The 7 Best Multiplayer Nintendo Switch Games in 2023
Published on 27th February 2023 by Jimmy Bennett. Updated 18th September 2024
When it comes to multiplayer games, the Nintendo Switch has a lot to offer. With options for handled, tabletop or console play, there are three setups for your coop or multiplayer adventures. Whether you’re looking to play locally, with up to three friends, or head online, the Nintendo Switch can cater to your needs.
Here in 2023, there is a wealth of multiplayer switch games available. With even more set to be released throughout the year, there’s no better time than now to be playing co-op and online on the switch. Here are our top picks for the best multiplayer games on the Nintendo Switch in 2023.
Splatoon 3
Winner of best multiplayer game at last year's Game Awards, Splatoon 3 is a masterwork of multiplayer gaming. Offering an online shooter experience like no other game on the Nintendo Switch, as you battle other teams for dominance. Claim the territory for your own team by covering it in your team’s colour in the Turf War mode, or for something more varied, jump into the multiplayer madness of one of Splatoon 3’s many other game modes.
Splatoon 3 will let you play multiplayer on the switch with up to 8 friends with wireless local play or online. Team up with your friends and mark your turf to win together.
Mario Kart 8 Deluxe
It’s hard to believe that Mario Kart has been a staple of multiplayer gaming for more than 30 years. It doesn’t show any signs of stopping either! Mario Kart 8 Deluxe, the latest iteration of the party classic brought us greater variety than ever before. With new carts and amazing tracks we hadn’t seen before, it instantly cemented its status as one of the best Switch multiplayer games.
Mario Kart 8 Deluxe makes the most of the Nintendo Switch’s setup to offer a flexible multiplayer Switch game. You and up to 7 friends can play locally wirelessly, or with up to 4 players on the same console. When you take it online, you can play with up to 7 friends in multiplayer as well.
If you want to get even more out of your Mario Kart 8 experience, why not grab the Mario Kart 8 Deluxe – Booster Course Pass? With an extra 48 remastered courses from previous games to enjoy, you're sure to have hours of fun revisiting classic maps.
LEGO Star Wars: The Skywalker Saga
Relive all 9 Star Wars movies with the LEGO treatment we all love in LEGO Star Wars: The Skywalker Saga. Featuring the blend of action, humour and platforming gameplay we’ve all come to love, the Skywalker Saga is a highlight even amongst the lofty heights of the LEGO series.
A near-perfect co-op Switch game, LEGO Star Wars: The Skywalker Saga allows you and a friend to play together in local co-op, much the same as other games in the series. There are few games that are fun to play with a friend, ranking it amongst the best Nintendo Switch multiplayer games.
Super Smash Bros. Ultimate
Get ready to fight! Going from co-op to combat, Super Smash Bros. Ultimate is the definitive multiplayer fighting game on the Switch. Choose from icons of gaming as your player and go head to head, toe to toe against your friends in all-out brawls. With 78 fighters to choose from, you’ll have no end of options and replayability to enjoy.
This engrossing multiplayer Switch game can be enjoyed by up to 8 players on one Nintendo Switch system, making it perfect for game nights. Alternatively, hop online and join up to 3 friends in multiplayer battles.
Unlock even more fighters to use in your battles with the Fighters Pass, givivng you access to 5 new fighters, stages and music tracks.
Monster Hunter Rise
Face fearsome monsters and topple giant creatures 10 times your size or more in Monster Hunter Rise. You’ll need all your skills, weapons and armour as you face these challenges, but you don't have to do it alone. Monster Hunter Rise has coop multiplayer options so your friends can join in the fight.
Team up with your friends to take on fearsome beasts, with online multiplayer coop for up to 4 players. Being able to grab your friends to overcome the odds never gets old and makes this one of the best co-op Switch games.
Super Mario 3D World + Bowser’s Fury
Get two games in one great package with Super Mario 3D World + Bowser’s Fury on the Nintendo Switch. Join Mario, Luigi and Peach and Toad as you travel through the Sprixie Kingdom in this colourful 3D platforming adventure. This enhanced version of the Wii U title offers a wealth of gameplay improvements, taking the game into the next generation.
4 players can team up to work through Super Mario 3D World through the game’s co-op mode. Bowser’s Fury can also be played co-op by 2 people, letting you explore this Switch adventure together.
Minecraft Legends
From April, Minecraft fans will be able to navigate a whole new strategy experience together in Minecraft Legends. Get ready to build your base and face an onslaught of Piglins in this brand-new experience. Gather your resources to defend and attack as you explore a lush and rich world of friends and foes.
While there is a single-player mode, Minecraft Legends has been built to offer a staggering Switch multiplayer experience for up to 4 players. From all we’ve seen so far, Minecraft Legends is shaping up to be one of the best multiplayer games the Nintendo Switch has to offer.
In 2023, the Nintendo Switch is an incredibly capable multiplayer and co-op console. With options for local and wireless online play, some of the best multiplayer games and experiences out there are to be had on the Nintendo Switch.
If you haven't already, take a look through our Switch Consoles to join in on the fun.
