Summary

  • Switch offers a lineup of engaging co-op games with a focus on fun and captivating narrative tales for friends to enjoy.
  • Starlink: Battle for Atlas, Haven, & LEGO Star Wars deliver engaging gameplay experiences for two players with unique storylines.
  • From Hyrule Warriors to It Takes Two, Nintendo Switch boasts a diverse range of local co-op games for players of all tastes.

The Switch is arguably one of the best consoles to ever come around. While it might not have the graphical superiority of a PS5 or Series X, that has not stopped it from having many modern titles appear on it each year. The same can be said for games that were released long before its time.

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The Best Local Co-Op & Split-Screen Games You Can Play On Nintendo Switch

Nintendo Switch offers a fantastic lineup of games for the whole family. Here are some great local multiplayer games.

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There is an incredible lineup of co-op games on the Switch, with a lot of them heavily focused on fun above all else — such as the Mario franchise. However, some Switch games have some truly heartbreaking and emotionally captivating tales that leave long-lasting marks on their players.

A Space Epic with Physically Customizable Spaceships

Starlink: Battle for Atlas
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Released
October 16, 2018
Developer(s)
Ubisoft Toronto
Platform(s)
Switch, PC, PS4, Xbox One
Genre(s)
Action
OpenCritic Rating
Strong
  • 2 Players (Local Co-Op)
  • No Online Co-Op

There are many epic space adventures out there, but few let two players come together to engage it with such comradery. The game features a crew of skilled pilots, each with their own talents and personalities. While a single player can pick just one of these pilots and enjoy the game’s story, a friend can hop in and play alongside them.

The game allowed players to purchase physical models of the ships and their weapons to build them in real life, and then use those constructed models as their ships in the game. It also let players have access to the entire line in digital form.

8 Haven

Story of Two Lovers who Flee to a Lost Planet

Haven
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Released
December 3, 2020
Developer(s)
The Game Bakers
Platform(s)
Switch, PS5, PS4, PC, Xbox One, Xbox Series X
Genre(s)
Adventure, RPG
Local Co-Op Support
1-2 Players
  • 2 Players (Local Co-Op)
  • No Online Co-Op

The story follows 2 lovers who are being forced apart due to their love being seen as forbidden. These two flee and find themselves in a strange new world. This world is not as peaceful as they had hoped, and they will need to find a way to survive and repair their ship.

The story is very engaging and slowly told over the course of the game, learning more about the world setting. It is important to note that the game uses turn-based combat. So it is important to check if both players enjoy such a thing.

7 LEGO Star Wars: The Skywalker Saga

All Nine Mainline Star Wars Retold in LEGO

LEGO Star Wars: The Skywalker Saga
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Released
April 5, 2022
Developer(s)
Traveller's Tales
Genre(s)
Action, Adventure
OpenCritic Rating
Strong
  • 2 Players (Local Co-Op)
  • No Online Co-Op

There have been a lot of LEGO games over the years, but this is not a collection of all the past LEGO Star Wars games remastered. This is an entirely new game. Anyone that has seen all 9 mainline Star Wars films will be able to enjoy these comedic LEGO takes as it retells the story.

Players will amass hundreds of characters to play as, and explore all manner of iconic locations. Each of these locations is well crafted and a delight to play through, with each new one bringing a sense of awe and wonder.

6 Hyrule Warriors: Age of Calamity

Legend of Zelda Meets Dynasty Warriors

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Hyrule Warriors: Age of Calamity
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8 /10
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Released
November 20, 2020
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WHERE TO PLAY

DIGITAL
PHYSICAL
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Developer(s)
Koei Tecmo, Omega Force
Platform(s)
Switch
Genre(s)
Action
  • 2 Players (Local Co-Op)
  • No Online Co-Op

This game is something all Breath of the Wild fans need to experience. While the mainline Legend of Zelda games tell the story of Link and his acts of heroism. Hyrule Warriors lets many of this franchise’s iconic cast fight for their homeland as well.

Players can select from a large roster of characters, each feeling powerful and unique as they tear through waves of enemies. There are also plenty of elements from past games to make die-hard fans pause, wide-eyed, and feel a nostalgia rush.

