Many consoles also offer a multiplayer mode, but Switch is famous for its slim and portable design. Anyone can take Switch anywhere he likes to play; it can also be connected to a TV if you love a big-screen experience. The Switch is the best console for multiplayer. Still, you need good games to be able to experience what this console has to offer. Now that makes us think, what are the Best Switch Games for Multiplayer? We will cover some of the best multiplayer games on Nintendo switch that are available right now. Whether you like to play the game with your friends to complete missions together, or you want to play against each other to test your competitive skills. We have covered games that have both modes.
Best Multiplayer Switch Games – Updated 2023 List
We have compiled our list of games from different genres. This list is for those who want to enjoy multiplayer with friends and family or want to meet new friends in the online world. These all games support online multiplayer as well as local multiplayer. Some games are exclusive to Nintendo Switch.
#1 – Animal Crossing: New Horizons
Animal Crossing: New Horizon is a life simulation game where you can catch fishes, build plant trees, make stuff, or enjoy a bonfire at night. It’s the 5th game in the Animal Crossing series, and it’s the most successful one. It has now become the game that most people buy Nintendo switch. The newly added multiplayer mode allows you to roam around with your friends. Check each other village out, borrow items that you don’t have available on your island. Characters are now customizable; you can change their appearance. Nook Miles can be used to purchase items from the shop. New Horizon supports up to four players locally and up to eight players online to occupy their islands. Nintendo often releases DLC to improve the game. The game was released in March 2020 for Nintendo Switch. It has become the second best-selling game for Nintendo Switch, selling over 26 million copies worldwide on a single console. MetaCritic gave a rating of 90/100.
#2 – Hyrule Warriors: Age of Calamity
Age of Calamity features 18 playable characters, including our favorites Link and Zelda. This game is a prequel to The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild. The gameplay of Age of Calamity is quite different from its prequel. It’s a co-op hack and slash game; you can play with your friend to complete the campaign. It is relatively an easy game to master. However, it can be difficult if a pro player challenges you. Players can use special abilities to defeat dozens of enemies. Progressing in the game further will unlock more characters and stories leading up to Breath of The Wild. Enjoy the beautiful fighting journey with your friend as you battle through enemies with swords. Developed by Omega forces and published by Nintendo, the game was released in November 2020. It offers a single-player and multiplayer mode. The genre of the game is Hack and Slash.
#3 – ARMS
ARMS is a 3D fighting and motion-controlled game. Up to 4 players can play together. All players have to use the Joy-Con or standard button controller to control each arm’s character to block, throw, and dodge the punches. It has fifteen playable characters, including five characters from DLC. A unique thing about ARMS is that all playable characters have unique attacking abilities than others. The weight of arms plays an important role as it will decide how easy or how hard the punch will be, depending upon your arm’s weight. It features multiple modes like Versus, Grand Prix, and Battle mode, including volleyball and basketball mode. ARMS was released in June 2017 By Nintendo on Switch. It offers single-player and multiplayer modes. The fighting game received a rating of 77/100 from Metacritic and a score of 8/10 from IGN.
#4 – Luigi’s Mansion 3
Luigi’s Mansion 3 features Mario’s brother Luigi. It’s a couch co-op and a haunted game. It has an excellent single-player campaign where you can add your friend to play the character of Gooigi; both players have constant work to do. So, both players have to be mentally active all the time. It features an online multiplayer mode named “Scarescrapper.” Up to 8 players can play together as different color variations of Luigi and Gooigi while clearing ten floors by finding ghosts on each floor. It also features another online game mode called “ScreamPark,” in which two teams are divided. A team can win the game by scoring points in three different matches “Ghost Hunt,” “Cannon Barrage,” and “Coin Floating.” Luigi’s Mansion 3 was released in October 2019 for Switch by Nintendo. It is an action-adventure game with both single-player and multiplayer modes. It received a rating of 86/100 from Metacritic and sold around 8 million copies worldwide, becoming one of the Nintendo Switch highest selling game.
