These local multiplayer games are perfect for get togethers.
While it’s rare that modern AAA titles offer local multiplayer content, there are still a ton of fun games out there that will allow you and your friends to sit down and play together. And in this list we’ve highlighted a ton of different split screen, couch co-op, and local multiplayer games that your party can dig into.
We’ve also provided a filtering feature so you can narrow down this list to the types of games you want to play.
Filter Local Multiplayer & Couch Co-Op Games
It Takes Two
- Genre: Adventure, Platformer, Puzzle
- Local Modes: Split-screen, Local co-op
- Platforms (local): PC, PlayStation, Xbox, Switch
- Players (local max): 2
It Takes Two — Overview
A rare co-op game that truly requires two people, It Takes Two builds every puzzle, mechanic, and gag around teamwork. One player might shrink to fit inside a clock while the other rewinds time; minutes later you’re riding a paper airplane, then firing a nail into a board to make a platform. The variety never stalls, and the tone swings from goofy to surprisingly heartfelt in a way that keeps both players engaged. Levels are short enough for quick sessions, yet inventive ideas stack up fast, so you’re always learning something new together. If you want a living-room game that feels designed for communication, this is the gold standard.
Borderlands 3
- Genre: Action, Shooter, RPG
- Local Modes: Split-screen, Local co-op
- Platforms (local): PlayStation, Xbox
- Players (local max): 4
Borderlands 3 — Overview
If you want explosive co-op with big numbers and bigger personalities, Borderlands 3 delivers. Split-screen lets two players tackle story chapters, side quests, and boss farms while swapping guns like trading cards. Each class pushes a different style—pets, clones, giant mech—so you naturally complement each other when arenas get hectic. The humor still leans loud, but the shooting feels tighter than previous entries and the build options open up quickly. Loot instancing keeps arguments over drops to a minimum, and respecs are cheap enough to experiment. It’s fast, silly, and perfect for couch sessions where you chase purple beams and laugh at the chaos along the way.
Terraria
- Genre: Sandbox, Adventure, Survival
- Local Modes: Split-screen, Local co-op
- Platforms (local): PlayStation, Xbox, Switch
- Players (local max): 4
Terraria — Overview
Terraria is the best kind of “one more night” game. On console, local co-op turns survival into a shared routine: one person ventures underground for rare ore while the other expands your base, builds storage, or lays out farms. Progression feels rewarding because you see it—a wooden shack becomes a town, copper tools become endgame gear, and bosses transform from impossible walls into nightly checklists. The game keeps adding tiny goals: rare fish, wiring contraptions, biome exploration, vanity sets, mounts. It’s dense but not overwhelming, and dying usually means “we learned something.” If Minecraft is about blocks, Terraria is about items—and that split-screen loop is incredibly moreish.
Portal 2 (Co-op)
- Genre: Puzzle
- Local Modes: Split-screen, Local co-op
- Platforms (local): PC, PlayStation, Xbox, Switch (Companion Collection)
- Players (local max): 2
Portal 2 — Co-op Overview
Portal 2’s co-op campaign is its own beast: fresh chambers, unique mechanics, and puzzles that only work because two players are thinking at once. Each of you has two portals, which means solutions can get wonderfully tangled—timed launches, midair swaps, faith plates, gels, lasers, and the occasional “oops, I deleted your safety portal.” The writing lands, but the satisfaction comes from those synchronized “three, two, one… now” moments where a plan just clicks. It’s challenging without being cruel thanks to smart ramps and checkpoint generosity. If you want a couch puzzle game that makes both players feel clever, this is the benchmark to beat.
Minecraft (Console Couch Co-op)
- Genre: Sandbox, Survival
- Local Modes: Split-screen, Local co-op
- Platforms (local): PlayStation, Xbox, Switch
- Players (local max): 4
Minecraft — Overview
Four-player split-screen Minecraft is a living-room staple for a reason. Survival nights create natural roles—one player mines, another farms, someone explores biomes, someone wrangles mobs—while Creative mode becomes a weekend-long build jam. It’s easy to set shared goals (“enchant full diamond,” “find a stronghold,” “finish the village wall”) and see steady progress every session. The joy is tactile: placing blocks together, celebrating lucky finds, and laughing when a creeper ruins yet another porch. It scales for families, too; younger players can gather materials or decorate while veterans handle nether runs. Few games make cooperation feel this open-ended, and even fewer stay fun for months.
