Greetings! A shout-out to all my fellow Nintendo Switch owners; today, we’ll cover the 10 best 4-Player Switch games. It’s not easy to pick from the offerings on Nintendo’s amazing hybrid console cause there are too many great titles.
Nintendo’s dedication to providing family-friendly games is admirable because it’s always creative and innovative. The developers are given free rein to create the best possible multiplayer and co-op experience. Anyway, today we’ll cover a wide selection of 4-player Switch games, so look forward to finding your next favorite.
How We Selected the 10 Best 4-Player Switch Games
Before we start with our list, we’ll list the criteria for games to qualify for selection. It’s vital for transparency to disclose our method of curating our entries.
So, let’s begin with the essential requirements.
- The game must be on Nintendo Switch, but it doesn’t necessarily have to be exclusive to the console.
- The game must have a 4-player multiplayer and co-op element. No less than a 4-player set-up must be in the game; otherwise, it’s not coming on our list.
- The gameplay must be fun and unique. We’re not going to consider games with average performance and mediocre mechanics.
- Lastly, the games must be enjoyable. That last bit may be subjective, but it matters because personal enjoyment is always a critical factor.
Let’s begin our list!
10. Go Vacation
Isn’t it nice to kick back, relax, and go on a soothing trip that rejuvenates the mind and body? If the answer is yes, then congratulations! We feel the same way, and that means we’re all smart people. With a multitude of activities and fun-looking environments in the backdrop, we can’t think of a better game to kick start our list of best 4-player Switch games.
Experience a Virtual Vacation with Go Vacation Game on Switch
If you don’t want to go through the hassle of packing all your essentials, getting your travel documents in order, and the long wait between flights, then there’s an alternative solution. Instead of going on an actual holiday, emulate the experience by playing Go Vacation.
If you’re wondering if a game can truly replicate the enjoyment and scope of multiple recreational activities, then Go Vacation can. There is surprisingly in-depth gameplay, and it encompasses about every mini-game one can conceive of. The addition of new features in the Switch version makes Go Vacation a must-play.
We’ll get into the specifics of the game to showcase its exciting and innovative elements because we feel like it’s criminally underrated. More people should try this game and see what they’ve missed in this hidden gem. Our personal favorite activities in City Resort include pie-throwing skateboarding.
A Brief Overview Of Go Vacation
We should declare up front that Go Vacation is designed primarily for players who have an affinity for vacation. So, if you’re an edge lord who won’t leave the house, the enjoyment mileage will be significantly lower. However, if you enjoy going out, and feeling the sun, then Go Vacation will be right up your alley.
Open-world Resort Exploration
Go Vacation doesn’t have a traditional story mode where players are given tasks to complete, and there’s an evil foe to vanquish. The game is meant to be played with a calm and serene frame of mind, where you want to unwind and remove the day or week’s stress.
Players are free to move about the semi-open world map with 4 distinct and uniquely thematic resorts.
Marine and City Resorts
Marine Resort is the beach theme island resort with many beaches and watersports available. Everything is aquatic, and there are loads of secrets to discover when exploring the map. City Resort encompasses extreme sports activities and is more urban in its aesthetic.
Snow and Mountain Resorts
The Snow Resort is, as obvious in the name, all about snow sports, with cascades of white layers as far as the eye can see. It’s a blast to go ski racing and engage in snowball fights.
The final one is the Mountain Resort, where players can embrace nature in all its glory. We found hunting and horseback riding the highlights of this stage.
With more than 70 mini-games to play together with your family and friends, Go Vacation is worth your time. The game features virtual villas, a personal space for players within the game which they can decorate with in-game pictures. A slight negative point is the game’s notification system; it’s still as bland in the Switch version, similar to the Wii version.
How Is Go Vacation One Of The Best 4-Player Switch Games?
Go Vacation is truly a unique game thematically, and quite frankly, it’s got an endearing quality that we’re biased about. The adage it’s not about the destination; rather, the journey perfectly sums up our thoughts about the game.
The Pros
Players have the option of playing any of the mini-games at their leisure and going about exploring the beautiful vistas. Players will occasionally run into NPCs that offer simple quests that more or less are fetch related. It’s a perfect excuse to set off and search the gorgeous Resorts for a reward.
The Cons
In Go Vacation, the only downside we could find is the sometimes sudden change of camera angle in awkward positioning. We mention this slight nuisance because it ruins the immersion and takes away from the enjoyment of this brilliant game. Players will also be unaware of many of the additional challenges.
Why is Go Vacation 10th on Our List?
Go Vacation is a flawed masterpiece we still return to repeatedly. Players can complete mini-games for high scores to unlock higher variants of the games where the A.I. provides more of a challenge. The multiplayer component is perfect for family game nights, and it’s undoubtedly one of the best 4-player Switch games ever.
9. Overcooked! All You Can Eat
Moving on from the last entry’s nice, relaxing, and serene vacation period, we now enter chaos within the kitchen. We’re referring to the fantastic Overcooked! All You Can Eat. It’s the game where you’ll sweat buckets while cooking for ingrates.
Experience Panic and Chaos in Overcooked! All You Can Eat Game on Switch
In Overcooked! All You Can Eat, players are thrust within a chef’s kitchen where angry customers display the patience of toddlers when they’re hungry. You can’t have a true family bonding experience until you’ve cooked together with them. Overcooked! All You Can Eat perfectly emulates the premise.
