The Nintendo Switch is still an awesome choice for multiplayer fun, whether you’re chilling with family in front of the TV or teaming up with friends online. Its flexibility, letting you switch between TV and handheld mode, along with a bunch of Joy-Con controllers, makes it ideal for group gaming. Check out this list of 10 top Nintendo Switch games to play with friends and family in 2025, featuring a mix of genres and play styles!
1. Mario Kart 8 Deluxe
- Genre: Kart Racing
- Players: 1-4 (local), 1-12 (online)
If you’re looking for the perfect party game, Mario Kart 8 Deluxe is it. It’s simple enough for anyone to start playing, but there’s plenty of depth to keep even the most skilled racers hooked. The bright tracks, classic characters, and crazy item system promise a lot of fun and some friendly competition. The “smart steering” option makes it easy for younger players, while the pros can focus on mastering their drifting skills. With a huge lineup of characters and tracks, plus ongoing support from the Booster Course Pass (DLC), Mario Kart 8 Deluxe is going to be a go-to multiplayer game for years.
Tips For Family Play: For younger or less experienced players, try out smart steering and auto-acceleration. Mix and match different karts to see what fits each player’s vibe. And hey, don’t hold back on using items – that’s where the fun really kicks in!
2. Super Smash Bros. Ultimate
- Genre: Fighting
- Players: 1-8 (local), 1-4 (online)
Super Smash Bros. Ultimate is a fantastic tribute to gaming history, uniting a ton of characters from Nintendo and more. While it can be a bit complicated for those looking to compete, it’s a total blast for casual gamers. The controls are simple—just attack, special move, jump, and grab—so it’s easy to get the hang of things. With a wide range of characters and stages, there’s always something new to try. Plus, you can change the rules and handicaps to suit everyone’s skill level.
Tips For Family Play: Begin with some straightforward rules, such as stock or timed matches that include items. Allow everyone to select their favorite character. Don’t stress about winning or losing—just embrace the fun and chaos!
3. Nintendo Switch Sports
- Genre: Sports
- Players: 1-4 (local), 1-2 (online, varies by sport)
Nintendo Switch Sports brings back the fun of Wii Sports with a modern twist for the Switch. It’s an awesome way to get everyone active and having a good time. You can dive into sports like Volleyball, Badminton, Bowling, Soccer, Chambara (sword fighting), and Tennis, with Golf added through an update. The gameplay is simple and the Joy-Con motion controls are really user-friendly. It’s a great option for family gatherings and parties.
Tips For Family Play: Make sure you have enough space to move around safely. Take breaks to avoid fatigue. Encourage good sportsmanship!
4. Mario Party Superstars
- Genre: Party
- Players: 1-4 (local and online)
Mario Party Superstars brings together a bunch of classic Mario Party boards and minigames, all spruced up for the Switch. It’s the ultimate mix of board game tactics and crazy minigame fun. Jumping in is a breeze – just roll the dice, move around the board, grab some coins, and dive into the minigames. With so many different minigames, there’s definitely something for everyone, and the game’s unpredictability keeps the excitement rolling.
Tips For Family Play: For younger players, stick to a shorter game length, maybe 10 or 15 turns. Before each minigame, take a moment to explain the rules. Just keep it fun and don’t worry too much about being serious!
5. Overcooked! All You Can Eat
- Genre: Cooperative Cooking
- Players: 1-4 (local and online)
If you’re looking for a good time, check out Overcooked! All You Can Eat. It packs together Overcooked!, Overcooked! 2, and all the DLC into one hilarious bundle. You and your friends will need to team up and communicate to cook and serve meals in some pretty crazy kitchens. Expect lots of laughs, a bit of chaos, and a whole lot of fun. Just remember, it could challenge even the best of friendships!
Tips For Family Play: Give everyone a job, like being the chopper, the cook, or the one who does the dishes. Make sure to talk things out in a chill way (I know, it’s not always easy!). And if things start to go sideways, don’t hesitate to hit the reset button.
