Split-screen and same-sofa co-op from the arcade era to today.
Local multiplayer never actually died, it just stopped being the default. These are the games worth buying a second controller for, grouped by era so you can find one that matches the console already under your TV.
Every entry here supports two or more players on a single screen — no online requirement, no second console.
2021 · PC, PS5, Xbox Series X|S, Switch
Designed exclusively for two, with a new mechanic every twenty minutes and a friend pass so only one copy is needed.
2025 · PC, PS5, Xbox Series X|S
Hazelight's follow-up, alternating between sci-fi and fantasy worlds. Same friend-pass model, same relentless invention.
2018 · PC, PS5, Xbox, Switch
Kitchen chaos that will test any relationship, in short escalating levels. Up to four players.
2023 · PS5, Xbox Series X|S, PC
Full split-screen co-op through a 100-hour campaign, with each player free to wander off entirely.
2022 · PC, PS5, Xbox, Switch
Nine films, drop-in two-player and no fail state. The default recommendation for playing with a child.
2017 · PC, PS4, Xbox, Switch
Hand-drawn boss rush that is genuinely hard, with a second player who can revive you. Beautiful and merciless.
2020 · PC, PS4, Xbox, Switch
Modern beat 'em up with four-player local support and a soundtrack worth playing loud. Stages run ten minutes.
2017 · Switch
Four-player split screen, 96 tracks, and the most forgiving racing handling Nintendo has made. Still the party default.
1997 · N64, Switch (NSO), Xbox
Four-player deathmatch with proximity mines and the licence to argue about screen-watching.
2014 · Xbox Series X|S, PC
Six campaigns with split-screen co-op, plus the original multiplayer suites. Unmatched value for couch play.
2002 · PS2, GameCube, Xbox
Bots, a map editor and challenge modes made it the deepest split-screen shooter of its generation.
2001 · GameCube
Fast, technical and still played competitively two decades later. Also perfectly readable for a first-timer with items on.
1999 · N64, Switch (NSO)
Board-game structure and minigames that need no explanation. The best of the N64 Mario Party games.
1992 · SNES, Collections
Half an hour of two-player run-and-gun that you will lose repeatedly. Short enough to keep trying.
1993 · SNES, Modern ports
Three-player action RPG co-op in 1993, via the multitap. Still one of the few co-op RPGs that works locally.
1991 · SNES, Cowabunga Collection
Four-player arcade brawling with a time-travel structure. The Cowabunga Collection adds online play.
2016 · PC, PS5, Xbox, Switch, Mobile
Split-screen farming with no pressure and no fail state. The most requested co-op game for couples.
2018 · PC, PS4, Xbox, Switch
Gentle physics puzzles for two, with a rope mechanic that requires cooperation rather than reflexes.
2011 · PC, PS3, Xbox, Switch (cloud)
A separate co-op campaign built around two portal guns. The best puzzle co-op ever made.
2017 · Switch
Cut each other into shapes to solve puzzles. Learnable in ten seconds by anyone.
2014 · PC, PS5, Xbox, Switch
Players use phones instead of controllers, which removes the biggest barrier for non-gamers. Perfect for groups.
2013 · PC, PS4, Xbox, Switch
Four-player 2D platforming with beautiful art and musical levels. Forgiving enough for mixed skill levels.
It Takes Two if you want a full campaign built for exactly two players, Mario Kart 8 Deluxe for a group, and Overcooked! 2 if you want short chaotic sessions.
Stardew Valley, Snipperclips, Jackbox and Unravel Two all have gentle controls and no reflex requirements.
Yes, though fewer games use it. Baldur's Gate 3, Halo, Lego titles, Mario Kart, Overcooked and Stardew Valley all support it on current hardware.
Two for most of this list, four for Mario Kart, Smash Bros., Overcooked and Rayman Legends. Extra pads are the single best purchase for local play.
The N64 for four-player, the SNES for two-player, and the PS2 if you want split-screen shooters like Timesplitters 2.