Are you looking for cooperative games for the Nintendo Switch that you can play together with friends and family? Then we will show you some games here that are definitely perfect for entertaining cooperative evenings.
What kind of list is this? The Nintendo Switch has countless games that can be played together or against each other. Listing them all would be beyond the scope here. Therefore, we have selected a few titles that every Switch owner should take a closer look at when they feel like having a good multiplayer evening.
First, we will look at some games that were released for the Switch in 2020 and give you the opportunity to play in multiplayer. Then we will take another look at a few classics that you shouldn’t miss.
Important: This list includes personal assessments and is not to be understood as complete. Because, as mentioned: There are plenty of great cooperative games for the Switch.
9 Cooperative Games for Nintendo Switch 2020
Here we will show you some games that were released in 2020 and that you can play with friends.
Hyrule Warriors: Age of Calamity
Released: Genre: Players: 1-2
The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild is still one of the best and most important titles on the Nintendo Switch. In November, “Hyrule Warriors: Age of Calamity” at least partially threw players back into the world of the title. In this spinoff, you essentially experience the prehistory of Breath of the Wild – in the form of huge mass battles.
As a player, you of course take on the role of Link, but also all sorts of other characters from the BOTW world and face Ganon’s dark hordes. Across the map, you engage in various skirmishes with different fighters and abilities. This is also a lot of fun in split-screen co-op. The only downside: The game does push the Switch to its limits and doesn’t always run smoothly. In co-op, you have to endure some performance dropouts.
Borderlands Legendary Collection
Released: 29.05.2020 Genre: Loot Shooter Players: 1-4
Yes, okay: The Borderlands series has been around for a few years, and the three games in this bundle didn’t come out in 2020. However, the combination of Borderlands, Borderlands 2, and Borderlands: The Pre-Sequel was newly released for the Switch this year – and it’s still a lot of fun.
Being able to play Borderlands in handheld mode is a novelty with the Switch. And the co-op mode also works without problems on the Switch. Anyone who has missed the crazy loot shooters so far should definitely embark on a journey to Pandora. In this package, you get a whole lot of games for your money. However, it’s better to rely on a Pro Controller or something similar here.
Animal Crossing: New Horizons
Released: 20.03.2020 Genre: Simulation Players: 1-4
Animal Crossing was one of the most successful games of 2020. No wonder: Most people would probably prefer to be on a tropical island in real life and relax while redesigning the area.
At least in the game, this is possible: You collect resources and materials, craft decorations for the island, catch insects and fish, and chat with the animal residents. All this is accompanied by friendly music and without major problems. Even loans for building a house can be paid off easily at some point.
There’s also a multiplayer component, both online and on the couch. Online, you can visit each other, work together, or shop in the host’s store. In local multiplayer with shared Joy-Cons, the host becomes the “leader,” while the second player becomes more of a follower. As a guest, you have some restrictions, such as not being able to use the bag (collected items simply end up in a box at the service center).
Nevertheless: Especially if you just want to relax and play together a bit – even with players who usually don’t have much to do with games – the multiplayer in Animal Crossing is definitely suitable.
What the Fork
Released: 05.11.2020 Genre: Arcade/Party Game Players: 1-4
What the Fork was released on the Switch in November 2020 and provided new food for everyone who has fallen in love with games like Overcooked. With up to four players, you have to ensure that packages are transported from A to B on small, crazy maps. You must deal with platforms that shift, overcome random elements, and, above all, really communicate well to make everything work.
What the Fork, however, comes across as a bit more relaxed than Overcooked. You don’t have to extinguish quite as many fires at the same time as in the kitchen model. What the Fork definitely provides for some funny co-op evenings (if you don’t get into each other’s hair because a package landed in the wrong place again). Alternatively, Overcooked is also available on the Switch.
You can find a closer look at What the Fork here.
Untitled Goose Game
Released: 20.09.2019 (digital) / 29.09.2020 (Retail) Genre: Simulation Players: 1-2
The crazy game with the goose was released in 2019 and quickly became an indie hit. Memes about the game flooded the internet. In summer 2020, a two-player update was added, which is why it is included in this list: Since September 23, you can cause chaos in local goose duo.
Together, you can set traps for residents or steal their stuff. Playing together is definitely fun and also suitable for gaming beginners.
Speaking of indie games 2020 on the Switch: The Twitch hit Among Us has now also made its way to the Nintendo console.
The Mario Classics on the Switch
In a good co-op list for the Switch, the multiplayer classics of the console should definitely not be missing – even if they are a bit older. But Super Mario just has a few games that are guaranteed to provide great couch co-op evenings and should definitely not be overlooked.
These include:
- Mario Kart 8 Deluxe: Race, throw blue shells, destroy friendships. An absolute classic, and still great for fast-paced races with the whole family.
- Super Smash Bros. Ultimate: Choose your favorite fighters, defeat your enemies, throw opponents off the map. Sephiroth is here too!
- Super Mario Party: A type of classic board game where you need to collect more stars than your friends. It offers a lot of varied mini-games and ensures a nice evening.
Additionally, there are other games like Mario Maker, Luigi’s Mansion, or Mario + Rabbids: Kingdom Battle, all of which provide fun co-op options and you should catch up on if you’ve missed them so far.
You can find some really great party games for the Switch here.
Cuphead
Released: 18.04.2019 Genre: Shoot’em Up Players: 1-2
Cuphead is perfect if you’re looking for a properly challenging challenge for two players. Don’t be fooled by the nice retro comic style: This game is really quite tough.
Moving from left to right, you navigate through various levels or challenge nasty boss opponents that always have one more trick up their sleeve than you expect.
That may sound daunting, but there’s hardly anything as satisfying as finally sending that one damn boss to hell after he has tormented you for so long. Okay, the next one is already waiting in the next level – but still! Especially together, you can really dive into the game.
Marvel Ultimate Alliance 3: The Black Order
Released: 19.07.2019 Genre: Action Players: 1-4
This game was released back in 2019, but is definitely worth a look if you’re into superhero action. The sequel to the old “Ultimate Alliance” series came exclusively for the Switch and features Marvel heroes in abundance.
Whether it’s Captain America, Spider-Man, Iron Man, or all the other characters – it’s relatively unlikely that you won’t find your favorite hero.
Yes, the camera and controls can be a bit shaky at times – but fighting enemies with a team of your favorite superheroes is still fun. Up to four players can join in here.
Enter the Gungeon
Released: 18.12.2017 Genre: Bullet Hell/Roguelike Players: 1-2
Let’s end the list with a game that, while also older, is still a real joy. “Enter the Gungeon” isn’t necessarily easy, and some players may need to get used to the pixelated graphics. However, if these aren’t insurmountable hurdles for you, you can really let loose in the Gungeon.
Up to two players can blast their way through the constantly changing mazes. The weapons are pretty crazy and varied, so it never gets boring in “Enter the Gungeon”. The game is also often on sale and currently available for less than 10 euros. If you’re looking for a cheap game for two, this is the right spot.
Are you still looking for more content for your Switch? Then maybe check this out: Here you can find the best Switch games that cost nothing.