#5 – Splatoon 2
It’s a third-person shooter game where players can control characters known as Octolings and Inklings. Both characters can transform into human form or kid form. In human form, they can shoot, walk whereas, in kid form, they can quickly swim through ink of their color to refill their supply and health. It features lots of guns from its last part, such as Dualies (dual pistol), Shotgun named Brellas. It also includes jetpacks called Inkjets. Splatoon 2 also has a game mode named Turf Wars in which eight players can take part in two teams of four-players; they have to cover most of the surface in ink of their color to win the game. Splatoon 2 was released in July 2017 by Nintendo on Switch. It offers both single-player and multiplayer modes. The title received a score of 83/100 from MetaCritic, and it got nominated for multiple awards, including Best Multiplayer Game in 2017.
#6 – Fortnite
Fortnite Battle-Royale became a gaming sensation in 2018. The game gained massive popularity for its Battle-Royale mode and its unique building mechanism. Some people hate the game, and some people love it, but there is no denying that it set the standard for all Battle-Royale games. You enter the game with 99 other players in the same battle bus; players try to kill each other till the last person is standing. There are plenty of skins and custom items such as backpacks, gliders, axes, and trails, which can be bought by VBucks, an in-game currency. It features different modes like solo, duo, and squad. The best thing about this game is it’s completely free to play, and it’s cross-platform too. So, download the game right now and claim your first victory umbrella. Epic Games released Fortnite in July 2017 on all platforms. In September 2018, Fortnite introduced cross-platform. Fortnite won several awards between 2018 and 2019. You’ll Like This Also: Best Mouse For Fortnite – (Play Like A Pro With These Gaming Mice)
#7 – Mario Kart 8 Deluxe
The Mario kart series is well-loved by many. The characters from the Mario universe go head-to-head with each other in go-karts. There are four difficulties level in this game, which can be changed depending on players’ skills. Many vehicles have been returned from previous parts, such as motorbikes and hang gliders. Anti-gravity racing mode is added in which players can race by climbing on walls and ceiling; players can bump into other carts or special bumpers to get a spin boost, which gives them more speed. The game also features new items in addition to previous ones such as “Boomerang Flower,” “The Piranha Plant,” “The Crazy Eight,” and “The Super Horn.” It also has an online multiplayer mode in which 12 players can race together in go-karts. Mario Kart 8 was released in May 2014 for Wii U and in April 2017 for Nintendo Switch. The game offers both single-player and multiplayer modes. Mario Kart 8 received a score of 92/100 from MetaCritic and 9.3/10 from IGN. The game sold around 29 million copies worldwide.
#8 – Minecraft
We all have heard of the term Minecraft as it’s the biggest name in the gaming industry. The game doesn’t have any cool graphics or sound, but this 3D sandboxed game is loved worldwide. It offers various single-player modes as well as multiplayer modes. It offers a first-person camera angle. A player can choose how they want to play this game; there are no restrictions they can do what they want. Build houses, design objects, or make water all by yourself. New players have to choose from the five modes as well as their difficulties. Its multiplayer is cross-platform, so if you have a friend who doesn’t have a Nintendo Switch, they can also play with you. Minecraft was released in November 2011 for multiple consoles and PC. It was later released for next-gen consoles such as Switch, PS4, Xbox One, and mobile phones. Minecraft has won numerous awards and received phenomenal ratings from all of its platforms.
#9 – Warframe
Warframe is free to play online shooter game. The players have to choose their Teeno character at the start of the game, equipped with basic armor, a primary weapon, a secondary weapon, melee, and a ship. The game offers numerous missions that can be played alone or with other players. The players can determine the mission’s difficulty with its ranking; a higher ranking means more difficulty. Warframe missions are very strategic; players have to choose when to attack when to play in stealth so that you don’t trigger an alarm. When a player gets killed, they can be revived up to four times. It also features PVP, where two players can go face-to-face with each other. The game was first released in March 2013 for Windows and later released in November 2018 from Nintendo Switch. It received a score of 86/100 from MetaCritic and 8.6/10 from IGN.
