Over the past decade, we have witnessed a drastic shift in the world of gaming. The introduction of a few new-age, portable consoles kept gamers hooked on to their gaming screens. Nintendo Switch, one of the widely popular consoles, has been at the forefront of this change, as it provided gamers with portability and exclusive games.
Be it seasoned gamers or casual players, Nintendo Switch has kept everyone engrossed in gaming since its launch in 2017. But what makes it so popular and player friendly? Let’s find out.
About the Nintendo Switch
Nintendo Switch is a popular video game console developed by Japanese multinational video game company Nintendo. The console is a compact device that can fit between two palms. It can be used as a handheld gaming console or as a home gaming console that can be connected to a television or even a laptop display, for that matter.
Its Joy-Cons make it even more attractive for gamers as they can be used for handheld gaming when attached to the main display, be detached and used individually for multiplayer games, or be connected to the included Joy-Con Grip to form a more traditional console.
Why is the Nintendo Switch Popular?
Nintendo Switch is popular because it provides the flexibility to play single-player as well as multi-player with friends and families. The console being handy makes it perfect for players who like to play in their privacy, even while traveling.
But that’s not all, as many players buy Nintendo Switch for the exclusive games the console offers. Plus, if you use the right Nintendo headsets and Nintendo Switch Controller and Dock, you get an alleviated gaming experience.
Now that you know why Nintendo Switch is popular, let’s dive into the list of best Nintendo Switch multiplayer games to play in 2023!
Super Mario 3D World + Bowser’s Fury
One of the most popular titles on the Nintendo Switch platform is Super Mario 3D World + Bowser’s Fury. As the name suggests, the title, which was initially delivered for the Wii U in 2013, packs two games: Super Mario 3D World and Bowser’s Fierceness.
| Preview | Product | Rating | Price | |
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Super Mario 3D World + Bowser's Fury - US Version |
$51.44 |
Buy on Amazon |
There are four playable characters in the game: Toad, Peach, Mario, and Luigi. The game supports up to four players in local or online co-op mode. It is one of the most-played Nintendo Switch games.
Developer: Nintendo
Publisher: Nintendo
Release Date: February 12, 2021
Super Smash Bros Ultimate
Another popular Nintendo Switch multiplayer game is Super Smash Bros Ultimate, the fifth installment in the Super Smash Bros series. The game offers over 70 distinct characters with distinctive skills and moves. It features characters from well-known franchises like Mario, Zelda, and Pokémon, among others.
Super Smash Bros Ultimate offers high-speed fights, like how players set in opposition take on one another in Tekken or Mortal Combat games. The primary goal of each round is to knock adversaries off the stage to win.
| Preview | Product | Rating | Price | |
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Super Smash Bros. Ultimate - US Version | 70,528 Reviews |
$54.49 |
Buy on Amazon |
Other than one-on-one battles, the game additionally offers other game modes like single-player crusades. It also lets players pit against friends, families, or online players via multiplayer modes. It’s also one of the best party games on the Nintendo Switch, so don’t miss out on this one!
Developer: Bandai Namco Studios and Sora Ltd
Publisher: Nintendo
Release Date: December 7, 2018
Mario Kart 8 Deluxe
Another well-known Nintendo title that brings nostalgia among players is Mario Kart 8 Deluxe. The gaming series sent off its most memorable game in 1992, and from that point forward, it has stayed one of the top picks, particularly on the handheld console.
| Preview | Product | Rating | Price | |
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Mario Kart 8 Deluxe - US Version | $54.90 | Buy on Amazon |
Mario Kart 8 Deluxe, launched in 2017, can be played with friends via local wireless setup or online. It also packs in-game tournaments and a revamped battle mode to make the game more engaging.
Developer: Nintendo
Publisher: Nintendo
Release Date: April 28, 2017
Fortnite
Fortnite is one of the most popular battle royale games in the world. The game is played by millions of players globally on consoles, gaming desktops, or smartphones. Luckily, the game is also available on Nintendo Switch and is loved by users of handheld consoles as well.
It is a classic battle royale game wherein the last player standing wins the game. However, it has several other versions, which include live events as well as several other creator-made games.
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Fortnite - Anime Legends- Nintendo Switch |
$27.95 |
Buy on Amazon |
Fortnite’s basic version is free to play even on Nintendo Switch, but gamers have to pay a premium to enjoy playing its other versions that involve new characters and different modes.
Developer: Epic Games
Publisher: Epic Games
Release Date: July 25, 2017
Minecraft
There’s a good chance you’ve heard through the grapevine about Minecraft, the wildly popular game that lets players explore and build their virtual world using items as simple as bricks or wooden slabs.
Players can use their creativity to build things as simple as a house or as complex as the seven wonders of the world. They can be as creative as they want and could create something of their own that doesn’t exist in the real world. To be honest, the sky is the limit for players.
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Minecraft (Nintendo Switch) (European Version) |
$28.97 |
Buy on Amazon |
Minecraft also lets players interact with other players online. They can also go find hidden treasures in the game or can simply have fun with their friends on the never-ending game.
