Top Nintendo Switch Sofa Co-op Games: A Guide for Easy Fun with Friends

Death Squared (Switch eShop)

Death Squared is designed with co-op gameplay in mind, and it truly excels at it. Your task is to guide two cuboid robots through a series of increasingly challenging puzzle levels, ensuring they both stand on their respective colored circles without causing harm to one another. It may sound simple, but navigating the numerous traps and complex sequences can be quite demanding.

Packed with personality and colorful storytelling, Death Squared is a delightful cube-shaped gem on the eShop.

Rocket League (Switch eShop)

Rocket League is an impressive online multiplayer game that involves driving speedy cars, executing outrageous maneuvers, and scoring crazy goals with a massive ball on a large soccer field. Make no mistake, despite the unusual concept, it’s among the best soccer games available on Switch.

Local co-op supports up to four players, allowing you to face off against AI in 2v2, 3v3, or 4v4 matches. There’s plenty to enjoy here. And if you’re still uncertain, it’s free-to-play, so it won’t cost you anything to give it a whirl.

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Captain Toad: Treasure Tracker (Switch)

A beautifully crafted little game, Captain Toad: Treasure Tracker shines whether you’re into puzzles or non-jumping platforming, and the co-op mode Nintendo introduced makes this gem even better with Toadette ready to assist the Captain throughout the adventure. There’s even a delightful DLC expansion for those who’ve completed the main storyline.

Featuring beautiful visuals and a lively soundtrack, it’s a genuine treasure; an enchanting and delightful 3D platform puzzle game suitable for all ages, and one you should definitely experience if you haven’t already.

Lovers in a Dangerous Spacetime (Switch eShop)

Lovers in a Dangerous Spacetime turns the silliness up to 11, providing close-to-perfect co-op fun for you and your pals. It supports up to four players, and everyone must collaborate to maintain a colorful Death Star-like ship operational while fending off enemies in space.

You will be able to rush between various control rooms, managing turrets, lasers, shields, and thrusters to keep your ship afloat and accumulate a high score. Death is unavoidable, but you can postpone it as long as possible – provided you work together.

Enter the Gungeon (Switch eShop)

Enter the Gungeon is as outrageous as its name implies. This is a completely bonkers, bullet-ridden roguelike where you shoot, loot, roll, and flip tables as you navigate hordes of foes in pursuit of the legendary gun that can… um, rewrite history. Whatever that means.

Who really cares about the storyline? This is an action-packed shooter that makes the chaos of The Matrix look like a yoga class for the elderly.

Pode (Switch eShop)

With its soothing, calming, and melodic soundtrack, stunning visuals, and a simple yet touching narrative, Pode excels in providing a generous cooperative experience and a challenging 8-10 hours of gameplay that will stand out – particularly among the fast-paced and frantic multiplayer offerings on the eShop. A lovely little co-op game.

Minecraft: Nintendo Switch Edition (Switch eShop)

Minecraft was once the biggest game on the planet before Fortnite stepped into the spotlight. Nonetheless, its influence is far-reaching, which explains the vast number of imitation survival games and blocky creations.

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is available on Switch, providing you with infinite hours of cooperative enjoyment as you essentially do anything you desire, from building structures to creating weapons and battling foes, forming entire communities or vast voxel sculptures.

Snipperclips Plus: Work Together to Cut It Out! (Switch)

Not only is Snipperclips a unique title for the Nintendo Switch and one of the console’s launch games, but it also remains one of the best sofa co-op experiences available on the platform. It requires you to navigate a variety of creative levels, trimming your paper characters into different shapes to assist in solving puzzles. There’s a substantial single-player storyline to enjoy, which also accommodates two-player co-op, along with many additional puzzles that can be tackled with up to four players.

While you don’t necessarily require a second player, we wouldn’t recommend playing Snipperclips without a friend, family member, or partner – when solutions elude you or an attempt goes awry, relieving frustration by snipping (and definitely, clipping) your partner can be a hilarious and cathartic experience.

Rayman Legends: Definitive Edition is an absolutely magnificent 2D platformer that you definitely should check out regardless of the multiplayer options. Fortunately, it features full sofa co-op support, allowing you to enjoy the entire experience with a friend.