Diablo IV (Couch Co-op)
- Genre: Action RPG
- Local Modes: Shared-screen, Local co-op
- Platforms (local): PlayStation, Xbox
- Players (local max): 2
Diablo IV — Overview
On console, Diablo IV’s couch co-op brings back the best part of the series: mowing through dungeons shoulder-to-shoulder. The classes finally feel distinct in how they move and control—barbarian roars into packs, sorcerer deletes screens, rogue dances around elites—so synergy happens naturally. World events and Helltides drop into your lap for quick detours, and seasonal progression gives you a reason to start fresh together without losing momentum. The camera keeps both players visible, inventory management is cleaner than you’d think, and difficulty scaling makes mixed-skill pairs workable. If you want an ARPG that respects your time and still feeds the loot itch, this is an easy pick.
Path of Exile 2 (Console Couch Co-op)
- Genre: Action RPG
- Local Modes: Shared-screen, Local co-op
- Platforms (local): PlayStation, Xbox
- Players (local max): 2
Path of Exile 2 — Overview
Path of Exile 2 takes the buildcrafting reputation of the series and wraps it in more deliberate combat. Local co-op on supported consoles lets you theorycraft on the couch, then test a synergy five minutes later—bleed setups, minion screens, frost traps that pin bosses for big crit windows. It’s still deep: passive trees, gem links, loot filtering, endgame maps. But the feel of moment-to-moment dodging and timing lands better here, and the campaign’s pacing pushes you to experiment rather than hoard. If you enjoy tinkering with builds and sharing discoveries out loud—“swap that support, try this keystone”—it’s a rewarding, long-haul couch grinder.
Overcooked! 2
- Genre: Party
- Local Modes: Shared-screen, Local co-op
- Platforms (local): PC, PlayStation, Xbox, Switch
- Players (local max): 4
Overcooked! 2 — Overview
The secret to Overcooked! 2 is controlled chaos. New stage gimmicks—moving platforms, wind, portals—force teams to communicate constantly: who’s chopping, who’s plating, who’s washing. Tossing ingredients across gaps saves seconds and creates hilarious fails. It’s approachable enough for newcomers, but chasing three stars demands tight routing and handoffs. The campaign structure makes it easy to stop after a few kitchens, and the scoring system keeps “one more try” alive for hours. Play it with two for clear roles or four for delicious chaos; either way, it’s the party game you remember ten years from now.
Overcooked!
- Genre: Party
- Local Modes: Shared-screen, Local co-op
- Platforms (local): PC, PlayStation, Xbox, Switch
- Players (local max): 4
Overcooked! — Overview
The original Overcooked is still excellent when you want a cleaner on-ramp. Levels are simpler, the difficulty curve is softer, and the learning moments are obvious—mise en place, lane discipline, “don’t leave the pan.” That structure makes it perfect for mixed groups or families, because players can contribute meaningfully without memorizing stage gimmicks. It’s also great practice for Overcooked! 2; communication habits you build here carry over. The charm holds up: silly kitchens, expressive chefs, and that moment when a team finally clicks. If you want a lower-stress version of the same “we did it!” feeling, start here
Moving Out 2
- Genre: Party
- Local Modes: Shared-screen, Local co-op
- Platforms (local): PC, PlayStation, Xbox, Switch
- Players (local max): 4
Moving Out 2 — Overview
Moving Out 2 leans into slapstick, then layers in smarter objectives and better co-op tools. The premise is still wonderfully dumb: clear a house fast, furniture be damned. New level types, portals, and optional challenges keep runs varied, while accessibility options broaden the audience without flattening the fun. The best moments are teamwork beats—syncing a couch pivot through a tight hallway, banking a TV toss out a second-story window, or dividing rooms to shave seconds. Short levels, quick restarts, and post-level medals make it easy to chase improvements. It’s a perfect “pass the controller” game that plays great as a duo.
