Top 10 Nintendo Switch Co-op Games for Couples (2025)

• Metacritic: 85 | Released: March 25, 2022

• Setup: Supports single Joy-Con per player or full controllers; seamless drop-in/drop-out co-op where Player 2 plays as Bandana Waddle Dee

• Campaign: ~12 hours main story + post-game content and collectibles

• Difficulty: Very Easy – designed to be completed by anyone; Player 2 can "ride" Player 1 when struggling, and both characters have generous health

• Accessibility: No complex combos required; colorful visual design; Player 2 can contribute without needing precise timing or advanced skills

Kirby and the Forgotten Land excels as a couples' co-op experience because it removes all frustration from the equation. Player 1 controls Kirby while Player 2 joins as Bandana Waddle Dee, each with simple but satisfying movesets. The genius design lets struggling players literally hop onto their partner's back to get through difficult sections together. You'll work as a team to solve environmental puzzles, defeat bosses, and discover hidden collectibles, but the game never punishes mistakes. The colorful, cheerful world and Kirby's signature charm create a relaxing atmosphere perfect for unwinding together. Whether you're seasoned gamers or one of you is new to controllers, Kirby's forgiving nature and cooperative spirit make every session feel like a gentle adventure you're sharing rather than a challenge to overcome.

• Metacritic: 84 | Released: June 9, 2018

• Setup: Requires 2 controllers (each Yarny needs full analog control for precise movement); local co-op only with shared screen

• Campaign: ~6–8 hours across 7 chapters with distinct themes and mechanics

• Difficulty: Moderate – puzzles require coordination and communication but offer hints if you're stuck; very forgiving checkpoint system

• Accessibility: No combat or time pressure; puzzles are visual and physics-based; can replay any chapter; colorful yarn trails help with navigation

Unravel Two transforms cooperation into an art form. You each control an adorable Yarny (yarn creature) connected by a magical thread that becomes your primary puzzle-solving tool. Every challenge requires both players: one might anchor while the other swings across a gap, or you'll work together to create bridges and pulleys with your shared yarn. The physical connection creates intimate moments of coordination – you'll naturally develop a rhythm of movement and communication that feels almost like dancing. Each chapter tells a wordless story about friendship and overcoming obstacles together, often moving players emotionally. The stunning hand-crafted environments and gentle soundtrack create a meditative atmosphere that encourages couples to slow down and truly collaborate. Unlike many co-op games where players can work independently, Unravel Two makes partnership essential at every moment, resulting in a uniquely bonding experience that celebrates working together as one.

Metacritic: 82 | Released: October 3, 2018 (Switch)
Setup: 2 Joy-Con or Pro Controllers; local co-op (no online). Up to 4 players, but great with 2 where each controls half the ship’s stations.
Campaign: ~6–8 hours (campaign across multiple galaxies)
Difficulty: Moderate – frantic action that requires communication; difficulty can spike on later levels but restart is quick
Accessibility: Simple controls (move character and press one button to use a station); color-coded UI helps identify ship systems; no complex combos

Lovers in a Dangerous Spacetime is a “frantic 1- to 4-player couch co-op action space shooter” where you and your partner control a single spaceship. Each player runs inside the neon vessel manning turrets, engines, shields, and lasers. The catch? You can’t be everywhere at once – constant communication is needed to decide who handles which threat as aliens swarm from all sides. The result is an exhilarating chaos that either solidifies your teamwork or leaves you hilariously blaming each other (usually a bit of both!). The levels are bite-sized (~15 minutes), making it easy to play in short bursts. Couples will love the way the game rewards coordination: pulling through a tough wave by shouting out roles (“You take shields, I’ll fire the cannon!”) feels incredibly satisfying. Despite the fast action, the cute art style and forgiving health system keep things from getting frustrating. If you’re looking for a co-op game that will strengthen your communication skills (and possibly test them at times), Lovers in a Dangerous Spacetime offers a brilliant balance of challenge and charm. It’s “one of the best offline co-op games of recent years” and proves that even a hectic game can be a perfect bonding experience.

