Hey guys, Mike here with Nerd Problems Gaming, and today I want to share with you eight of the best multiplayer Switch games that are totally worth picking up. Whether you’re gaming with friends, family, or just looking to add some couch co-op chaos to your library, these games deliver some of the most fun you can have on the Switch. And big shoutout to Nintendo of America for hooking us up with some eShop credit so we could explore a few titles I hadn’t tried before, which definitely helped round out the list.
Also, as a bonus, most of these multiplayer Switch games were part of Nintendo’s Play Together sale when I picked them up, so if you happen to be checking this out during a sale period, you might even score some of these at a discount. Alright, let’s dive into the list of our picks of 8 of the Best Multiplayer Switch Games!
1. ARMS
Now, this one kind of flew under the radar for a lot of people, but ARMS is a wild and unique arena battle fighting game that’s centered around fighters with giant springy arms. It’s like a futuristic boxing match mixed with an anime twist, and while you can use traditional controls, where ARMS really shines is in its motion control gameplay using the Joy-Cons.
You can punch, dodge, block, and dash by moving your arms, and it actually gets pretty intense. This can turn your multiplayer sessions into a solid workout by the end. There’s a good selection of fighters, each with their own special moves and abilities, plus you can mix and match loadouts to tweak your playstyle.
It’s not just arena brawls either, there are other modes like volleyball and basketball (with your fists!), and a whole bunch of unlockables to keep things fresh. If you like the idea of chaotic motion-controlled fights or just want something off the beaten path that’s fun with friends, ARMS is one of the best multiplayer Switch games worth checking out!
2. Kirby Star Allies
Kirby has always been a fun franchise, but Kirby Star Allies turns up the multiplayer factor big time. It’s a traditional Kirby action platformer, but this time, up to four players can jump in and play together, making it a top contender as one of the best multiplayer Switch games. You play as Kirby on a mission to stop a dark priest from summoning an evil force to destroy the universe.
What makes this game unique is the new mechanic where Kirby can turn enemies into allies. You can add up to three of them to your team, and here’s where it gets awesome, as your friends can jump in and control those allies. Now you’re working together to combine powers and take down enemies and bosses.
The combo system is super cool, too. You can fuse powers between you and your friends to create unique abilities like a fire sword, ice whip, and more, based on who’s in your team. There’s a boss rush mode, mini-games, and a ton of fun moments outside the main story. If you’re into cooperative play, this one’s a blast. It’s charming, colorful, and packed with Kirby goodness.
Definitely check this one out if you are looking for some chaotic Nintendo Switch Co-Op Game fun!
3. Fire Emblem Warriors: Three Hopes
If you’re a fan of Fire Emblem: Three Houses, Three Hopes is basically like an alternate universe version of that game. But instead of a tactical RPG with turn-based gameplay, this is more of a hack-and-slash action RPG. Think Dynasty Warriors meets Fire Emblem.
You’ll be fighting off waves of enemies, completing missions, protecting key points, and defeating enemy commanders across large battle maps. What’s cool is it still keeps a lot of Fire Emblem’s signature mechanics like the rock-paper-scissors unit strategy and RPG progression for your characters.
The split-screen multiplayer mode is where the game really stands out. You and a buddy can control different heroes and take on missions together. It makes it easier to tackle side quests and objectives, and it’s just fun coordinating strategies in real time. If you like action RPGs or are a fan of the Three Houses cast, you’ll definitely want to check this one out.
4. Mario Golf: Super Rush
This one surprised me with how much fun it was in multiplayer. Mario Golf: Super Rush brings classic golf into the Mario universe with some wacky twists. It has your standard golf mode, sure, but then there are additional modes like speed golf and battle golf, which turn everything on its head.
Speed golf is especially chaotic, where you and your friends are racing from hole to hole, trying to be the fastest to complete the course. Then there’s battle golf, where the holes disappear once someone finishes them, adding this frantic, competitive energy to the game.
There’s also a story mode where you build up your Mii character from a golf beginner to a pro, improving their stats along the way, giving it some light RPG elements. The game features a bunch of classic Nintendo characters, and the multiplayer modes are just so much fun. It’s one of those games where you might say, “Okay, just one more round,” and then realize you’ve been playing for hours.
If you like golf, then Mario Golf Super Rush is certainly one of the best multiplayer Switch games worth playing.
