10 Best Two-Player Switch Games in 2026 – Fun Time Guarantee
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This list is regularly updated to match what's trending and in-demand among gamers.
The best two-player Switch games turn an ordinary gaming session into a shared adventure. You can team up and dive into the chaos of a kitchen on fire, trade blows in a couch versus battle, or build a world entirely your own.
Every type of duo can find a Switch game that feels made for them. Couples, friends, parents, and even competitive players will find a perfect match. Ready to see which adventures deserve a spot on your console?
Let’s dive in and check out the games that truly shine.
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Our Top Picks for Two-Player Nintendo Switch Games
Some games just click the second you start playing. They’re the games I always recommend first because they nail what makes local multiplayer fun: teamwork, laughs, and just the right amount of chaos. Here are three that stand out as the best two-player Switch games:
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Buy nowStreets of Rage 4 2020The best two-player Switch game for old-school brawling, with satisfying combos, intense street fights, and action-packed local co-op. Team up to take down enemies across twelve stages and bring order back to Wood Oak City.
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Buy nowRayman Legends 2017One of the best two-player Switch games for platforming fans, packed with colorful levels, rhythm-based challenges, and seamless drop-in co-op. Race through creative stages together while timing your jumps and attacks to the music.
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Buy nowMortal Kombat 11 2019Mortal Kombat 11 brings intense local versus matches to the Nintendo Switch, with each fighter boasting a distinct style and a set of brutal finishing moves. It’s a strong pick among the best two-player Switch games for friends who enjoy competitive face-offs and flashy combat.
Not a shabby lineup, right? And that’s just the start. Keep scrolling to see the full list of the best two-player Switch games that make this console the go-to for co-op games and competitive play.
10 Best Two-Player Switch Games – Co-Op, Racing, and More
Alright, we’ve covered the highlights. Now let’s go deeper. Here’s the full breakdown of the best two-player Nintendo Switch games worth playing with a partner, from puzzle adventures to chaotic party hits.
How many of these top Switch titles have you already played?
1. Streets of Rage 4 [Best Retro Beat ‘Em Up for Co-Op]
- Platforms
- Nintendo Switch, PC, PS4, Xbox One, macOS, Linux
- Release Date
- April 30, 2020
- Genre
- Beat 'em up
- Best For
- Retro brawler fans who want to clean up the streets together
- Mode
- Single-player local co-op online co-op
- Length
- Around 3 hours for the main story
- Offline Play
- Yes
- Age Rating
- ESRB Teen (13+)
- Developer
- Lizardcube, Guard Crush Games, Dotemu
- Publisher
- Dotemu
- Features
- Up to 4-player local co-op, combo-chaining combat, retro character unlocks, Boss Rush
Wood Oak City is under siege from a new crime syndicate, and Axel and Blaze are the only ones willing to fight back. Streets of Rage 4 backs that setup with room for four players on the same couch, more than any other brawler on this list. Axel, Blaze, Cherry, Floyd, and a returning cast all share the same twelve stages, and every hit chains into shared combos when players fight side by side.
The Guard Crush Engine keeps all four fighters and every enemy on screen at a steady frame rate, so you get smooth action even in a packed couch session. A later update added online co-op too, capped at two players and gated behind a Nintendo Switch Online membership.
Hold the pick-up button near your partner to grab and throw them at enemies. It’s a co-op move added in a 2023 update that can clear a crowded screen fast.
The story mode wraps in about three hours solo, but the real reward comes from grinding score with a partner to unlock pixel-art versions of Axel and Blaze from the original Genesis trilogy.
My Verdict: If you want a beat ’em up built for co-op, Streets of Rage 4 packs in four-player couch play and combos that hit harder with a partner beside you.
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2. Rayman Legends [Best Rhythm-Infused Platformer]
- Platforms
- Nintendo Switch, PC, PS4, PS3, PS Vita, Wii U, Xbox One, Xbox 360
- Release Date
- September 12, 2017 (Switch)
- Genre
- Platformer
- Best For
- Platformer fans who want drop-in co-op set to great music
- Mode
- Single-player local co-op
- Length
- Around 10 hours for the main story
- Offline Play
- Yes
- Age Rating
- ESRB Everyone 10+
- Developer
- Ubisoft Montpellier
- Publisher
- Ubisoft
- Features
- Rhythm-synced music levels, Murfy stages, Kung Foot mode, 4-player drop-in co-op
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Sometimes you just want a game that feels like pure energy, and Rayman Legends nails it. This side-scrolling platformer has earned its place as an iconic platforming game, throwing you into colorful, hand-drawn stages, where everything moves at a fast pace to incredibly engaging music.
