The Nintendo Switch 2 has made its debut, arriving on the scene with a launch line-up consisting primarily of ports. Mario Kart World is the console's main system seller and offers a fun evolution of the franchise's formula. Covering both single-player and multiplayer, the racing game is well-rounded, and the free-roam mode supports online co-op for people who want to play together. However, local co-op is not part of the equation, even if there might be a workaround to get two players into the same world.
The Switch 2 is still very early in its life, and its library is hardly stuffed with options. At the moment, only a handful of couch co-op Switch 2 games exist, to the point that nobody should currently buy the console solely for local multiplayer. However, the launch lineup included a couple of titles that incorporate the feature, and they will eventually be joined by even more projects. Let's highlight the best local co-op games on the Switch 2, for now.
Only native Switch 2 games will be included, so no backward-compatible titles.
Exciting Upcoming Local Co-Op Switch 2 Games
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MARVEL Cosmic Invasion
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8 /10Display card main info widget end Display card media widget start Display card media widget end- Released
- December 1, 2025
WHERE TO PLAY
SUBSCRIPTIONDIGITAL- Developer(s)
- Tribute Games Inc.
- Genre(s)
- Beat 'Em Up, Superhero, Action
- Platform(s)
- PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S, Nintendo Switch 2, Nintendo Switch, PC
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Hyrule Warriors: Age of Imprisonment
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- November 6, 2025
WHERE TO PLAY
DIGITAL- Developer(s)
- Koei Tecmo
- Genre(s)
- Action, Hack and Slash
- Platform(s)
- Nintendo Switch 2
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Reanimal
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Display card main info widget end Display card media widget start Display card media widget end- Released
- February 13, 2026
WHERE TO PLAY
DIGITAL- Developer(s)
- Tarsier Studios
- Platform(s)
- PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S, Nintendo Switch 2, PC
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Although not overly stacked with pending releases, the Nintendo Switch's yet-to-be-released lineup is relatively impressive and features a couple of projects that will certainly incorporate co-op. As players have few options at the moment, here are a few exciting upcoming couch co-op Switch 2 games that look great.
- Marvel Cosmic Invasion – Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Shredder's Revenge is one of the best local co-op games of the 2020s, and Tribute Games seems set to replicate that magic with Marvel Cosmic Invasion. Another beat 'em up that features fantastic animation and a whole host of playable characters (15, this time), the upcoming release seems to emphasize co-op even more than TMNT: Shredder's Revenge.
- Hyrule Warriors: Age of Imprisonment – Hyrule Warriors is seemingly here to stay, and Age of Imprisonment is one of the most exciting console exclusives announced for the Switch 2. Similar to the previous entries, the game will revolve around hack-and-slash action, with the combat being similar to Dynasty Warriors. Age of Imprisonment will support two-player local co-op and split-screen.
- Reanimal – Now, this looks fantastic on paper. Tarsier Studios is putting together a survival horror local co-op game that takes obvious inspiration from the developer's Little Nightmares projects. While Tarsier did not incorporate co-op into those games, Reanimal will revolve around the feature, allowing two players to take charge of a sister and brother combo.
4 Puyo Puyo Tetris 2S
A Fun Puzzle Game That Features Some Local Co-Op Modes
Puyo Puyo Tetris 2S
- Released
- June 5, 2025
WHERE TO PLAY
- Developer(s)
- Sonic Team, Sega
- Multiplayer
- Online Multiplayer, Online Co-Op, Local Multiplayer, Local Co-Op
- Genre(s)
- Puzzle
- Platform(s)
- Nintendo Switch 2
Puyo Puyo Tetris 2 has been out for a couple of years, and it is even available on the Nintendo Switch; consequently, the Switch 2's upgraded version is not that exciting a prospect in the grand scheme of things. That said, this iteration is a pretty good option for anyone craving a colorful puzzle game that also comes with a fun story mode, along with plenty of modes that are tailor-made for a party setting.
Now, Puyo Puyo Tetris 2S is not primarily sold as a local co-op game, and this aspect is a relatively minor part of the overall package. Still, players can combine forces to take on boss raids, along with diving into a 2v2 mode that is new to this version. While the Tetris aspect is fine, this title is mainly for Puyo Puyo fans.
