Top 2-Player Games for the Nintendo Switch in 2024
Published on 30th April 2024 by Guy Lanham
Hey there, fellow gamers! As fellow enthusiasts of pixelated adventures, we've scoured the gaming realm and compiled a list of the best 2 player games on the Nintendo Switch.
Our hand-picked selection of games are based on criteria such as beginner friendliness, family-appeal, and competitiveness, so there's a bit of everything for all. Regardless of our choices, every game on our list promises moments of triumph, laughter, and maybe a tiny-weeny bit of friendly rivalry. So grab your Joy-Cons and let's begin!
Super Mario Odyssey
Genre: 3D Platformer Developer: Nintendo Release Date: October 2017
Although this title was launched in 2017, it still remains one of the best 2 player games for the Switch in 2024 for the simple reason that it's beginner-friendly. For those who are looking for a more casual and fun experience, they can take on the role of Cappy, Mario's magical companion that can't be killed.
For the second player to join in, press the + button any time during the game, select two players and confirm by pressing the A button.
The controls are versatile, as players have the option to use a pair of Joy-Cons, or a single Joy-Con controller each. Alternatively, if you have a pro controller, you can join in by pressing the L and R triggers.
Super Mario Odyssey is a bundle of fun for two players as you can coordinate together to complete puzzles and challenges, with the added safety of Mario's unkillable companion, Cappy.
Samba de Amigo: Party Central
Genre: Rhythm and Motion Developer: Sega Release Date: August 2023
Even if you're not a musical virtuoso, we highly recommend trying out Samba de Amigo: Party Central. The simple reason being: it's an absolute blast with a friend or two. This party-poppin title originates from Nintendo Wii, where it established itself as the go-to family game for dance parties.
In this rhythm game, your mission is simple: unleash your inner performer. Shake your Joy-Cons around, and when a ball reaches a designated ring, give it a jolt in time with the rhythm.
Remember the maraca movements in the original Samba de Amigo? This time around, the maraca shaking movements are far easier to detect thanks to the updated motion technology of the Joy-Cons. This makes challenges far more fun and rewarding, as movements are registered more accurately.
Samba de Amigo: Party Central offers online play, perfect for two players. There's two main modes. In the Showdown mode, two players face off to claim the title of ultimate performer. The other is Love Checker, which is perfect for couples. This mode will have you play together to determine how compatible you are based on performance.
In terms of songs, players can dance along to 40 hit songs, including bangers like Bom Bom from Sam and the Womp, La Bamba, and Good Time by Owl City and Carly Rae Jepsen. What's more - you can customise your character (and make it look like Sonic the Hedgehog or Tails).
Together with a mate, you'll find yourself laughing, cheering, and maybe even attempting a few real-life dance steps (no judgement here!).
Luigi's Mansion 3
Genre: Strategy and Co-op Developer: Next Level Games Release Date: October 2019
With Luigi's Mansion 2 right around the corner, we feel Luigi's Mansion 3 deserves a spot on our list. This spooky adventure follows on from the popular ghost-busting series where Luigi, our hero, must venture through a haunted mansion to save the day. What's even better is that two players can team up to experience the campaign together in couch co-op mode.
Not only is LM3 co-op friendly but it also encourages you to partner up with a friend as you get access to additional content you might not experience as a solo player. To do this, players have to unlock Gooigi, a green clone of Luigi that can slip through cracks and obstacles that Luigi can't bypass.
Unlocking co-op mode with Gooigi is fairly easy. One player must play through the first round of objectives early on in the game to gain access to this gooey doppelganger. Once co-op is enabled, you can have a blast solving puzzles and overcoming challenges together.
There's also a multiplayer mode known as Scarescraper, where up to 7 players scale a haunted tower to complete various missions. Get Luigi's Mansion 3 on Nintendo Switch.
EA SPORTS FC 24
Genre: Rhythm and Motion Developer: Sega Release Date: August 2023
Are you and your mates footie fanatics? Or maybe you're keen on trying out a sports game? There's no better place than to start with EA SPORTS FC 24.
EA Sports FC 24 is one of our top picks for 2 players as it's couch co-op friendly, and online friendly too, allowing you to connect with a friend remotely.
Most people have experienced EA Sports FC 24 on the big screen, not knowing how familiar and smooth the controls actually are on the smaller screen of the Nintendo Switch. The experience is seamless, allowing you to enjoy the thrills of scoring goals while on the go.
The controls on the Switch are surprisingly easy to use. The left stick is for manoeuvring, the A button is for passing the ball or ground shots. The B button for belting shots or tackling opponents, etc, just as you would normally. The controls are virtually identical on the Joy-Cons, allowing you to instantly transfer your knowledge and experience from other consoles.
Unlike previous titles in the franchise, EA Sports FC 24 on the Nintendo Switch is basically the same as what you get in any other console. Ultimate Team? Check. Volta football? Check. You will find most, if not all of the features that you get in other consoles. So what are you waiting for? Get EA SPORTS FC 24 now on the Switch.
Pokémon Scarlet/Violet
Genre: RPG and Adventure Developer: Game Freak Release Date: November 2022
Gotta catch 'em all! Well, that's what we say here at GAME whenever a new Pokemon game releases.