Moving Out
- Genre: Party
- Local Modes: Shared-screen, Local co-op
- Platforms (local): PC, PlayStation, Xbox, Switch
- Players (local max): 4
![Let's Play: Moving Out [4-Player Co-Op]](https://techguided.com/wp-content/cache/flying-press/c264323e0547f0ba073357bfab471bee.jpg)
Moving Out — Overview
The first Moving Out nails the “five-minute mission, big laughs” formula. You’ll learn to two-man a refrigerator, coordinate corner pivots, and accept that sometimes the fastest route is straight through the glass door. Each house presents a fresh mini-puzzle: narrow stairs, awkward angles, fragile items, or environmental hazards. Optional goals—no breakage, all items, time medals—encourage replay without pressure. With two players, roles are clear and communication is funny; with more, it becomes cheerful chaos. It’s approachable, silly, and surprisingly satisfying when a route finally feels clean.
Lovers in a Dangerous Spacetime
- Genre: Action, Shooter
- Local Modes: Shared-screen, Local co-op
- Platforms (local): PC, PlayStation, Xbox, Switch
- Players (local max): 4
Lovers in a Dangerous Spacetime — Overview
Imagine a neon starship with stations you must physically run between—shields, engine, weapons, map—and you’ve got the loop. Two players constantly swap roles: one steers, the other shuffles between turrets and shield controls, then you trade on the fly. That scramble is the point, and it’s deeply satisfying when you nail a flow—boost past a hazard, angle the shield to block, swing a laser to clear a wave. Levels hide secrets, upgrades meaningfully change your ship, and the difficulty hits a sweet spot where triumphs feel earned. It’s short enough to finish but strong enough to revisit.
Cuphead
- Genre: Platformer, Shooter
- Local Modes: Shared-screen, Local co-op
- Platforms (local): PC, PlayStation, Xbox, Switch
- Players (local max): 2
Cuphead — Overview
Cuphead looks like a 1930s cartoon and hits like an arcade classic. The co-op twist is simple: two players share screen space, revive each other mid-fight, and split attention on boss phases that feel designed for teamwork. Pattern recognition is everything, and the parry mechanic rewards coordination—“I’ll take pink, you focus damage.” It’s tough, but fair; each loss teaches a beat you can read next attempt. The run-and-gun stages give a breather between bosses, and weapon loadouts let you tailor roles. When a victory finally lands, the living room erupts. It’s a trial-by-fire co-op that makes wins unforgettable.
Rayman Legends
- Genre: Platformer
- Local Modes: Shared-screen, Local co-op
- Platforms (local): PC, PlayStation, Xbox, Switch
- Players (local max): 4
Rayman Legends — Overview
Rayman Legends blends responsive platforming with levels that feel handcrafted, then lets up to four players share the ride. The rhythm stages are still the standout—memorably synced to music—and they’re even better with a friend who can rescue a missed beat. The campaign rotates ideas at a friendly clip, mixing chase sequences, secret rooms, and light combat. It’s generous with checkpoints, so mistakes become laughs rather than roadblocks. Collectibles encourage a little healthy competition without dragging pace. If you want a platformer that’s joyful, polished, and instantly pick-up-and-play on a couch, this is the one.
Super Mario 3D World + Bowser’s Fury
- Genre: Platformer
- Local Modes: Shared-screen, Local co-op
- Platforms (local): Switch
- Players (local max): 4
Super Mario 3D World — Overview
3D World is a co-op sweet spot: structured courses with playful power-ups and just enough bumping to spark friendly rivalry. The cat suit alone sells it—climb shortcuts, scramble up flagpoles, and cause harmless mischief. Levels are compact, checkpointed, and readable for all ages. Bowser’s Fury adds a separate, freer adventure that’s perfect for quick sessions, including a helpful second-player role. Together, they cover both moods: focused courses for four, relaxed exploration for two. It’s approachable without feeling shallow and remains one of the easiest Mario packages to recommend for the couch.
Mario Kart 8 Deluxe
- Genre: Racing
- Local Modes: Split-screen
- Platforms (local): Switch
- Players (local max): 4
Mario Kart 8 Deluxe — Overview
Four-player split-screen remains buttery smooth, and the track list is absurdly generous. Handling hits that sweet spot where beginners can have fun immediately while veterans carve out time with tight drifts. Items create drama without completely erasing skill, and Battle Mode is a party unto itself. It’s also the rare game that works across moods: late-night competitive sets, family races with assists, or casual cups while chatting. You’ll always find a combo that feels right—kart, tires, glider—and you’ll always have a reason for “one more cup.” It’s a permanent fixture for living rooms.