#10 – Overcooked 2
Overcooked is a cooking game where two teams gather to deliver the orders. There are two teams divided by four players each. Both teams gather items, chop them, and serve them on the plate to customers. The game can be played online across local wireless or matchmaking. It’s a sequel to Overcooked; new gameplay updates are added in the games, such as portals, impassable fires, and moving walkways. The game also offers transitions between different places while cooking. It also introduced the tossing ability, in which players can toss items in their pan to other chefs. The game was released in August 2018 by Team17. It is a simulation game that offers both modes, single-player and multiplayer. It received a score of 81/100 from MetaCriticand it has won multiple awards, including Best Game of the Year and Best Family Game.
#11 – Cuphead
Cuphead gameplay revolves around unique boss fights. You can choose by yourself to play in simple, normal, or expert difficulty. Users can unlock expert difficulty after completing the game in normal mode. In local co-op a player can have unlimited lives; they can respawn at any moment carrying all their equipment before they died. Players can perform powerful attacks using a super meter card; it can perform different powerful moves depending upon the weapon. Once the user completes a level, they are graded on their performance, and it shows the time taken to complete the level. Two-player local multiplayer is also included in Cuphead. Studio MDHR (publishers of Cuphead) initially released the game in 2017 for Xbox One and Windows. It was later released for Nintendo Switch in April 2019. The Run and gun genre game offers both single-player and multiplayer modes. MetaCritic gave a rating of 87/100.
#12 – Super Smash Bros. Ultimate
Super Smash Bros. Ultimate is a fighting game that allows up to 8 players to be played together. The game has three unique winning conditions. The game has 103 different levels included in the story mode. Stock, where players have must aim to be the last man standing. Timed, where players need to gain more points from their opponent within a time limit. Stamina, where the player’s primary goal is to empty the opponent’s stamina to win. The game also includes Final Smash Attack, which is the ultimate power gained by collecting Smash Ball or filling the special meter. It also has different items to attach enemies, such as Poke Balls. Super Smash Bros. Ultimate was released in December 2018 on Switch and was published by Nintendo. The game offers both single-player and multiplayer modes. It got a score of 93/100 from MetaCritic, and it also received awards, including Best Fighting Game of the Year.
#13 – Among US
Among Us become a trendy game in 2020. Many people love the concept of doing random tasks in order to find an imposter. The games require a minimum of 4 players and a maximum of 10 players to start a game. A host must start the game, which sets game options such as choosing imposter up to 3 and different speeds of the game. Imposters need to kill all other players before they finish their task. If a player dies, they can still become ghosts and continue their tasks. Other players can catch the imposter if another player sees a dead body or presses the emergency button if suspicious on some player. It was initially released in June 2018 on mobile phones and released on Switch in December 2020. It can only be played in multiplayer mode. It received a score of 84/100 from MetaCritic and 8/10 from Game Informer. The game is viral though it doesn’t have HD graphics.
#14 – Super Mario Maker 2
Super Mario Maker 2 is a game in which you design a course and upload it to the internet. Yamamura is back; it’s a character that helps you learn the basics of the game and give you ideas to make your course even better. The gameplay mechanics are unique to its last part. Such as a vertical course, which allows players to increase or decrease the vertical height limit. The game offers a story mode where Mario needs to help rebuild Princess Peach Castle. Mario Maker 2 allows two players to be connected in a local multiplayer and up to four online multiplayer players. Nintendo released the title in June 2019 for Switch only. It is one of the best-selling games for Nintendo Switch as it has sold over 5 million copies worldwide. It received a score of 88/100 from MetaCritic and 9.5/10 from IGN.
#15 – Pokémon Sword And Shield
A young trainer is controlled by players who find various Pokémon’s and tries to train them to defeat their enemy Pokémon. The Pokémon itself gains experience as the game progresses; they learn different battle techniques make themselves more powerful. Wild Pokémon can also be caught by weakening them. Players can also trade their Pokémon’s with each other. Sword and Shield take place in the Uk Galar region. Routes connect several cities; it also features an open world area known as the “Wild Area,” where players can often find wild Pokémons. Pokémon Home is a cloud service where all players’ data are stored. They can use different Pokémons from previous games. The Sword and Shield released in November 2019 by The Pokémon Company Nintendo for Nintendo Switch. The game got a score of 80/100 from MetaCritic and 9.3/10 from IGN. The game has sold around 19 million copies worldwide while winning multiple awards, including Best Game of the Year.