Our goal as a chef is to cater to the customers’ specific orders that are vastly different from one another. The game’s a test of the player’s reflexes with the control scheme. The challenges in Overcooked! All You Can Eat aren’t one-dimensional either; it’s always something new each time.
There is multiplayer and co-op with up to four players. There is cross-platform support in Overcooked! All You Can Eat, so players can enjoy all these features. For similar gaming topics, we recommend our piece about playing Unturned cross-platform in 2023.
A Small Breakdown Of Overcooked! All You Can Eat
The mouthful title is actually not one game but two combined into a single package for players. The isometric perspective is critical to the presentation because the game would be a nightmare without it.
Time Trials
In Overcooked! All You Can Eat players have simple tasks at the beginning; preparing food within a decent time limit. The potential to screw up is always present. The ingredients and the various kitchen utilities are placed in questionable positions.
Progressive Difficulty
As players clear the levels, the difficulty increases significantly with more complex orders and shorter duration. Oh, and the best (worst) part? If you’re playing solo, you not only have to control one chef but others as well, and it’s always a trainwreck.
Thankfully, the multiplayer and co-op options are integrated excellently, and it was always the intended way to play Overcooked! All You Can Eat.
Accessibility and Exclusive Content
A big hype factor of Overcooked! All You Can Eat is that the repackaged games contain exclusive levels and modes.
If you’re having trouble with the disorderly pace of the game, you can enable the assist mode. Practice mode eases the challenges and gradually works up to the actual game’s pace. The new levels are on stationary platforms; players end up in a hilarious screaming contest with each other.
Why is Overcooked! All You Can Eat One of the Most Innovative 4-Player Switch Games?
Few things are as rewarding as working in sync with your partner on a task, and that’s the philosophy behind Overcooked! All You Can Eat. The timing of the button presses must align with the changes in the environment; in a sense, the game is like a brutal platformer.
The Pros
We hold Overcooked! All You Can Eat in such high regard precisely because of the game’s punishing difficulty. Hey, if Dark Souls can carve out its niche in the difficult gaming market, so can a fluffy animated chef game.
The Cons
The kitchen counter moves from one end to another at brief intervals on one of the levels. It’s a headache to always be on the move while in the middle of cooking. Another is when the truck is on fire, and players must ensure their hard work doesn’t get burnt to a crisp. The point is the difficulty can be off-putting for some players.
Why is Overcooked! All You Can Eat ranked 9th on Our List
We’re always in awe of the fact that a game like Overcooked! All You Can Eat exists, and forever grateful for it. Given how much we’re gushing over the game, it’s clear we enjoy and consider Overcooked! All You Can Eat as one of the best 4-player Switch games. It’s not without its critics, but overall it’s a fun game to play with friends.
8. Super Mario Party
Moving along on our list of best 4-player Switch games, we have one that will surprise no one, save for those completely unaware of Nintendo’s first-party titles. Super Mario Party, the game, is a welcome return to form for the series, as it subverts expectations.
Play Ninteno’s Take on Board Games With Super Mario Party
Players engage in a very engrossing turn-based virtual board game, with dice rolls, bonuses, and penalties at specific spots. The gameplay is always unpredictable and has that special Nintendo flavor making Super Mario Party stand out.
Players can play the various mini-games and Super Mario Party sports events in multiple pairings. 1-on-1, 2 vs 2, 3-on-1, or a free-for-all, up to 4 players compete against one another, and the competition is always intense.
Super Mario Party is an excellent entry for the franchise as it boasts amazing local co-op and is the first to incorporate online multiplayer. It manages to balance between homaging its legacy and keeping the innovation trend going, something fans still appreciate.
A Quick Look At Super Mario Party
The main appeal of Super Mario Party for casual players and those who play with their families is the characters. In typical Nintendo fashion for party games, the devs of Super Mario Party brought a whole host of fan-favorite characters.
Mario-Verse Characters With Depth
Players can choose from obvious picks like the main man Mario himself, or his brother Luigi, and Princess Peach. Alternatively, in Super Mario Party, players also have the option of going for Pom Pom or even Goomba.
Special Character Dices
The character selection isn’t mere fan service either, as there are character-specific dices that can drastically alter the board-game aspect of Super Mario Party. Offering unique numbered moves or assists.
Turn-based Mini-games
The main gameplay of Super Mario Party comprises turn-based dice rolls. After each round of rolls is finished, players compete in the several mini-games on offer. The mini-games are several and offer enough variety so players won’t feel bored or burned out.
How Is Super Mario Party One Of The Best 4-Player Switch Games?
Despite having simple concepts, if you break everything down, none can deny the excellence of Super Mario Party. The game is fun and entertaining, with a smorgasbord of mini-games to keep players engaged at all times.
The Pros
Personally, we found the rhythm games, which require careful watching and then matching the directional motion using the joy-cons, to be the highlight of Super Mario Party mini-games.
A great way to see Mario and his arch-rival Wario on the same team is another dream come true pairing for many. Super Mario Party allows players to call for assistance from their choice of alliance partners, which can add further ways to make the board game even more intriguing. The variables always will make players calculate their every move, and it’s a fun brain exercise.
