Man, I remember when my buddy Dave came over last winter. Snowed in for three days with nothing but stale chips and our Switches. We burned through so many coop games that weekend, laughing till our stomachs hurt and occasionally wanting to throw controllers at each other. That's the magic of couch co-op on Switch – it turns ordinary nights into memories. If you're hunting for the best coop games for Switch, you've hit the jackpot. I've played dozens, from chaotic kitchen disasters to demon-slaying adventures, and I'm spilling all the tea right here.
What Makes Switch Co-op So Special?
Let's be real: Nintendo gets cooperative play. The Switch's Joy-Cons transform instantly into two controllers, so impromptu gaming sessions just happen. Portable mode means you can team up anywhere – airport delays, coffee shops, even (don't judge) during boring family gatherings. But not all co-op games are created equal. The best coop games for Switch nail three things: shared objectives (you're truly working together, not just occupying the same screen), communication necessity (actual yelling required), and pure fun chemistry.
Essential Co-op Game Ingredients We Judged
Before we dive into the games, here's what mattered in our picks:
- Local Play Quality: Does split-screen work smoothly? Can two people share one Switch comfortably?
- Online Options: If friends live far away, can you still play together online?
- Skill Balance: Can newbies and veterans play together without frustration?
- The Fun Factor: Does it create those "remember when we..." moments?
- Replay Value: Will you still be playing this after three months?
Hot Take: Some "co-op" games are just single-player with guest stars. We skipped those. Every game here forces REAL teamwork – where failing to coordinate means spectacular disaster.
The Heavy Hitters: Best Switch Co-op Games Overall
Overcooked! All You Can Eat
Picture this: You're frantically chopping tomatoes while your partner's racing across an ice floe to deliver soup, then the kitchen literally splits in half. Absolute chaos. This bundle packs both Overcooked games plus all DLC. It's our top pick for best co-op games on Switch because nothing tests friendships like burning dozens of virtual steaks.
- Players: 1-4 local/online
- Price: $39.99 (frequent sales drop it to $20)
- Release: March 2021
- Perfect For: Couples who enjoy friendly shouting, friend groups seeking chaos
Why We Love It:
- Hilarious communication frenzy ("FIRE! GRAB EXTINGUISHER!")
- Wildly creative level design (cooking on hot air balloons!)
- Accessible controls anyone learns in minutes
Watch Outs:
- Can get stressful for competitive players
- Later levels brutally difficult
- Online matchmaking sometimes sluggish
Luigi's Mansion 3
Who knew ghost-busting could be this satisfying? Luigi and Gooigi (his slimy clone) team up in this gorgeous haunted hotel. The dual vacuum mechanic creates brilliant puzzles – one player distracts ghosts while the other sucks them up. My nephew (age 8) and I finished this last summer, and we still talk about that pirate ship level.
- Players: 2-player local co-op campaign + 8-player online modes
- Price: $59.99 (rarely discounted)
- Release: October 2019
- Perfect For: Families, puzzle solvers, Nintendo fans
Real Talk: Gooigi dying from water sprinklers never gets old. Never.
Diablo III: Eternal Collection
Hack'n'slash perfection for demon-slaying duos. Choose classes (I'm a Demon Hunter fan), rain hellfire on skeletons, and collect mountains of loot. The shared-screen co-op runs beautifully on Switch. Plus, seasonal events mean endless replayability. Played 200+ hours locally with my roommate during lockdown – therapy sessions included.
- Players: 1-4 local/online
- Price: $59.99 (often on sale for $30)
- Release: November 2018
- Perfect For: RPG lovers, loot addicts, long-term campaigns
Hidden Gems: Underrated Co-op Games for Switch
Snipperclips Plus
You're anthropomorphic paper shapes. You cut chunks out of each other to solve puzzles. Sounds weird? It's genius. Requires constant communication ("Cut my top left corner! Now your right side!"). Surprisingly deep for its simplicity. Cost me $25 and gave me more laughs than $60 AAA titles.
- Players: 1-4 local only
- Price: $24.99
- Release: November 2017
- Perfect For: Puzzle enthusiasts, casual players, non-gamers
Unravel Two
Two yarn creatures connected by a single thread navigate stunning environments. The silent storytelling hits hard, but the co-op mechanics shine – you swing each other across gaps, pull objects cooperatively, and literally tie knots to climb. Finished it with my partner in one emotional weekend. Bonus: Often on sale for $5.
- Players: 1-2 local only
- Price: $19.99 (frequently $4.99 on sale)
- Release: June 2018
- Perfect For: Atmospheric exploration, emotional storytelling, platformer fans
Family-Friendly Favorites
Kirby and the Forgotten Land
Kirby's first 3D adventure with drop-in/drop-out co-op. Player 2 controls Bandana Waddle Dee with spear attacks. It's vibrant, forgiving, and packed with charm. Perfect for kids or beginners – my 6-year-old niece could actually contribute meaningfully. Downsides? Kirby's the star; Player 2 feels like a sidekick sometimes.