• Metacritic: 89 | Released: June 28, 2022 (Switch Companion Collection)

• Setup: 2 controllers required (each player needs dual analog sticks for full movement/aim); supports split-screen local co-op and online co-op (with friend invites)

• Campaign: ~5–6 hours (dedicated co-op campaign separate from single-player story)

• Difficulty: Moderate – puzzles require thought and timing, but no twitch reflexes; built-in hints via gestures if stuck

• Accessibility: No combat, adjustable aiming sensitivity, high-contrast portal colors; requires good spatial reasoning and communication
  
  Portal 2’s cooperative mode is often hailed as one of the best co-op gaming experiences ever created – and for good reason. You and your partner play as two lovable robots, each armed with a portal gun, navigating a series of test chambers that must be solved together. Communication is key: you’ll be triumphantly shouting “Go through my orange portal now!” or laughing as one of you accidentally flings the other into a pit. The puzzles start simple and ramp up in complexity, forcing both players to think in sync and combine their portal placements in clever ways. The Switch’s Portal: Companion Collection runs incredibly well (a smooth 60fps), and includes split-screen play so you can solve puzzles on the couch or even in tabletop mode. It also supports online cross-play, making it easy for long-distance couples to team up. What sets Portal 2 apart is how it strengthens your bond through problem-solving – those “aha!” moments when you finally figure out a tricky chamber are pure co-op bliss. The game’s dark humor and charming robot antics add to the fun, ensuring that even when you’re stumped, you’re still entertained. If you and your significant other enjoy a mental challenge, Portal 2 will provide hours of head-scratching cooperation and high-fives when you emerge victorious on the other side of each mind-bending puzzle.

• Metacritic: 80 (84 for Snipperclips Plus)

• Setup: Each player can use a single Joy-Con held sideways (simple two-button controls); local co-op only

• Campaign: ~3 hours main puzzles (plus extra DLC puzzles in “Plus” edition); also has party mode and bonus challenges

• Difficulty: Easy – puzzles are generally short and forgiving, though figuring out the right shape can be tricky (there’s no time limit, so you can experiment freely)

• Accessibility: Very intuitive gameplay (visual and physics-based); minimal text, and players can reset or retry puzzles without penalty
  
  Snipperclips is an exceedingly inventive co-op puzzler from the early days of the Switch that remains a go-to choice for couples. You each control a cute paper character, and the core mechanic is “snipping” pieces out of each other to change your shapes. Need to pop a balloon or carry an object? Discuss with your partner how to trim your characters into the perfect form to solve the task. Every level presents a creative problem that requires both players’ input – literally and figuratively. Solving these puzzles together is incredibly satisfying and often hilarious; expect plenty of “enthusiastic high-fives” when you finally get the right shape. Snipperclips shines as a communication exercise: you’ll naturally start strategizing (“Maybe cut me into a hook shape, and I’ll grab that?”) and laughing at the absurd results. The simple controls and lack of pressure make it accessible for anyone – even if one of you is new to gaming, this game’s gentle learning curve and cooperative nature will ease you in. It’s a fantastic pick for a low-stress date night in, proving that sometimes the couple that **cuts** together, stays together (in the game, at least!). Plus, the whimsical art style and cheerful music create a warm, lighthearted atmosphere that’s hard not to love.

• Metacritic: 89 | Released: February 12, 2021

• Setup: Supports single Joy-Con per player (each uses an analog stick + few buttons) or full controllers; 2-player local co-op is smooth (up to 4 players locally or online co-op for main game)

• Campaign: ~10–12 hours (Super Mario 3D World main game) + short 3–4 hour solo adventure (Bowser’s Fury is a separate mode, single-player or local 2-player with one as Bowser Jr.)

• Difficulty: Easy to Moderate – forgiving platforming (bubble mechanic lets a fallen player rejoin); later worlds ramp up challenge but extra lives are plentiful

• Accessibility: Highly accessible – simple controls, optional assist features (e.g. Invincibility Leaf if you fail a level repeatedly), and very clear visual design. Drop-in/out play is supported between levels
  
  Few games spark as much pure joy as Mario, and Super Mario 3D World + Bowser’s Fury brings that joy to co-op play. In the 3D World portion, you and your partner (as Mario, Luigi, Peach, Toad or Rosalina) traverse creative worlds packed with power-ups – ever wanted to dress as a cat and climb up walls together? Now you can. The game encourages light-hearted cooperation: you’ll team up to clear enemies and reach secrets, often literally helping each other (one can carry the other or lift them to a hard-to-reach ledge). Yet it also injects fun competition by tallying scores at the end of each stage, a feature that usually leads to playful banter (“I got the crown this time!”). Importantly, the co-op design is very user-friendly – if one player struggles with a jump, the game’s bubble feature lets them reappear next to the other player, preventing frustration. Playing in co-op makes even familiar Mario challenges feel fresh and collaborative. And since this Switch edition added online play and enhanced graphics, it’s never been easier for couples to enjoy this adventure. As a bonus, the included Bowser’s Fury mode offers a free-roaming experience where one player can assist as Bowser Jr., which is great if one partner prefers a supportive role. With its bright, colorful worlds and timeless gameplay, Super Mario 3D World is a fantastic way to experience “Nintendo magic” together – expect a lot of smiles, the occasional joyful chaos, and maybe a few friendly shoves as you both race for that flagpole at the end of each level.