You can play solo, but the real magic kicks in when friends join, thanks to seamless drop-in/drop-out co-op. Someone can grab a controller mid-level, and suddenly you’re racing side by side, slapping enemies, and sliding through wild set pieces.
If you’re new, try the rhythm levels early. They teach timing better than any tutorial and make the rest of the game feel really smooth.
The rhythm-based stages are standouts. Imagine jumping and punching perfectly in sync with the music. The game’s momentum keeps you hooked, and every run feels like it leaves a new log of hilarious moments.
Compared to the best Mario games and other 3D platformer games, this one leans more toward creativity and rhythm, almost like an action-packed board game brought to life.
My Verdict: Rayman Legends is a vibrant multiplayer experience that thrives on energy and style. It’s perfect for when you want to play something fast and immersive.
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3. Mortal Kombat 11 [Best Head-to-Head Fighting Game]
- Platforms
- Nintendo Switch, PC, PS4, Xbox One, Stadia
- Release Date
- April 23, 2019 (Switch digital release in North America)
- Genre
- Fighting
- Best For
- Rivals who want brutal one-on-one couch fights
- Mode
- Single-player local versus local wireless online multiplayer
- Length
- Around 6 hours for the main story
- Offline Play
- Yes
- Age Rating
- ESRB Mature 17+
- Developer
- NetherRealm Studios
- Publisher
- Warner Bros. Games
- Features
- Custom character variations, Fatal and Krushing Blows, Towers of Time, local versus
Nintendo hadn’t hosted a mainline Mortal Kombat game since Armageddon back in 2007, so Mortal Kombat 11 landing on Switch in 2019 was a big deal for series fans starved of a home console entry.
The whole game is built around one-on-one couch matches, and that’s where it earns its spot here. Hand a second Joy-Con to a friend, pick from the full Klassic and returning roster, and you’re trading combos and Fatalities on the same screen at a steady 60fps.
The Custom Character Variations system lets each player build their own gear and move loadout, so two people can fight with genuinely different versions of the same character.
Fatal Blow triggers once your health drops below 30%, but it only works once per match, so save it for a moment where the guaranteed damage will actually turn the fight instead of throwing it away early out of panic.
For a warm up, a twelve-chapter story campaign covers Kronika’s time-bending plot. Many players called out the grind on the Krypt and Towers of Time, where cosmetic extras take real money or hours of farming to unlock. None of that touches the versus matches though, and the core fighting still holds up once two players sit down.
My Verdict: Mortal Kombat 11 is the strongest Mortal Kombat has looked on a Nintendo console, loot grind aside. Pull up two Joy-Con and let the Fatalities do the trash talking.
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4. Arms [Best Motion-Controlled Party Fighter]
- Platforms
- Nintendo Switch
- Release Date
- June 16, 2017
- Genre
- Fighting
- Best For
- Families and friends who want active, arm-swinging fights
- Mode
- Single-player local multiplayer local wireless online multiplayer
- Length
- A few hours for Grand Prix; highly replayable
- Offline Play
- Yes
- Age Rating
- ESRB Everyone 10+
- Developer
- Nintendo EPD
- Publisher
- Nintendo
- Features
- Swappable extendable arms, motion controls, 2v2 tethered fights, V-Ball and Hoops modes
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You won’t find another fighting game on this list where your fists stretch across the screen like rubber bands. Arms lets two people fight one on one or team up for 2v2 battles on the same Switch. Each player uses two Joy-Con in a thumbs-up grip, punching by thrusting a controller forward and dodging by leaning side to side.
Anyone who’d rather skip the motion controls can switch to a Pro Controller or a single Joy-Con, so a family with mixed comfort levels can still play together, making it a great Switch game for kids and mixed-comfort families alike.
Each fighter picks a set of extendable arms before every round, and swapping loadouts mid-match changes the whole fight. Arenas add chaos too, with trampoline platforms and hazard columns that change how two players move around each other.
Try each fighter’s arm slots in training before jumping into 2v2, since heavy arms hit hard but leave you open to a faster opponent’s dash attacks.
The single-player Grand Prix is thin, and lots of players called it the weakest part of the package. Nintendo stopped adding new characters after December 2017, so the roster is smaller than most modern fighters. None of that matters once two players are in the ring though, since the couch matches are still where Arms earns its keep.
My Verdict: Arms sounds like a gimmick until two players are mid-match, leaning and punching at the same time. That kind of physical, in-the-room chaos is hard to find anywhere else on Switch.
