The Nintendo Switch has already overtaken the Wii U, which suggests that the Switch is here to stay and that Nintendo is fine, thank you very much.
If you read our Nintendo Switch review you'll see that we love this innovative little console. And the Switch is well on its way to punching another Mario-shaped hole in the gaming industry.
As with all Nintendo consoles, some of the best experiences you can have on the Switch are shared with friends. In this article we take a look at the best local multiplayer experiences on Switch, including split-screen co-op, competitive armchair multiplayer, and network fun with multiple Switch units.
If you're looking to play these types of games with friends no matter where they are, you can take a look at how to use Parsec to play local co-op PC games online.
Not many people played Mario Kart 8 the first time, as not many people owned the necessary hardware (the Wii U). The Switch re-release was a perfectly timed tactical move on Nintendo's part, an antidote to Breath of the Wild's riveting single-player campaign. If you own a Switch, this is the best experience you can have with friends on your handheld right now.
The Deluxe version includes all the DLC (including karts and Mercedes-branded parts), a redesigned "proper" battle mode with a Splatoon-themed arena, and just about every multiplayer mode you could ask for. Compete with up to four people on a single console, grab eight friends to play wirelessly, or network 12 Consoles together for a hectic Mario Kart LAN party.
Beyond the frenetic sliding action, Mario Kart 8 Deluxe also features accessibility options like auto-acceleration and steering assistance, meaning you can play with young children, your grandmother, or that person in the office who's never touched a controller..
The Switch has become home to some of the best indie titles in recent years, including co-op smash hit Overcooked. The game tasks you with running a busy kitchen. You must prepare the ingredients, cook, serve the meals and wash the dishes so that you can make even more food. It sounds easy? It's not.
Overcooked it constantly launches curved balls in the form of kitchens that change shape, split in half and spontaneously burn. Grab three friends and work together, communicate effectively, and roll on the floor laughing when everything turns pear-shaped.
One issue worth mentioning is that Overcooked suffers from some minor performance issues due to the Switch's relatively modest hardware.
The Switch version packs both DLC releases into its $20 price tag, and you'll have to read some tips from Overcooked. These 8 Overcooked tips will help you win the victory. These 8 Overcooked tips will help you win back. Simulation game where you team up with friends to run a restaurant. These are vital tips to help you succeed in your quest for culinary mastery. Read More
Love it or hate it, Minecraft is a video game that will define a generation. You've probably played it, your kids definitely have, and it's a formula that will remain relevant for generations to come. It only made sense that Minecraft would finally come to the Switch, with a bunch of technical improvements over the Wii U version.
It's also a multiplayer masterpiece; whether you play locally on the same machine via split screen (up to four players) or wirelessly on separate consoles (up to eight players). There's even cross-platform multiplayer support for other platforms (except for Sony's PS4), so you can play Minecraft on your Switch with other players who are using a Windows PC, Xbox 360, or another compatible platform.
Nintendo launched the Switch with two must-have titles:Breath of the Wild and Snipperclips. Before Mario Kart came along, Snipperclips was the best proof of concept we had for the multiplayer potential of the console. The fact that it sold so well back then and shows up on the eShop charts from time to time speaks volumes about this delightfully hilarious co-op experience.
Snipperclips is a cooperative game for two players. Each level presents you with an objective, such as throwing a ball through a hoop, and the ability to shrink your partner down. They must work together (or for comic effect, no) to turn their characters into tools that can help you complete the objective and get to the next level.
It's a wholesome local multiplayer experience that will challenge and tickle you in equal measure. The Plus version includes 40 new stages, with a commercial boxed version available as well.
For some of the most memorable multiplayer experiences you'll find on any platform, look no further than Jackbox's mini game releases. Known as party packs, there are four available at the time of writing, and they bring the fun of a quiz show to your living room. The games require players to use smartphones, tablets, or laptops as controllers to answer questions, draw, and vote on screen.