The excitement and fun factor in Super Mario Party are undeniable. The game’s satisfying gameplay and innovative game mechanics compel us to award it a ranking on our list of best 4-player switch games. If you’re looking for more games to play with friends, we recommend checking out our list of 6 party games like Cards Against Humanity.
7. Minecraft Dungeons
Minecraft and Nintendo seem like a match made in video game heaven, so this pick shouldn’t come as a surprise. After all, Minecraft exemplifies the video game fun that mirrors the joy and enthusiasm spread by Nintendo. However, instead of going with the vanilla or the heavy community-modified version of base Minecraft, we’re going with a linear experience. Case-in-point, Minecraft Dungeons is an astonishingly addictive and one of the best 4-player Switch games ever.
Straying in a bold new direction for Minecraft, the game differs quite a bit from its roots, something we appreciate. Oftentimes, game companies play it safe and stick to generic rehashing once they’ve figured out a formula that works. Creativity and innovation are the lifeblood of gaming to keep the interest of gamers, and Minecraft Dungeons proves this fact.
Removing series staples like mining, crafting, and building, Minecraft Dungeons tested the waters and struck gold. We approached the game with reservations, and what really concerned us was the lack of an open world. After all, vanilla Minecraft thrives on open-world exploration for players to discover new and exciting things. Thankfully, Minecraft Dungeons doesn’t disappoint, as the game has enough content that it doesn’t feel bare bones.
Minecraft Dungeons offers quick-paced hack-and-slash action with an isometric perspective. The players engage in combat with enemies that are not only unique in design, but players must think and strategize to beat them. We love playing this game. After the character selection, players are thrust immediately into the game’s intriguing narrative.
A Swift Scan Of Minecraft Dungeons
The simplistic and linear design choice of Minecraft Dungeons doesn’t detract from the enjoyability it offers. In fact, the focus on narrative and story while still keeping things within the Minecraft D.N.A. is an incredible feat. The players are given a limited degree of character customization.
Players can change their character’s look from preset skins but not create character skins from scratch. With the Ultimate Edition of Minecraft Dungeons, exclusive skins are available for players alongside the story-related quests. You can check out why can’t you join your friends’ Minecraft world to solve any connectivity issues on vanilla Minecraft.
The premise of Minecraft Dungeons is about a sad and tragic tale of an Illagerwho just wants a place to belong but gets denied. Disheartened at the constant rejection, the Illager encounters a mystical orb that transforms him into the Arch-illager. Thus, the main antagonist of Minecraft Dungeons is born, as he subjugates and rules over the Otherworlders who rejected him.
The players take on the role of pre-determined chosen knights in Minecraft Dungeons, who are tasked with stopping the evil Arch-Illager. The minions and other powerful monsters patrol the various stages that players must attack quickly and in sync to beat.
Minecraft Dungeons, like vanilla Minecraft, while playable solo, is best when played with friends. The 4-player co-op and multiplayer immensely enhance the enjoyment levels of the game’s combat and the dungeon crawling aspect. The treasures and items are tweaked to provide a fantasy touch to the gameplay, and it’s a welcome addition.
What Makes Minecraft Dungeons A Fantastic 4-Player Switch Game?
Despite a lot of changes to the gameplay formula, we still enjoy Minecraft Dungeons, as it’s a fantastic title. From the attack animations to the enemy design, the aesthetic makes the game feel like it is very much a Minecraft game. Plus, the gorgeous upscaling of visuals from vanilla Minecraft makes Minecraft Dungeons a feast for the eyes. The immersive sound design adds a layer of Minecraft authenticity and satisfies the attacks when they connect with enemies.
Each level of Minecraft Dungeons is peculiar, often encompassing thematic stages like tropical forests, underground depths, and snowy mountains. The multiple enemy types are always mixed up to provide a skill-based gameplay challenge with pinpoint co-op necessary for survival. The dungeons are procedurally generated, meaning it’s random every time, so you never know what to expect fully.
Another reason we like to fondly talk about Minecraft Dungeons is because of the loot system and character special attacks. Players receive bonuses that increase character stats, especially on higher difficulty levels. The RPG style mechanics include adding Enchanctments to augment a character’s armor or attack power. The quest-related mission in Minecraft Dungeons provides ample opportunities to explore every level thoroughly and search for unique items.
A remarkable feature of Minecraft Dungeons that we found very convenient is that there there are no character classes. If you want to, you can play as a tank laced in heavy armor as you plow through enemy waves. Similarly, it’s also possible if you like to bash and smash your opponents with great hammers and battering rams. At the same time, you can be a swift archer and a deft sword fighter. With so many possibilities, it’s not hard to see why we consider Minecraft Dungeons as one the best 4-player Switch games ever.
6. Kirby’s Return To Dream Land Deluxe
When it comes to Nintendo mascots, there’s absolutely no shortage of choices because the company has a lot of beloved franchises that it has cultivated over the decades. Despite Mario and The Legend Of Zelda at the forefront, we wholeheartedly support Kirby. The character is just as strong a contender that can stand next to other heavy hitters from Nintendo’s wheelhouse. As for the game we’re considering for our list, Kirby’s Return To Dream Land Deluxe is the perfect title that hammers home our point.
