The Nintendo Switch console offers a wide range of excellent multiplayer games that are perfect for enjoying with family and friends – whether you’re planning a cozy evening on the couch or a loud party night with snacks and friendly trash talk.
What makes the Switch special is how effortlessly it supports local multiplayer: detach Joy-Cons, hand them out, and you’re ready to go.
Best 4-Player Multiplayer Games on Nintendo Switch
The best part is variety. These games range from competitive brawlers to chaotic co-op, superhero beatdowns, and party-board madness—so it’s easy to find something that matches your group’s vibe. Below are some remarkable 4-player multiplayer games available on the Nintendo Switch.
Super Smash Bros. Ultimate
Super Smash Bros. Ultimate is a multiplayer fighting game developed by Nintendo. In the game, players can step into the role of many iconic characters from Nintendo’s universe and beyond, which instantly makes every match feel like a crossover event. You can pick favorites, experiment with new fighters, or set up themed battles that turn into running jokes for your group.
Super Smash Bros. Ultimate
Release Date: December 07, 2018
Genres: Fighting, Platform
Why it works for groups
What truly makes Smash a great party pick is how quickly everyone can participate. Even if someone has never played before, they can still have fun using simple attacks, landing lucky hits, and causing chaos with items. Meanwhile, experienced players can dive deeper into combos, movement, and stage control—so the game scales naturally with the room’s skill level.
What the gameplay feels like
Matches take place on vivid, dynamic stages where up to four players fight at once. You’ll use regular attacks, special moves, and items to knock opponents off the map rather than depleting a traditional health bar. This design keeps things intense and unpredictable, and it creates those “no way that just happened” moments that people remember long after the console is turned off.
Overcooked 2
Overcooked! 2 is a fast-paced co-op arcade game developed by Ghost Town Games, where players must work together to prepare and serve meals in chaotic, hilarious kitchens. It’s the kind of game that can turn four calm friends into four frantic chefs yelling “Where’s the rice?!”—in the best possible way.
Overcooked! 2
Release Date: August 07, 2018
Genres: Arcade, Strategy, Tactical, Indie
Teamwork is the whole game
Each player takes on tasks like chopping ingredients, cooking, plating, washing dishes, or delivering orders. The twist is that kitchens constantly throw problems at you: moving platforms, shifting layouts, fires, obstacles, and time pressure that never lets up. Coordination and communication aren’t just helpful—they’re the difference between a perfect score and total disaster.
Why it’s perfect for parties
Overcooked 2 is excellent for bonding because it turns success into a shared win. When your team finally syncs up and starts running like a machine, it feels amazing. And when everything collapses into chaos, it’s still funny—because the failure is loud, fast, and usually someone’s fault in an entertaining way.
Marvel Ultimate Alliance 3: The Black Order
MARVEL ULTIMATE ALLIANCE 3: The Black Order is a great title for every Marvel Universe fan. Developed by Team Ninja, it lets you play as famous heroes from Marvel Comics and team up with friends in action-heavy missions packed with enemies, special effects, and cinematic moments.
MARVEL ULTIMATE ALLIANCE 3: The Black Order
Release Date: July 19, 2019
Genres: Hack and slash/Beat 'em up
A co-op campaign with real variety
The game features a story-driven campaign where you fight your way through waves of foes and face major villains in big encounters. The fun comes from experimenting with different hero lineups—because each character has unique abilities that can suit different playstyles. Some heroes excel at crowd control, others melt bosses, and some bring support tools that save the team in tough fights.
Synergies and combo attacks
Team composition matters because many characters have special synergies that allow powerful combo attacks. Choosing heroes that complement each other can make fights smoother and more spectacular, especially when your group coordinates ultimates and triggers team abilities at the right moment.
Super Mario Party
Super Mario Party is a digital board game built around fast, silly mini-games. It’s ideal for family gatherings because it’s easy to understand, quick to start, and constantly rotates through new activities—so nobody gets stuck doing the same thing for too long.
Super Mario Party
Release Date: October 05, 2018
Genres: Platform, Puzzle, Card & Board Game
Mini-games everyone can play
Up to four players compete across a board-game format, earning coins and stars through mini-games that include racing, timing challenges, puzzle-like tasks, and goofy motion-based contests. It’s not about being “the best gamer”—it’s about reacting quickly, laughing at the outcomes, and getting that one clutch win when it matters.
Characters and party energy
Players can choose from a range of familiar characters like Mario, Luigi, Peach, Yoshi, Toad, and Bowser. That recognizable cast helps non-gamers feel instantly comfortable, and the lighthearted tone makes it a strong fit for both kids and adults. It’s the kind of game where people cheer when they win… and complain dramatically when a star gets stolen.
Final thoughts
The games listed above are only a handful of the thrilling 4-player experiences available on Nintendo Switch. Whether your group prefers competitive battles, cooperative teamwork, action-packed campaigns, or classic party-game chaos, the Switch offers plenty of options for local multiplayer fun. Pick the vibe that matches your crew, grab some controllers, and enjoy the kind of gaming nights people actually look forward to repeating.