The Nintendo Switch has surpassed the Wii U in sales, proving it's a powerhouse console with lasting appeal from Nintendo.
Our in-depth Nintendo Switch review highlights why we adore this versatile hybrid machine. It's carving out a major space in gaming, much like Mario's iconic jumps.
True to Nintendo tradition, the Switch shines brightest in local multiplayer. Here, we spotlight the top experiences—from split-screen co-op and competitive couch play to wireless battles across multiple consoles—based on extensive hands-on testing.
For remote play with friends, check out how to use Parsec for local co-op PC games online.
Not many experienced the original Mario Kart 8 due to Wii U's limited reach. The Switch's Deluxe edition was a masterstroke, countering Breath of the Wild's solo adventure with pure multiplayer joy. If you have a Switch, this is the ultimate friend session on the go.
It packs all DLC (karts, Mercedes parts), a revamped battle mode with Splatoon arenas, and endless modes. Race up to four on one console, eight wirelessly, or 12 in a LAN frenzy.
Beyond slick drifts, accessibility like auto-accelerate and steering assist welcomes kids, grandparents, or controller newbies.
The Switch hosts stellar indies, with Overcooked leading co-op chaos. Manage kitchens: chop, cook, serve, wash—repeat. Simpler said than done.
Levels throw curveballs—shifting, splitting, flaming kitchens. Team up with three friends, communicate, and laugh through disasters.
Minor performance hiccups stem from Switch hardware, but both DLCs come in the $20 package. Master these 8 Overcooked tips for culinary triumphs—a simulation where friends run a restaurant.
Love or loathe it, Minecraft shapes gaming eras. You've likely played; kids obsess. Switch version improves on Wii U tech.
Multiplayer excellence: split-screen for four locally, wireless for eight. Cross-play with Windows PC, Xbox (not PS4).
Switch launched with Breath of the Wild and Snipperclips—early multiplayer proof. Its sales and eShop returns affirm its hilarious co-op charm.
Two-player puzzles: cut shapes to solve tasks like ball-tossing or shrinking partners. Collaborate (or sabotage) for tools and progress.
Wholesome challenges with 40 extra Plus stages; physical edition available.
Jackbox Party Packs deliver unforgettable sessions. Four packs (at writing) turn living rooms into quiz shows—use phones/tablets as controllers for drawing, quizzing, voting.
Up to eight players, plus audience sway. $25 each (series discounts), five games per pack:
Rob banks in foursomes—unique here, needing separate consoles/copies, no split-screen. Switch voice chat lags, but local yelling compensates.
Stealth, planning, comms shine. Inferior visuals/frame rates, but content-rich; portable heists anywhere.
Rocket League—car soccer—stormed charts post-PS4/PC debut, hitting 40 million players by 2018. Cross-play everywhere but PS4.
Local split-screen: four docked, two handheld. Wireless eight, online with Switch/PC/Xbox. Not peak performance, but multiplayer gold.
Top-down bullet-hell roguelike: dodge, die, retry. Procedural levels keep it fresh.
Switch pioneered QoL upgrades, boosting accessibility. Co-op duo local chaos with a friend.
Arcade classic since 1983: four-player grid battles. Bomb blocks, grab power-ups, explode foes.
Launch title drew price gripes, now discounted (digital/physical). Massive post-launch polish.
Puzzle fans rejoice: fuses Tetris and Puyo Puyo. Solo/hybrid modes, even simultaneous play. Multiplayer tension via garbage blocks.
No local partner? Join gamer meetups via social networks.
We curated the elite. Switch booms with weekly eShop adds—not all gems. Upcoming: Fortnite, Stardew Valley co-op. Meanwhile, explore our best Nintendo Switch games guide.