Super Smash Bros. Ultimate
- Genre: Fighting
- Local Modes: Shared-screen
- Platforms (local): Switch
- Players (local max): 8
Smash Ultimate — Overview
Smash Ultimate is a living-room chameleon: pure chaos with items on, tight footsies with them off. The roster is almost comically broad, so everyone can find a main, and the stages range from competitive staples to crowd-pleasing absurdity. Local play scales smoothly from friendly four-player scrambles to first-to-five grudge sets. The training tools are helpful, but you can also learn by playing—and laughing—together. It’s extremely replayable because no two matches feel the same. Whether you’re here for tournaments or couch yelling, it delivers.
Mario Party Superstars
- Genre: Party
- Local Modes: Shared-screen
- Platforms (local): Switch
- Players (local max): 4
Mario Party Superstars — Overview
This one leans into the series’ greatest hits: classic boards, beloved mini-games, and a pace that keeps everyone involved. Local play shines because the rules are simple, turns go quickly, and comebacks are always possible. The luck factor can spark chaos, but skill still matters in many mini-games, giving try-hards and casuals room to coexist. It’s perfect for mixed groups, families, or nights when you want noise and laughs more than intense focus. Expect rivalries, unexpected steals, and at least one “we’re not friends anymore” that fades immediately after the results screen.
Rocket League (Local VS/Co-op)
- Genre: Sports
- Local Modes: Split-screen
- Platforms (local): PC, PlayStation, Xbox, Switch
- Players (local max): 4
Rocket League — Overview
Few games mix approachability and depth like Rocket League. On the couch, split-screen stays crisp, and you can switch between co-op seasons, casual lobbies, or private 1v1 grudge matches in seconds. The mechanics scale beautifully: simple hits for beginners, air dribbles and ceiling shots for players who grind. Matches are short, so swapping controllers is natural, and the physics create highlight moments constantly—last-second saves, pinch goals, double taps. It’s a perfect “learn together” game where improvement is visible and satisfying.
Halo: The Master Chief Collection (Split-screen)
- Genre: Shooter
- Local Modes: Split-screen, Local co-op (campaigns vary)
- Platforms (local): Xbox
- Players (local max): 2
Halo MCC — Overview
MCC is a co-op time capsule and a massive value. Split-screen campaign lets you relive the series’ best missions together—Silent Cartographer still slaps—and the remastered visuals on classic titles hold up well. When you’re done, pivot to split-screen multiplayer and run Slayer, SWAT, or objective modes across generations of Halo maps. The feel varies per title, which keeps sessions fresh, and skulls offer plenty of fun modifiers for replays. It’s the definitive living-room Halo package.
Divinity: Original Sin 2 — Definitive Edition
- Genre: RPG, Strategy
- Local Modes: Split-screen, Local co-op
- Platforms (local): PC, PlayStation, Xbox
- Players (local max): 2
DOS2 — Overview
This is a full-fat RPG that genuinely works on a couch. Split-screen lets both players explore and make choices independently, then snap back together for combat that rewards creativity—oil, fire, lightning, elevation, and barrels doing barrel things. The writing respects your time, and role-playing different personalities in the same party creates memorable moments. Character builds feel distinct enough to encourage complementary roles without rigid metas. It’s slower than an action game, but that shared planning—“you Teleport him, I Freeze the pool”—is the point. If you want story-rich co-op with tactical depth, start here.
Baldur’s Gate 3 (Split-screen)
- Genre: RPG
- Local Modes: Split-screen, Local co-op
- Platforms (local): PlayStation, Xbox
- Players (local max): 2
Baldur’s Gate 3 — Overview
BG3 brings tabletop energy to the couch. Two players can explore, argue, and improvise through the same scene, with split-screen cleanly handling diverging paths. Turns let you plan without pressure, and the dice add just enough drama that failures turn into fun stories. Conversations have weight, combat has options, and character builds—damage, control, support—feel meaningful together. It’s slower-paced than action games, but the payoff is in shared outcomes: a botched sneak that snowballs into a brilliant victory, or a persuasion check that changes a quest. For narrative co-op, it doesn’t get much better.
