So, you're having a party, possibly on a rooftop, dancing to the music and all that jazz, but suddenly there's a lull. Fear not because we've got just the thing to get the party started again! Nintendo Switch has a whole host of crowd-pleasing co-op and competitive party games, whether you're hosting a birthday party for a bunch of kids, throwing a casual soirée for a few select dinner guests or you've got all the furniture in the garage. Regardless of the function, you're sure to find games here for all occasions.
Below you'll find our picks — in no particular order — for the best party games on Switch. While the console's lineup of brilliant co-op games may fit the bill for smaller get-togethers, some games require a little more thought, consideration and co-ordination than the average party-goer might be ready for (or capable of). For this selection we've chosen games that work best with lots of people, including spectators, and ones that let anybody join in with the minimum of fuss.
So, fill those bowls of nibbles to the brim, charge your Joy-Con and pack your party bags, people, because tonight's gonna be a large one...
Super Mario Party (Switch)
Get the party started with the plumber and his Mushroom Kingdom pals. While Mario's had his ups and downs when it comes to this minigame series - with some of the recent entries feeling a little sterile - that simply isn't the case with Super Mario Party. This is a well-constructed and beautifully realised Mario Party game which takes the series right back to its frantic stick-swirling, button-mashing roots. It's a true return to form that can get genuinely raucous in the right company. There ain't no party like a Mario Party, and with this Switch entry in the franchise, that's no longer a backhanded compliment.
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The Jackbox Party Pack 3 (Switch eShop)
This is a great option for anyone at your gathering that might find a controller intimidating. You'll need an internet connection and a smart phone each for this one, but if you can get a decent group together, The Jackbox Party Pack 3 is a laugh riot for up to 8 players.
We've specifically chosen the third instalment in the series because it includes Quiplash 2, Tee K.O., and Trivia Murder Party — three of the most popular Jackbox games, which offer word-based funnies, drawing-based giggles, and trivia-based triumph. Something for everyone!
Mario Kart 8 Deluxe (Switch)
Mario Kart 8 Deluxe delivers a huge amount of racing goodness that's sure to please the crowd. The racing part is best-in-class and there's plenty of tweaks available to make it accessible to all, whether they're racing veterans or this is their first, motion-assisted encounter with the King of Kart Racers.
When you're done with racing, the Battle Mode let's you get into hilarious brawls as you hair around the arenas chasing each other with red shells and Bob-ombs. It's a game that continually raises a smile and, occasionally, induces that trademark Mario Kart rage as shells strike and positions are lost. It's addictive and unifying, unfiltered fun that draws in anyone daring enough to take up the wheel - absolutely perfect for a party.
1-2-Switch (Switch)
It might not have set the world alight when it released at the start of the Switch's life, and it may have worked better as a pack-in title to showcase the unique features of the console and its Joy-Con controllers, but when played with a group of friends or family members 1-2-Switch is a proper hoot. What it lacks in longevity it makes up for with the sort of accessible social appeal that made Wii Sports a living room tradition for so many households all over the world.
This really is a party game - as in it requires the context of a social gathering to work properly - and if you've only tried it as a solo player we entirely understand if you found it underwhelming. In a group context, though, it really shines and if you can find it for a reasonable price, it's well worth a go. You always fancied trying that HD rumble ice cube trick, didn't you?
Just Dance 2023 Edition (Switch eShop)
Just Dance 2023 is a sleek entry to the franchise that does exactly what it says on the tin. The series has been running for years now with very few changes, so Just Dance 2017 or Just Dance 2018 or Just Dance 2019 or Just Dance 2020 or Just Dance 2021 or Just Dance 2022 *breathe* will do just as good a job of getting people on their feet.
With 40 tracks included and more to purchase through the game's subscription service, plus a handy category list that splits the songs between workout hits, party anthems, and chilled-out groove beats, you can create the dance playlist of your dreams.
Keep Talking And Nobody Explodes (Switch eShop)
One person's got a bomb which needs diffusing while the rest have a printed (yes, an actual physical printout) manual with all the instructions you need to disarm the explosive. Keep Talking And Nobody Explodes is an absolute nail-biter of a party game. Obviously, you'll need to have the manual prepared beforehand — it's possible to use a PDF, but the game is far better then there's random sheets of A4 flying around as you frantically search for the info you need.
You'll need to be in a condition to read while playing this one, so it really depends on the sort of party you're throwing. Too many grown-up drinks can make negotiating the written word challenging, and when it's a race against the clock, you don't want to let the team down because you can't focus on the page numbers. Otherwise, this is a blast.
Runbow (Switch eShop)
Runbow is a great example of a party game that can cater to solo and multiplayer preferences alike, and almost certainly deserves a cheeky purchase on Switch. It's a party platforming game where the background regularly cycles through different colours, and all platforms that match this colour will disappear until it changes again. It's great fun, with presentation to die for, and unlocking Nindie heroes through a really nicely put together adventure mode is the icing on the cake.
However, the real beauty of Runbow as a multiplayer party game is that it supports up to 8 players, so the more the merrier (provided you've got the requisite number of controllers).
