Best Two Player Games on Nintendo Switch: Top Picks for 2024

The Nintendo Switch is a fantastic console for multiplayer gaming, offering a wide variety of titles that cater to cooperative and competitive play. Whether you’re looking for a fun party game, a challenging co-op adventure, or a fast-paced competitive experience, the Switch has something for everyone.

In this guide, we’ll explore the best two-player games on Nintendo Switch, covering different genres and playstyles. From couch co-op classics to modern hits, these games guarantee hours of entertainment for you and a friend.

Why Play Two-Player Games on Nintendo Switch?

The Nintendo Switch’s unique hybrid design makes it perfect for local multiplayer gaming. With detachable Joy-Con controllers, you can easily share the fun with a friend anytime, anywhere. Whether you’re at home or on the go, these games provide engaging experiences that strengthen teamwork or spark friendly rivalries.

Best Two-Player Games on Nintendo Switch

1. Super Mario Bros. Wonder

Genre: Platformer / Co-op
Why It’s Great: The latest 2D Mario game brings fresh mechanics, vibrant visuals, and seamless co-op gameplay. Two players can team up to navigate creative levels, with one playing as Mario and the other as Luigi (or other characters like Peach or Toad).

Key Features:

• Simultaneous two-player action

• New power-ups like the Elephant Fruit

• Dynamic level transformations

2. Mario Kart 8 Deluxe

Genre: Racing / Competitive
Why It’s Great: A must-have for any Switch owner, Mario Kart 8 Deluxe offers thrilling races with split-screen multiplayer. With 48 tracks, customizable karts, and fun items, it’s perfect for both casual and competitive play.

Key Features:

• Split-screen for two players

• 48 tracks (including DLC courses)

• Smart Steering assist for beginners

3. Overcooked! 2

Genre: Simulation / Co-op
Why It’s Great: This chaotic cooking game tests teamwork and communication. Two players must work together to prepare meals in increasingly absurd kitchens, leading to hilarious moments.

Key Features:

• Fast-paced cooperative gameplay

• Online and local multiplayer

• Hilarious kitchen disasters

4. It Takes Two

Genre: Adventure / Co-op
Why It’s Great: Winner of multiple Game of the Year awards, It Takes Two is a masterpiece of cooperative storytelling. Two players control Cody and May, a couple turned into dolls, solving creative puzzles and overcoming emotional challenges.

Key Features:

• Split-screen co-op only

• Varied gameplay mechanics

• Heartfelt narrative

5. Luigi’s Mansion 3

Genre: Action-Adventure / Co-op
Why It’s Great: Luigi’s ghost-hunting adventure includes a two-player co-op mode where one player controls Luigi and the other controls Gooigi, his slimy doppelgänger.

Key Features:

• Puzzle-solving with unique abilities

• Playable in co-op after the first few levels

• Charming and spooky atmosphere

6. Snipperclips: Cut It Out, Together!

Genre: Puzzle / Co-op
Why It’s Great: This clever puzzle game requires two players to cut each other’s paper characters into shapes to solve challenges. It’s simple yet incredibly inventive.

Key Features:

• Brain-teasing cooperative puzzles

• Quirky art style

• Great for casual and strategic players

7. Cuphead

Genre: Run-and-Gun / Co-op
Why It’s Great: Known for its brutal difficulty and 1930s cartoon aesthetic, Cuphead is even more fun with a friend. Two players can team up to battle challenging bosses.

Key Features:

• Local co-op mode

• Hand-drawn animation

• Tough but rewarding gameplay

8. Super Smash Bros. Ultimate

Genre: Fighting / Competitive
Why It’s Great: The ultimate crossover fighting game lets two players battle as their favorite Nintendo (and third-party) characters in fast-paced matches.

Key Features:

• Over 80 fighters

• Customizable rules

• Fun for casual and competitive play

9. Animal Crossing: New Horizons

Genre: Life Simulation / Co-op
Why It’s Great: While primarily a single-player game, Animal Crossing allows two players to live on the same island and collaborate on decorating, fishing, and bug-catching.

Key Features:

• Local and online co-op

• Relaxing gameplay

• Endless customization

10. Diablo III: Eternal Collection

Genre: Action RPG / Co-op
Why It’s Great: Hack and slash through dungeons with a friend in this addictive loot-driven RPG. The Switch version supports local co-op seamlessly.

Key Features:

• Full campaign in co-op

• Tons of loot and classes

• Endgame replayability

11. Kirby and the Forgotten Land

Genre: Platformer / Co-op
Why It’s Great: Kirby’s first 3D adventure includes a two-player mode where the second player controls Bandana Waddle Dee, assisting in combat and puzzles.

Key Features:

• Charming 3D platforming

• Fun co-op mechanics

• Family-friendly difficulty

12. Minecraft

Genre: Sandbox / Co-op
Why It’s Great: The ultimate creative sandbox is even dress up games  better with a friend. Build, explore, and survive together in split-screen or online multiplayer.

Key Features:

• Split-screen co-op

• Endless possibilities

• Cross-play support

13. Stardew Valley

Genre: Farming Sim / Co-op
Why It’s Great: Farm, mine, and build relationships together in this relaxing life sim. Two players can share a farm and work toward common goals.

Key Features:

• Local and online co-op

• Deep farming mechanics

• Charming pixel art

14. TowerFall Ascension

Genre: Archery Combat / Competitive
Why It’s Great: A fast-paced archery battle game where two players (or more) compete in pixel-perfect duels. Simple controls but highly competitive.

Key Features:

• Intense local multiplayer

• Quick rounds

• Great for quick gaming sessions

15. Puyo Puyo Tetris 2

Genre: Puzzle / Competitive
Why It’s Great: Combines two classic puzzle games into dress up games  one competitive package. Two players can battle in Tetris, Puyo Puyo, or hybrid modes.

Key Features:

• Fast-paced puzzle battles

• Multiple gameplay modes

• Fun for all skill levels

How to Choose the Best Two-Player Game for You

When picking a two-player game, consider:

• Genre preference (action, puzzle, racing, etc.)

• Co-op vs. competitive (teamwork or rivalry?)

• Difficulty level (casual or hardcore?)

• Playtime (quick sessions or long campaigns?)

Final Thoughts

The Nintendo Switch offers an incredible lineup of two-player games, whether you’re looking for cooperative adventures or competitive battles. From Mario Kart 8 Deluxe to It Takes Two, there’s something for every type of gamer.

What’s your favorite two-player game on Switch? Let us know in the comments!