3 Fantasy Life i: The Girl Who Steals Time
A Fantastic Switch 2 Game With Local Co-Op As A Decent Secondary Option
Fantasy Life i: The Girl Who Steals Time
- Released
- May 21, 2025
WHERE TO PLAY
- Developer(s)
- Level 5
- Multiplayer
- Online Co-Op, Local Co-Op
- Nintendo Switch 2 Release Date
- June 5, 2025
- Platform(s)
- Nintendo Switch, PC, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S, Nintendo Switch 2
Level-5's Fantasy Life i: The Girl Who Steals Time seemed to go through a somewhat troubled development cycle, one that saw multiple delays. Despite its history, the final game successfully managed to bring everything together, crafting an ambitious adventure capable of satisfying both RPG and life sim fans. Both aspects are not only fully developed and enjoyable in their own right, but they complement each other surprisingly well, allowing for a whole that is more than just the sum of its parts.
The Girl Who Steals Time is sold as a single-player package, as multiplayer comes with a fair few limitations. Focusing solely on local co-op, the second player is cast as the protagonist's companion rather than a character on equal footing, and their primary purpose is to assist the main user. Just to be clear, the game is plenty of fun in co-op, but it might not quite hit the mark with everyone.
2 Survival Kids
Survive With Friends (But Not Really Survival)
Survival Kids
- Released
- June 5, 2025
WHERE TO PLAY
- Developer(s)
- Konami, Unity
- Multiplayer
- Local Co-Op, Online Co-Op
- Platform(s)
- Nintendo Switch 2
An argument could be made that Survival Kids is the definitive local co-op Switch 2 game so far, mainly because it is only available on Nintendo's latest console. Konami's release is not a port, but rather a completely new game designed specifically for the Switch 2. While not a hugely well-known property, Survival Kids has been around since the late '90s, with the franchise originally debuting on the Game Boy Color. Multiple sequels were eventually released, although they were called Lost in Blue in Western nations.
Best 4-Player Co-Op Games
There are countless 4-player co-op games available for gamers to check out. These, however, are easily among the best.
2025's Survival Kids is the first entry in the series in more than 15 years, and it has garnered very little attention so far. Part of that has to do with its art style, which is fairly uninspired and paints the picture of a budget title. However, the game itself is better than it looks, with the campaign challenging a group of friends to work together to make their way off an array of islands. Local co-op supports two-player split-screen, while online co-op allows up to four players. Despite its name, Survival Kids is primarily an easy-going puzzle and adventure game rather than a full-blown survival experience, even if it takes a few minor elements from the latter.
1 Split Fiction
The Best Local Co-Op Game On The Nintendo Switch 2
Split Fiction
- Released
- March 6, 2025
WHERE TO PLAY
- Developer(s)
- Hazelight Studios
- Multiplayer
- Online Co-Op, Local Co-Op
- Nintendo Switch 2 Release Date
- June 5, 2025
- Platform(s)
- PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S, Nintendo Switch 2, PC
As the best co-op game of 2025 so far, Split Fiction ranking as the greatest option on the Nintendo Switch 2 is hardly surprising. Hazelight specializes in two-player experiences, with all three of the developer's games only being playable in co-op. Online is viable, but these titles are designed with couch co-op in mind. Split Fiction is arguably Hazelight's crowning achievement, particularly when it comes to gameplay. The story follows two writers who go on a wild adventure as they visit worlds based on their sci-fi and fantasy stories, with each setting not only being unique but also introducing new mechanics.
Now, the Switch 2 version comes with a few limitations compared to other consoles. The FPS taps out at 30, which is relatively low compared to the PS5 and Xbox Series X. The graphics are also not quite as impressive as other versions. Still, Split Fiction works well enough on the Switch 2, and these compromises hardly detract from the game's brilliance.
Things To Do First With Your Nintendo Switch 2
Make sure the Nintendo Switch 2 is set up and ready for many hours of gaming with this handy list of things to do after unboxing the new console.