5. Kirby Fighters 2
So here’s another Switch co-op gem from the Kirby series, Kirby Fighters 2. This one plays more like a Super Smash Bros. style brawler, but with all the charm of the Kirby universe. You’ve got over 20 fighters to choose from, many of them just different versions of Kirby with different abilities.
What makes this stand out is how unique each Kirby form is. Sword Kirby feels completely different from Bomb Kirby or Whip Kirby, and each has their own moveset and tactics. There are a bunch of arenas with environmental hazards, and it adds a good layer of strategy to each match.
There’s also a full story mode you can play solo or co-op, where you climb a tower filled with enemies and bosses with the ultimate goal of taking down Meta Knight and King Dedede. As you progress, you pick different power-ups to enhance your team, which add some light RPG elements. If you enjoy chaotic fighting games or just love Kirby, this is a fantastic multiplayer Switch Game worth checking out.
6. New Super Mario Bros. U Deluxe
If you missed this one on the Wii U, now’s your chance to jump in. New Super Mario Bros. U Deluxe brings classic 2D Mario platforming to the Switch, but with a few additions. You get the base game, the New Super Luigi U DLC, and a new playable character, Toadette, who’s perfect for newer players thanks to her more forgiving mechanics.
Multiplayer here is both awesome and hilariously chaotic. Up to four players can play together, and there’s a great mechanic where if one player falls, the others can revive them as long as someone stays alive. It keeps things moving without constantly restarting levels, which is perfect if you’re playing with younger kids or less experienced gamers.
The platforming is tight and classic Mario, and having multiple players on screen adds an extra layer of challenge and fun. Whether it’s your first time or you’re revisiting the game, it’s a great addition to your multiplayer Switch game collection.
7. Hyrule Warriors: Age of Calamity
This one’s an epic ride if you’re into The Legend of Zelda. Age of Calamity is a prequel to Breath of the Wild, letting you play as Link, Zelda, and the champions as they fight off the forces of Calamity Ganon. And instead of being a traditional Zelda game, this is a hack-and-slash action RPG, similar to the Warriors series.
You’re mowing down hundreds of enemies per level, taking on huge bosses, and leveling up your characters along the way. Each hero has their own unique playstyle, weapons, and abilities, and there’s a ton of content here to dig into.
Multiplayer here is another win where you can team up with a friend via split-screen, which is super helpful for tackling some of the tougher missions. You can divide up tasks, capture points, or team up against stronger enemies. It adds a ton of depth to the already solid gameplay. If you’re a Zelda fan or just love action RPGs, Hyrule Warriors: Age of Calamity is an absolute must-play co-op Switch game.
8. Kirby’s Dream Buffet
Rounding out the list is probably the most unique game here, Kirby’s Dream Buffet. This one feels like Fall Guys meets Mario Kart, all wrapped up in the Kirby universe. You race through dessert-themed levels, eating as many strawberries as possible to become the largest Kirby by the end.
The visuals are super cute, and the gameplay is deceptively competitive. You can pick up items that give you abilities to help yourself or mess with other players “Mario Kart Style”, like speed boosts, shields, and attacks that knock opponents off the track.
There’s even a battle royale-style mini-game between races where everyone scrambles to eat strawberries before time runs out. Add in all kinds of unlockables, and you’ve got a fun party game that’s simple to pick up but hard to put down. If you like lighthearted chaos and racing games, Kirby’s Dream Buffet is a sweet addition to your Switch multiplayer game collection.
8 of the Best Switch Multiplayer Games – Final Thoughts
So that wraps up my list of eight essential Nintendo Switch multiplayer games. Whether you’re into action RPGs, chaotic party games, or classic platformers, there’s something here for every type of gamer. These games really showcase the versatility of the Switch, and they’re perfect for local multiplayer or just kicking back with friends and family.
But now I want to hear from you! Have you played any of these games? Are there any you think I should have included? Drop your recommendations in the comments of our YouTube video. And let us know if we missed any great Switch multiplayer games on our list, as I’m always looking for new multiplayer titles to try out! And if you found this list helpful, be sure to give it a like and subscribe to our YouTube channel for more reviews, game lists, and all things nerdy from the world of video games and beyond.
Until next time, thanks for checking out Nerd Problems Gaming, and I’ll catch you in the next video!