In Kirby’s Return To Dream Land Deluxe, the colorful backdrop of Dream Land presents a stunning view. The titular character Kirby bounces from one point to another in an accessible platforming game that’s easy for children.
Yes, as much as we enjoy the punishing and brutal retro platformers, it’s nice to have one that casuals can partake in and have fun with. Kirby’s Return To Dream Land Deluxe is playable in a 2.5 D perspective. It blurs the line between 2-D side-scrolling and 3-D action.
The typical Kirby gameplay formula is followed in Kirby’s Return To Dream Land Deluxe and feels refined to perfection. The multiplayer and co-op component is also fleshed out brilliantly to provide players with a scintillating experience. The platforming challenges are, in particular, our favorite because they are fun and not as draining when one fails. The game’s a delight.
A Short Glance At Kirby’s Return To Dream Land Deluxe
The main gameplay of Kirby’s Return To Dream Land Deluxe comprises of platforming and puzzle-solving with mixed-in combat sequences. Kirby’s inhale ability is flashier than ever as the pink cutie-pie sucks in the enemies and shoots them out like a cannonball. Kirby also has access to a vast collection of copy abilities with distant visual identity and effects. Players will have a blast with the game, especially if they’re playing Kirby’s Return To Dream Land Deluxe for the first time.
The platforming and puzzle sections don’t require much pondering, as the solutions are pretty much obvious. However, players can rely on an easy mode called Helper Magolor, in which Magolor, a major character from Kirby lore, provides assistance to players. The game is a breeze in Helper Magolor, as health-restoring items drop periodically. Plus, Magolor appears to catch Kirby whenever he fails to make a platforming jump. Kirby’s Return To Dream Land Deluxe has an extra mode for players who want a true challenge and test of their skills.
The screen-clearing demolition abilities called super abilities of Kirby are so powerful that players feel an adrenaline rush every time the powers activate. Kirby’s Return To Dream Land Deluxe encourages players to mix and match the various copy abilities. For instance, the inclusion of the water ability allows Kirby to douse the flames to unlock hidden treasures behind them.
Another excellent feature of Kirby’s Return To Dream Land Deluxe is the additional plot that supplements the main story. The DLC story is available through the deluxe upgrade of the game. The story puts a unique spin on things by letting players as Magolor. The character loses all his abilities. Players must clear individual story levels to regain the lost powers. The overall package is well worth checking out.
Here’s Why Kirby’s Return To Dream Land Deluxe is One of the Best 4-Player Switch Games?
For many of you wondering about the inclusion of Kirby’s Return To Dream Land Deluxe on our list, we’ll answer now. Not every title needs to be the next Dark Souls to be a great video game. In fact, many would be hard-pressed to find a better game to play together with family and friends. This brings us to the multiplayer element of Kirby’s Return to Dream Land Deluxe.
Players can play as Kirby, the main character everyone’s familiar with. Also returning are popular fan-favorite side characters like King Dedede, the anti-hero penguin. Another one is the fun-loving Waddle Dee, the cute spear-wielding loyal friend of Kirby. Our personal favorite is the Meta Knight, the chivalrous frenemy of Kirby with a heart of gold and a sword to match.
The multiplayer and co-op modes emphasize solving platforming challenges and opening blocked paths. It’s an interesting way for young players to apply themselves and develop critical thinking. If that’s not enough, Kirby’s Return To Dream Land Deluxe also allows players to play as yellow, green, and blue variants of Kirby.
The multiplayer modes for the campaign offer a way to form mentor and youngling pairing. Veterans of the Kirby games like Kirby’s Return To Dream Land Deluxe can help out newbies. The great thing about the game is it is easy-going and casual but addictive all the same play style.
5. Mario Kart 8 Deluxe
Okay! Entering the upper half point of our list of best 4-player Nintendo Switch games, we have Mario Kart 8 Deluxe. The only racing game that we care about on the Nintendo Switch, which offers us what we want. Utter and absolute chaotic action and Nintendo’s Mario characters duking it out with vehicular mayhem racing.
Fans of Mario Kart 8’s original release on the Wii-U know the feeling of diving into the game’s fast-paced action. The feeling is unmatched; however, we’d argue the Deluxe upgrade is well worth it, even if you’ve played the original. Playing Mario Kart 8 Deluxe is like being a kid again for us and living out a power fantasy.
For one thing, the visual fidelity is on a completely different scale, and secondly, all the performance issues on the Wii-U are patched. Mario Kart 8 Deluxe brings the game’s definitive version to the latest iteration of Nintendo’s home console, the Switch.
Mario Kart 8 Deluxe features some of the most innovative and stylishly themed racing in the entire franchise’s history. Players must keep track of their opponent and either rush past them or impede their progress through a variety of methods. Sure, many e-sport racing games with flashier aesthetics are mirroring the formula these days, but Mario Kart 8 Deluxe pioneered it. There’s a reason why it’s on our list.
A Rapid Probe Of Mario Kart 8 Deluxe
In Mario Kart 8 Deluxe, players have access to all the previous DLC content plus a noticeable performance upgrade. The entirety of the game revolves around co-op and multiplayer. The multiple racing modes add enough variety to keep things interesting. For those unaware of how the game is played, it’s simple. Players pick a character and their go-kart of choice, then race across the maps.
