Are you getting together with friends or family around the holidays or on New Year’s Eve and looking for games that you can enjoy together? Then the Nintendo Switch is a good choice – here you will find games for gaming professionals as well as newcomers.
Whether with family or friends: game nights can be a lot of fun. This applies both to the typical board game evening and to some fun rounds in front of the console.
It is only important to find titles that everyone can relate to. The Nintendo Switch offers quite a few titles that are ideal for mixed groups.
Here we present a few candidates from various directions.
No ranking here, the games are listed in no particular order.
The Classic: Mario Party Superstars
Genre: Party | Players: 1 – 4 | Released: 29.10.2021 | Cost (in Nintendo eShop): $59.99
What kind of game is this? Mario Party is one of the old classics on Nintendo consoles. The game principle is probably closest to that of a typical board game night: You move your characters from the Mario universe across a game board using dice to collect coins and stars.
These boards are not only lovingly designed but also spiced up with action spaces. Sometimes there’s an item, an alternate path on the game board opens up, you win or lose coins – and so on.
However, the highlights of a round are the mini-games. Here you compete in colorful competitions against your opponents. The game principle is usually quickly learned and not particularly complicated. And: If one game doesn’t suit you, maybe the next one will.
In “Superstars”, the latest installment in the series, you can select from 5 game boards and over 100 mini-games from the past. So if you are a Mario Party veteran yourself, you might encounter some familiar games.
By the way: Alternatively, there is also “Super Mario Party” available on the Switch, which was released in 2018.
How many can play? 1 to 4 players can compete in a party game together. One controller is needed for each player, but it’s playable with individual Joy-Cons. Simultaneously, other controllers are also possible.
The Friendship Destroyer: Mario Kart 8 Deluxe
Genre: Racing Game | Players: 1 – 4 locally, 12 online | Released: 28.04.2017 | Cost (in Nintendo eShop): $59.99
What kind of game is this? Ah, Mario Kart. You can fall in love with this game even if you usually don’t have much to do with racing games. Colorfully designed racetracks, a variety of items, and a fantastic soundtrack ensure plenty of good mood.
At least until you’re ahead for two and a half rounds only to then get a blue shell to the face and be overtaken by pursuing rivals in the final meters. A classic that has already caused a lot of frustration.
But, once you understand the basics: In Mario Kart, you can choose different characters from the Mario universe, put them in a kart (or on a motorcycle) of your choice, and then start in single races, race series, or cups. On the track, you repeatedly drive through colorful item boxes that supply you with ammunition: Koopa shells, bananas, lightning bolts, and Bob-ombs are just a few of the items you can use to throw sand in your opponents’ gears.
In general, beginners can quickly find their way in Mario Kart as well. There are even aids like a kind of lane assist or automatic acceleration. You can also adjust slow speeds and simple opponent AI settings. It is one of the best games for children.
But the same applies here: real Mario Kart masters are hard to beat when you are just getting started on the race track.
How many people can play? Up to four players can compete against each other on one Switch.
The Culinary Stress Test: Overcooked
Genre: Cooking Game / Arcade | Players: 1 – 4 | Released: 27.07.2017 | Cost (in Nintendo eShop): $1.99 (until 06.01.2021, after that $19.99)
What makes the game special? Overcooked has a quite simple access: the entire control is dependent on just a few buttons, and the combination of running, sprinting, and the “action button” – meaning chopping, cooking, picking up, serving, and everything else – is quickly learned. This also applies to gaming beginners and the first recipes are easily mastered.
However, it doesn’t take long for the game to ramp up. Then the pressure in the kitchen becomes significant, and you have to complete multiple tasks at once. Here the true spirit of Overcooked reveals: suddenly you have to coordinate with each other, avoid bumping into each other, and make sure that the kitchen doesn’t catch fire. Good communication is essential.
The whole thing can be stressful, but it is also incredibly satisfying when you master a complicated level. Due to the absolutely essential teamwork, Overcooked is one of the best couch co-op games ever.
For starters, you can simply download the classic Overcooked for a little money on the Switch. However, there is also “Overcooked 2” or the complete collection “All You Can Eat” in the shop. They are more extensive but also a bit more expensive. However, the game principle is fun in all versions!
How many people can play? Up to four cooking enthusiasts can bump into each other in the kitchen at the same time.
Superhero Bash with Story: Marvel Ultimate Alliance 3
Genre: Action | Players: 1 – 4 | Released: 19.07.2019 | Cost (in Nintendo eShop): $59.99
What makes Marvel Ultimate Alliance 3 special? If you are looking less for a party game and more for a story-driven game, then the third part of the Ultimate Alliance series might be for you. The game was released exclusively for the Switch and offers you a comprehensive field of Marvel superheroes.
The game starts with the Guardians of the Galaxy, but soon more favorites like Spider-Man, Captain America, Iron Man, Captain Marvel, and Black Widow join. The story revolves around the “Black Order” – Thanos’ minions who are after the Infinity Stones. If you are a fan of the comics or movies, you will recognize a lot.
After a brief introduction, you can swap your heroes at will and equip them with various abilities. Primarily you will be battling your way through colorful levels in a top-down perspective, similar to Diablo – only everything is significantly more colorful and pleasant. There is not really any loot, but you can access unique skills with all heroes that can also be combined.
Ultimate Alliance 3 is not a particularly difficult game, which newcomers will quickly find their way into. Sometimes the camera perspective can be somewhat disturbing, but overall, the gameplay runs smoothly on the big screen. If you are a Marvel fan or at least have a bit of a liking for superheroes, you can easily spend a few fun hours with friends or family here.
How many can play? A total of up to four players can join the superhero team and experience the entire story together.
On the next page, you will find even more Mario games and games for jumping around or winding down. Additionally, we will introduce you to a single-player game as a bonus that is more fun when played together.
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