I've always believed that gaming is better when shared, and honestly, Nintendo gets this better than anyone else! Growing up with Nintendo consoles, some of my most cherished memories involve crowded living rooms filled with laughter, frantic button-mashing, and friendly competition. Whether it was racing in Mario Kart or exploring haunted mansions with friends, these co-op experiences created bonds that lasted way beyond the final boss battle.
Now in 2025, with Nintendo continuing to deliver incredible multiplayer experiences, I want to share my personal ranking of the absolute best first-party Nintendo co-op games that deserve a spot in your gaming rotation this year!
10. The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past and Four Swords ️
This game was seriously ahead of its time! Back in 2002, people were confused about Nintendo adding multiplayer to a Zelda game, but wow, were they wrong. The concept of exploring Hyrule with three friends, solving puzzles together while competing for rupees? Pure genius!
Why it's special:
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Creative puzzle-guided dungeons
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Up to 4 players working (and competing!)
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Now available on Nintendo Switch Online
9. Super Mario Maker 2 🏗️
Want to be a game designer for a day? This is your chance! Super Mario Maker 2 lets you and friends create levels together or tackle community-made co-op challenges. Yes, the search function can be wonky, but the creativity unleashed is worth it!
Co-op highlights:
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Build levels together
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Play community co-op courses
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Up to 4 players locally
8. Animal Crossing: New Horizons 🏝️
Okay, I know it's not traditional co-op, but sharing your island with friends is magical! Visiting each other's islands, trading fruits, decorating together – it's the perfect way to stay connected with distant friends.
What makes it co-op magic:
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Island visits and tours
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Item trading and sharing
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Local co-island living
7. Luigi's Mansion 3 👻
Who says being scared can't be fun? Luigi's Mansion 3 delivers spooky co-op perfection with Gooigi – Luigi's gooey clone that lets a second player join the ghost-busting action. The puzzle-solving teamwork required makes this a standout!
Teamwork essentials:
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Perfect puzzle coordination
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Unique character abilities
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Accessible for all skill levels
6. Nintendo Switch Sports
Building on the Wii Sports legacy, this game gets everyone moving! With seven different sports and support for up to 8 players online, it's perfect for casual gaming sessions that can quickly turn into competitive tournaments.
Sports variety:
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Badminton, bowling, volleyball
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Soccer with leg strap support
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Perfect for all ages
5. Super Mario Bros. Wonder 🌈
This game takes 2D platforming chaos to new heights! The co-op mode is brilliantly designed to force teamwork – shared lives, shared camera, and the constant need to keep pace creates hilarious, unforgettable moments.
Chaotic fun factors:
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Shared camera creates teamwork necessity
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Character variety (including Yoshi rides!)
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Perfect blend of challenge and fun
4. Pikmin 3 Deluxe 🌱
My personal favorite RTS gets even better with co-op! The strategic depth of managing Pikmin together creates moments of brilliant coordination and occasional hilarious mishaps when two whistles confuse the poor creatures.
Strategic co-op elements:
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Shared resource management
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Coordinated boss battles
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Dynamic difficulty scaling
3. Mario Kart 8 Deluxe 🏎️
The best-selling Switch game for a reason! While competitive modes shine, the cooperative elements in team races and shared victory celebrations make this a timeless co-op experience that never gets old.
Why it works so well:
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Perfect balance of skill and luck
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Vibrant tracks and mechanics
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Accessible to everyone
2. Super Mario Party Jamboree 🎲
The ultimate party game experience! With over 100 mini-games and the return of classic boards like Western Land, this is everything Mario Party fans have been waiting for.
Party perfection:
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Massive mini-game variety
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Online and local multiplayer
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Strategic "Pro Rules" option
1. Super Mario 3D World + Bowser's Fury 🌟
My absolute top pick! This game was designed with co-op in mind, and it shows. Each character's unique abilities create incredible synergy, and the addition of Bowser's Fury makes this package unbeatable for co-op lovers.
What makes it #1:
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Character-specific abilities encourage teamwork
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Seamless 4-player co-op
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Two fantastic games in one package
My Final Thoughts 💭
What makes Nintendo's co-op games so special is how they transform gaming from a solitary experience into shared adventures. Whether you're solving puzzles in Luigi's Mansion or racing through Rainbow Road, these games create memories that last long after you've put the controller down.
Quick Tips for Co-op Success:
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Communicate constantly!
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Embrace the chaos – it's part of the fun
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Mix experienced and new players for balanced teams
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Don't take it too seriously – laughter is the real win
What are your favorite Nintendo co-op experiences? I'd love to hear about your gaming memories and which games brought you and your friends closer together! 🎮❤️