The best split-screen co-op Nintendo Switch games let each player control their own camera without sacrificing clarity or performance, making shared play feel fair and responsive. This guide focuses on true split-screen co-op, not shared-screen party games, and is aimed at families, friends, and dedicated duos who want to explore independently. Rankings weigh how fun each game feels over time, how well teamwork is built into the design, how approachable the controls and difficulty are, and how stable and readable the split-screen view stays during heavier action or exploration.
This article is part of our guide on the Best Nintendo Switch Co-Op Games
Note: as mentioned earlier, this guide focusses specifically on games that support split-screen play, where the screen is actually divided into multiple zones. If you came here just looking for games to play together on the same screen, be sure to also check out our guide on the best couch co-op games for the Nintendo Switch.
How We Ranked These Games
These rankings balance cooperative depth, approachability, and how well each game actually runs in split-screen on Nintendo Switch. The table below breaks down the key criteria and why they matter when you’re picking a game to share a screen with someone else.
Criterion | Weight | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
Fun factor | 20% | Captures how enjoyable and varied the game feels over many sessions. |
Co-op design | 25% | Shows how well the game is built around teamwork, shared goals, and balanced roles. |
Accessibility | 5% | Reflects how easy it is for different skill levels to jump in and have a good time. |
Performance and polish | 10% | Accounts for stability, responsiveness, and technical quality during local co-op. |
Split-screen execution | 40% | Focuses on how clear, readable, and smooth the divided view stays in real play. |
Related reading: Best 4-player Couch Co-Op Switch Games
The Top 10 Best Split-Screen Co-Op Nintendo Switch Games
These games are ordered by how well they combine satisfying cooperation with clean, reliable split-screen on Switch hardware. Each entry below is a placeholder for detailed game data, while our editorial focus is on why the split-screen experience stands out.
It Takes Two
“The gold standard of split-screen co-op with mandatory dual-view design and creative gameplay”
Why We Picked This
It Takes Two is a co-op adventure where every level feels like a fresh idea, and both players always have their own view. It belongs at the top because split-screen is baked into every puzzle, chase, and boss fight, so working together never feels like an afterthought. Each player gets distinct abilities, forcing real coordination instead of simple follow-the-leader play. The Switch port holds up well because the whole game was built around two active cameras from the start. There’s no solo option, so it only fits dedicated duos, but that tight focus is exactly why it ranks first.
Game Experience
Unravel Two
“Beautiful puzzle-platformer with cooperative mechanics woven into every challenge”
Why We Picked This
Unravel Two is a gentle puzzle-platformer where two yarn creatures solve physics-based challenges together, often sharing or splitting the screen as they move apart. It earns a high place because almost every obstacle demands cooperation, from swinging each other across gaps to anchoring ropes for climbing. The vertical split-screen feels natural for its slow, careful movement and makes it easy to track both players. Performance is steady in co-op, keeping tricky sections readable and fair. The main drawback is that handheld mode locks you to solo play, so it’s best for pairs who usually play docked or in tabletop.
Game Experience
Lego Star Wars: The Skywalker Saga
“Epic Star Wars saga with family-friendly split-screen through nine films”
Why We Picked This
Lego Star Wars: The Skywalker Saga is a lighthearted action-adventure that lets two players relive all nine main Star Wars films in relaxed split-screen co-op. It earns its spot because the dynamic split works smoothly as players wander off to explore, hunt collectibles, or tackle simple puzzles at their own pace. The clear UI and family-friendly combat make it easy for younger or less experienced players to jump in. Co-op is more casual than deeply strategic, and performance can dip during busier scenes, but as a broad, accessible option for families, it stands out.
Game Experience
Minecraft
“The ultimate sandbox for shared creativity with 4-way split-screen support”
Why We Picked This
Minecraft on Switch is a flexible sandbox where up to four players can share a world in split-screen and specialize in different tasks. It ranks highly because true multi-way split-screen lets each person mine, build, or explore far apart without dragging the camera or progress together. That freedom makes teamwork feel organic, whether one player gathers resources while another designs the base. It runs best with 2 players; at 4, the view can feel cramped and UI elements get small. Still, for families or friends who like open-ended projects, it’s one of the most versatile choices here.
Game Experience
Rocket League
“Vehicular soccer with team coordination and excellent split-screen support”
Why We Picked This
Rocket League is a high-energy game of car soccer where teams rely on tight coordination, and split-screen works well for both casual and competitive play. It earns its place because shared tactics like passing, rotating between attack and defense, and covering angles all benefit from each player having a clear, independent camera. Split-screen on Switch is technically solid, keeping the action responsive even with multiple players. The learning curve can be steep for complete newcomers, and the focus leans more competitive than cooperative story, but for groups that enjoy mastering a skill-based team game, it’s an excellent fit.