6. Among Us
- Genre: Social Deduction
- Players: 4-15 (local and online)
Among Us became a huge hit, and its straightforward yet super engaging gameplay is ideal for multiplayer fun. Players join forces to tackle tasks on a spaceship, but there are impostors among them, working to sabotage everything and take out the crewmates. It’s a wild mix of lying, sleuthing, and lots of laughs as accusations fly.
Tips For Family Play: Set some basic communication guidelines (for example, no talking during the game unless it’s a meeting). Invite more friends for a more chaotic experience. And if you get voted out, just laugh it off!
7. Minecraft
- Genre: Sandbox, Adventure
- Players: 1-4 (local split-screen), 1-8 (online)
There’s a reason Minecraft is such a huge hit worldwide. It’s a game that opens the door to endless creativity and teamwork. You can craft anything your mind can conjure, dive into expansive worlds, and battle against creepy creatures. The split-screen feature on the Switch makes it a fantastic choice for families to build and explore side by side.
Tips For Family Play: Begin in Creative mode to enjoy building without the hassle of monsters lurking around. You can assign different roles, such as gatherer, builder, or explorer. Collaborate on a massive project, like constructing a castle or a village!
8. Moving Out
- Genre: Cooperative Moving
- Players: 1-4 (local)
If you enjoyed Overcooked!, you’ll love Moving Out! It’s a wild cooperative game where, instead of whipping up meals, you’re hauling furniture. Team up with your pals to load up a moving truck as fast as you can while dodging obstacles and tackling some hilarious physics chaos. It’s bound to have you in stitches!
Tips For Family Play : Make sure everyone knows who’s got what. Feel free to toss some furniture around (in the game, of course!). Just roll with the madness!
9. Just Dance 2025
- Genre: Dance
- Players: 1-6 (local)
The Just Dance series is a go-to for some high-energy fun. It gets everyone up and dancing, no matter their skill level. You use the Joy-Con controllers to track your moves, and you earn points by keeping up with the choreography on the screen. With tons of songs and different difficulty levels, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. If a new edition drops, Just Dance 2025 will probably keep this vibe going strong.
Tips For Family Play: Make sure there’s enough space for dancing. Let loose and don’t worry about looking silly! Go for songs that everyone can vibe with.
10. Clubhouse Games: 51 Worldwide Classics
- Genre: Board/Card/Tabletop Games
- Players: 1-4 (local and online, varies by game)
With Clubhouse Games, you get a mix of 51 classic games, including card games like Poker and Blackjack, board games like Chess and Checkers, and even some tabletop fun like Bowling and Darts. It’s an awesome value, giving you loads of games to play with your friends and family. The touch screen controls are really user-friendly, and each game comes with straightforward instructions.
Tips For Family Play: Pick games that everyone is familiar with or open to learning. Take turns selecting games, and don’t hesitate to explore something different!
Honorable Mentions:
While the above list represents the top 10, there are many other excellent multiplayer games on the Switch. Here are a few honorable mentions:
- Pikmin 4: Cooperative missions make this a great choice for strategic teamwork.
- Luigi’s Mansion 3: The ScareScraper mode offers excellent cooperative ghost-hunting.
- Kirby and the Forgotten Land: Drop-in/drop-out co-op makes this a great choice for casual play.
- Big Brain Academy: Brain vs. Brain: Fun, family-friendly brain-training minigames.
- WarioWare: Get It Together!: Microgame mayhem that’s perfect for short bursts of fun.
Conclusion
The Nintendo Switch has an awesome selection of multiplayer games that are great for hanging out with friends and family. Whether you want some competitive action, team up for challenges, or just have a good laugh, you’ll find the right game for your crew. So, grab those Joy-Cons, round up your favorite people, and get ready for some fun! With its flexibility and emphasis on multiplayer, the Switch is set to be a go-to for social gaming well into 2025 and beyond.