If you love catching wild Pokémon, why not play alongside a fellow trainer and catch them all together? The experience is infinitely more fun when you can raid, battle and trade together. Players in a party can progress through the storyline together, so you never feel left behind.
There's Tera Raid Battles, where you can team up to take down epic Tera Pokémon. What's more - there's the possibility of coming across Shiny Pokémon when adventuring together through the lands of Paldea, though only one party member is able to capture it, sadly.
The game supports up to 4 player co-op via a feature called Union Circle, which can be accessed in the first Pokémon Centre encountered as you progress through the story. It's relatively easy to get there, and once you're paired up with a mate, the experience becomes so much better.
In terms of Pokemon, trainers will be delighted with the starting choice of Sprigatito, Fuecoco and the loveable Quaxly. Plus, there's Legendary Pokemon to be discovered too! Get Pokemon Scarlet and Violet on the Nintendo Switch!
Nintendo Switch Sports
Genre: Sports Simulation Developer: Nintendo EPD Release Date: April 2022
Our beloved Wii Sports is back with a bang, this time for the Nintendo Switch. Challenge your friend to a match from a selection of 7 different sports. There's Tennis, Bowling, Football, Badminton, Golf and Chambara.
One of the coolest features in Nintendo Switch Sports is the Joy-Con motion controllers players (or athletes) need to play each sport. Take Golf, for example, where you have to swing your Joy-Con as if you were swinging an actual golf club.
In a game of volleyball, you and your teammate can coordinate to unleash devastating moves. Have one teammate set up the ball by extending their arms up in a quick motion, then have the other teammate spike the ball with a quick movement of their arm to land a point. Teamwork is not only encouraged but basically necessary.
Do note that only Joy-Cons are compatible with this game, meaning Pro controllers and any other third-party controllers don't currently work with Nintendo Switch Sports.
This Nintendo Switch game offers split screen, local and online multiplayer. You and your mate have the option of playing couch co-op on the same screen or on separate devices.
There are additional challenges for those who are looking to take it up a notch in the online world. If you're feeling confident or you just want to have a laugh, have a go at Online Pro League. You won't regret it (hopefully). To unlock this mode, you will first have to progress solo in the 'Play Globally' mode on the select screen.
Hot Wheels Unleashed 2: Turbocharged
Genre: Racing Developer: Milestone Release Date: October 2023
The race tracks are in full swing as Hot Wheels Unleashed 2 paves the way for more racing fun!
Who knew this game could be so much with a partner? We did, of course! In addition to enjoying all the new features it has to offer, like the new campaign mode, players can party up in co-op mode to race against each other.
There's so much content to keep two players engaged for hours of fun. There are new maps with different terrains that will change the handling and feel of your vehicle. There's 5 new locations, plus a Track Room where players can let their creative juices flow and invent custom tracks to be shared privately or online.
Not only are there new locations for racers to explore, but also new vehicles. Players can now take control of motorbikes and ATVs to experience new ways of racing. Each vehicle now has its own category that can be customised via a dedicated skill tree.
There's plenty to do in this Hot Wheels instalment to keep two players entertained in the world of racing! Get Hot Wheels Unleashed 2 at GAME.
Overcooked 2
Genre: Co-op Strategy Developer: Team17 Release Date: August 2018
If you enjoy chopping veg and washing the dishes (but let's be honest, nobody likes to wash the dishes) then Overcooked 2 will change your perception of these culinary chores. You will laugh, sweat and sometimes cry when playing this game. Yes, this is an emotional rollercoaster. But that's what makes this one of the best 2 player games for the Nintendo Switch.
Why is Overcooked 2 so fun for 2 players? For one, it supports couch co-op and online connectivity, allowing you and your friend to play wherever, whenever.
Like the original game, Overcooked 2 takes place in Onion Kingdom, where you take on the role of a versatile chef to serve as many dishes as possible under timed conditions. There's a total of 36 unique challenges, which will keep you and your partner entertained for quite a while.
Whet your appetite for this feast of a game, grab an apron and a friend to take on the challenge. Don't let those customers go hungry!
Super Mario Bros Wonder
Genre: 2.5D Platformer Developer: Nintendo EPD Release Date: October 2023
Winner of the 'best multiplayer' and 'best family' game awards (plus nominated for countless others) Super Mario Bros Wonder ubiquitously takes the top spot as the best Switch game for 2 players in 2024. Developed by Nintendo EPD, this 2.5D platformer is an awesome experience for players of all ages.
Super Mario Bros Wonder supports couch co-op for up to 4 players, and if local multiplayer isn't an option, there is online play available, which requires a Nintendo Online Membership.
In this Super Mario adventure, you embark on a quest to help Prince Florian liberate the Flower Kingdom from the clutches of Bowser's evil. It's now up to you and a friend (or more) to select from 12 different characters, including our heroes Mario, Luigi, Peach, Yoshi and more.
There's so many puzzles, side quests and secret zones to keep you and your friend entertained for hours on end. To top it off, you can take on the rather hilarious Elephant Form, transforming your character into a bumbling, round elephant humanoid with special abilities!
One thing's for certain - playing this game as 2 players is far more rewarding, as you can coordinate to take down bosses and challenges far more efficiently. Get Super Mario Bros Wonder on the Switch now.