#16 – Super Mario Party
Mario-party-style gameplay returned in Super Mario Party. Each player uses a Joy-Con controller to play this game. Each player will take his turn by rolling dice and moving that space in the board; items can also help move additional board spaces. The board has unique spaces such as red and blue giving three coins, bad luck space, which will determine the player’s future. The player with the most coins and stars will win the round. The game can be played with Mario universe characters. A game mode is known as “Partner Party” features two teams that find and collect stars without moving in a specific direction; they can move freely. “Toad Scramble” is another mode where four players team up to reach the end of whitewater rapids within the time limit. Super Mario Party was released in October 2018 for Nintendo Switch. The game has sold over 12 million copies worldwide and receiving multiple awards, including Best Family Game in 2018. The game got a score of 76/100 from MetaCritic and 7.3/10 from IGN.
#17 – Kirby Fighters 2
Kirby Fighter 2 is a fighting game similar to its last part, where up to four players can play together. Each player can choose different fighters that suit their attacking abilities best. Most of the characters are different versions of Kirby. Still, additional characters are also playable such as King Dedede and Meta Knight. There are 17 playable characters in the game. Each character performs a unique move when the player presses the same button. For instance, a fighter punches when a player presses a button. At the same time, another fighter may swing his sword while pressing the same button. To unlock costumes and additional items fighter needs to level up their fighting ranks which is increased by fighting various enemies. The game was released in September 2020 for Switch, published by Nintendo. It offers both single-player and multiplayer modes for players to enjoy. The game got a score of 65/100 from MetaCritic and 6/10 from GameSpot.
#18 – Diablo III: Eternal Collection
It is the third part of the Diablo series; the gameplay is similar to its previous titles. The games use a 3D engine to provide overhead perspective for players, and enemies can also utilize this as they can see you coming and crawl up the walls to hide from you. In Diablo III it gives the option to select hardcore character same as in Diablo II. Which can be made after the regular character is reached at level 10. Your hardcore character can form a team with only hardcore characters. If the character dies, it cannot return to the game. A PVP combat mode was added in Diablo III, where two to four players can battle with each other without any scores or damage. Diablo III was initially released in 2012 for Windows and later released on Nintendo Switch in November 2018. Blizzard Entertainment published the game, and it has sold over 30 million copies worldwide. MetaCritic gave a score of 88/100 for the Nintendo Switch version, and IGN rated 9.5/10.
#19 – NBA 2K Playgrounds 2
NBA 2K Playgrounds 2 offers cartoonish 3D graphics, which look fantastic when played on Nintendo Switch. It offers a roster of both current and previous players from the NBA. The gameplay is similar to previous Playgrounds. The game offers three players packs “Bronze Pack,” “VIP Swag Pack,” and “Gold Pack.” Players can open these packs to collect different character cards. Some packs are given free at the start of the game, while others you have to purchase yourself. Playgrounds 2 online multiplayer and local multiplayer mode are vastly played among the consoles. Mad Dog Games published the game in May 2017 for PS4, Xbox One, Windows PC, and Nintendo Switch. The game has sold around 500000 copies across all platforms. MetaCritic gave a score of 63/100, and IGN gave 7.4/10.
#20 – Just Dance 2021
Just Dance 2021 is the 12th part of the series. The gameplay is similar in that the players need to mimic an on-screen dancer. You need a Joy-Con controller to play; follow the directions told on screen. The game offers various competitions and tournaments between players. Quickplay and Shuffle play are two options for those who don’t need to choose music. They just need to select the mode and dance on random songs. Mobile phones can also be used to dance using the phone’s sensor, but be careful you might not want to drop your phone while performing those moves. In-game currency “Mojo” can be used to buy capsules from gift machines. Just Dance 2021 was released in November 2020 for consoles, including Nintendo Switch; Ubisoft published the game. MetaCritic gave a score of 70/100, and Nintendo Life gave a rating of 6/10.