A Way Out
- Genre: Adventure
- Local Modes: Split-screen, Local co-op
- Platforms (local): PC, PlayStation, Xbox
- Players (local max): 2
A Way Out — Overview
A Way Out is built around split-screen tricks that constantly surprise. The two protagonists have different perspectives, often doing different tasks at the same time—one distracts, the other sneaks; one drives, the other shoots. It’s short enough for a weekend and paced like a buddy thriller, with set pieces that feel tailored to two players rather than retrofitted. There’s no filler, and the ending lands because you’ve done everything together. If you want a cinematic couch game that doesn’t overstay its welcome, this is an easy recommendation.
LEGO Star Wars: The Skywalker Saga
- Genre: Adventure, Action
- Local Modes: Split-screen, Local co-op
- Platforms (local): PC, PlayStation, Xbox, Switch
- Players (local max): 2
LEGO Star Wars — Overview
This is the most generous LEGO package to date: nine films, open hubs, drop-in co-op, and a revamped combat system that adds just enough spice. The writing balances slapstick with affectionate parody, so kids get belly laughs and adults get winks. It’s ideal for short sessions—knock out a level, explore a hub, hunt collectibles—without losing the plot. Local co-op stays readable, and the character roster is absurdly large. If you want something cozy, flexible, and family-friendly that still feels modern, you can’t miss here.
Streets of Rage 4
- Genre: Brawler
- Local Modes: Shared-screen, Local co-op
- Platforms (local): PC, PlayStation, Xbox, Switch
- Players (local max): 4
Streets of Rage 4 — Overview
SoR4 modernizes a classic beat ’em up without losing the crunchy feel. Local co-op is where it shines: you’ll learn juggle routes, trade combos, and read boss patterns together. The art is striking, the soundtrack slaps, and the difficulties scale well for mixed skill levels. It’s tight enough to reward mastery and generous enough to be a great first brawler. Short stages, arcade score chasing, and multiple characters give it long legs on the couch.
TMNT: Shredder’s Revenge
- Genre: Brawler
- Local Modes: Shared-screen, Local co-op
- Platforms (local): PC, PlayStation, Xbox, Switch
- Players (local max): 6
Shredder’s Revenge — Overview
This is pure Saturday morning energy wrapped in a sharp brawler. Up to six players can jump in locally, but it’s excellent as a duo: dodge, punish, and pop supers while calling out grabs. Stages are brisk, bosses are readable, and the soundtrack rules. It’s nostalgic without being stuck in the past; modern touches like move lists and challenges keep it engaging after the first credits. If you grew up with Turtles or just want a crowd-pleaser, it’s a slam dunk.
Diablo III (Console Couch Co-op)
- Genre: Action RPG
- Local Modes: Shared-screen, Local co-op
- Platforms (local): PlayStation, Xbox, Switch
- Players (local max): 4
Diablo III — Overview
Diablo III remains the easiest ARPG to play on a couch. Four players can drop in, zoom through rifts, and melt elites without getting bogged down in menus. Loot rains, builds come online fast, and difficulty sliders keep the pace snappy. Adventure Mode and seasonal resets give you bite-size goals for weeknights. It’s comfort food—flashy, fast, and perfect for conversation while you grind. Newer ARPGs go deeper, but few match D3’s “instant fun” co-op loop.
Don’t Starve Together (Split-screen)
- Genre: Survival
- Local Modes: Split-screen, Local co-op
- Platforms (local): PC, PlayStation, Xbox
- Players (local max): 2
DST — Overview
DST’s charm hides teeth. Seasons, sanity, and hunger require planning, which makes split-screen cooperation feel essential rather than optional. One player can handle farms while the other secures winter gear; boss hunts become big weekend goals. The art and sound give it a storybook vibe, but failures are memorable rather than punishing—every collapsed base teaches a lesson you’ll apply on the next run. If you want survival that rewards preparation and shared routines, this one sticks.
Spelunky 2
- Genre: Platformer, Roguelike
- Local Modes: Shared-screen, Local co-op
- Platforms (local): PC, PlayStation, Xbox, Switch
- Players (local max): 4
Spelunky 2 — Overview
Spelunky 2 is about risk and discipline. Local co-op adds chaos—friendly fire, chain reactions, last-second rescues—but that’s part of the fun. Procedural levels force you to read the screen and use tools smartly: ropes, bombs, mounts, shops. It’s difficult, yet fair; you’ll feel growth with each attempt as bad habits fall away. Runs are short enough to keep the “one more” loop alive, and secrets give veterans something to chase. Expect yelling, laughing, and the occasional miraculous save.