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5. Overcooked! All You Can Eat [Best Complete Cooking Co-Op Collection]
- Platforms
- Nintendo Switch, PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S
- Release Date
- March 23, 2021 (Switch)
- Genre
- Cooking simulation, party
- Best For
- Pairs who thrive on shouting orders in kitchen chaos
- Mode
- Single-player local co-op local wireless online co-op
- Length
- Around 10–15 hours for the main campaigns; extra content adds more
- Offline Play
- Yes
- Age Rating
- ESRB Everyone
- Developer
- Ghost Town Games, Team17
- Publisher
- Team17
- Features
- Overcooked 1 and 2 plus all DLC, moving kitchens, assist mode, local and online co-op
Overcooked! All You Can Eat is pure, unfiltered chaos in the best way possible. The premise is simple: you and your partner run a kitchen together, but working side by side quickly turns into shouting across the couch as fires break out and orders pile up.
This rendition of the game bundles the first two Overcooked games, polishes the visuals, and cranks up the insanity with all DLC content included.
If the chaos feels overwhelming, try assigning up to two specific roles for each player. It keeps both players sharp and helps you gain confidence in every part of the gameplay.
This is one of those multiplayer games where communication is everything. Someone’s chopping onions, another’s washing dishes, and suddenly the floor is moving because the level itself wants you to fail.
It’s hectic, hilarious, and somehow highly addictive, especially when you’re playing with family or friends who don’t mind a little friendly shouts of despair. The cartoony art style keeps things light, so even when you burn a dish for the third time, it still feels like fun.
My Verdict: Overcooked! All You Can Eat is the perfect mix of frustration and laughter. For local multiplayer nights, there’s nothing else on Switch that delivers this kind of energy.
And if this brand of kitchen chaos hits the spot, you’ll probably enjoy more exciting games like Overcooked! for some teamwork-under-pressure mayhem.
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6. Minecraft [Best Sandbox for Creative Play]
- Platforms
- Nintendo Switch, PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, Mobile
- Release Date
- June 20, 2018 (current Switch version)
- Genre
- Sandbox, survival
- Best For
- Duos who want to build, explore and survive side by side
- Mode
- Single-player local split-screen local wireless online multiplayer
- Length
- Open-ended
- Offline Play
- Yes
- Age Rating
- ESRB Everyone 10+
- Developer
- Mojang Studios
- Publisher
- Mojang
- Features
- Split-screen co-op, survival and creative modes, cross-play, Marketplace add-ons
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The freedom Minecraft gives is unmatched, making it one of the most iconic sandbox games ever released. At first glance, it’s just blocks, but the more you play, the more it becomes whatever you want it to be.
Rough it out in the wild in survival mode, or build fancy castles and become a cartographer cat lady in creative mode. The blocky aesthetic might look simple, but the freedom it gives is unmatched.
You can’t permanently increase your inventory size in Minecraft, but you can expand your carrying capacity with smart tools. Shulker Boxes, Ender Chests, and chest-equipped animals (like donkeys or llamas) let you carry far more items on the go.
On Nintendo Switch, you can team up with another player in local split-screen or jump into online modes with other players.
Want a challenge? Switch to survival mode, and suddenly every person in your party needs to think about food, monsters, and resources. The mix of creative and survival gameplay is what will keep it new and fresh for many years to come.
My Verdict: Minecraft has no real ending. You can build with a buddy, explore solo, or keep tweaking your world forever. It’s the kind of game that always pulls you back.
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7. It Takes Two [Best Narrative Co-Op Adventure]
- Platforms
- Nintendo Switch, PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S
- Release Date
- November 4, 2022 (Switch)
- Genre
- Action-adventure, platformer
- Best For
- Couples and close friends who want a story built for two
- Mode
- Two-player local co-op local wireless online co-op
- Length
- Around 12–14 hours
- Offline Play
- Yes
- Age Rating
- ESRB Teen (13+)
- Developer
- Hazelight Studios; Switch port by Turn Me Up Games
- Publisher
- Electronic Arts
- Features
- Two-player-only co-op, ever-changing level mechanics, 25 minigames, Friend's Pass
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It Takes Two is the definition of a true co-op game. You can’t even play it solo, as the entire design revolves around two players working together.
The story follows Cody and May, a couple turned into dolls, who must find their way back to their daughter. What makes it so special is how the gameplay keeps shifting: one level might have you solving puzzles with magnets, the next has you piloting a tiny plane while your partner shoots enemies.
And visually, it’s colorful and playful, but the narrative sneaks in some surprisingly heartfelt moments about close relationships.
Many puzzles in It Takes Two demand precise coordination, so count-downs, “ready / go” signals, or agreeing who does what helps avoid mistakes.