#21 – WWE 2K Battlegrounds
WWE always releases a game every year, but this game was released in replacement for WWE 2k21. This game offers 3D graphics wrestling. The gameplay offers many characters, including most famous WWE personalities such as Stone-Cold Steve Austin, Ronda Rousey, The Rock, and The Undertaker. 2k Battlegrounds also offers a seven-chapter-long campaign mode where Steve Austin travels the world to find wrestlers. Many characters are unlocked during the campaign, and players can purchase more characters from an in-game store. Battle Bucks is the currency used to buy items and characters from the store. It also offers a local multiplayer mode, which is quite enjoyable if playing with friends. 2k Battlegrounds was released in September 2020 for PS4, Xbox One, Windows, Stadia, and Nintendo Switch. It received a rating of 56/100 from MetaCritic and 5/10 from IGN.
#22 – FIFA 21 Legacy Edition
FIFA is a big name in the Sports Gaming industry. Their FIFA games always sell over a million copies worldwide every year. FIFA 21 is the latest edition in the series; the gameplay is similar to previous titles; however, new mechanics are added, such as a dynamic attacking system. The game offers a career mode where players can control their teams and take their teams to UCL Finals’ glory. Volta Football is also included as FIFA 21, but new stadiums are added and a story mode. Ultimate mode returns with a new player pack, including Xavi, Torres, and Schweinsteiger. FIFA is most popular for its online mode as you can play with your team against your friends. FIFA 21 was released in October 2020 for various consoles, including Nintendo Switch. The Game Awards nominated FIFA 21 for the best sports game of the year. MetaCritic gave a score of 33/100 and 7/10 from IGN.
#23 – Mario Tennis Aces
Tennis Aces is a sports game which allows the player to play tennis with each other. Players can play with Mario’s universe character, including Mario, Luigi, and Peach. It features a gameplay mode known as “Swing Mode,” where players can use the Joy-con controller as a tennis racket. Joy-con motion controls can be used to play tennis. Advanced mechanics are added, such as how hard the opponent hits the ball; if it’s hit by the racket three times, the racket will break, causing the player to forfeit the game. Special abilities are also added, for instance, “Zone Speed,” which gives the player power to play the game in slow motion making shots much easier. Tournaments are also held occasionally by Nintendo, where players can win different outfits and unlockable. The Mario Tennis Aces released in June 2018 for Nintendo Switch. The game sold around 250000 copies in its first month. The game sold over 3 million copies worldwide. It received a score of 75/100 from MetaCritic and 7.5/10 from IGN. To play most online games, you will need to purchase a membership from Nintendo Switch. It offers three payment duration; Monthly, three months, and yearly. It is not that expensive, and it is worth it. However, some games don’t need a membership to play online games such as Fortnite and Warframe. Nintendo Switch is popular because of its multiplayer experience. The console released in 2017 is still capable of giving competition to next-gen consoles. We hope you have found your answer regarding Switch’s best multiplayer games and are ready to buy most of the games on the list.
#1 – What are the best Nintendo Switch games for adults?
It depends on the user that which category of games does he likes. But the best games for adults on our list are Pokémon Sword and Shield, in which players have to use strategies to win the game. And Super Mario Bros: Ultimate this game offers every Mario character, including Link and Zelda.
#2- What are the best multiplayer games for the Nintendo switch?
It depends on the user that which category of games does he likes. But the best games for adults on our list are Pokémon Sword and Shield, in which players have to use strategies to win the game. And Super Mario Bros: Ultimate this game offers every Mario character, including Link and Zelda.
#3- What are some best multiplayer switch games for families?
Nintendo Switch was meant for family gaming. There are multiple games for families, including Animal Crossing: New Horizons, Mario Kart 8 Deluxe, Overcooked 2, and many more. You will only need Joy-con controllers for your family.
#4- What are some best multiplayer switch games that are free?
If you don’t want to spend money on a game or your friend doesn’t want to. Don’t worry; there are free-to-play games too. The most popular game is Fortnite, it is a famous battle-royale game where 100 players are on a battle island and the last player or last team standing wins.
#5- How do I switch to local multiplayer?
You can switch to the local multiplayer mode by going in the main menu, selecting the Select Play option, and then choosing Play Local. There will be two options join the local lobby or host a local lobby. You can choose either of them if you want to host, select host local lobby, and tell your friends to connect to your lobby using the second option.
