The Best Multiplayer Nintendo Games for Couch Play

8 August 2025

We all know this: there's nothing quite like huddling around the TV, controllers in hand, yelling at each other because someone just banana peeled you into 12th place. Couch co-op games are the heart and soul of multiplayer fun, and Nintendo? Well, they’ve practically perfected this art over the years.

Whether you're planning a chill game night, a heated family showdown, or a raucous party with friends, Nintendo consoles (especially the Switch) offer a treasure trove of perfect multiplayer goodies. So grab some snacks, claim your favorite controller, and let’s dive into the best multiplayer Nintendo games for couch play.

Why Couch Co-Op Rocks (Especially on Nintendo)

Before we jump into the games, let’s take a second to appreciate why couch multiplayer is, quite frankly, unbeatable. Sure, online multiplayer is convenient, but nothing replaces the raw, chaotic fun of sitting next to your opponents (or allies), reacting in real-time, and probably throwing a few cushions during the madness.

Nintendo’s always been a pioneer in this space—remember the original Mario Kart on Super Nintendo? Since then, they’ve been cranking out immersive couch-friendly games that blend competitive fun with memorable moments.

1. Mario Kart 8 Deluxe

Platform: Nintendo Switch
Players: Up to 4 (local), 8 with LAN

Let’s be honest—was there any chance this wouldn’t top the list?

Mario Kart 8 Deluxe is an absolute powerhouse when it comes to local multiplayer. It’s fast, it’s furious (in a cartoonish way), and it's delightfully addictive. The controls are easy to pick up, making it perfect for newbies and seasoned players alike. And with a massive roster of characters and karts, everyone can find their dream ride (even if it's just to hold up traffic with a Blue Shell).

Whether you're racing for gold or causing chaos in Battle Mode, this is a must-have for any couch co-op gaming session.

2. Super Smash Bros. Ultimate

Platform: Nintendo Switch
Players: Up to 8

Ready to settle some scores? Super Smash Bros. Ultimate is the ultimate showdown arena. You pick from over 70 characters (yep, including Sonic, Pikachu, Link, and even Banjo-Kazooie), and then you brawl it out on dynamic stages that sometimes fight back.

The beauty of Smash Bros. is that it welcomes chaos. Button mashers and tactical fighters can all get in on the fun—it’s the kind of game where matches can turn in a blink, especially when someone grabs a Smash Ball. Explosions, yelling, last-second upsets—it’s everything a couch battle should be.

3. Overcooked! All You Can Eat

Platform: Nintendo Switch
Players: Up to 4

Now here's a game that will test your friendships—in the best way. Overcooked! All You Can Eat combines Overcooked 1 and 2 into one giant, delicious disaster of a game. It throws you and your teammates into ridiculous kitchen scenarios where communication is key.

You’ll chop onions. You’ll fry fish. You’ll scream “Where’s the rice?!” more times than you thought possible. It’s frantic, funny, and fantastically fun—especially if you’re ready to laugh at inevitable screw-ups. Don’t take it too seriously... or do, and prepare for glorious chaos.

4. Mario Party Superstars

Platform: Nintendo Switch
Players: Up to 4

If Mario Kart is the king, then Mario Party is the mischievous jester. It’s the game where friendships are tested, alliances are formed and immediately betrayed, and the dice never, ever seem to roll in your favor.

Mario Party Superstars brings back the classic game boards from the N64 era and crams in all the best mini-games across the franchise. It's nostalgia wrapped in a party hat—and trust me, the chaos is very real.

Best part? The mini-games are snappy and silly, meaning even non-gamers won't feel left out.

5. Super Mario 3D World + Bowser’s Fury

Platform: Nintendo Switch
Players: Up to 4 (co-op)

Looking for a more "adventure-style" couch experience? Super Mario 3D World delivers just that—with a side of cat suits. You and up to three buddies can team up to explore colorful, imaginative worlds, solve puzzles, and throw each other off ledges (on purpose or not is up to you).

The game strikes a great balance between cooperative play and straight-up competition, especially when you’re racing to grab the crown at the end of each level. It’s vibrant, creative, and a blast to tackle with friends.

And hey, if you need a solo moment, Bowser’s Fury is a fantastic single-player addition bundled right in.

