2-Player Nintendo Switch Games to Cooperate and Compete

Solo campaigns in video games are ideal for a chill night in and wanting to get immersed into a world. However, sometimes it’s time to get heads out of the clouds and game with other people. Do you have a Nintendo Switch and an urge to cooperate or compete? These 2-player Nintendo Switch games can make the most out of any evening where you need to practice a little teamwork — or disintegrate any team-building you’ve done to this point.

Kirby Series

Everyone recognizes the adorable pink ball of cuteness that is Kirby. The Kirby games have several varieties. You can play a traditional narrative campaign, side-scrolling fighter or competitive party game. Plus, this franchise is known for its portfolio of rage-inducing mini-games. Team up with a friend to complete a story or level up characters to brawl in any of these installments:

• Kirby and the Forgotten Land
• Kirby Star Allies
• Super Kirby Clash
• Kirby’s Dream Buffet
• Kirby: Return to Dream Land Deluxe

Mario Series

You can’t talk about 2-player Nintendo Switch games without talking about our favorite plumber in the red hat. There are Mario games in every genre, so there is something out there for everyone. From board game-style madness to intense platforming, feel free to try out any of these titles with two players or increase it to more:

• Super Mario Odyssey
• Mario Party Superstars
• Super Mario Party
• Mario Kart 8
• Super Mario Bros. Wonder
• Super Mario Maker 2
• New Super Mario Bros. U Deluxe
• Mario Tennis Aces
• Mario + Rabbids Kingdom Battle
• Super Mario 3D World + Bowser’s Fury

It Takes Two

It Takes Two is made for two players. Play as Cody and May, a married couple stretched to their limits. After getting turned into dolls, they must traverse the home in miniature in a split-screen action adventure specifically designed for some of the most creative cooperative play in gaming. It doesn’t hurt that the two receive help from the hilarious Dr. Hakim, a talking relationship advice book with a sassy attitude.

Minecraft

Minecraft is one of the most versatile games out there. You can have the 2-player experience in a cozy setting by building houses together. Others want to explore and fight, while gathering materials for crafting along the way. With countless mods that make this game almost infinitely replayable, dynamic duos will have a lot of fun stretching this world to fit their imaginations.

Clubhouse Games: 51 Worldwide Classics

Clubhouse Games is perfect for when you want to play the most quintessential card and board games in one space. Play recognizable favorites like chess and air hockey, and expose yourself to digitized versions of international games like hanafuda and mancala. 

Super Smash Bros. Ultimate

Nintendo’s most famous fighting franchise is available for 2-player action. It has all of the familiar faces, including Link and Samus. However, the DLC fighters are where this release shines compared to the ones preceding. Play Minecraft’s Steve and Alex, Joker from Persona 5 or Sora from Kingdom Hearts. Duke it out in every stage to perfect your favorite fighter’s craft.

Captain Toad: Treasure Tracker

This humble puzzle game tests your and your friend’s brains. Control multiple Toads around a stage to gather collectibles and find secrets. What’s the gimmick? You can’t jump. So, you’ll have to work together to find stairs, stand on pressure plates or find projectiles to ascend to each level’s end. For completionists, there is also a hide-and-seek mini-game for each level.

Stardew Valley

The world’s most well-loved farming and life simulator is one of the most charming coop experiences on the Switch. Expand your farm by planting crops, ranching and fishing to make ends meet. With the help of a friend, you will be able to complete all of your chores while having time to explore the mines and make friends. Stardew Valley’s nostalgic graphics and memorable soundtrack are a dream for those who wanted Harvest Moon as a 2-player experience.

Yoshi’s Crafted World

Yoshi doesn’t get as much love as some of their other Mario characters, but Yoshi’s Crafted World is a fun throwback to previous games. The couch coop requires intricate coordination in this pseudo-side-scrolling game. Jump on each other’s backs to reach new heights, shoot eggs at targets and admire the lovely colors in the creative levels. There is tons of replayability to get everything unlocked.

Nintendo Switch Sports

Remember Wii Sports and that feeling of getting a strike in the bowling mini-game? Return to how you felt in 2006 with Nintendo Switch Sports. Whip out your favorite Mii and prepare to trash-talk your friends with your prowess. With the Joy-Con motion controls, you’ll need some space to stretch out and swing in these competitive environments:

• Golf
• Soccer
• Volleyball
• Bowling
• Tennis
• Badminton
• Chambara

Hyrule Warriors: Age of Calamity

Not since the likes of Four Swords Adventure and Triforce Heroes have there been many opportunities for multiple players to enjoy The Legend of Zelda at the same time. The Hyrule Warriors spin-off series blends what everyone enjoys about Zelda and the hack-and-slash Dynasty Warriors games. Go with a pal to complete many missions while getting the fascinating backstory to the events before Breath of the Wild. Remember — it’s dangerous to go alone.

Overcooked! All You Can Eat

If you’ve ever worked in the food industry, you will be more than prepared to handle this chaotic cooperative game. In Overcooked, players wash dishes, ready meals and fulfill orders while running over moving platforms, putting out fires and much more. Working in a video game may not sound ideal for a fun evening, but we promise laughter will ensue in this challenging test of teamwork.

Jackbox Party Packs

Despite Jackbox party packs being designed for larger groups, several of its mini-games are suitable for two players. Whether sitting on the same couch or needing something to do with a long-distance partner, all you need is your phone and an internet connection to enjoy Jackbox. These are the best ones to seek out for two players:

• Trivia Murder Party and Trivia Murder Party 2
• Bomb Corp.
• Quixort
• The Poll Mine
• Wheel of Enormous Proportions
• Fibbage
• Blather ‘Round
• You Don’t Know Jack
• Guesspionage

Honorable Mentions

This list does not include every single amazing 2-player Nintendo Switch game out there, but here are some others to look into if you make it through all of these great titles:

• Snipperclips: Cut it Out Together
• For the King
• Splatoon series
• Animal Crossing: New Horizons
• Cuphead
• Unravel 2
• Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Shredder’s Revenge
• Resident Evil 5
• Donkey Kong Country: Tropical Freeze
• Brothers: A Tale of Two Sons

Snag These 2-Player Nintendo Switch Games 

There is no reason to be bored on a weeknight when there are so many incredible 2-player Nintendo Switch games. You can play many of these as couch coops or online, but no matter what you prefer, this wonderful console has plenty of fun to offer.