The races are of several types, and the gameplay can also be in single-player mode, where A.I. controls other racers. It’s nowhere near as fun nor as enjoyable as the multiplayer mode in Mario Kart 8 Deluxe. For instance, the game’s battle modes offer players a chance to engage in Baloon Battles. The aim is to use the player’s vehicles’ corresponding weapons to shoot and destroy the balloons of fellow players. We don’t know about others, but we found it hilarious and entertaining and laughed from start to finish.
Another fun battle mode exclusive to the Mario Kart 8 Deluxe edition is Renegade Round-Up. It’s essentially the cop and robber with a twist, and it’s more engaging than most people give it credit for. Players are paired up in teams of 2 and battle it out where the cops try to arrest the renegades. A renegade can assist their partner in escaping from custody by driving over a switch. Whereas the cops can use piranha cannons to subdue the renegades.
Mario Kart 8 Deluxe offers plenty of ways to keep players glued to the screen. The shine thief is a favorite battle mode we can’t get enough of. Players must navigate the race tracks while in possession of a shine sprite. Whoever holds the shine sprite the longest at the end of the time limit is the winner.
What Makes Mario Kart 8 Deluxe One Of The Best 4-Player Switch Games?
If it wasn’t obvious, we have a deep fondness for Mario Kart 8 Deluxe because we couldn’t find a single flaw with the game. Minor nitpicks have relegated the game to the 4th position on our list of best 4-player Switch games. Otherwise, the game is a wonderful modern-day masterpiece. The standard racing modes, whether a time trial or a multi-laps around the tracks feel fantastic.
Mario Kart 8 Deluxe features multiple variants of the standard racing modes, and one of the most fun ones, albeit a bit difficult as well, is the Anti-Gravity racing. The sheer amount of enjoyment we experienced in this mode is indescribable, as players can drive their vehicles over walls and ceilings. Another visually trippy mode is the Mirror mode which inverts the view and possibly the control configuration, which adds a fun layer to the game.
The number of power-ups and boosts in Mario Kart 8 Deluxe is much more than in the game’s vanilla version. A powerful and signature staple of the Mario Kart series is also our favorite, the Spiny Shell. The powerful projectile is nearly unavoidable and entirely unblockable. The Pirhanna Plants is a close second because of their versatility, and, let’s face it; their animation is fantastic. The point of all our incoherent ramblings about the game’s exciting features is that we love Mario Kart 8 Deluxe. We’re unafraid of being labeled as fanboys.
The game has speed bost platforms, and there are numerous ways to gain advantages in racing. Mario Kart 8 Deluxe has a feather item, allowing users to gain a slight reach advantage. Finally, the best thing about Mario Kart 8 Deluxe is its accessibility. If players have difficulty keeping up with the race tracks, they can activate auto-steer and auto-brake to gain better navigation capability.
4. Splatoon 2
Alright, so another Nintendo first-party title is on our list, shocking! Right? Well, we can’t help it; they can pump out hit-after-hit of exciting and best-selling games. Splatoon 2 is one of these games that have this rare trait of being innovative, simplistic, and all-around fun. The reason for choosing the second game in the series is the improvements it brought over the first one.
We have three things to say to those who haven’t tried any of the Splatoon games. One, what are you think?! Splatoon is perhaps the most innovative game of the decade. Two, For every second you’re spending being unaware of Splatoon’s goodness and fun time, you’re missing out. Hurry up and play Splatoon 2, as it’s the best one from the trilogy of games in the Splatoon franchise and one of the 4-player Switch games ever.
The major point of consensus within the Splatoon community is that the stage design variety within Splatoon 2 is sublime. The third game may have better balancing, but it’s undeniable how gnarly everything got in Splatoon 2 because of the broken specials. The third Splatoon game didn’t do enough to set itself apart from Splatoon 2 and its groundbreaking features.
The Splatoon games have a unique take on traversal and third-person shooting mechanics, with a Nintendo vibe that’s mistakable. Splatoon 2, in our opinion, makes the best use of these features. Thankfully, the creative vision of the devs allowed for one of the most innovative and profoundly satisfying gameplay experiences in Splatoon 2.
A Cursory Examination Of Splatoon 2
The main gist of the gameplay of Splatoon 2 is twofold; the single-player campaign called Hero Mode and the various multiplayer modes. From a narrative perspective, the game has a plot with surprising depth, showcasing the bond between estranged sisters. Players control an Inkling dubbed Agent 4, who helps out Marie track down her sister, who’s gone missing. The story, while linear, offers a witty, charming, and, most of all, very endearing style of writing that makes us curious and care for the outcome.
After the initial character creation is complete, players receive a quick tutorial stage to learn the game’s mechanics immediately. The enemy difficulty is significantly greater in Splatoon 2 than in its predecessor, meaning mastering the shooting and cover mechanics is vital. The attention to detail in Splatoon 2 is commendable, as the variety of weapons and multiplayer options are diverse.
A particularly favorite multiplayer mode in Splatoon 2 that we repeatedly return to is the Salmon Run. Players team up in a 4-player squad to face wave after wave of enemies, and the rounds become progressively difficult. The Salmon Run caps off with boss fights that are not only challenging but require excellent communication between the Inkling squadmates. The rewards in Salmon Run of Splatoon 2 are well worth the time and grind if players invest their time.