5 Unravel Two

Cozy Esthetic Platformer That Will Touch Players' Hearts

Unravel 2
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Released
June 9, 2018
Developer(s)
Coldwood Interactive
Platform(s)
PC, PS4, Switch, Xbox One
Genre(s)
Platformer
OpenCritic Rating
Strong
  • 2 Players (Local Co-Op)
  • No Online Co-Op

While the first game told the simple, yet heartwarming tale of Yarny, this one features a second character that can be controlled by a friend. The world setting of this game is such a delight. Seeing everyday objects up close to the point where they feel giant-sized.

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The gameplay is a non-stop chain of accomplishments, with players making their way from one platforming challenge to the next. There are also plenty of puzzles for players to approach and figure out together. This is the perfect title for LittleBigPlanet 3 fans to give a try.

4 Borderlands 2

Hilarious Mayhem with Even More Guns and Loot

Borderlands 2
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Released
September 18, 2012
Developer(s)
Gearbox Software
Platform(s)
PC, PS4, PS3, macOS, Linux, Xbox 360, Xbox One, PS Vita, Android, Switch
Genre(s)
Shooter
OpenCritic Rating
Mighty
  • 2 Players (Local Co-Op)
  • 4 Players (Online Co-Op)

The sequel to the original Borderlands sees a massive spike in its storytelling. Players will work together as Vault Hunters to help the Crimson Raider faction protect their home planet of Pandora from the Hyperion Organization led by Handsome Jack.

Even if the gameplay for Borderlands 2 were an utter train wreck, it would still be worth playing for its story alone. Handsome Jack is one of the greatest villains in any media format ever, and the world setting of Pandora is filled with uniqueness, vibrancy, and interesting characters.

3 It Takes Two

A Heartfelt Journey of Love and Teamwork

It Takes Two
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Released
March 26, 2021
Developer(s)
Hazelight Studios
Genre(s)
Action, Adventure
Local Co-Op Support
2
OpenCritic Rating
Mighty
  • 2 Players (Local Co-Op)
  • 2 Players (Online Co-Op)

Out of all the games made by Hazelight Studios, this stands as one of its best. The story involves a couple who are on the brink of splitting up, but in true fairy tale fashion, the plea of their daughter transforms them into doll-like beings.

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Players need to work together through a wide range of different game modes to progress the game and its story. It features elements of puzzle solving, platforming, and plenty of minigames.

2 Cuphead

A Rubber Hose Animation Inspired Platformer Boss Rush

Cuphead
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Released
September 29, 2017
Developer(s)
Studio MDHR Entertainment Inc.
Div
Platform(s)
PS4, Xbox One, Switch, PC
Genre(s)
Platformer
OpenCritic Rating
Mighty
  • 2 Players (Local Co-Op)
  • No Online Co-Op

There are a lot of games that are made to be a challenge for players — Cuphead is one such game. This is a bullet hell styled boss rush game that 2 players can tackle together. The story sets up the entire premise at the start, then sets players off to discover a fantastical world of vibrant characters, culminating in a satisfying ending.

The gameplay is vibrant and utterly enthralling. Everything is constantly moving, giving a sense of alertness to any and all potential threats. Players that don’t want all the difficulty of Cuphead will be pleased to know it is also a Netflix series.

1 Divinity: Original Sin 2 - Definitive Edition

A Tactical Dungeons & Dragons Styled Adventure

Divinity: Original Sin 2
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Released
September 14, 2017
Developer(s)
Larian Studios
Platform(s)
Switch, PS4, Xbox One, PC
Genre(s)
RPG
OpenCritic Rating
Mighty
  • 2 Players (Local Co-Op)
  • 4 Players (Online Co-Op)

While the Switch does not feature Buldar’s Gate 3, it does have a spiritual predecessor called Divinity: Original Sin 2. Both of these titles were made by Larian Studios, and tell some narratives that are nothing short of masterworks. Both feature a lengthy overarching story filled with smaller elements, numerous chapters, and side stories all interwoven into their worlds.

4 Players can party up, grow stronger in their respective roles, and will have plenty of diverse combat and social situations to navigate. It is

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