And what an experience it is. You will likely dash, leap, and punch your way through a variety of imaginative levels that draw inspiration from classics such as Mario and Sonic, and even Guitar Hero.

Cuphead (Switch eShop)

Cuphead was an absolute masterpiece upon its release on Xbox, and nothing has been lost in its transition to the Switch. It remains as visually stunning and aurally pleasing, and surprisingly challenging as it was on Microsoft’s console, and the Switch’s collection is all the better for having it.

Its emphasis on fierce boss battles may not suit everyone’s preferences, but as long as you understand what you’re getting into, we can’t recommend it highly enough — and it’s easy to share the experience with a friend controlling Mugman and joining you in two-player co-op. Moreover, with the DLC, The Delicious Last Course, there’s even more content to dive into alongside a buddy.

Once again, do not be misled by its immaculate cartoon exterior — this is a punishing run-and-gun game, so be prepared for a challenge.

TowerFall (Switch eShop)

TowerFall sets the standard for excellence in local multiplayer, creating a fun and endlessly replayable experience that’s a blast no matter when you play. Though the single-player mode is somewhat thinner than one might hope and the absence of online features might disappoint some, few games exemplify the unique multiplayer strengths of the Switch like this one, supporting up to six players.

While it is especially noted for its competitive multiplayer, a range of cooperative modes makes TowerFall perfect for anyone seeking a great party game, with straightforward mechanics and nearly limitless depth.

Super Mario 3D World + Bowser’s Fury (Switch)

Super Mario 3D World + Bowser’s Fury takes everything that made the beloved cat-filled Wii U classic special and adds various little gameplay tweaks to enhance the overall experience. The first four-player 3D Mario game combines the freedom of a 3D realm with the spirit of the more compact (yet equally creative) designs of his 2D outings.

The cooperative multiplayer aspect brings Princess Peach, Luigi, and Toad back as playable characters, mirroring the roster from Super Mario Bros. 2, with Cat Mario and Captain Toad also included.

This game serves as an accessible introduction to a grander 3D Super Mario universe, and is enjoyable for veterans of the Z-axis as well, ranking high among the best in the plumber’s portfolio. If you’re looking to expand your local multiplayer group’s experiences beyond the 2D plane of other Mario platformers, Super Mario 3D World is an excellent choice.

Marvel Ultimate Alliance 3: The Black Order (Switch)

Marvel Ultimate Alliance 3: The Black Order isn’t a groundbreaking, narratively rich reimagining of the comic characters you’re familiar with, but neither were the first two entries. It’s a highly faithful sequel that utilizes the vast roster of characters from the comics while also incorporating several nods to the latest installments of the Marvel Cinematic Universe.

Though it doesn’t introduce anything particularly novel or extraordinary, it fully embraces the mindless fun of its brawler combat with enthusiasm, and it shines brightest when played with a group of player-controlled superheroes.

Unravel Two (Switch)

Unravel Two is a charming little game, rich in heartfelt moments of touching storytelling and challenging platforming puzzles, and works remarkably well on the Nintendo Switch. Despite a few visual downgrades, Unravel Two is far from an unpleasant experience when played on Nintendo’s hybrid system.

Brimming with charm and character, it’s one of the best cooperative platformers you can play anywhere, and another solid Switch port that was certainly worth the wait.

Diablo III: Eternal Collection (Switch)

DiabloIII: Eternal Assortment is an enjoyable adaptation of a classic RPG loot-a-thon that firmly stays grounded in nostalgia. The execution is remarkably refined, but its gameplay may not attract everyone due to its considerable degree of repetition. If you’re seeking a loot-driven grind fest filled with more explosions and gore than you could possibly count, and you’re willing to take the plunge with your friends or family, then this game is certainly for you.

It’s also a genre that is best enjoyed alongside friends. While online play is an option, local co-op provides a much more enriching experience as you battle demons and collect loot with up to three other local players eager to join you on your journey.

BOXBOY! + BOXGIRL! (Switch eShop)

Larger and more fully realized than ever, BOXBOY! + BOXGIRL! marks a significant milestone in this quirky puzzle-platformer series. It’s not without its flaws — the simplistic shapes and sluggish physics may not suit everyone’s taste — but fans of cooperative puzzle games should definitely check it out promptly.

