Regardless of the title, playing games alongside others invariably yields more laughter and enjoyment, especially when they are meant to be shared experiences.
Nintendo stands out as a prominent publisher, renowned for crafting exceptional games that shine even brighter when enjoyed in a social setting. For anyone who has owned one of their consoles, weekends and celebrations were often marked by joyful gatherings around controllers, whether it was racing, battling, or strategizing with friends and family.
Reflecting on my childhood, I distinctly recall becoming so enamored with cooperative gameplay on my Nintendo 64 that I attempted to convert even single-player games into multiplayer experiences. Who says you can’t hold an impromptu fishing contest in The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time by passing the controller around?
Such nostalgic experiences make the announcement of new Nintendo titles with cooperative options incredibly exciting, as they rekindle those cherished memories of collaboration and fun.
10 The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past and Four Swords
Ahead Of Its Time
When The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past and Four Swords was released in 2002, many were perplexed by its multiplayer approach—a reimagining of the classic that introduced new ways to play. Looking back, it is clear that Nintendo foresaw the gaming landscape evolving, making this title worth revisiting today.
During its launch, widespread internet access was not a given, so coordinating multiplayer sessions required multiple Game Boy Advance systems and linking cables—far from a straightforward endeavor.
The game’s innovative mechanics allowed players to navigate dungeons with Link and three of his clones, competing to amass rupees. Imagine the joy of exploring Hyrule with friends, cutting grass, or playfully annoying the local cuckoos!
Despite its creativity, the game struggled to achieve the acclaim it deserved upon release due to accessibility issues. Fortunately, it’s now available on Nintendo Switch Online, enabling players to dive into this exhilarating co-op adventure online. Don’t miss this opportunity to enjoy one of the most distinct co-op experiences Nintendo offers!
9 Super Mario Maker 2
Property Brothers
If you’re seeking a unique co-op experience, then Super Mario Maker 2 provides an unparalleled blend of play and creativity. Its design allows players to either collaborate on levels or create their own engaging challenges together, stepping into the shoes of a game designer for a day.
However, there are a couple of caveats: an active subscription to Nintendo Switch Online is necessary for exploring its online courses, and the search functionality has some quirks. Despite this, if you’re already signed up, you can enjoy a plethora of courses with up to four friends on the same console.
While navigating the plethora of levels made by other players, expect a whimsical mix of creativity that can lead to some wonderfully chaotic and experimental gameplay—one of the experience’s greatest charms.
8 Animal Crossing: New Horizons
Co-op By Essence
Admittedly, Animal Crossing: New Horizons isn’t a co-op game in the traditional sense. Yet, its essence thrives on sharing experiences and activities with fellow players—whether it’s trading turnips or enhancing island aesthetics.
Your island becomes a canvas for creativity as you can design, decorate, and shape it according to your vision. The thrill of inviting someone over to explore your island, exchanging items, and engaging in real-time activities adds a unique layer to the gameplay.
Sharing your island with a friend opens up exciting possibilities, from exploring seasonal events to trading resources and simply enjoying each other’s company. It’s a fantastic means of reconnecting with someone and fostering new memories—after all, who needs a video call when you can negotiate produce?
7 Luigi’s Mansion 3
Spooky Together
Swapping scares with a friend is an exhilarating experience, and Luigi’s Mansion 3 exemplifies this perfectly with its cooperative mode designed for two players.
In the game, Luigi embarks on a quest to rescue his friends, who have been captured by King Boo in a haunted hotel. The twist? He doesn’t have to face the challenge alone.
Players can call upon Gooigi, a gooey doppelgänger, equipped with abilities akin to Luigi—though he has a notable vulnerability to water, demanding teamwork for puzzle-solving. This makes the cooperative aspect both engaging and accessible, inviting even non-gamers to partake without feeling left out.
While Gooigi becomes available after overcoming initial obstacles, the co-op mode adds layers of fun and strategy, particularly during boss fights where collaboration enhances the experience.
