Best Couch Co-op Games for Every Console

Nothing beats gaming with friends on the same couch. Here are the best local co-op games across every console generation — from the NES to modern platforms.

NES Co-op Classics

**Contra** — The ultimate run-and-gun co-op experience. Up Up Down Down Left Right Left Right B A — if you know, you know. Two players, 30 lives, pure chaos.

**Double Dragon** — The original co-op beat-em-up. Billy and Jimmy Lee punching through gangs is timeless fun.

**Chip 'n Dale Rescue Rangers** — An underrated co-op gem. Throwing boxes (and each other) never gets old.

SNES Co-op Greats

**Donkey Kong Country** — Tag-team platforming with Donkey and Diddy Kong. The SNES hit different with two players.

**NBA Jam** — "He's on fire!" The most fun sports game ever made. SNES version is arcade-perfect.

**Contra III** — The SNES sequel cranks up the action with Mode 7 effects and split-screen boss fights.

**Street Fighter II** — Competitive co-op at its finest. Nothing settles arguments like a best-of-three in Street Fighter.

Genesis Multiplayer

**Streets of Rage 2** — The best co-op beat-em-up on any platform. Axel and Blaze tearing through Mr. X's gang is gaming bliss.

**Golden Axe** — Fantasy co-op brawling. Ride dragons, cast magic, smash skeletons. Genesis does what Nintendon't.

**ToeJam and Earl** — The weirdest co-op game ever made, and one of the most charming. Split-screen exploration on Funkotron.

N64 Multiplayer Legends

**GoldenEye 007** — Four-player split-screen changed gaming forever. No Oddjob allowed.

**Mario Kart 64** — Friendship-ending blue shells since 1996. Mario Kart 64 is still the most-played game at retro parties.

**Super Smash Bros** — The crossover fighting game that became a phenomenon. The N64 original is pure chaotic fun.

Modern Co-op Picks

**It Takes Two** (PS5, Xbox, PC) — 2021's Game of the Year is a co-op masterpiece. Every level introduces new mechanics. Available on Amazon and Steam.

**Overcooked 2** (Switch, PS4, Xbox, PC) — Cooking chaos that will test your relationships. Find it on Humble Bundle and Epic Games.

**Cuphead** (Switch, Xbox, PC) — Beautiful hand-drawn art meets brutally hard boss fights. Co-op makes it slightly easier. Check prices on CDKeys and GOG.

Where to Buy Co-op Games

For retro games, check Amazon and GameStop for physical copies. For modern titles, compare prices across Steam, Humble Bundle, Green Man Gaming, Fanatical, and other retailers using our game pages.

Browse our full libraries: NES games, SNES games, Genesis games, and N64 games.