Best local multiplayer
It's sad to say, but Nintendo is the only gaming company that consistently provides ample couch co-op options, which is funny considering TV screens have become enormous. This makes split-screen far more doable than it used to be. Whether you're sharing a screen or doing split-screen, here are the best local multiplayer games from the last 10 years.
1. Super Smash Bros. Ultimate
Playing a Super Smash Bros. game is as synonymous with local multiplayer as a match of Halo on Blood Gulch or Chun Li vs. Ryu in Street Fighter. Super Smash Bros. Ultimate takes that concept to the absolute maximum possible. When the advertisements for this game said that everyone was here, they meant it. Dozens upon dozens of characters, both from Nintendo's storied history and surprising guest appearances, are all available for friends to use against each other, making this one of the most perfect party games. The kicker? It's STILL getting DLC, with new unknown fighters coming over a year after the game's release. -Samuel Tolbert
2. Mario Kart 8 Deluxe
If you aren't into the whole online multiplayer thing, Mario Kart 8 Deluxe also has a local multiplayer option where you can play with up to seven other people, given that you have enough Switch consoles and controllers. With local multiplayer, everyone can race together in the same room with a split-screen view. Even though the screen estate for each player is reduced, it's not hard to see what's awaiting you on the track, and this is great for allowing others who don't own a Switch to enjoy the fun of Mario Kart 8 Deluxe together. Now, let's all try to be civil when it comes to Rainbow Road… -Christine Romero-Chan
3. Overcooked 2
What better way to spend time with your friends than in the kitchen screaming orders out? Overcooked 2 takes what its predecessor has done and has made it better. This fun and fast-paced cooking-themed co-op game is a great way to spend your time. Its simple game mechanics and rules make it accessible to any kind of player, and each level offers a fair set of challenges that will keep you running back into the kitchen. I've spent an eight-hour session playing this addicting game with friends. I legitimately lost track of time while taking orders, chopping up ingredients, and throwing things across the kitchen. Plus, with all the DLC, you can play this game forever. Bonus, you can pick from an outlandish and fun group of avatars. Want to play as a pirate or a narwal? Go right ahead! Grab your pals and get cooking. -Sara Gitkos
4. Luigi's Mansion 3
Luigi's Mansion 3 is one of the most fun games I've played. There are hilarious moments, cartoony weapons, and moderately challenging puzzles to solve. Something I love about it is that it's a great game to play with a friend. The game supports two-player co-op, with one player controlling Luigi and the other controlling Gooigi. What's more, it does a decent job of giving both players relatively equal importance since they both have strengths and weaknesses that the other doesn't have. You'll need to work together to beat bosses and solve puzzles. If you need a break from the main storyline, you can jump into the multiplayer modes, which support up to eight players. That way, the whole family can play. -Rebecca Spear
5. Cuphead
I love run and gun games a lot, but there are so many out there that they don't tend to stand out from each other that much. Cuphead is the exception. It features the unique animation style of the 30s, which gives it a special charm. The devilish look of some of the bosses fits the difficulty level and the retro art style perfectly.
Cuphead is simple in that there aren't a lot of controls. However, the game forgoes intensive tutorials in favor of throwing you into the level to sink or swim. Each enemy uses some kind of pattern. To be victorious, you need to observe that pattern and then use the correct attacks at the right moments. Some people find it freakishly hard while others think it's a fun challenge. Not gonna lie, I've been tempted to throw my controller against a wall while playing it. -Rebecca Spear