Castle Crashers Remastered
- Genre: Brawler
- Local Modes: Shared-screen, Local co-op
- Platforms (local): PC, PlayStation, Xbox, Switch
- Players (local max): 4
Castle Crashers — Overview
Simple, colorful, and still highly replayable. Local co-op supports four, so it’s great for mixed groups. Light RPG systems—levels, unlocks, weapons—give just enough progression without locking you into roles. The humor lands, the combat feels crunchy, and the stages are short, which keeps momentum high. It’s as easy to recommend now as it was at launch, especially for players who want a breezy brawler that ramps up without getting complicated.
Enter the Gungeon
- Genre: Shooter, Roguelike
- Local Modes: Shared-screen, Local co-op
- Platforms (local): PC, PlayStation, Xbox, Switch
- Players (local max): 2
Enter the Gungeon — Overview
A twin-stick roguelike where every gun is a joke that still shoots well. In local co-op, chaos doubles: more bullets, more clutch dodges, more “I can’t believe we survived.” Boss patterns are readable with practice, and short rooms keep retry loops quick. Unlocks add variety without bloating the pool, and secret routes give veterans something to chase. It’s funny, tough, and perfect for two players who enjoy learning a game’s language together.
Unravel Two
- Genre: Platformer, Puzzle
- Local Modes: Shared-screen, Local co-op
- Platforms (local): PC, PlayStation, Xbox, Switch
- Players (local max): 2
Unravel Two — Overview
Unravel Two is a quiet co-op platformer built on a simple idea: two yarn figures tethered together. Every puzzle leans on that bond—human ladders, rope swings, counterweights—and success feels collaborative rather than competitive. The tone is cozy, the visuals are lovely, and retries are instant, so it’s ideal for relaxed evenings. Optional challenge levels offer bite for players who want it. It’s a great pick when you want something thoughtful and low-stress.
Gang Beasts
- Genre: Party, Brawler
- Local Modes: Shared-screen
- Platforms (local): PC, PlayStation, Xbox, Switch
- Players (local max): 4
![Gang Beasts [4K] 4 Player Local Multiplayer Series X - Gameplay](https://techguided.com/wp-content/cache/flying-press/c3507636ea2932d4748d1a2e00f74240.jpg)
Gang Beasts — Overview
Gang Beasts is pure physics comedy. The controls are intentionally wobbly, which turns every grab, throw, and headbutt into slapstick. Local brawls are short, loud, and perfect for passing the controller. Stages do half the work—trucks, grinders, elevators—creating instant highlight reels. It’s not about precision; it’s about belly laughs and nonsense drama. For parties or quick pick-up matches, it’s hard to beat.
Human: Fall Flat
- Genre: Puzzle, Platformer
- Local Modes: Shared-screen, Local co-op
- Platforms (local): PC, PlayStation, Xbox, Switch
- Players (local max): 2
Human: Fall Flat — Overview
Human: Fall Flat is a sandbox of physics puzzles that begs for experimentation. Two players can approach problems from totally different angles—stacking objects, misusing props, or discovering accidental shortcuts. The loose controls are part of the charm, and failures are funny rather than frustrating. Because levels are open-ended, you’ll create your own solutions and stories. It’s delightful, low-pressure co-op with plenty of room to mess around.
Minecraft Dungeons
- Genre: Action RPG
- Local Modes: Shared-screen, Local co-op
- Platforms (local): PC, PlayStation, Xbox, Switch
- Players (local max): 4
Minecraft Dungeons — Overview
Minecraft Dungeons translates Diablo-style dungeon crawling into something friendlier and faster. Local co-op supports up to four, and builds stay readable—armor sets, artifact combos, elemental synergies—so new players contribute quickly. Levels are short, secrets are plentiful, and difficulty settings keep the curve smooth. It’s a great “after dinner” game where you can run a mission or two and feel progress without committing a whole night. Charming, punchy, and reliably fun with a group.
Kirby and the Forgotten Land
- Genre: Platformer
- Local Modes: Shared-screen, Local co-op
- Platforms (local): Switch
- Players (local max): 2
Kirby — Overview
Kirby’s first big 3D adventure is approachable without feeling empty. Co-op lets a second player jump in as Bandana Waddle Dee, providing straightforward support while Kirby experiments with Copy Abilities and Mouthful Mode. Levels are bright, tucked with secrets, and paced for quick sessions. It’s ideal for families or duos with mixed skill levels; the game celebrates exploration and creativity more than strict execution. If you want cheerful, low-friction couch co-op, it’s a winner.
