The Switch has proven to be an all-time great for Nintendo, thanks to a variety of factors. Multiple designs that address specific needs, one of the best first-party game libraries ever, and a hybrid approach to gaming have helped make it a success, but it's the multiplayer functionality of the console that has helped it reach record sales numbers. Whether you're using a Joy-Con or a Pro Controller, the Switch has ample options available for having someone join you for a gaming session. And while it's fun to play against friends and family, some of the best gaming experiences happen when we have a shared goal. We've rounded up the best Nintendo Switch co-op games.

　　Our list of the best Switch co-op games includes a bunch of Nintendo Switch exclusives as well as some standout third-party games that truly shine when playing cooperatively. A lot of the biggest hits from Nintendo itself have cooperative gameplay modes on Switch that are particularly great for parents and kids to play together. From Super Mario Odyssey and New Super Mario Bros. U Deluxe to Yoshi's Crafted World and Kirby and the Forgotten Land, there's no shortage of charming Nintendo games that support co-op throughout the entire adventure. Third-party games such as Monster Hunter Rise, Minecraft Dungeons, and Diablo 3 have also earned spots on our list.

　　For more Nintendo Switch game recommendations, check out our roundups of the best Switch games, best Switch games for kids, and best Switch multiplayer games.

　　

Animal Crossing: New Horizons

Animal Crossing: New HorizonsOne of the best-selling games on the Switch, Animal Crossing: New Horizons set a new benchmark for the series during the early days of the pandemic era. Getting cozy, building your island, and meeting three other friends in local co-op is a blast, but the game really opens up with its online mode that supports up to eight players. The potential to create is truly impressive in Animal Crossing: New Horizons, and there's always something to do with your friends in this classic virtual life experience.

　　Read our Animal Crossing: New Horizons review.

　　See at Amazon

　　

Cuphead

CupheadJaw-dropping visuals inspired by a bygone age of animation are best shared with a friend, and Cuphead has that option locked down. Still a highly challenging experience when someone joins you for a two-player co-op session, Cuphead and Mugman's adventure is a tag-team of terrific design and danger.

　　Read our Cuphead review.

　　See at Switch eShop

　　

Diablo 3

Diablo 3Slay demons, collect a ton of shiny loot, and experiment with different classes in Diablo 3 on Switch, a game that makes devil-hunting better with a fellow warrior--or threeone as Mario and the other as Bowser Jr.--and follows the duo's journey to tackle a Kaiju-sized Bowser.

　　Read our Super Mario 3D World + Bowser's Fury review.

　　See at Amazon

　　

Super Mario Maker 2

Super Mario Maker 2Playing a game with a friend is great, but actually building something together and then playing the end product? Absolutely magical and possible in Super Mario Maker 2. The game allows for up to four players to play a custom level, but the real charm is undoubtedly in the two-player create-a-course mode, with each player using a Joy-Con to build a level that could be an all-time classic or a torture chamber designed in tandem.

　　Read our Super Mario Maker 2 review.

　　See at Amazon

　　

Super Mario Odyssey

Super Mario OdysseyThere's no shortage of Mario games on the Switch currently, but Super Mario Odyssey is still the gold standard on that console. With one player taking control of Mario, the other playing as Cappy the sentient hat, the tag team can combine platforming and level interactions together in blissful harmony. Or they can cause chaos, but it's still fun to watch the mayhem unfold. Odyssey is especially great for co-op with a youngster, as playing as Cappy isn't mechanically intensive.

　　Read our Super Mario Odyssey review.

　　See at Amazon

　　

Unravel 2

Unravel 2EA's adorable wooly hero Yarny got a friend in Unravel 2, and together the two are a team of cotton co-op fun. You've got the choice of local or online two-player co-op in Unravel 2, and once players are linked by a thread of yarn, Unravel 2's charming mysteries and puzzles feel brilliant when a friend is along for the ride.

　　Read our Unravel 2 review.

　　See at Amazon

　　

WarioWare: Get It Together

WarioWare: Get It TogetherWarioWare: Get It Together is all about sharing mini-game fun, but it's worth noting that this game is limited to local co-op. Up to four players can try out a number of weird and fun mini-games here, which incorporate gauntlets of strange action with platforming. The games are colorful, the characters are full of personality, and there's more than enough content here for an evening of Wario fun.

　　Read our WarioWare: Get It Together review.

　　See at Amazon

　　

Yoshi's Crafted World

Yoshi's Crafted WorldWith level design that is a delight to gawk at and platforming that classic Yoshi at its very best, Yoshi's Crafted World is downright pleasant to look at and relaxing to play. Two-player co-op mode adds to the charm as the Yoshis explore an artisanal papercraft world, and even if it is limited to local co-op, it's a treat to work your way through these levels with a fellow Yoshi by your side.

　　Read our Yoshi's Crafted World review.

　　See at Amazon

　　GameSpot Best Lists and Recommendations

　　The Best Nintendo Switch Games The Best Xbox Series X Games To Play Right Now The Best PS5 Games So Far + Show More GameSpot Best Lists and Recommendations Links (1) The Best PC Games To Play Right Now

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