- Players: 2-player local only
- Price: $59.99
- Release: March 2022
- Perfect For: Young kids, Kirby fans, colorful adventures
Super Mario 3D World + Bowser's Fury
Platforming perfection. Chase flags across creative levels with Mario, Luigi, Peach, or Toad. The co-op is pure fun chaos – bouncing off each other, stealing power-ups (lovingly, of course). Bowser's Fury adds a massive open-world co-op experience. Still unmatched for joyful platforming among the best Nintendo Switch co-op games.
- Players: 1-4 local
- Price: $59.99
- Release: February 2021
- Perfect For: Mario loyalists, platformer enthusiasts, all ages
Hardcore Challenges for Co-op Veterans
Cuphead
Gorgeous 1930s cartoon aesthetics... paired with soul-crushing difficulty. You'll die. Repeatedly. But overcoming bosses together creates unbeatable highs. Requires pixel-perfect coordination. Warning: May cause controller-throwing urges. Beat it with my brother after 47 hours. Our victory scream woke the neighbors.
- Players: 2-player local only
- Price: $19.99
- Release: April 2019
- Perfect For: Gluttons for punishment, retro lovers, precision gamers
Children of Morta
Rogue-lite dungeon crawling with a touching family story. Play as different family members (each with unique skills) across gorgeous pixel-art dungeons. Permanent upgrades lessen the sting of death. Co-op lets you revive each other strategically. Played through twice with different partners – story still hit hard.
- Players: 2-player local only
- Price: $21.99 (frequently $10 on sale)
- Release: October 2019 Perfect For: Story-driven gamers, rogue-like fans, emotional co-op journeys
The Ultimate Comparison: Best Co-op Games for Switch
| Game Title | Genre | Players (Local/Online) | Price Range | Best For | Learning Curve |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Overcooked! All You Can Eat | Chaotic Simulation | 1-4 / Yes | $20-$40 | Loud groups, quick sessions | Easy to learn, hard to master |
| Luigi's Mansion 3 | Action-Adventure | 2 / Yes (modes) | $60 | Families, puzzle solvers | Moderate |
| Diablo III | Action RPG | 1-4 / Yes | $30-$60 | Loot grinders, long campaigns | Medium (deepens with levels) |
| Snipperclips Plus | Puzzle | 1-4 / No | $25 | Thinkers, non-gamers | Easy start, creative later |
| Cuphead | Run & Gun | 2 / No | $20 | Challenge seekers | Brutally steep |
| Super Mario 3D World | Platformer | 1-4 / No | $60 | All ages, Nintendo fans | Gentle |
Critical Buyer Considerations
Before grabbing any co-op game, think about:
- Skill Gap Between Players: If one's experienced and one's new, avoid Cuphead. Try Kirby or Mario instead.
- Session Length: Overcooked excels in 30-minute bursts. Diablo demands 2+ hour commitments.
- Setup: Need extra controllers? Most games require Joy-Cons or Pro Controllers for each player.
- Online vs. Local: Living far from friends? Prioritize titles with online multiplayer like Diablo or Overcooked.
Pro Tip: Watch gameplay clips together before buying. A game's vibe matters – chaotic fun vs. relaxed exploration creates totally different experiences.
FAQs: Your Nintendo Switch Co-op Questions Answered
Q: What's the single best co-op game for Switch if I only buy one?
A: Honestly? Overcooked! All You Can Eat. It delivers maximum laughter-per-dollar, works for casual and hardcore players, and the bundle offers insane content. It's the Swiss Army knife of co-op.
Q: Are there good FREE co-op games on Switch?
A: Options are slim. Rocket League (soccer with cars) has fantastic free co-op online. Ninjala (colorful bubblegum battles) offers free modes. For paid-but-cheap, check sales for Unravel Two or Broforce.
Q: Can I play co-op games using just the Switch Lite?
A: Yes, BUT you'll need extra controllers. The Lite's controls aren't detachable. Pick up a pair of Joy-Cons or a Pro Controller for player two. Games like Streets of Rage 4 work great this way.
Q: Which games let one Switch play with multiple Switches online?
A: Many do! Diablo III, Mario Kart 8 Deluxe, and Overcooked! 2 allow local + online hybrid play. Check Nintendo's "Online Play" label on eShop pages.
Q: Are there co-op RPGs besides Diablo?
A: Absolutely. Divinity: Original Sin 2 (deep tactical RPG) supports 2-player local co-op. Salt and Sanctuary (dark souls-like) has great couch co-op. For lighter fare, try Cat Quest II (action RPG with cats and dogs).
Final Thoughts
Finding the best coop games for Switch boils down to your crew. Want chaotic fun with friends? Grab Overcooked. Need a campaign for two? Diablo or Luigi's Mansion. Playing with kids? Kirby or Mario. My personal workhorse is Diablo III – hundreds of hours of demon-slaying therapy. But that weekend with Dave? Overcooked defined it. Nothing beats screaming "I NEED CHOPPED LETTUCE NOW!" while the kitchen sinks into lava. So grab some Joy-Cons, call a friend, and dive in. Good luck out there, teams.