6 Nintendo Switch Sports
Fun & Fit
Nintendo Switch Sports carries on the legacy of Wii Sports, providing an opportunity to enjoy friendly competition within the comfort of your home.
With support for up to four players locally (or eight online), you can partake in activities ranging from badminton to soccer—all with intuitive motion controls that cater to players of all ages.
The inclusion of a leg strap for soccer adds an adrenaline rush as players kick their way to victory, though it also requires caution to avoid mishaps with the controller and your TV!
Despite some drawbacks, such as the need for a “battle pass”for cosmetic items and an online subscription for certain features, it promises hours of laughter—perfect for a game night filled with friends, snacks, and fun.
5 Super Mario Bros. Wonder
Platformer Chaos
Super Mario Bros. Wonder is an extraordinary 2D platforming adventure where each level offers new, delightful experiences, especially when playing cooperatively.
The co-op mode facilitates up to four players who must progress together, sharing a pool of lives and power-ups while navigating obstacles in unison. Sounds simple? Not quite.
The camera focuses on the lead player, which means the others must keep pace—creating a vibrant dynamic where teamwork is essential to success. This collaborative challenge not only heightens the difficulty but also amplifies the enjoyment, especially when shared with competitive friends.
Players can choose their favorite characters from the roster, ensuring everyone has the chance to play as their preferred Mario universe inhabitant.
4 Pikmin 3 Deluxe
Somehow, Louie Returned
Pikmin is undoubtedly a standout in the real-time strategy genre, breaking norms with its whimsical aesthetic—and the addition of co-op gameplay in Pikmin 3 Deluxe enhances its appeal.
Players can join forces in the main campaign, guiding a team of astronauts through an alien world in search of food after their ship crash-lands, leading to challenging scenarios that require strategy and collaboration.
While cooperation can simplify certain tasks, other situations can become more complex, making strategic teamwork essential—especially during intense encounters with bosses.
The game keeps both players on the edge of their seats with dynamic stage design, ensuring that boredom is never an option.
3 Mario Kart 8 Deluxe
A Modern Classic
Mario Kart 8 Deluxe reigns as the top-selling title on the Nintendo Switch, captivating players with a perfect blend of nostalgia and innovation.
This installment preserves the beloved aspects of the franchise while ensuring accessibility and excitement for both seasoned gamers and newcomers. It features precise drifting mechanics and vibrant visuals, enhancing the overall racing experience.
While the cooperative modes are enjoyable, the competitive gameplay tends to shine even brighter—illustrating why it remains a staple at gatherings.
2 Super Mario Party Jamboree
Completely Jamboreezed
The Mario Party series consistently brings friends and family together for engaging and often hilarious gameplay that can lead to camaraderie—or friendly competition.
Super Mario Party Jamboree is a standout entry that delivers an enhanced party experience with over a hundred mini-games, a variety of boards, and modes that cater to different play styles, including an online option.
The return of the classic Western Land map from Mario Party 2 is a nostalgic highlight for longtime fans, and the “Pro Rules” mode offers strategic depth for those looking to spice up gameplay.
1 Super Mario 3D World + Bowser’s Fury
2-in-1
Though I wasn’t a prolific player of the Wii U, I found joy in Super Mario 3D World. Initially experiencing it as a singular adventure, the game’s cooperative modes on the Switch ignited my interest to replay it with friends online, resulting in some of my most rewarding gaming moments.
Designed with cooperation in mind, the different abilities assigned to each character—be it balancing Mario, high-jumping Luigi, floating Peach, speedy Toad, or spinning Rosalina—encourage players to leverage each other’s strengths, enhancing teamwork.
Furthermore, the addition of Bowser’s Fury on the Switch offers a local co-op mode, unlike the more expansive options found in other Mario titles. Here, a second player can join as Bowser Jr., adding an extra layer of fun and engagement.
In summary, Super Mario 3D World + Bowser’s Fury not only stands out as a must-play for co-op enthusiasts but also serves as a celebration of teamwork in the vibrant Mario universe.
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