Game Experience
Portal Knights
“Action-RPG sandbox blending building, exploration, and class-based combat”
Why We Picked This
Portal Knights blends action-RPG combat with light building and exploration, letting two players share a world in vertical split-screen. It earns its spot because the class system and island-based layout naturally encourage dividing tasks: one player tanks or controls crowds while the other focuses on ranged attacks or crafting back at base. Independent views make hopping between portals and biomes feel smooth rather than cramped. The systems aren’t as deep as full-scale RPGs, and combat can feel a bit floaty, but for duos who like some structure added to sandbox play, it offers a satisfying middle ground.
Game Experience
Borderlands: The Handsome Collection
“Deep looter-shooter co-op with character builds, but compromised on Switch hardware”
Why We Picked This
Borderlands: The Handsome Collection offers long, loot-driven shooter campaigns where two players can develop distinct character builds and tackle missions together in split-screen. It earns a place because few Switch games combine deep progression, large co-op storylines, and true independent cameras this well. Coordinating skill trees, elemental damage, and loot sharing can be very satisfying for dedicated partners. However, on Switch the performance and tiny text in split-screen can be tiring, especially on smaller TVs. It’s best suited to experienced co-op fans willing to trade technical smoothness for a big, systems-heavy looter-shooter they can sink many hours into.
Game Experience
LEGO Marvel Super Heroes
“Superhero action with massive character roster in classic LEGO formula”
Why We Picked This
Lego Marvel Super Heroes is a colorful superhero romp where two players share a dynamic split-screen while exploring an open-world New York and simple story stages. It earns a mid-table spot because it delivers reliable, family-friendly co-op with clear visuals and easy controls, and the large cast encourages light teamwork by pairing different powers. The split-screen smoothly changes shape as players move apart, keeping both views readable. Its co-op systems are shallow and very similar to other Lego titles, and performance is just okay, but for Marvel fans or families wanting low-stress shared play, it still works well.
Game Experience
Hyrule Warriors: Age of Calamity
“Zelda-themed musou combat for two, but severely compromised in split-screen mode”
Why We Picked This
Hyrule Warriors: Age of Calamity turns Zelda characters into battlefield powerhouses, letting two players slice through armies in horizontal split-screen. It lands this low rank because, while the mission structure and map objectives work well for dividing tasks between players, technical performance in split-screen is often rough. When the screen fills with enemies and effects, the action can feel choppy and less responsive. For some, the appeal of playing iconic heroes together and covering different fronts will outweigh that drawback. It’s mainly recommended for Zelda fans who already know they can live with inconsistent performance in busy scenes.
Game Experience
Resident Evil 5
“Co-op horror shooter with strong teamwork design, crippled by Switch performance”
Why We Picked This
Resident Evil 5 is a co-op action-horror shooter where two players progress through a story campaign, sharing ammo, healing items, and key items while watching different angles in split-screen. It’s included mainly because its partner-focused design fits split-screen well on paper: covering flanks, sniping for each other, and managing shared inventory all benefit from separate views. However, on Switch the performance drops during busy sections can make aiming and movement feel rough, to the point some players find it borderline unplayable. It’s a niche pick for forgiving fans who value classic co-op structure over smooth technical execution.
Game Experience
Related reading: Best Couples Co-Op Switch games
Frequently Asked Questions
These quick answers tackle common questions about split-screen co-op on Nintendo Switch, from performance expectations to setup tips for local multiplayer sessions.
What is the difference between split-screen and shared-screen co-op on Switch?
Split-screen divides the display into separate views so each player controls their own camera independently. Shared-screen shows one camera view that everyone uses together. This guide focuses on games with true divided screens, not shared top-down or side-on views.
How many players can use split-screen on Nintendo Switch at once?
Most Switch games with split-screen support 2 players, while a few, like certain racers or sandbox titles, allow up to 4. Keep in mind that more players usually means smaller viewports and potentially more strain on performance and readability.
Does split-screen co-op run worse than solo play on Switch?
Yes, running two or more cameras at once is more demanding, so some games see lower frame rates or reduced visual clarity in split-screen. Well-optimized titles still feel smooth, while others may feel choppy; this ranking calls out major problem cases.
Do all split-screen Switch games work in handheld mode?
No. Some games restrict split-screen to docked or tabletop modes because the handheld screen is too small for multiple views. Always check whether local co-op is supported in your preferred mode before buying.
Which split-screen co-op Switch games are best for families with younger players?
Family-friendly options tend to be LEGO titles and creative sandboxes, thanks to simple controls and forgiving difficulty. Look for games with clear visuals, gentle challenge, and drop-in co-op so adults and kids can share progress without pressure.
Conclusion
Choosing the right split-screen co-op game on Switch means balancing how well a title uses independent cameras with how comfortably your group can play it together. Families may favor accessible LEGO or sandbox picks, while experienced duos might lean toward deeper shooters or action games and accept rougher performance. Remember, this guide focuses on true divided-screen views; many popular couch co-op hits use shared cameras instead. For those, check dedicated shared-screen roundups. Ready for more tailored picks? Try our Recommendations Engine for suggestions that match your play style.