The ‘Fable For Two’ campaign allows a second player to take control of Qucy, requiring both players to work together to maneuver boxes and traverse every 2D stage to reach the exit. It remains a unique and deceptively intricate puzzle experience akin to the trilogy on 3DS, but now that a partner can join in on the fun, this is the finest BOXBOY yet.

Mario Tennis Aces (Switch)

Mario Tennis Aces offers local co-op for up to four players in its doubles mode, making it possibly the best tennis option currently available on Switch — although Switch Sports also features familiar Wii-style tennis gameplay.

Additionally, while this is primarily a local co-op listing, it’s worth mentioning that online co-op challenges reward you with unique outfits, characters, and alternate color schemes.

The Binding of Isaac: Repentance (Switch)

The Binding of Isaac: Repentance features local co-op for four players with its top-down Zelda-inspired, endlessly replayable dungeon-crawler gameplay. Quite a mouthful, right? Initially, in Afterbirth+, only Player One could control Isaac, while others were limited to babies that dealt half the damage and could fly, but had just one heart container that they took from Isaac when they joined.

Fortunately, the Repentance update has fixed this issue. With an abundance of content to explore, it would be a shame not to assist Isaac in this predicament if you’re up for some procedurally generated mayhem sprinkled with plenty of humor.

Pokémon: Let’s Go, Pikachu! and Let’s Go, Eevee! (Switch)

Pokémon: Let’s Go, Pikachu! and Let’s Go, Eevee! are likely the most user-friendly of all the mainline Pokémon titles, making them accessible for everyone. However, if you’re keen on revisiting the Kanto region from the original Pokémon games, you’ll definitely want to bring a friend along to enjoy the cooperative gameplay.

A second trainer can join in at any time, effectively acting as a supportive character that makes the game much easier. If capturing those elusive Pokémon and battling other trainers proves challenging, playing in co-op mode could be your best bet.

Heave Ho (Switch eShop)

Heave Ho may not quite reach the exceptional heights of Snipperclips, but it remains one of the finest local co-op games available on the Switch. It fosters teamwork and careful strategizing yet retains a completely chaotic and hilariously fun atmosphere, complete with a wide variety of quirky costumes to unlock as you progress.

The fact that you’ll experience the same levels, whether playing in multiplayer or single-player mode, can be somewhat disappointing, so it’s best to save this for when your friends are around. Regardless of how you choose to play, Heave Ho guarantees a blast and easily earns its spot on this list.

Mario + Rabbids Kingdom Battle (Switch)

You might not even realize that Mario + Rabbids Kingdom Battle includes an excellent co-op mode, allowing you and a friend to tackle various mission maps as your favorite characters. You’ll need to complete World 1.5 in solo mode before it becomes available through the Buddydome to the right of Peach’s Castle. Unfortunately, the sequel — Sparks of Hope — lacks co-op play entirely.

Capcom Beat ‘Em Up Bundle (Switch eShop)

While you could argue that the classic side-scrolling brawler has become a rare species for a reason – they can become quite repetitive after some time – Capcom Beat ‘Em Up Bundle perfectly illustrates why this genre was once the pinnacle of video gaming in the late ’80s and early ’90s.

Engaging, visually appealing, and—perhaps most importantly—immensely enjoyable when played collaboratively with friends, all the titles in this seven-game compendium are worth your time. By incorporating robust local and online multiplayer support, Capcom has made a significant effort to ensure they resonate with a new generation of gamers. If you’ve ever enjoyed a side-scrolling brawl, this is an essential acquisition.

If you’re looking for additional brawlers to enjoy with friends, be sure to browse our selection of Best Beat ‘Em Ups on Switch for more choices.

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Brothers: A Tale of Two Sons (Switch eShop)

As touching, heart-wrenching, and impactful as it was upon its release in 2013, Brothers: A Tale of Two Sons has not diminished in its emotional resonance over the years. With a captivating soundtrack and a design reminiscent of Fable, along with a genuinely engaging co-op experience, you’ll easily see why it garners such admiration.