Other than Salmon Run, there are competitive modes as well, and they’re the usual fare of the Splatoon experience. In no way that’s a bad thing, as Splatoon 2 constantly switches things up for players to keep them on their toes. Main weapons, the primary offense form, get paired with sub-weapons. The diverse sub-weapons in Spaltoon 2 add a new layer of depth to the squad-based PvP formula.
What Makes Splatoon 2 One Of The Best 4-Player Switch Games?
Right, so as huge fanboys of Splatoon 2, we will justify our adoration for the game by explaining its amazing highlights. First of all, as we discussed, the story mode isn’t shoehorned in; there’s a surprisingly high degree of thought put into the narrative. Also, the names of the character and locales are hilariously punny! That’s a pun for the word funny. Just look at the ames, Inkopolis? DJ Octavio? The jokes write themselves, folks!
Another way Splatoon 2 outshines its prequel and sequel titles is the high degree of replay value with more variety and depth. Let’s break down some of the things that we genuinely enjoyed about Splatoon 2. The turf wars return, but ith a new way of traversal thanks to the jetpack known as Inkjets, it’s even more fun. The inclusion of special weapons like shotguns with shields and dualies and pistols with doge roll animation adds engagement to casual multiplayer.
The ranked mode battles are also highly enjoyable, constantly swi ching stages after every 3-minute time limit. The players must form strategies with their teammat s to overcome the opposing team. Splatoon 2 has this wonderful charm and casual approach similar to Kirby games that you don’t need to be an e-spo ts pro to get good at the game.
Our favorite mode in Splatoon 2 is the aforementioned Salmon Run. The main reason for u liking Salmon Run over other multiplayer modes is that it allows players to join forces. The unpredictability provides unique challenges for players to overcome, like shrinking map size, fog obscuring enemy positioning, and nigh time, which increases enemy aggressive behavior. Overall, Splatoon 2 is worthy enough for inclusion o our list of best 4-player Switch games.
3. Super Smash Bros. Ultimate
We’re in the top 3 positions for our list of best 4-player Nintendo Switch games. It’s time to bring out the heavy hitters, and none pack a punch quite like Super Smash Bros. Ultimate. The game brings an unprecedented roster of crossover between popular third-party characters with N ntendo’s biggest franchises. The fighting game format is the perfect way to allow for a wish-fulfilling crossover to f el organic and authentic.
People love Super Smash Bros. Ultimate to death. Evidence of the popularity of the f ghting game is within the sales numbers of the title. No other fighting game has even co e close to the numbers Super Smash Bros. Ultimate has raked. What’s even more puzzling is that the game, while extremely competitive and a highlight of many e-sports tournaments, i just as compelling for casual players.
A whooping 89 characters roster s unparalleled, and Super Smash Bros. Ultimate accomplishes it handily. It wasn’t easy, though; the wait was excrucia ing, as the reveals of several later characters happened in piece meals. The game’s many late addit ons are only possible thanks to the untiring dedication and efforts of Mr. Sakurai. The man is a treasure and should always be appreciated for his contribution to the game. He convinced the higher-ups at Nintendo to push for licensing deals for third-party characters.
An Initial Inspection Of Super Smash Bros. Ultimate
he gameplay of Super Smash Bro. Ultimate is multi-faceted, but it’s not as comple or completely casual. The game has a learning curve, but the rewarding experience rom progression and winning fights is highly satisfying. The single-player mode has a story campaign that is more compelling than most other fighting games. The premise sh wn in the opening cutscene of the story mode, The World Of Light, depicts a cataclysmic event. Every character in the world of Smash Bros. is decimated, and o ly Kirby manages to escape the doom.
Super Smash Bros. Ultimate the opens up the players to a unique twist on the traditional fighting game story. Players must navigate a ma , rescuing the fallen heroes’ spirits to restore them. After fighting a character’s variant, players can unlock them in multiplayer modes. The final boss in the campaign isn’t one but rather two. Both must be defeated in singular path navi ation of the game map with quick succession to unlock the true ending. Otherwise, it’s a bleak end to the narrative.
Other tha the originality of its narrative, Super Smash Bros. Ultimate also has an incredible multiplayer mode. The main component of the multiplayer is the vast character roster. Fans of the various crossover franchises will love how each one’s portrayal within the game feels genuine. A couple of our favorit s are Solid Snake from Metal Gear Solid, Sonic The Hedgehog, and Simon Belmont from Castlevania.
The clas ic Capcom characters like Ryu and Ken appear, whereas the Umbra Witch herself, Bayonetta, lso is playable. Personally speaking, adding Asura from Asura’s Wrath and Akuma’s Oni version from Street Fighter would have been more awesome. Super Smash Bros. Ultimate is beyond epic.
How Is Sup r Smash Bros. Ultimate One Of The Best 4-Player Switch Games?
The best part about the Super Smash Bros. Ulti ate is the fighting game versus mode. Players can win in many ways; one of them is the standard of reducing the opponent’s health to zero. Another way to victory in Super mash Bros. Ultimate is by throwing the opponent character from the arena. The knockback rate of a rival character rises every time players throw an opponent outside. The same happens to the player character if their opponent throws them.