Developer: Mojang Studios
Publisher: Mojang Studios
Release Date: November 18, 2011
Sonic Mania
Another popular title to play on Nintendo Switch in 2023 is Sonic Mania, which was released to celebrate the Sonic the Hedgehog franchise’s 25th anniversary. Besides the nostalgic factor, the game got an amazing response from gamers due to its impressive attention to detail and meticulously designed levels.
Sonic Mania follows the traditional 2D platforming style of the classic Sonic the Hedgehog games. The game lets gamers play as Sonic, Tails, or Knuckles. These characters have to reach a ‘goal post’ after each level which involved fighting with enemies as well as other obstacles.
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Sonic Mania Plus (Nintendo Switch) (Nintendo Switch) | $29.28 | Buy on Amazon |
Players, however, have to remember that they have a time limit to complete each level. The fast-paced gameplay makes the game even more exciting, and so do its other features, including vibrant visuals and catchy music.
Developer: Whitehead, Headcannon, PagodaWest Games
Publisher: Sega
Release Date: August 15, 2017
FIFA 23
Be it any console, FIFA would be one of the world’s highest-selling games, thanks to the unmatched popularity of the game from where it gets its inspiration. The title also enjoys impressive popularity on Nintendo Switch.
FIFA 23 is the 30th installment in the FIFA series, and it is going to be the last as well since EA has decided to launch the upcoming games under its banner as ‘EA FC 24’. The developer will likely follow the same nomenclature for future installments of the franchise.
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FIFA 23 Legacy Edition (Switch) Import Region Free |
$53.99 |
Buy on Amazon |
Coming back to FIFA 23, as you would have expected, it is a gamified version of soccer. The game can be multiplayer offline as well as online. It has multiple game modes, including the popular Ultimate Team mode, which lets users take control of their own team and build it from the ground up.
Developer: EA Vancouver and EA Romania
Publisher: EA Sports
Release Date: September 30, 2022
Diablo III Eternal Collection
Similar to the Diablo III game, Diablo III Eternal Collection offers players the option of competing against opponents via a wide range of characters. Additionally, the Rise of the Necromancer pack and the Reaper of Souls expansion have been integrated into the game to offer the best of both worlds.
Characters from the Barbarian, Crusader, Demon Hunter, Monk, Necromancer, Witch, Doctor, and Wizard classes are available to players. In multiplayer mode, each player can select a different character to increase their chances of victory over opponents because each character has its own set of abilities and skill sets.
| Preview | Product | Rating | Price | |
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Diablo 3 Eternal Collection - Nintendo Switch |
$26.98 |
Buy on Amazon |
Locally, up to three friends can play the action-RPG multiplayer. Defeating enemies is necessary to complete quests. Players receive new gear and experience points for completing challenges.
Developer: Blizzard Team 3
Publisher: Blizzard Entertainment
Release Date: November 2, 2018
Overwatch
Overwatch is a team-based first-person shooter game, which came to Nintendo Switch in 2019, three years after its initial launch on other platforms like PC, PlayStation 4, and Xbox One.
In Overwatch, two teams of six players each compete against each other. Each player in a team gets to choose a unique character before entering the battlefield. These characters are called ‘Heroes’.
Before the start of the game, each team gets an objective, which needs to be completed using teamwork while stopping the other team from completing their objective. The team which completes the objective first wins the game.
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Overwatch Legendary Edition - Nintendo Switch Digital Download |
$32.45 |
Buy on Amazon |
Overwatch’s availability on the Nintendo Switch allowed players to enjoy the game on a portable console, providing the flexibility to play on the go or with friends in multiplayer mode.
Developer: Blizzard Entertainment
Publisher: Blizzard Entertainment
Release Date: October 15, 2019
Rocket League
The last but not the least popular title on our list of the best games to play on Nintendo Switch in 2023 is Rocket League. The game combines the popularity of soccer with the adrenaline rush of driving fast-paced cars and brings them together in an avatar never seen before.
In Rocket League, players drive fast-paced cars intending to score a goal with a giant ball. They can drive cars on the ground or can make them jump and perform aerial maneuvers to hit the ball toward the goalpost.
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Rocket League Ultimate Edition - Nintendo Switch | 1,955 Reviews | $99.99 | Buy on Amazon |
The competitiveness of the game makes it highly addictive, especially on handheld devices like Nintendo Switch. The game, however, also lets players enjoy a casual mode as well.
Developer: Psyonix
Publisher: Psyonix
Release Date: July 7, 2015
Final Words
Nintendo Switch, being a handheld gaming console, provides a lot of options for gamers to choose from, whether they want to simply kill boredom or compete on a professional level. So, if you want to either involve in casual gaming or want to take on some serious competition, Nintendo Switch could be the perfect gaming console for you.
And if you like our list of the best Nintendo Switch multiplayer games to play in 2023, do share it with your friends and family so that they can also join the never-ending fun that happens here!
If you are a connoisseur of Nintendo Switch games, you might want to try out the best Nintendo Switch VR games for a unique experience!
