As the recent release of Super Smash Bros. Ultimate has demonstrated, the Nintendo Switch has an incredible library of fantastic multiplayer titles. In fact, there are so many great games on the system that it can be difficult to decide on what to play at a party. With that in mind, we’ve decided to highlight 10 of the best party games from a variety of genres ranging from sports titles to fighting games.
Best Nintendo Switch Multiplayer Party Games: Super Smash Bros. Ultimate
Super Smash Bros. Ultimate is a true celebration of gaming. This platform fighter has an incredible roster, over 100 stages to choose from, and is an undeniable multiplayer delight. While the online interface could use some tweaks, it’s still one of the best justifications for subscribing to Nintendo Switch Online. That said, it is best played locally where players can bust out the GameCube controllers and battle for supremacy while in the same room.
Best Nintendo Switch Multiplayer Party Games: Runbow
This 2D platformer is all about keeping up with an ever changing stage and it features a ton of indie darlings as selectable characters. Runbow was a blast when it came out on Nintendo Wii U, but the Switch port allows it to be played by an even wider audience. Since it supports up to nine players, you can’t go wrong with this gem whether you play online or locally. It also has a fully robust adventure mode for those that want to practice playing solo.
Best Nintendo Switch Multiplayer Party Games: Mario Tennis Aces
Mario Tennis Aces is a fantastic sports title to bust out at parties due to its various levels of complexity. It features modes that are simple enough that your grandmother could enjoyably play a match, but also a level of nuance that can keep the most hardened of gamers coming back for more. It’s one of the better Mario sports titles in quite some time, and it’s all due to the core tennis gameplay being just that good.
Best Nintendo Switch Multiplayer Party Games: TowerFall
While Matt Thorson is best known for creating Celeste, his other release is just as fantastic. TowerFall is a fast-paced archery game that has players trying to shoot each other. While fundamentally simple, the game winds up being great local multiplayer fun and should become a mainstay at any gathering of gamers.
Best Nintendo Switch Multiplayer Party Games: New Super Mario Bros. U Deluxe
While the Nintendo Switch port isn’t out until January, New Super Mario Bros. U‘s multiplayer fun is already well demonstrated. Not only does this 2D platformer have some of the best levels in the series, but there are plenty of reasons to replay them thanks to the difficult to reach star coins. Whether playing solo or with three others, NSMBU is a true platforming delight.
Best Nintendo Switch Multiplayer Party Games: Street Fighter 30th Anniversary Collection
Who doesn’t like getting a bunch of friends together and then putting on a fighting game tournament? Well, there’s no better way to do just that on Switch than with the Street Fighter 30th Anniversary Collection, which includes all of the classic 2D Street Fighter games. No matter if the players are veteran arcade players or having their first go at using Ryu and Ken, there is plenty of fun to be had.
Best Nintendo Switch Multiplayer Party Games: Super Mario Party
I mean it has “party” right in its name, so how could this list not include Super Mario Party? On top of that, the Nintendo Switch iteration of the long running series is also the best entry in quite some time thanks to some incredibly fun mini-games that take advantage of the Joy-Con’s HD rumble capabilities. It’s a blast locally, but sadly the online play is quite limited.
Best Nintendo Switch Multiplayer Party Games: Snipperclips Plus
One of Nintendo Switch’s best launch titles was the inventive Snipperclips. Not only are the puzzles incredibly enjoyable to figure out with friends, but there are several great party modes that allow more than two players get into the action. Whether players want a challenge or just some lackadaisical physics fun, this Nintendo-published title has you covered.
Best Nintendo Switch Multiplayer Party Games: Mario Kart 8 Deluxe
Similar to Mario Tennis Aces, Mario Kart 8 Deluxe is a great local multiplayer game due to how both hardcore and casual players can have fun at the same time. Plus, thanks to it including all of the DLC of the Wii U title, it’s the most content-rich Mario Kart game to date. It even gets into Smash Bros. territory by including several crossovers with The Legend of Zelda, F-Zero, Splatoon, and Animal Crossing.
Best Nintendo Switch Multiplayer Party Games: Overcooked 2
The excellent sequel to Overcooked adds in more four-player cooperative fun. The general gameplay is still the same as players attempt to prepare orders in various restaurants (none of which seem to be logically constructed). It’s an incredibly fun, stressful time and the sequel adds in a ton of new obstacles that players have to creatively get past. There’s also online multiplayer, so it can be played at all times.
