The best multiplayer games on Switch

It took way too long to get a brand new 2D Mario title on the Switch, but the wait was worth it once we got our hands on Super Mario Wonder. This game freshens up the art style from the “New” series but takes things a step further with its Wonder Flower mechanic. Each level has a second layer to it that you can trigger by collecting the Wonder Flower that remixes the level in surprising and inventive ways both visually and mechanically. Nintendo also went to great lengths to make this the most accessible and fun multiplayer Mario yet. There are tons of characters to pick from, including Yoshi and Nabbit which are created specifically for younger gamers. There’s no collision here, so no need to worry about knocking each other into a pit, but you can also be competitive by doing races and going for better scores!

Multiplayer has always been a staple of the Pokémon series but in a somewhat limited fashion. You could battle your pals or trade with them but never really interact much beyond that. Pokémon Scarlet and Violet change that in a big way. Up to four players can load into the Paldea region at the same time and travel around together, which is a true first for the series. It can be a little buggy thanks to the game’s poor technical performance, but it’s a refreshing experience even with those flaws. And, of course, battling and trading are still very much a part of the game, so you still get that classic Pokémon multiplayer.

Branching out from its typical turn-based RPG formula has been hit-or-miss for the Pokémon franchise, but Pokémon Unite is arguably the best game in its long-running history. Merging your favorite characters with the popular MOBA format, Pokémon Unite offers an incredible amount of depth while still remaining accessible to new players. There are a variety of different game modes available, but most of them play out as standard 5v5 matches. You’ll need to knock down your enemies, level up by fighting Wild Pokémon, and work as a team to slowly earn more points by attacking Goal Zones on the opposite side of the field. Pairing Pokémon with the MOBA format is an odd choice, but one that stands among the best multiplayer experiences on Switch.

Arcade beat ’em ups are a dying genre, especially ones in the old 16-bit style. However, some of the best were the old Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle home and arcade games, which makes Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Shredder’s Revenge such a treat to see on the Switch. Not only does it nail the art style perfectly, but it feels just like those awesome games from way back in the day. Of course, these beat ’em ups are always played best with friends, and Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Shredder’s Revenge doesn’t just limit you to four players, which it easily could’ve gotten away with. Instead, you can party with up to six total players, each controlling one of the four main turtles plus April and Casey in your adventure to take down all the iconic villains like Shredder, Bebop and Rocksteady, and Krang.

The traditional 2D platforming Super Mario Bros. series has long been a favorite for cooperative play, and Super Mario Maker 2 continues that tradition with the ability to complete courses with other players, or design them together online so your dastardly creations are the work of two villains instead of just one. Without proper communication, you might not succeed, but those working in tandem can cut down on the time needed to make a stage. Will one of you focus on Thwomps while the other cooks up a switch-heavy nightmare? Only you can know for sure. Though not traditionally “multiplayer,” the best part of Super Mario Maker 2 is heading online to play the courses others from around the world have designed. Just a few days after launch, we were already seeing incredibly creative stages that included elements we couldn’t dream of being in a Mario game. Of course, there were also a lot of troll-heavy stages that want to trick you, but the cream rises to the top.

The greatest Mario Kart game Nintendo has made, Mario Kart 8 Deluxe offers an endless supply of multiplayer fun in one of the best racing games. Well, and rage of course. No one likes to get hit by a blue shell by some slacker after maintaining the lead for the entire race. Boasting split-screen and wireless local multiplayer and online support, Mario Kart 8 Deluxe truly is the most fun when played alongside friends and family. The impressive tracklist, which includes courses both old and new, and slick, easy-to-learn controls make it a perfect party game for both casual gamers and Switch enthusiasts. The competitive battle modes offer nice alternatives to the traditional races as well. Mario Kart 8 Deluxe is a must-buy Switch game.