Each stage demands coordination, quick thinking, and sometimes a good laugh when your timing goes wrong. That sense of equality makes it one of the best Nintendo Switch games for couples, friends, or even parents with kids.
My Verdict: No other Switch game blends story, puzzles, and teamwork quite like It Takes Two. If you’ve got a partner in crime, this is the one to play.
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8. Mario Kart 8 Deluxe [Best Split-Screen Racing Game]
- Platforms
- Nintendo Switch
- Release Date
- April 28, 2017
- Genre
- Kart racing
- Best For
- Anyone after easy pick-up-and-play racing with a friend
- Mode
- Single-player local split-screen local wireless online multiplayer
- Length
- Open-ended
- Offline Play
- Yes
- Age Rating
- ESRB Everyone
- Developer
- Nintendo
- Publisher
- Nintendo
- Features
- 48 base tracks, Battle Mode, smart steering assist, 4-player split-screen
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When you think of the best Nintendo Switch party games, Mario Kart is usually the first that comes to mind.
Mario Kart 8 Deluxe is the definitive edition of Nintendo‘s legendary racer, bringing together all the tracks, modes, and DLC from the Wii U version into one polished and pleasantly crazy package.
You pick from dozens of Mario and other famous franchise characters, grab power-ups, and throw shells to knock rivals off track. It’s pure chaos, and that’s why it’s fun. No wonder it’s still considered the king of racing games on Switch.
Turn on “smart steering” if you’re playing with kids or someone new. It makes the Mario Kart 8 Deluxe tracks way more forgiving and keeps the focus on the laughs.
And if you want the smoothest races possible, pairing it with a top-grade gaming monitor takes the experience up a notch.
What keeps people coming back is how flexible it is, which is why it’s often named one of the best family games on Nintendo Switch. You can play in split-screen with up to four players, jump into online multiplayer, or set up local races with friends.
It works whether you want a serious head-to-head showdown or just a lighthearted round, trying to drift around Rainbow Road without falling off.
My Verdict: Mario Kart 8 Deluxe is still the easiest way to spark competition and laughter in the same match. Few other titles make you want to compete again and again like this one.
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9. Cuphead [Best Hand-Drawn Co-Op Challenge]
- Platforms
- Nintendo Switch, PC, PS4, Xbox One
- Release Date
- April 18, 2019 (Switch)
- Genre
- Run-and-gun, platformer
- Best For
- Skilled duos who love punishing, pattern-heavy boss fights
- Mode
- Single-player local co-op
- Length
- Around 10–12 hours for the main story
- Offline Play
- Yes
- Age Rating
- ESRB Everyone 10+
- Developer
- Studio MDHR
- Publisher
- Studio MDHR
- Features
- Hand-drawn 1930s animation, tough boss battles, local 2-player co-op, weapon and charm loadouts
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Some games earn their reputation, and Cuphead is one of them. At first glance, it looks like an old-school cartoon, hand-drawn in that 1930s animation style. But once you play, you realize it’s a tough-as-nails run-and-gun challenge where every level pushes your reflexes to the limit.
Boss fights are the heart of the game: massive, creative, and always just a little unfair until you learn the patterns.
Parrying is essential in Cuphead. Successfully executing a parry not only avoids damage but also fills your EX meter, allowing you to unleash powerful attacks.
Just be ready: this game doesn’t hold your hand. A friend of mine joked that beating a boss here feels better than finishing some full campaigns in other games. And honestly, that’s spot on, because every victory feels truly earned.
My Verdict: If you’re up for a real challenge, Cuphead is the perfect example of a game that makes frustration worth it. Tough, beautiful, and absolutely unforgettable.
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10. Stardew Valley [Best Relaxing Farming & Life Sim]
- Platforms
- Nintendo Switch, PC, PS4, Xbox One, Mobile
- Release Date
- October 5, 2017 (Switch)
- Genre
- Farming simulation, RPG
- Best For
- Cozy pairs who'd rather share a farm than compete
- Mode
- Single-player local split-screen co-op online multiplayer
- Length
- 50+ hours for a substantial playthrough; open-ended
- Offline Play
- Yes
- Age Rating
- ESRB Everyone 10+
- Developer
- ConcernedApe
- Publisher
- ConcernedApe
- Features
- Split-screen co-op farming, villager friendships, mine dungeons, seasonal festivals
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Few games give you the freedom that Stardew Valley does. At its core, it’s an engaging farming game, but once you start to play, you realize it’s also about fishing, mining, building friendships, and slowly shaping your own slice of paradise.
On the Nintendo Switch, it’s the perfect handheld escape for both long split-screen sessions and quick check-ins.