The final way to win is through time limit; players who deal the most damage to their opponents at the end of the round win. There is a tournament mode for players interested in the competitive element of Super Smash Bros. Ultima e. Up to 32 players worldwide wi h a copy of the game can compete in the private lobby tournament. Players fight in one-off battles within the randomized pairing of brackets. Tho e who advance face each other, and this continues until there’s a winner of the tournament.
The e’s also something for players interested in collaboration in Super Smash Bros. Ultimate. Squad strike is a mode where pla ers can rally around their friend’s unit and pick characters to form a team. With each character’s defeat, another one from the team joins the fight until there’s a decisive winning squad.
Mr. Sakurai also implemented spiri s in Super Smash Bro. Ultimate to keep players hooked. Essentially, spirits are the variants of the cross-over characters that add new abilities and skills f players manage to defeat and obtain them. The spirits appear on a rotational basis, with some rare ones only available for a short while. With all the praise we’re heaping on, we view Super Smash Bros. Ultimate as ou favorite 4-player Switch fighting game.
2. Marvel Ultimate Alliance 3: The Black Order
The runner-up on our list of best 4-player Switch games is an entry that will surprise many people. We believe that Nintendo’s ability to secure licensing deals for its console exclusives is underrated. Case-in-point, Marvel Ultimate Alliance 3: The Black Order is the result of savvy business decisions, and it’s a cause for celebration for Marvel and Nintendo fans. The game’s only playable on Switch because it irrors Bayonetta’s history with Nintendo. Nintendo’s financial support is the reason for the game’s existence.
Anyway, let’s get to the meat of the game: the story and gameplay. The narrative is mostly original and not entirely a 1-to-1 ad ptation of the comics, but the plot is magnificent. The best part about Marvel Ultimate Alliance 3: The Black Order is the fan-favorite Marvel characters that players have access to.
From the uber-popular Avengers, whether Captain America, Iron Man, or Doctor Strange, to the evergreen X-Men, from Wolverine Cyclops, and Magneto. Star-Lord and Gamora from the Guardians Of The Galaxy are also pla able. Here’s our piece about which 3-star characters are the best in Marvel Puzzle Quest.
The players choose a team of 4 heroes to pair up and go after he infinity stones since Thanos and his cabal, the Black Order, are also in pursuit of them. Along the way, players will hop from one iconic Marvel location to another, and it’s a pulse-pounding adventure full of easter eggs.
A Slight Scrutiny Of Marvel Ultimate Alliance 3: The Black Order
What most people like about Marvel Ultimate lliance 3: The Black Order is that the game embraces its origins. The game won’t pander to the movie-going cr wd or the diehard comic book fans (like us!). Instead, the tale of the Infinity Gauntlet is a fresh take on the classic saga where pre-knowledge of the Marvel lore isn’t necessary to enjoy the game. Also, there is no requirement to have played the first two Marvel Ultim te Alliance games, either. They’re also fantastic in their own right, and we recommen checking them out.
The character-specific dialogues are missing from the previous two entries, wh ch is just about the only flaw of Marvel Ultimate Alliance 3: The Black Order. It’s the main reason why the game isn’t in the number one position on our list of best 4-player Switch games. Other than this one singular nitpick, we’ve thoroughly enjoyed the game from start to finish.
The 4-player team combination from the 36 playable characters can make for some amazing heroic pairings. We personally found the street-level heroes to best suit our pl ystyle. The 4 heroes for our main team are Spider-Man, Daredevil, Moon Knight, and Iron Fist. How ver, we also have a team of powerful characters when we want to bring out the heavy artillery. Check it out; we challenge anyone to bring a better-balanced team than Thor, Magneto, Phoenix, and Ghost Rider.
How Is Marvel Ultimate Alliance 3: The Black Order One Of The Best 4-Player Switch Games A d The Runner Up On Our List?
The main reason Marvel Ultimate Alliance 3: The Black Order is so high up on our list is the AAA superhero gaming experience. The main idea ehind comics and video games is the escape that they provide and entertain us. Fans of both or either medium must be compelling and captivating to grab the audience’s interest. Marvel Ultimate Alliance 3: The Black Or er manages to be the best of both worlds and easily commands our undivided attention.
Th thrill and joy of seeing the multiple heroes and ant-heroes teaming up that we grew up reading about and playing as them is an absolute joy and pleasure f r us geeks. Marvel Ultimate Alliance 3: The Black Order is what we always crave mor of, so after the disappointment of Marvel Ultimate Alliance 2, we weren’t hopeful for a sequel. When we saw the launch trailer for Marvel Ultimate Allianc 3: The Black Order, there was no end to our tears of joy.
The melee and power combination into combo chains deal additional and elemental damage to enemies. Pairing up the characters in unique teams creates a new ynamic with surprising results. Marvel Ultimate Alliance 3: The Black Order features a very engaging character progression system, where levels are gained the more each character is used. Players can as ign different roles to characters depending on their specialization. Playing as specific characters unlocks multiple vari nt costumes.
Players can create a black ops squad with stealth characters who operate in the grey area. Punisher, Elektra, Psylocke, Wolverine, Moon Knight, and fan favorites like Deadpool are ideally suited for this. Marvel Ultimate Alliance 3: The lack Order provides endless entertainment and infinite replay value. (Hehe, Marvel un).
1. Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: The Cowabunga Collection
Okay, time to cap things on our list of best 4-player Switch games. It’s fitting that a franchise all about teamwork and family neatly ties everything. We’re referring to Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: The Cowabunga Collection. Players are welcome to play solo and have the A.I. join them on the side-scrolling beat ’em-up adventure of the fearsome foursome.
Alternatively, there is the traditional online mode with a party of 3 others to join you in a 4-turtle melee brawl party. Otherwise, you can’t go wrong with couch co-op like a sane person to fit the game’s nostalgic theme.
The point is, just play the darn game and get lost in the hildhood memories flooding your senses, especially if you’re from the 90s. Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: The Cowabunga Collection is the quintessential 4-player co-op game that can’t be topped, and we dare anyone to change our minds.
Related Article: Top 5 Split Screen Co-op Game Like A Way Out.
The fluidity of the attack animations, the visual impact of the blows to the enemies by the turtles, and vice versa, feel marvelous. The colorful art style and the jaw-dropping retro visuals with a modern tw st create a splendid ambiance.
Even if someone’s new to the Ninja Turtles franchise, they’ll still love playing through this compilation. Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: The Cowabunga Collection is a must-play.
A Simple Break Down of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: The Cowabunga Collection
lright, so for those who don’t know, the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: The Cowabunga Collection compiles a staggering 13 games. All of them have received the HD remastering treatment with tweaked gameplay features to better suit modern audiences.
Don’t go expecting modern-day 4K visuals and cinematic levels of story-telling, and you should be golden. The games are simple in premise and light on story, with only cutscenes at the beg nning or end stages; even then, it’s through script dialogue, not voice-acting.
Additionally, the players can choose from playing the games in any order, though we recommend playing in the release chronology. Teenage Mu ant Ninja Turtles: The Cowabunga Collection provides players with unseen artwork of the ga e’s conceptual stages that didn’t make it in the final cuts of the games.
It’s a neat little bonus for collectors, and if you’re one of the lucky owners of a physical copy of the collection, NEVER let it go.
Additionally, gameplay-wise, the Tee age Mutant Ninja Turtles: The Cowabunga Collection has brought significant improvements. A prime example of the upgrad s is the implementing manual saves that are a life-saver (sometimes literally!).
Another is the rewind function that allows you to instantly start from the last place the turtles keel over. Also, players can configure the controls to suit their preferences, which is always handy. The simple, light, heavy, charged attacks combined with super attacks pack a wallop on the foot soldiers.
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: The Cowabunga Collection is loaded with unlockable extra soundtracks and lternative skins in certain games. Players can also engage in competitive melee with the fighting game Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Tournament Fighters. It’ a unique take on the fighting game format and one that particularly feels different from the rest of the games in the collection.
How Is Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: The Cowabunga Collection The Best 4-Player Switch Game Of All Time?
Okay, now that we’re in the final stretch of our list of best 4-player Switch games, t’s time to justify our number 1 pick. Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: The Cowabunga Collection s the crowning achievement of the modern era for fans of retro games. There is no other retro collection or compilation out there that can compete with the popularity and longevity of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles franchise. The series is still fresh wi hin the collective consciousness of the audiences.
Whether it’s through the Saturday morning cartoon, a Game Boy or Sega Genesis release, or the 90’s live-action film, people love the Turtles. People are hungry for more, and the remastered version of the games collection sold like hotcakes. Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: The Cowabunga Collection doesn’t solely rely on nostalgic beats. The multiplay r element is quite an excellent function wherever it’s applicable, but the true shine is when couch co-op’s involved.
The rewarding feeling of playing as the Turtles or their supporting cast members is like a high that we can’t get enough of. The boss fights are intense, and requir precision, as some of the games within the collection are brutally hard. Also, once you hear he opening theme of the cartoon play in the background, it’s game on, and the adrenaline rush drives t ke over.
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: The Co abunga Collection allows players to set the frame delays according to their internet co nection speed and stability. Basically, it means the frame drops won’t be a factor in online play, and it will provide a smooth experience without any lag.
While the rest of the games on our list are excellent in their own right, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: The Cow bunga Collection is in a league of its own. It’s undisputedly the best 4-player Swi ch game.
Final Thoughts
Oh, thank goodness we’re done. It’s over! We’re finally free to rest now that the list o the best 4-player Switch Games is complete. Wake us up when it’s time for Halloween, okay? In all seriousness, we truly hope you enjoyed viewing and reading about our selections. It wasn’t easy, as we had to thoroughly put every game under the proverbial micros ope to scope out the pros and cons to determine the ranking, but it was worth it.
Let us know your thoughts on the matter in the comments below, as we enjoy hearing other perspectives. Our chosen games reflect our tastes, so please enlighten us about your preferences. The diversity of gaming makes it such a great hobby, and civilized discussion is the best way to spread its joy. If you disagree with our assessment criteria or choice of games, tell us which should be on here, engagement is always welcome.
If you’re curious about another similar ranking list of games on Nintendo Switch, you can read up on our take on Disney-related games. Ranking All Nintendo Switch Disney Games From Worst To Best.
