As the prospect of a Switch 2 looms on the horizon, you and a friend might be eager to maximize your enjoyment of the current Nintendo Switch. Cooperative games elevate the gaming experience by seamlessly integrating multiplayer features into the core gameplay, rather than offering a separate “multiplayer” mode.
Playing a game with a friend can significantly enhance your gaming experience, so let’s explore the best 7 Nintendo Switch games for co-op.
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7. Kirby and The Forgotten Land
Kirby and The Forgotten Land has emerged as one of the Nintendo Switch’s most exceptional co-op experiences. In this charming and vibrant 3D platformer, players embark on an unforgettable journey alongside the beloved pink puffball, Kirby. The game’s co-op mode is a true standout, allowing friends or family to join in the fun together. The brilliance of co-op in Kirby and The Forgotten Land lies in its accessibility; it caters to both experienced gamers and newcomers alike.
Players can team up, and even less experienced players can readily jump in to contribute to the adventure, thanks to Kirby’s ability to share his abilities. The game promotes teamwork, creativity, and the joy of discovery. With its whimsical world and delightful gameplay, Kirby and The Forgotten Land stands out as a top choice for cooperative play on the Nintendo Switch, creating memories that players will cherish for years to come.
6. Super Mario 3D World + Bowser’s Fury
Super Mario 3D World + Bowser’s Fury is a Nintendo Switch exclusive that shines as a cooperative gaming experience. In this game, players can team up with friends to embark on a colourful and imaginative adventure. The co-op aspect is seamless, allowing up to four players to choose their favourite Mario characters, each with unique abilities, and journey through whimsical 3D levels together. The game’s level design encourages teamwork and creative problem-solving, making it accessible to players of all skill levels.
It’s the perfect blend of cooperative gameplay and classic Mario platforming, offering an engaging and fun-filled experience for players of all ages. The addition of “Bowser’s Fury” introduces a dynamic open-world element, adding even more excitement to the cooperative play. “Super Mario 3D World + Bowser’s Fury” is a prime example of how Nintendo excels at crafting co-op experiences that are not only enjoyable but also inclusive and accessible, making it a must-play title for the Nintendo Switch.
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5. Animal Crossing: New Horizons
Animal Crossing: New Horizons, which graced the Nintendo Switch in 2020, is a tranquil and delightful game renowned for its unique co-op experience. While many games emphasize high-octane action, Animal Crossing takes a refreshingly different approach. The relaxed and charming island life it offers is the perfect backdrop for cooperative gameplay. Friends and family can visit each other’s islands, engage in various activities, and help each other build and decorate their virtual paradises.
The absence of a competitive edge and the emphasis on cooperative interactions make it a wonderfully soothing co-op game, fostering a sense of togetherness and creativity. The collaborative spirit of Animal Crossing: New Horizons turns it into the ideal game for unwinding with loved ones, where the journey is just as rewarding as the destination.
4. Luigi’s Mansion 3
In 2019, Luigi’s Mansion 3 introduced an exciting co-op feature that seamlessly incorporates a character named Gooigi into the gameplay. The addition of a second character does not feel forced here as it does in some games. Playing alongside Gooigi makes the adventure in the haunted Last Resort hotel even more enjoyable and cooperative. The mechanics and teamwork required for this co-op mode make it an ideal choice for gaming with friends or family. Whether you’re solving puzzles or facing spooky spectres, Luigi’s Mansion 3 proves to be a fantastic and inclusive gaming experience that ensures hours of laughter and thrills for all players..
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3. Mario + Rabbids Kingdom Battle
In 2017, the gaming world was introduced to a surprising and charming collaboration known as Mario + Rabbids Kingdom Battle. This unique game combines the beloved Mario universe with the zany Rabbids in a turn-based tactical adventure set in the Mushroom Kingdom. Players embark on a journey with Mario, Luigi, Princess Peach, and their Rabbid counterparts to restore order and hilarity to the land.
One of the standout features of this game is its co-op experience, allowing two players to join forces and take on the challenges together. In co-op mode, each player controls a pair of characters, adding a social element and strategic depth to the battles. Whether it’s teaming up to outsmart foes or simply enjoying the game’s humour, Mario + Rabbids Kingdom Battle’s co-op play makes it a memorable and engaging multiplayer adventure suitable for friends and family.
2. Hyrule Warriors: Age of Calamity
Hyrule Warriors: Age of Calamity, a 2020 release, offers a thrilling and action-packed experience in the world of The Legend of Zelda. Before I start I want to say this also includes the first game, Hyrule Warriors, but will not be officially included due to also being released on Wii U.
What sets this game apart is its outstanding co-op feature, making it one of the standout elements of the title. In a Hyrule facing the chaos of Calamity Ganon’s impending doom, players can join forces with a friend in local co-op mode, unleashing the potential for truly epic battles. The game excels at maintaining a smooth and engaging co-op experience, allowing players to coordinate their strategies as iconic heroes like Link and Zelda.
This cooperative gameplay enhances the overall immersion and fun factor of Age of Calamity, allowing friends to work together seamlessly to save Hyrule. It’s this remarkable co-op element that truly cements the game’s place as one of the best cooperative experiences on the Nintendo Switch, making it a must-play for fans of both The Legend of Zelda series and cooperative gaming.
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1. Marvel Ultimate Alliance 3: The Black Order
Marvel Ultimate Alliance 3: The Black Order, released in 2019, stands out as one of the best cooperative gaming experiences on the Nintendo Switch. This action-packed title brings together an extensive roster of Marvel superheroes and supervillains, making it an absolute treat for fans of the franchise. What truly elevates the game, however, are its co-op features. The ability to team up with friends in local or online multiplayer mode is seamless and intuitive, allowing up to four players to join forces and tackle missions as iconic characters like Spider-Man, Captain America, and the X-Men.
The synergy and teamwork required for success in battle are not only enjoyable but also make it the perfect game for playing co-op on the Switch. Whether you’re strategizing to defeat formidable adversaries or simply having a blast exploring the Marvel Universe alongside your friends, Marvel Ultimate Alliance 3 offers an unparalleled cooperative experience that’s sure to keep you and your companions entertained for hours on end.
Bonus – Super Mario Bros. Wonder
Embrace the chaos and have up to three friends play alongside you in Super Mario Bros. Wonder! All modes can be played in local co-op, making it a perfect opportunity to team up and conquer the Mushroom Kingdom together. Whether you’re working together to tackle tricky platforming challenges or engaging in a friendly competition to see who can collect the most power-ups, the thrill of cooperative gameplay is bound to bring laughter and excitement to your gaming sessions.
So, mark your calendars for 10/20/2023 and get ready to embark on a delightful co-op adventure with Mario and his pals. Share the joy of the latest Mario game with your friends and experience the magic of teamwork in the world of Super Mario Bros. Wonder!
Nothing beats playing games with a friend. Did we miss any you think should be on the list? What are your favourite Nintendo Switch co-op games? Let us know in the comments!