Focus on high-profit crops in each Stardew Valley season. In Spring, prioritize planting cauliflowers and potatoes. Potatoes have a chance to yield extra crops, boosting your income. In Summer, consider blueberries, which produce multiple harvests.
Where it really shines is in its duo mode. Invite another player into your farm, and suddenly you’re dividing chores, planning crops as a team, and heading into the mines together. It’s the kind of multiplayer that feels laid-back instead of competitive (pure cozy gaming).
And if someone stood you up or you’d rather try going solo, the single player mode still delivers endless charm, letting you discover stories with villagers, festivals, and even a dungeon crawl or two.
My Verdict: Stardew Valley nails that feeling of enjoying life at your own pace, with just enough variety to keep things fresh, whether you’re one player or two.
GAMES LIKE STARDEW VALLEY
Upcoming Two-Player Switch Games
The fun isn’t stopping with the current lineup. A few upcoming two-player Nintendo Switch games are worth watching, particularly if you enjoy solving puzzles together or competing with friends. Here are three promising multiplayer adventures coming in 2027.
- Haunted Paws (May 2027) – This spooky co-op adventure lets two players create their own puppies and explore a haunted mansion to rescue their kidnapped owner. Work together to solve puzzles, uncover secrets, and face strange creatures in local or online co-op.
- Stage Fright (2027) – The creators of Overcooked! return with a two-player adventure focused on teamwork and escape-room puzzles. Explore a mysterious town, overcome obstacles, and unravel an ancient mystery with a friend through local or online co-op.
- Dokapon Kingdom: Connect 2 (Summer 2027) – This board game-style RPG lets up to four players compete for riches, conquer towns, and battle monsters. Customize your heroes, team up for massive co-op battles, and decide if you’ll share the rewards or keep everything for yourself.
Haunted Paws arrives in May 2027, Stage Fright is planned for 2027, and Dokapon Kingdom: Connect 2 launches in Summer 2027. All three are coming to Nintendo Switch, giving fans of the best two-player Switch games more adventures to look forward to.
My Verdict on the Best Two-Player Switch Games
The best two-player Switch games offer different ways to enjoy gaming together, but these five stand out for their co-op gameplay, competitive fun, and replay value.
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BEST TWO-PLAYER SWITCH GAMES |
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Streets of Rage 4. A retro beat ’em up with satisfying combos, colorful stages, and four-player couch co-op. Fight through waves of enemies together in this action-packed arcade brawler. Best for: players who enjoy classic beat ’em ups and cooperative combat. |
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Rayman Legends. A colorful side-scrolling platformer packed with creative levels, rhythm-based challenges, and seamless local co-op. Best for: duos who enjoy fast-paced platforming and playful teamwork. |
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It Takes Two. An imaginative co-op adventure filled with creative puzzles, constantly changing gameplay mechanics, and a heartfelt story about relationships. Best for: couples and friends who want a story-rich adventure built entirely around teamwork. |
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Mario Kart 8 Deluxe. A colorful racing game with exciting tracks, unpredictable power-ups, and split-screen multiplayer that keeps every race entertaining. Best for: families and friends who enjoy friendly competition and accessible racing. |
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Stardew Valley. A relaxing farming sim where two players can grow crops, explore mines, build friendships, and develop a shared farm at their own pace. Best for: couples and friends who prefer cozy gameplay and long-term cooperative projects. |
For action-packed sessions, Streets of Rage 4 and Rayman Legends are excellent choices. It Takes Two offers a memorable story built around teamwork, while Mario Kart 8 Deluxe brings friendly competition. If you’d rather unwind together, Stardew Valley rounds out the best two-player Switch games with a relaxing shared adventure.
FAQs
Streets of Rage 4 is the top pick among the best two-player Switch games, thanks to its satisfying combat and couch co-op. For a story-focused adventure built strictly for two, It Takes Two is another excellent choice.
Yes, Nintendo Switch is great for couples. Games like It Takes Two, Stardew Valley, and Overcooked! All You Can Eat are perfect to play together. They balance teamwork, laughs, and light competition.
Not with just one Joy-Con controller. In supported games, two players can share a pair of Joy-Con controllers by holding one each sideways. Other games may require a full controller or additional Joy-Con controllers.
Yes. Streets of Rage 4, Rayman Legends, and Overcooked! 2 support local co-op on one Nintendo Switch. Mario Kart 8 Deluxe also offers split-screen racing, so two people can play together offline.
Although It Takes Two is best for teens, games like Arms and Rayman Legends are excellent for kids thanks to their colorful worlds and approachable gameplay. Mario Kart 8 Deluxe is also among the best two-player switch games for families, easy for beginners yet fun for experienced players.
