stand may be needed for a shared-screen setup. Separate Joy-Con also need a way to recharge them. Check the game’s supported modes and Nintendo’s model and accessory guidance before choosing a setup.
1. Super Mario Bros. Wonder — a flexible family platformer
Players: 2–4 on one console. Good for: groups with mixed platforming experience.
Mario and friends travel through inventive side-scrolling courses, with Wonder Flowers changing the rules in surprising ways. Players can revive each other, while Yoshi and Nabbit avoid damage from enemies—though pits remain a hazard. Nintendo specifies one compatible controller per player. It is a strong starting point if your group wants recognizable characters and room to learn together. Nintendo game details
2. It Takes Two — a story built for a pair
Players: exactly 2 on one console. Good for: two people who want a sustained story adventure.
A couple’s fractured relationship becomes the backdrop for a platforming adventure with linked character abilities. The appeal is that cooperation is the premise, not an optional extra. Its themes and ESRB content descriptors include language and fantasy violence, so check the rating for younger players. This is not a choice for a third person to join. Plan for a pair of Joy-Con or a compatible full controller per player, rather than splitting one pair between two people: Nintendo explicitly specifies one Joy-Con pair per player, and EA lists a controller-per-player option. Nintendo listing · Nintendo controller requirement · EA Switch setup
3. Super Mario 3D World + Bowser’s Fury — shared stages and an extra adventure
Players: 2–4 in Super Mario 3D World; 2 in Bowser’s Fury. Good for: families who want 3D platforming.
The main game’s colorful courses invite players to collect, climb and race toward each goal. Bowser’s Fury changes the setup: one player controls Mario while the other assists as Bowser Jr., rather than giving both identical roles. Expect some friendly competition for points alongside cooperation. Nintendo listing
4. Kirby and the Forgotten Land — an approachable adventure for two
Players: 2 on one console. Good for: a pair happy with different character abilities.
Kirby explores a mysterious world while a second player joins as Bandana Waddle Dee. Kirby’s copy abilities and Waddle Dee’s supporting role make this an asymmetrical partnership rather than two identical heroes. Nintendo says a friend can join with a Joy-Con; a demo includes local co-op stages. Nintendo listing
5. Overcooked! All You Can Eat — cooking under pressure
Players: 2–4 on one console. Good for: groups who enjoy frantic communication.
Chop ingredients, cook, plate meals and deliver orders before time runs out. The collection offers many kitchen scenarios, but that ticking clock can be stressful rather than relaxing. Pick it when your group enjoys dividing jobs and laughing at mistakes. For less pressure, Assist Mode can lengthen round timers, slow recipe timeouts and let you skip levels. Nintendo game details
6. Untitled Goose Game — low-stakes mischief for two
Players: 2 on one console after the free two-player update. Good for: a pair who likes playful problem-solving.
Two geese cause trouble in a village, working out how to complete mischievous tasks together. There is less emphasis on combat than on experimenting with the environment. The official listing says the whole game supports two-player co-op and a single Joy-Con can be used by each player. Nintendo listing
7. Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Shredder’s Revenge — a bigger-group brawler
Players: 2–6 on one console. Good for: a larger group that wants fast action.
Choose a character and fight through pixel-art stages inspired by the Turtles’ animated adventures. The six-player single-system limit makes this especially useful when four seats are not enough, though the screen can get busy and the action includes fantasy violence. For six players, check the controller mix as well as the headcount: the Switch can pair up to eight controllers, and the two Joy-Con in a pair count separately. Six full Joy-Con pairs would exceed that limit. Nintendo listing · Nintendo controller limits
8. Unravel Two — connected puzzle-platforming
Players: 2 on one console. Good for: partners who like solving movement puzzles together.
Two yarn characters journey through changing landscapes, using their connection to tackle obstacles. It rewards coordination more than speed for its own sake, though some scenes include mild threat. Nintendo’s listing specifies tabletop or TV for co-op; handheld mode is single-player only. Nintendo listing
9. Luigi’s Mansion 3 — ghost hunting with a helper
Players: 2 in the story’s co-op setup. Good for: a pair that likes exploration and light spooky comedy.
Luigi investigates a haunted hotel, with a second player controlling Gooigi to help overcome obstacles. Story co-op unlocks only after Luigi obtains Gooigi from Professor E. Gadd, so two people cannot start together immediately. Nintendo supports a single Joy-Con, a Joy-Con pair or a Nintendo Switch Pro Controller for each player. The game’s other multiplayer modes have different arrangements and counts; don’t mistake the store’s overall eight-player maximum for eight-player story co-op. Nintendo listing · Nintendo co-op setup
10. Cuphead — a demanding two-player challenge
Players: 2 on one console. Good for: players who enjoy practicing difficult action sequences.
This run-and-gun game pairs hand-drawn cartoon style with a focus on boss battles. Its challenge is part of the attraction, but repeated attempts may frustrate a group looking for an easygoing first game. Nintendo lists local co-op and two simultaneous players; check the content descriptors, including fantasy violence and alcohol and tobacco references. Nintendo listing
Before you choose
Check the number of people who can play the mode you want on one console, not just the largest multiplayer number on the box. Consider whether a second player has a full role, whether everyone enjoys time pressure or repeated attempts, and whether the age rating fits your household. For each title, confirm supported controllers and any extra accessories on the current product listing before purchasing.
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