Super Mario Bros. Wonder
- Genre: Platformer
- Local Modes: Shared-screen, Local co-op
- Platforms (local): Switch
- Players (local max): 4
SMB Wonder — Overview
Wonder takes classic 2D Mario and injects surprise into nearly every level. Wonder Flowers flip the rules—moving pipes, stampedes, musical detours—so co-op becomes a lively “what now?” conversation. Four-player couch sessions can get busy, but readability stays high and mistakes rarely punish too hard. The badge system adds a lightweight layer of customization that helps different players excel. It’s familiar, fresh, and great in bite-size chunks.
Crash Team Racing Nitro-Fueled
- Genre: Racing
- Local Modes: Split-screen
- Platforms (local): PlayStation, Xbox, Switch
- Players (local max): 4
CTR Nitro-Fueled — Overview
CTR Nitro-Fueled is the technical kart racer in the room. Drifting requires timing, and winning often means mastering track lines. That makes split-screen races feel satisfying, because improvements are visible lap to lap. Content is generous—tracks, characters, cosmetics—and local play runs great. If your group enjoys a higher skill ceiling than Mario Kart, CTR’s handling loop is extremely rewarding once it clicks.
Puyo Puyo Tetris 2
- Genre: Puzzle
- Local Modes: Shared-screen
- Platforms (local): PC, PlayStation, Xbox, Switch
- Players (local max): 4
![Puyo Puyo Tetris 2S 4K Gameplay [2-Player, All Multiplayer Modes] Longplay on Nintendo Switch 2](https://techguided.com/wp-content/cache/flying-press/443e31c3dee7678486fb6ff896d4fdfe.jpg)
Puyo Puyo Tetris 2 — Overview
A perfect couch-versus package for puzzle fans. Swap modes keep matches unpredictable, and the option to stick to Tetris or Puyo prevents confusion for specialists. Local sets move fast, which makes best-of-threes or extended gauntlets easy to run. It’s welcoming for casuals and deep enough for diehards, and it’s one of the best “let’s play something quick” games you can keep installed indefinitely.
TowerFall Ascension
- Genre: Party
- Local Modes: Shared-screen (VS & co-op variants)
- Platforms (local): PC, PlayStation, Xbox, Switch
- Players (local max): 6
TowerFall — Overview
Crisp controls, tiny arenas, and arrows that demand precision—TowerFall remains a local multiplayer classic. Versus is all mind games and spacing, while the co-op Quest mode gives duos a meaty challenge. Matches are so short that “one more” becomes ten more, and the learning curve rewards patience rather than twitch alone. Easy to teach, hard to master, endlessly rematchable.
Street Fighter 6 (Local VS)
- Genre: Fighting
- Local Modes: Shared-screen (VS)
- Platforms (local): PC, PlayStation, Xbox
- Players (local max): 2
Street Fighter 6 — Overview
SF6 nails both ends of the spectrum: Modern controls bring newcomers in, while classic inputs, deep systems, and superb rollback keep lab monsters happy. On the couch, local sets feel great thanks to clear visuals, meaty sound, and a roster that encourages experimentation. The training tools are best-in-class, so improvement is immediate. If you want a fighter that respects your time and scales forever, this is it.
Trine 4: The Nightmare Prince
- Genre: Platformer, Puzzle
- Local Modes: Shared-screen, Local co-op
- Platforms (local): PC, PlayStation, Xbox, Switch
- Players (local max): 4
Trine 4 — Overview
Trine 4 returns to the series’ strengths: a trio of distinct heroes and puzzles that reward cooperation. Local co-op shines as you swap roles—wizard conjures platforms, thief grapples and kites enemies, knight anchors fights—and improvise solutions with physics toys. It’s gentle in tone, pretty to look at, and segmented into stages that fit neatly into an evening. When you want relaxed teamwork with a steady drip of “aha” moments, Trine still delivers.
Suggestions for More Couch Co-Op, Split Screen, or Local Multiplayer Games?
We’ve listed a ton of local multiplayer games here but if we missed any please let us know in the comments.
