This Sunday, February 8, 2026, the Seattle Seahawks and the New England Patriots will face off in the biggest football match of the year: The Super Bowl LX. The excitement is palpable, especially since both teams finished the year with the same win/loss record. The match will span more than 3 hours, although only 60 minutes will consist of actual gameplay. The rest of the time will be spent on commercials, the half-time show, and even Pokemon, all of which should be amusing. However, every family that sits down to watch the Super Bowl knows that they will have time to kill, and there is only so much food they can eat (which is my personal favorite part of any sports gathering).
What should you do while the ball is inactive? Twiddle on your mobile? Stare blankly at the wall out of sheer boredom? Talk to your family? No, those suggestions are all nonsense. Instead, play some easy party games that can keep the energy high and laughter coming. Obviously, these distractions should center on short bursts of gameplay rather than long, extensive time sinks, and they should have a stop-and-start rhythm that allows players to jump in and out. Let's recommend a few games perfect for the Super Bowl.
Find all 10 pairs
Find all 10 pairs
Heave Ho
Chaotic Party Co-Op Game To Create A Sense Of Togetherness
Heave Ho
- Released
- March 29, 2019
WHERE TO PLAY
A 4-player party game, Heave Ho is the ideal pick-up and play game to throw on while the Super Bowl is cycling through its endless commercials. While most of the other recommendations are PvP, this one is pure co-op, where everyone wins or loses as a family. Consequently, Heave Ho is the only pick for groups with people who are prone to arguments in competitive scenarios, as it should keep things light and friendly. Except for very young children, this game is suitable for all ages, providing a decent enough challenge for video game veterans while also being accessible for beginners.
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The gameplay loop is simple. Players just have to reach out, grab, and swing to the next platform, hoping everyone makes it in one piece. After a couple of failed attempts, you and your family should get into the swing of things, hopefully leading to plenty of laughters. Hell, the game is so fun, you might even forget that the Super Bowl is on.
Hardware required: One shared screen; either the TV or just a monitor. PC or, ideally, a Nintendo Switch. One Joy-Con (or controller) per person.
Cake Bash
A Sweet Treat To Make The Super Bowl's Commercial Breaks Go Down Smoothly
Cake Bash
- Released
- October 15, 2020
WHERE TO PLAY
- Developer(s)
- High Tea Frog
- Multiplayer
- Local Multiplayer, Online Multiplayer
- Number of Players
- 2-4
- Platform(s)
- PC, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, Stadia
- Genre(s)
- Party Game, Fighting
Mario Party is the definitive "party" series, but the games aren't really a great fit for entertainment during a Super Bowl get-together. You need something that really lends itself to short, self-contained sessions that fit neatly into commercial breaks, requiring only a couple of minutes per round. Cake Bash delivers just that, allowing up to 4 players to enjoy a series of mini-games that waste very little time in between the action.
While I would recommend Switch as the best platformer for party sessions, the PC version of Cake Bash is currently on a deep sale on Steam.
With cute visuals and a silly tone that does not really promote competitiveness, this title is just a laugh-riot that maintains a family-friendly tone throughout its entire run. Most of the mini-games have a casual fighting element to them, while still including specific requirements that will push players down a certain path. Fun stuff overall.
Hardware required: A shared screen. Supported system, with the Switch being the best option. One Joy-Con or controller per person.
Heads Up!
Now, Something For Mobile Users
Heads Up!
- Released
- September 25, 2013
WHERE TO PLAY
The thought of being caught without a console might seem improbable to us, but plenty of families might find themselves looking at the clock without a Switch or Steam Deck to save them from their Super Bowl woes. However, everyone has a smartphone at their disposal, which means that everyone has roughly a gazillion quick and easy party games that they can throw on at a moment's notice.
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Heads Up! Is one of the more popular options, and it is absolutely perfect for extremely short rounds that last only a minute or two. The concept combines charades with trivia, as one person holds their phone to their head with a word, and then their team gives them hints to help them figure it out. Simple, quick, and perfect for large groups. The game is also very self-explanatory, and there are various themed decks available.
Hardware needed: A smartphone, and only one is required. Install the app (which costs $1.99).
The Jackbox Party Pack (Any Pack Really)
The Ultimate Franchise For Parties
The Jackbox Party Pack 11
- Released
- October 23, 2025
WHERE TO PLAY
- Developer(s)
- Jackbox Games
- Platform(s)
- PC, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S, Nintendo Switch
- Genre(s)
- Party Game, Casual
Yeah, Jackbox Games needs to always be mentioned for any group gatherings and game nights. The sheer volume of mini-games available means there should be dozens of options that suit each group, although you will probably need to pick a pack with 5 titles (or subscribe to Amazon Luna's Jackbox Games to get access to all of them).
Generally, most games just require phones and not console controllers, making them incredibly accessible and ideal for substantial groups. Jackbox Games specializes in short-round experiences that slot nicely into commercial breaks, and the main packs are suitable for all ages. While most of the packs have their goodies, and The Jackbox Party Pack 11 is the most recent, I would recommend The Jackbox Party Pack 3 for families.
Hardware required: Shared screen, phones for players, and internet.
Super Bowl Bingo
I Mean, Yeah, We Have To Recommend Super Bowl Bingo For A Super Bowl Party
- Sites that offer free Super Bowl Bingo cards: Gridirongames, MyFreeBingoCards, ThriftyJinxy
OK, these aren't video games, but we cannot avoid mentioning Super Bowl Bingo. This is the perfect party game to play throughout the match, adding an element of fun that everybody can enjoy regardless of their interest in the Super Bowl. The concept is self-explanatory, as you would just need to tick when an action happens that corresponds with one of your boxes. Easy and fun. Plenty of sites offer free bingo cards, so you can put one together very quickly.
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