• Metacritic: 87 (Switch) | Released: October 5, 2017 (Switch version)

• Setup: 1–2 players locally (split-screen co-op via free update) – requires two controllers; or up to 4 players online (invite via friend code, Switch Online needed). You’ll share a farm and finances in co-op

• Campaign: Endless (open-ended sandbox; story quests and community goals can span 50+ hours, but you set your own pace)

• Difficulty: Easy – very laid-back gameplay with no required objectives; you can’t “lose,” and there are many playstyles (farming, fishing, mining) to suit different skill levels

• Accessibility: Includes multiple font sizes, colorblind fishing options, and the ability to slow game time via mods (on PC) or simply pause in single-player. Co-op play allows division of tasks, which can help players focus on preferred activities
  
  Stardew Valley is the ultimate “cozy game” for couples. It drops you both into a quaint pixelated farm town, where the two of you work together to turn a run-down plot of land into a thriving farm. By day, you’ll be planting crops, tending animals, mining in the caves, or fishing by the river – you can split chores or do everything side by side. There’s a wonderful sense of shared progression: jointly saving up for that next barn upgrade or celebrating a big harvest feels genuinely rewarding. Unlike many games, Stardew Valley has no competitive angle in co-op; it’s pure collaboration in building something together while also enjoying a slice-of-life story with the village residents. You can even get married in-game (either to an NPC or to each other), which is a cute perk for real-life couples playing. The pacing is completely up to you – play at a leisurely rate, one in-game day at a time (~15-20 minutes), and experience the in-game seasons and festivals as a duo. The relaxed nature of Stardew makes it ideal for unwinding after a long day, and the depth of its farming/ life-sim mechanics means you could easily spend dozens (or hundreds) of hours developing your homestead. With its charming art, soothing music, and heartwarming gameplay, Stardew Valley offers a low-stress yet deeply engaging co-op experience. It’s less about adrenaline and more about nurturing a little world together – a perfect fit for couples looking for something gentle and cooperative.

• Metacritic: 86 | Released: October 31, 2019

• Setup: Requires 2 Joy-Con (vertical grip) or 2 controllers – each player needs full stick and button controls. Co-op in story unlocks after first area (one player as Luigi, second as Gooigi). Also features separate online co-op modes for up to 8 (ScareScraper)

• Campaign: ~15 hours (story mode) – fully playable in 2-player co-op after Gooigi is unlocked

• Difficulty: Easy – forgiving combat and puzzles; bosses have patterns to learn but unlimited retries. Designed to be accessible to a broad audience

• Accessibility: No time limits in story; visual cues for puzzles; aim assist for suction target; text is simple and mostly icon-based storytelling. Gooigi can respawn infinitely, reducing frustration for player 2
  
  Luigi’s Mansion 3 is a **couch co-op dream** of an adventure. The game’s genius co-op feature is Gooigi – a gelatinous clone of Luigi that the second player controls. Luigi and Gooigi have different strengths (for example, Gooigi can slip through grates and is impervious to spikes, while Luigi handles the high-powered vacuum), so you’ll constantly rely on one another to solve inventive environmental puzzles. Communication flows naturally: “Shine your flashlight there while I vacuum this!” or “Cover me, I’ll be Gooigi and sneak through this pipe.” The result is a wonderful feeling that both players are essential contributors. Couples will also appreciate the game’s pacing – it’s broken into themed hotel floors that you can clear in a half-hour sitting, complete with secrets to find and a goofy boss ghost to defeat on each floor. The atmosphere is spooky but not truly scary; it’s more like a playful haunted house ride you’re on together. Visually, it’s one of Switch’s most polished titles, and it runs great even in co-op. By the end, you’ll likely agree with GamesRadar’s take that *Luigi’s Mansion 3* is “still one of the best Switch games for couples if you want a gaming date night”. It’s cooperative in the most delightful way – sharing discoveries, dividing tasks, and laughing at Luigi’s comical reactions (he’s a scaredy-cat, after all). In short, this game turns ghost-hunting into a charming two-player escapade that’s perfect for a cozy night in.