There is usually a limit of around eight players per game, although some increase the limit and others even allow audience members to participate and impact the proceedings. Each pack will set you back around $25 (you'll get discounts for owning other titles in the series) and contains five party games with some notable inclusions:
Payday 2 is a game where you rob banks in groups of four, and it's a bit different than the other games on this list. Each player will need their own console and a copy of the game to play, as there is no split-screen support. Online multiplayer is somewhat limited, as the Switch still has subpar support for voice communication, and this is a game that absolutely requires it.
But with three other members of your team in the same room, there may not be a better way to play on payday. It's a game that benefits from a fair amount of stealth and preparation, having a plan, and being able to execute that plan with effective communication. The Switch version may be inferior in terms of visuals and frame rates, but it's loaded with years of additional content and can be gathered and played virtually anywhere.
There's a reason Rocket League has enjoyed weeks on the Nintendo eShop charts since its arrival on the platform. In case you missed it, Rocket League is soccer with cars, and it took the world by storm when it arrived on PS4 and PC in June 2015. By early 2018, the game had amassed 40 million players worldwide. , with cross-platform support for everyone. But PS4 gamers (thanks Sony). It's still on our list of the best local multiplayer games for PS4. The 10 best local multiplayer games for the PS4. The 10 best local multiplayer games for the PS4. Are you looking to enjoy local multiplayer on your PS4? Here are some amazing multiplayer games that you can enjoy with friends. Read More
Multiplayer support is excellent across the board, with up to four player split-screen via docked mode (or two players on handheld). You can get up to eight people together and play Rocket League wirelessly or play online with other players on Switch, PC, and Xbox One.
It may not be the best version of the multiplayer hit from a performance standpoint, but it's one of the best multiplayer games you can play on any platform right now.
Enter the Gungeon is a top-down bullet from hell, meaning you'll spend your time dodging incoming fire before dying permanently and starting over. The game randomizes its levels, enemies, and weapon locations every time you play, keeping it fresh and challenging.
The Switch version was the first to see quality of life improvements that made the game considerably more accessible almost two years after it hit other platforms. So why not invite a friend over for a hectic two-player local multiplayer experience?!
A quintessential multiplayer experience, Super Bomberman R is the latest game in the hit arcade series that first appeared in 1983. The game sees you and three other friends battling it out on a square grid. You must place bombs to destroy blocks, collect power-ups, and finally trap your opponents with a well-placed explosive.
This was a Switch launch title, but it was originally released at full price, leading to some concerns about its value for money. Thankfully, the eShop price has since dropped, and second-hand physical copies can be picked up relatively cheaply at this point. The game has received huge improvements since its initial release as well.
Not everyone enjoys shooters, roguelikes, or racing games. If you are a puzzle enthusiast, Puyo Puyo Tetris is probably already on your list as there is nothing like it. The game melds the mega hit Tetris with Japan's massive Puyo Puyo for truly new puzzle action.
There are just about every game mode you can imagine, from pure Puyo and Tetris modes, to hybrid versions of the two. And there is even a mode where you play both games simultaneously. Things get very tense in multiplayer as players send unwanted blocks back and forth to fill up their opponent's screen.
If you can't find a partner to partner with you locally, you can always head to a player meetup. 3 amazing social networks just for gamers. 3 amazing social networks just for gamers. Are you looking for a social network where you can meet others like? Angry players? These are the best sites to check out if you need a little more gaming talk in your life. Read More
For this list, we wanted to focus on the best of the bunch. The Nintendo platform is on fire right now, which means everyone wants a piece of the pie. We're seeing games added to the eStore on a weekly basis, but not all of them are good.
Some local multiplayer highlights yet to come to the Switch in the future include a heavily teased version of Fortnite and the long-awaited co-op update for Stardew Valley. Until then, we've covered more great Switch games you should check out The best Nintendo Switch games you can buy today The best Nintendo Switch games you can buy today Here are the best Nintendo Switch games you can buy today, including early hits box office , third-party titles, and indies. Read more.