The new retro-style co-op mode offers a fresh way to experience the game, though do keep in mind that it also takes away one of its most challenging and fulfilling elements, possibly making things a bit too simple. Nevertheless, it’s still a delightful two-player experience.

Super Mario Party (Switch)

Among the three Mario Party titles available on Switch, Super Mario Party may be the least remarkable overall (not bad, mind you—we awarded it a solid 8/10!), but its 2v2 mode and four-player co-op make it the perfect option if you believe teamwork makes the dream work.

If you’re looking for minigame-filled adventures where you can compete against your friends, both Mario Party Superstars and Super Mario Party Jamboree are excellent alternatives. For those who prefer amiable competition over conflict, the Switch’s first Mario Party is likely the top choice.

Killer Queen Black (Switch)

Killer Queen Black presents a 2D multiplayer fiesta that’s easy to pick up but devilishly difficult to master. Although the online multiplayer features shut down in 2022, the support for local multiplayer (using split Joy-Cons and/or wireless play) truly enhances the experience, making it ideal for crazy couch gaming sessions.

The learning curve is steep, and it can be chaotic when played on anything smaller than a large TV, but it has the potential to become a favorite for indie multiplayer enthusiasts.

The Stretchers (Switch eShop)

The Stretchers was an unexpected gem published by Nintendo from Tarsier Studios, which appeared on the eShop. Tarsier combined its expertise from titles like Ragdoll Kung-Fu: Fists of Plastic and LittleBigPlanet to create an absurdly delightful ragdoll puzzle adventure that works well solo but is elevated when enjoyed with a true friend in co-op.

The missions are varied and allow for plenty of laugh-out-loud slapstick moments, with several memorable highlights sprinkled throughout that could keep you chuckling until the end.

Monaco: Complete Edition (Switch eShop)

Monaco: Complete Edition provides a robust single-player experience enriched with excellent storytelling and multiple perspectives, alongside cleverly designed heist-focused gameplay that utilizes each character’s skills to the fullest.

However, it truly shines in multiplayer, whether sofa co-op or online. With the servers being relatively quiet, gathering a group of friends to form your own quirky team is the best way to dive into this thrilling heist adventure.

ibb & obb (Switch eShop)

Playing Ibb & Obb solo is nearly impossible; it simply won’t work. However, partnering with a good friend—preferably through local play—will likely lead to an absolute blast with this game. Some puzzles can be excruciatingly tough initially, but it’s immensely satisfying once you finally figure out how to conquer them together.

Yet another charming co-op title to enhance the Switch’s collection.

Good Job! (Switch eShop)

Good Job! was a delightful surprise that everyone ought to experience. Thanks to its hilarious physics, seemingly mundane tasks can devolve into chaotic hilarity—intentionally or otherwise—and its grading system allows for numerous opportunities to replay.

Minor technical glitches aside, Good Job! is guaranteed to have you in fits of laughter, and its co-op mode, while significantly chaotic (you’re twice as likely to cause unnecessary damage), is a load of fun if you and your partner can work together smoothly.

Luigi’s Mansion 3 (Switch)

Luigi’s Mansion 3 is not just a visual marvel and a showcase of Next Level Games’ exceptional skills in game animation, but also an enormous source of spooky enjoyment. The attention to detail and care poured into every element of the game is abundantly clear, resulting in one of the most enjoyable and engaging titles on the Switch.

It’s a fantastic single-player experience, but you can also tackle the entire game alongside a good friend, loved one, or even sworn adversary in co-op mode. Player One controls Luigi while Player Two takes control of Gooigi, providing a balanced gameplay experience. Traditional Luigi certainly has the upper hand overall, making this an ideal game for younger players or less experienced gamers.

Knights and Bikes (Switch eShop)

Throughout, Knights and Bikes is a joy to behold and a testament to the creative prowess of the team at Foam Sword. The story of Demelza and Nessa is compelling, striking all the right emotional and comedic notes seamlessly, while

The laid-back gameplay is diverse and captivating as the narrative progresses.

Everything is seamlessly tied together with remarkable presentation, creating a couch co-op experience that you won’t want to miss. It’s a blast no matter how you choose to engage with it, though keep in mind that you’ll have the most rewarding and delightful experience if you invite a genuine friend to join you for a run.