• Metacritic: 87 (Switch) | Released: March 23, 2021 (Switch edition)

• Setup: Single Joy-Con per player supported (only a few buttons needed) – up to 4 local players. Also supports online co-op and cross-play between platforms. “All You Can Eat” edition includes Overcooked 1 + 2 and all DLC, remastered

• Campaign: ~10+ hours (across 200+ levels from both games) – highly replayable to improve scores

• Difficulty: Moderate – very easy to pick up, but can get hectic and challenging to 3-star later levels. Team coordination significantly reduces difficulty

• Accessibility: Includes an Assist Mode (slower recipe timers, option to skip levels); color-blind friendly indicators for recipes; simple controls and short level length make it approachable. Lots of customizable chef characters (representation!)
  
  Overcooked is infamous for turning mild-mannered couples into yelling kitchen coordinators – and we mean that in the best way. It’s mad, manic, and utterly hilarious as a co-op experience. In each level, you and your partner are chefs frantically preparing dishes in absurd kitchens (on a pirate ship, between speeding trucks, even in lava). To succeed, you must divide tasks and work in sync: one might chop veggies while the other boils pasta, then both plate the dish before the timer runs out. The All You Can Eat edition is the definitive way to play on Switch, bundling two games worth of stages and enabling online play if you can’t be in the same room. Overcooked’s brilliance for couples lies in how it demands communication – you’ll quickly develop a shorthand (“Soup up! Stir that – quick!”) and probably a few inside jokes about setting the kitchen on fire. Yes, it can be stressful in the moment, but the failures are as funny as the successes (sometimes more so). Crucially, this edition offers Assist Mode and accessibility tweaks so you can tone down the difficulty if arguments start boiling over. With practice, many couples find they become an efficient team, almost reading each other’s minds during a rush. Few gaming moments compare to the triumphant feeling of hitting a perfect flow together – or the fits of laughter when everything goes up in flames. For those reasons, Overcooked remains one of the *essential* co-op games. Just heed the tongue-in-cheek warning: it will test your relationship’s communication skills... and possibly improve them by the end! Whether it’s a date night in or a party with friends, Overcooked is a recipe for memorable co-op mayhem.

• Metacritic: 88 | Released: November 4, 2022 (Switch port)

• Setup: Two controllers required (no single Joy-Con play due to complex moves). Supports local split-screen co-op and online co-op. Friend’s Pass feature allows an online partner to play free if one owns the game

• Campaign: ~12–15 hours (a full story campaign exclusively designed for co-op)

• Difficulty: Moderate – gameplay is diverse (platforming, puzzles, minigames) but generally forgiving. Ample checkpoints; adjustable volume for hints if stuck. Requires teamwork but not punishing

• Accessibility: Offers various assists (e.g. aim assist, generous time windows for button prompts). Includes subtitle options and colorblind-friendly design. Notably, the entire game cannot be played solo – it’s truly built for two
  
  If one game on this list will tug at your heartstrings, it’s *It Takes Two*. You play as Cody and May, a quarreling couple magically turned into tiny dolls, who must cooperate to navigate imaginative worlds and (hopefully) rekindle their relationship. Each level introduces new co-op mechanics – one moment you’ll be operating a toy fidget spinner aircraft together, the next you’ll solve a garden puzzle where one of you controls growth and the other wields a scythe. The sheer variety keeps things exciting, and it never lets either player sit idle. In fact, the game is “uniquely committed to co-op gaming” – you absolutely need each other’s skills to progress. This leads to beautiful moments of synergy, like timing your actions to launch one another across a chasm or combining abilities to outsmart a boss. It Takes Two is also masterful in tone; it’s light and playful (you’ll laugh at the banter and bizarre situations), yet it weaves in a touching story about communication and family. Playing it as a couple can feel a bit like therapy by video game – the themes often hit home, but in the end it’s uplifting. On Switch, the experience translates well: you can do couch co-op or online play (using the Friend’s Pass so only one copy is needed). While the graphics took a slight downgrade from other consoles, the game still looks good and, importantly, runs smoothly so that the platforming and action remain tight. Ultimately, *It Takes Two* isn’t just a game with co-op tacked on – it’s a grand adventure designed for two from the ground up, and it shines as a result. For any couple with a Switch, this is a must-play journey that will have you both exclaiming in delight, coordinating like pros, and maybe even tearing up together by the finale. Truly, it takes two – and it’s twice the fun for it.