6. Nintendo Switch Sports

Platform: Nintendo Switch
Players: Up to 4 (locally)

Remember Wii Sports? Nintendo Switch Sports is its modern cousin—cooler, sleeker, with more sports to flail around in. Bowling and tennis make a return, along with new additions like badminton, volleyball, and chambara (that’s fancy sword fighting!).

It’s super intuitive, thanks to motion controls, and a great pick for casual gaming nights or family gatherings. Nothing says fun like grandma serving an ace in tennis, right?

7. Kirby and the Forgotten Land

Platform: Nintendo Switch
Players: 2 (local co-op)

Want to lighten the mood a bit with something more chill? Kirby and the Forgotten Land offers a delightful two-player adventure that’s perfect for relaxed couch vibes.

One player controls Kirby (with all his copy-paste powers), while the other plays as Bandana Waddle Dee. It’s colorful, cute, and just challenging enough without becoming stressful. A great pick for kids—or adults who just need a break from competitive madness.

8. Cuphead

Platform: Nintendo Switch
Players: 2 (local co-op)

Looking for a real challenge? Cuphead is hands down one of the toughest games on the Switch—but with that old-school cartoon flair that makes it impossible to look away.

The two-player mode lets you and a buddy team up against impossibly hard bosses with pinpoint-precision attacks. It’s not for the faint of heart, but if you’re ready to dodge, dash, and shoot through some of the most beautiful madness in gaming, it’s well worth your time.

Just don’t hold grudges when you die for the 15th time on a pirate ship.

9. Luigi’s Mansion 3

Platform: Nintendo Switch
Players: 2 (co-op mode), 8 (multiplayer minigames)

Luigi’s Mansion 3 is like Ghostbusters meets slapstick comedy, featuring Luigi awkwardly trying to vacuum up ghosts. The main campaign has a surprisingly fun two-player co-op mode, where one of you plays a jello-y version of Luigi (Gooigi, yes really).

If you’ve got more people, the ScareScraper and ScreamPark mini-games offer fast-paced, arcade-style fun that’s perfect for quick play sessions and a lot of laughs.

10. Snipperclips: Cut It Out, Together!

Platform: Nintendo Switch
Players: Up to 4

This one flies a bit under the radar, but Snipperclips is a charming little puzzle game that’s all about teamwork—and a lot of accidental sabotage. You and your partner(s) control paper characters that can cut each other into shapes to solve various challenges.

Sounds weird? It totally is—and that's part of the appeal. It’s silly, creative, sometimes frustrating, but always a good time.

Great for couples, families, or literally anyone who loves laughing their way through a mess of puzzles.

Bonus Picks: More Couch Co-Op Gems

Running out of space (and maybe sleep), but here are a few more honorable mentions you shouldn't miss:

- ARMS – Innovative motion-controlled fighter for up to 4 players.
- Just Dance 2023 Edition – Booze-free party starter for all ages.
- Lovers in a Dangerous Spacetime – Colorful, chaotic co-op action for 2-4 players.
- Puyo Puyo Tetris – Fast-paced brain-battle that mashes up two classics.
- Gang Beasts – Wobbly, hilarious brawler full of slapstick action.

Picking the Right Game for Your Crew

Not every game suits every group. Here’s a quick cheat sheet:

- Party Game Night? → Go with Mario Party Superstars or Overcooked.
- Serious Competition? → Smash Bros. or Cuphead will stoke those competitive fires.
- Family-Friendly Fun? → Kirby, Mario Kart, or Switch Sports are great picks.
- Something Chill? → Try Luigi’s Mansion or Snipperclips for a more relaxed pace.

The key is to match the vibe. Don’t force high-stakes games on folks just trying to unwind. And always keep a backup game ready—you never know when game night needs a mood shift.

Final Thoughts

Nintendo has always thrived in the multiplayer space, especially when it comes to couch co-op. Their games don’t just offer challenges—they deliver stories, rivalry, teamwork, and most importantly, laughter. Whether you're battling Bowser, chopping onions, or just racing to the finish line, these couch-friendly gems help turn any evening into an epic hangout.

So next time you're planning a gaming night, skip the solo grind. Fire up these multiplayer masterpieces and let the living room battles begin.