Following my feature on the best looking Nintendo Switch games and the best horror games on Switch in 2024, I had a few ideas in mind for what to tackle next. During my Singapore holiday, I bought a copy of Nintendo World Championships: NES Edition and was blown away by it. I also got a code for it, so I lent my physical copy to a friend, but playing it for a few hours pushed me to thinking of what I consider the best party games on Switch in 2024, and here we are.
This list has many Nintendo first party games as expected, but there are some notable third party titles and indies that are genuinely amazing party games. Hopefully this mix helps you find your next favorite party game on Switch for the next time you have friends over. As usual, this list is in no particular order.
Nintendo World Championships: NES Edition ($29.99)
When Nintendo World Championships: NES Edition was announced, I wrote it off. Having played it, I was so wrong about it. Not only does it do a perfect job of making me want to keep playing and improving my time in various game segments, but it is a fantastic party game as well. It does feel like a game initially built for Nintendo Switch Online, but it is a few updates away from being a game I recommend for everyone regardless of the asking price. It being half the cost of a full price game definitely makes it an easier recommendation. I just hope it gets updates to add in better ways to compare your own times with friends.
Mario Party Superstars ($59.99)
After Super Mario Party felt lacking, Nintendo over delivered with Mario Party Superstars. I know all eyes right now are on Super Mario Party Jamboree, but Mario Party Superstars is a fantastic and great looking entry in the series that was a joy to play as someone who never experienced the older games before. I still have regular sessions of this online with friends and it works great. This is easily one of the best party games on Switch for all ages.
Overcooked! All You Can Eat ($39.99)
The original Overcooked! felt lacking with no online play. Overcooked 2 fixed that and was a much better game. Overcooked! All You Can Eat brings both campaigns together, new features, assist options, and so much more in one of the best party games on any platform, and one that feels right at home on Nintendo Switch with its hybrid nature. This is a game I recommend everyone try out, especially so you get frustrated with friends and family. Hopefully the team keeps bringing more to Overcooked! All You Can Eat because it is a gem.
Super Smash Bros. Ultimate ($59.99)
I hadn’t properly played Super Smash Bros. until the 3DS entry, and I was sold on it being a fantastic party game ever since. The Switch version is packed with tons of amazing characters (including the DLC), stages, and modes. It really feels like the ultimate party game for local play. I just wish the online mode worked better. Outside the online, Super Smash Bros. Ultimate is an easy recommendation and an essential for every Nintendo Switch owner.
WarioWare: Move It! ($49.99)
WarioWare: Move It! is an interesting inclusion because I bought it on a whim recently and was initially disappointed that it had no Pro Controller support. I then realized what it was going for and think it is one of the better games in the series. Just make sure you have Joy-Con straps to play with because it feels like a game designed for Joy-Cons and motion controls above everything else, but it does that well and is fun to play solo or with others locally. I recommend this one with that caveat.
Towerfall ($19.99)
Towerfall was one of the early indie games that surprised me with how good it was in a local multiplayer setting. On Switch, Towerfall is right at home, and it is shockingly good for its asking price. A friend told me Towerfall is what you’d get if you crossed Balloon Fight with Smash, and I can see that to some degree, but the developers achieved so much more with this archery party game that includes 6 player co-op on Switch.
Moving Out 2 ($29.99)
Just like how Overcooked 2 fixed my issue with the first game, Moving Out 2 managed bringing Team17’s other franchise to its fullest potential. I like the Moving Out games a lot for how funny they are to play, but having online only elevates this physics-based moving simulator to new heights. Moving Out 2 is also a game I’ve played more on Switch than other platforms, and I think these games shine with the system’s hybrid nature.
Lovers in a Dangerous Spacetime ($14.99)
Lovers in a Dangerous Spacetime is one of the early Switch indie darlings, and a damn fine couch co-op experience. Lovers in a Dangerous Spacetime has always been a game I gift to people on Steam as well, but the aesthetic really shines on the Switch OLED screen. I still can’t get over how it blends a few gameplay styles together to deliver something special. This one gets discounted often, but is worth full price. I consider both Lovers and Towerfall among the best indie games you can play on Switch, not just the best party games.
Dokapon Kingdom Connect ($49.99)
This might feel like a weird pick to those unfamiliar with the game, but having played Dokapon Kingdom Connect on both Switch and Steam Deck, I’ve grown to like it even more. Dokapon Kingdom Connect is a blend of an RPG and a party game, and it is unlike anything I’ve played before. It already includes a lot of modes with online support from the get go, but the core gameplay is the real star. I wish it had a demo because it is a hard sell for newcomers, but you should give it a shot if a board game RPG party game concept sounds good to you.
Ultimate Chicken Horse ($14.99)
Ultimate Chicken Horse was interesting as a party game because you also build levels as you play. Games where you can annoy friends are more fun and that’s where Ultimate Chicken Horse shines the most. It already was great from the start, but updates have only made it better, and the lower asking price makes it an easy recommendation if you’re a fan of the concept. While a lot of the games on this list can be played solo, I would strongly recommend against Ultimate Chicken Horse if you want to play on your own. It is superb with friends but not as good solo.
Bonus
The Jackbox Party Pack (Variable)
I’ve included The Jackbox Party Pack as a bonus because I couldn’t decide on which numbered release to feature and because there’s no big bundle of everything together. The Jackbox Party Pack releases are incredible party games on any platform and I think some of the games included through the years are good enough to buy on their own, not just through the bundle releases. I hope we see a bundle like this on Switch soon.
Demon Slayer -Kimetsu no Yaiba- Sweep the Board! ($59.99)
Demon Slayer -Kimetsu no Yaiba- Sweep the Board! is a bonus because I recommend it, but on a discount on Switch rather than at full price. If you are a fan of Demon Slayer, this one is easier to recommend, but it feels a bit lacking in how much content it includes for its full price tag right now. It is a great translation of the characters and world to a party game setting though, and is worth your time if you like Demon Slayer.
That’s my list of the best party games on Switch to play in 2024. If you have a game you think I should’ve included, please let me know in the comments below. I’m always on the lookout for more local multiplayer, co-op, and party games on Switch. The ones that support single Joy-Con play are even better. As always, thanks for reading!
