The Nintendo Switch can adapt to most situations. While perhaps not the most powerful console ever, the system is the definition of flexible, and that goes beyond its hybrid selling point. The Switch library is incredibly robust, thoroughly covering pretty much every genre on the market. The same can be said for features, as the console has more than a few games designed around online multiplayer or local co-op. Even if it is no longer as popular as it was during the late '90s and early 2000s, couch gaming will always have a place in the industry.

Due to the store having so many products (and clutter), it can be difficult to sift through the noise to find the diamonds in the rough. Consequently, this article will highlight the best couch co-op Switch games to try and simplify the process as much as possible.

Updated February 11, 2025 by Mark Sammut: A section dedicated to upcoming Switch co-op games has been added. The focus is on projects that should be released in 2025. Click below to jump to this part of the article.

30 Diablo 3: Eternal Collection

A Complete Package

Diablo 3 Tag Page Cover Art

Action RPG
Systems
Top Critic Rating: 89/100 Critics Recommend: 98%
Released
September 3, 2013
Developer(s)
Blizzard
Pros & Cons
  • 4-Player Support
  • Co-Op Campaign

The third entry of Blizzard's famed dungeon-crawling epic is largely known for its addictive, robust online gameplay. Yet, the Switch version of this game makes for a streamlined way to enjoy Diablo 3 with three other players locally.

The game's convenient system of hotkeys and a palatable interface allows gamers to get the most out of the experience even amid chaotic four-player skirmishes with enemy hordes. A single-screen can be shared, but remote play – or a combination of TV and handheld play – is also available. And with such an expansive rendition – which includes the Reaper of Souls and Rise of the Necromancer DLC – players can be assured countless hours of hack 'n slash goodness with their friends or family.

29 Risk Of Rain Returns

Revamping A Classic

Risk of Rain Returns Tag Page Cover Art

Roguelike
Platformer
Systems
Top Critic Rating: 84/100 Critics Recommend: 90%
Released
November 8, 2023
Developer(s)
Hopoo Games
Pros & Cons
  • 4-Player Support
  • Co-Op Campaign

2013's Risk of Rain has been largely overshadowed by its 3D successor, but the first game is still a great and influential roguelike. 2023's Returns serves as both a 10-year celebration of the original project's debut and a revamp that irons out some of its rougher and more dated components. Nowadays, Risk of Rain Returns is arguably the best way to experience this seminal release, offering an addictive and challenging experience that can keep players engaged for potentially months on end.

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Risk of Rain Returns: 10 Overpowered Builds That Are A Lot Of Fun

Getting specific item combinations in any of the Risk of Rain games can be difficult. But, players who manage to do so will feel extra powerful.

The remake pays quite a bit of attention to the multiplayer portion, and this is arguably the most improved area over the 2013 version. Online multiplayer is easy to set up and allows four people to participate together. While joining up with strangers is naturally an option, Risk of Rain Returns' high difficulty and item sharing (or exclusivity, depending on the host's decision) demand a united front if players wish to get far in a playthrough. Couch co-op is also available, and it plays out largely the same as the online variant. As the action gets hectic quickly in single-player, co-op amplifies the chaos quite a bit; however, it is all part of the fun.

28 Kirby Star Allies

Easy-Going Kirby Co-Op Fun

Kirby Star Allies Tag Page Cover Art
Kirby Star Allies

Platformer
Systems
Top Critic Rating: 74/100
Developer(s)
HAL Laboratory
Pros & Cons
  • 4-Player Support
  • Co-Op Campaign

Nintendo's pink, spherical mascot has shined since the SNES days when it comes to simultaneous couch co-op – and this charming rendition on Switch is no different. In a sense, the game takes on the feel of both Kirby and New Super Mario Bros. Up to four players can embark on this colorful adventure, which hovers somewhere in between a platformer and a party game.

The game stresses the consumption of foes and the fusion of different powers and abilities. These attributes lend themselves to cooperative play, encouraging friends to work together and combine forces against the baddies, bosses, and puzzles in their path.

Kirby and the Forgotten Land's campaign can also be played in co-op, with a second player controlling Bandana Waddle Dee. The game is great and co-op is a nice option; however, Bandana definitely comes across as a support figure rather than Kirby's equal.

27 Resident Evil 5

While Shows Its Age At Times, Still A Decent Horror Co-Op Experience

Resident Evil 5 Tag Page Cover Art