Streets of Rage 4 (Switch eShop)

Streets of Rage 4 is arguably the finest the series has ever been, offering exceptional co-op brawling. Its hand-drawn visuals inject fresh life into Wood Oak City and its residents, while the soundtrack is outstanding, and the combat feels better than ever.

Lizardcube, Guard Crush Games, and Dotemu successfully modernized the look and feel of Streets of Rage, enhancing the experience without losing sight of what made the original games beloved in the first place. The few additions to the action here serve to refine the classic core gameplay, resulting in one of the best side-scrolling beat ’em ups we’ve encountered in a long time.

Phogs! (Switch eShop)

Phogs! delivers a delightful dose of unrestrained joy in a unique, physics-driven, dog-tube format. It’s difficult to play this game without sporting a big, goofy grin.

The Switch version has minor to notable glitches here and there, but they seldom impede the flow of the puzzle-solving, dog-wiggling gameplay – making it yet another lively co-op experience for Nintendo’s library.

Overcooked! All You Can Eat (Switch)

Overcooked! All You Can Eat acts as a time management simulator, where you and up to a couple of friends must collaborate to prepare a variety of orders before your impatient customers storm out of the restaurant. Meanwhile, the restaurant itself actively works against you. You might have to contend with gusts of wind while preparing meals atop a hot air balloon or navigate a spinning kitchen.

This is intense action, and the chaos only increases with more players involved. Regardless of how you choose to play, you’re sure to have an exhilarating time whipping up the numerous dishes.

This is an absolute must-have for anyone searching for a fantastic co-op game to enjoy with friends. The quirky visuals and frenetic gameplay make it an ideal choice for local co-op, and there’s a lot to explore with all of Overcooked: Special Edition and Overcooked 2 — both outstanding co-op games in their own right — to savor.

The main drawback is that those who have already played either title (or both) may not find an abundance of new content here, aside from the exciting “Peckish Rises” expansion. Still, very appetizing.

WarioWare: Get It Together! (Switch)

WarioWare: Get It Together! made a triumphant debut on Switch for the quirky series, implementing some bold changes to core gameplay, resulting in the best entry in the franchise to date.

With a wide array of playable characters, numerous solo and multiplayer modes to explore, and stages that cleverly adjust to your choices on the fly, this compilation of hilarious microgames offers more ways to play than ever before. You’ll likely find yourself laughing, crying, and dodging chicken droppings on a skateboard. So gather a few friends or family members, grab the controllers, and huddle around the TV — WarioWare: Get It Together! is essential if you’re looking for a couch co-op laugh.

And if you can’t get enough of Wario’s antics, WarioWare: Move It! returns the very best motion-control madness from the Wii entry, Smooth Moves. Everyone’s a winner.

LEGO Star Wars: The Skywalker Saga (Switch)

Lego Star Wars: The Skywalker Saga provides a fantastic experience on Switch, a grand celebration of everything Star Wars, and a delightful family co-op adventure as well.

The enhancements to the series’ core gameplay — the combo-focused combat, flashy space battles, boss encounters, over-the-shoulder shooting action, and stealth mechanics — all come together to make this the finest LEGO Star Wars game to play.

Add in a vast open-world environment teeming with secrets and collectibles, and you have an incredible smorgasbord of Star Wars content to uncover with a genuine friend by your side, potentially making it the best LEGO game ever. Yub nub.

ARMS (Switch)

The fundamental combat mechanics of ARMS are straightforward to grasp — especially if you’re using the delightfully intuitive motion controls — yet they showcase a layer of depth that rewards dedicated players. The game’s Versus mode is tailored for local multiplayer, allowing up to four fighters to engage in various battles.

In terms of cooperation, Team Fight is where the excitement lies, featuring a 2-on-2 mode where you’re tethered to your partner by an elastic rope. It’s a blast, and even if you can’t justify purchasing the game solely for this mode, we appreciate ARMS for these elements and wanted to acknowledge it here.

In the grand scheme, it may not have significantly impacted the esteemed legacy of Nintendo IP, but ARMS deserves a second look if it slipped past your radar.