Super Bomberman R (Switch)
Super Bomberman R is a no-frills entry in a series which had been dormant for far too long. The Switch's unique focus on local multiplayer makes this a perfect fit. Support for Switch Pro Controller as well as single and dual Joy-Con play - along with local network and online multiplayer - make this the go-to multiplayer title for both old-school gamers and those who have never played a Bomberman before (really - just who are you inviting to these parties of yours?). Newbies will very quickly get into the frantic swing of things, so if you're looking to share the joy with your friends, Super Bomberman R is as dependably explosive fun as it's ever been.
Rocket League (Switch eShop)
One of modern gaming's true multiplayer success stories, Rocket League is a brilliant addition to the Switch party game line up. The core game is so addictive, so compelling, so enjoyable that it makes for a fine option for spectators as well as participants.
As much as this is a game that rewards skilful play and perseverance, it's also hilarious to watch when inept drivers take to the wheel and careen past the ball at breakneck speed as they get to grips with its 3v3 motorised football. It won't take long before everyone's hooked and the colour, speed and sheer fun of Rocket League make it a great choice to have on your party playlist.
Super Smash Bros. Ultimate (Switch)
Everyone is here! The beauty of Super Smash Bros. Ultimate is that it caters to everybody, from the deep-diving series stalwarts who analyse each frame and peruse patch notes to the novice button-masher who's simply excited at the chance to smash seven shades out of Pikachu.
With its huge (and ever-growing) roster of famous fighters, there truly is something for everyone, and with support for up to 8 players, it's a frantic, fantastic party game that should most definitely be ready and waiting on your Switch when your friends roll up fashionably late. Fight!
Plug in your second controller and head to player page two for more party games...
Comments 42
1-2-Switch is one of my favorite party game.
And my favorite mini game from 1-2-Switch is ...
@RedderRugfish I agree. Great game
@Anti-Matter your joking right.
I suppose it’s fun with a group of friends
All great picks from the list
Wonder if that Tsum Tsum game will make it on here
@Luigi-number1
Remember, i can play 1-2-Switch by SOLO play, just with myself. 😜
Of course, i will try to play fair by depending on both of my hands. 😅
One of my hand can do faster than my other hand. 😉
Btw, i have ever made an exactly same shot time from Quick Draw SOLO Play.
Good list. Really enjoyed super Mario party at first. Played a lot with family at first. We need dlc. Free or paid. We need more. 4 boards only Nintendo. 4
@Anti-Matter I’m sorry. I don’t know if your joking or being serious but the main thing is fun 😉
@Luigi-number1
I'm serious.
I have ever played 1-2-Switch SOLO play, just with myself since i tend to play games alone.
And when i want to play 1-2-Switch Solo Play, i will try to play fair as possible.
How do i play in Solo? I grabbed both of my Joy Cons for playing Quick Draw / Wizard, i pulled both Joy Cons for playing Telephone, i moved around both of my Joy Cons on Mirror way to play Raise Flag (it also train my brain to do right and left side at the same time)
@Anti-Matter ok. sounds fun. I did try the game before the switches launch and I knew it wasn’t for me. Glad you enjoy it tho.
Can't believe Overcooked didn't make it tbh. Beside that, this list is pretty o.k.!
Puyo Puyo Tetris? Hello??
Minimum fuss? MK8 with 12 racers and wonky item balance? Lol
Definitely recommend Jackbox Party Pack 1. 2 and 3 get the next best mileage.
Don't sleep on a little game called Stikbold! My whole family plays all the time with 6 people!
SMM2. I make levels and force my kids to playtest them.
I think Runbow is as much fun as a group of people can have for a multiplayer platformer. Too bad the 3ds version never took off. Online contests are as hectic as local
No Overcooked?
@1UP_MARIO Totally agree on DLC for Super Mario Party
We did like the mode where you get more choice on how to move your pieces rather than just following a linear path with a few branches.
Thinking of 1-2 Switch makes me want a full Wario Ware title on Switch.
@Anti-Matter I think the safe cracking, guessing the # of marbles in the box, and unwinding the chain on the treasure chest are my favorite 1-2 Switch mini-games.
@Tandy255 If they dropped some Mario Party 2-esque DLC...
never bought jackbox becouse it's only in english
Mario Kart 8 Deluxe did prove a great game to pull out with a group of friends on a classroom projector when I was in college. Except for the fact that everyone hated the joycons for being tiny and having weird button placement. And the fact that the default setting always was motion controls and auto accelerate on and nobody ever wanted those controls, so that involved explaining how to turn those off every time to everyone...Once you got past that, the game was great fun, and almost nobody is "too cool" for Mario Kart.
Super Mario Party is not a good Mario Party. Just keep your Wii plugged in and enjoy 2,4,5,6, or 7. Super is not even close to being as fun as those games.
If you have a laptop, you can get the first 4 Jackbox games from humble bundle right now for less than one of them from eShop, then use an HDMI cable to connect it to your TV. Great investment for party play!
@koaeinferno
Your saltiness toward Super Mario Party was not even something fun to read.
Genuinely forgot 1 2 Switch existed.
Nice suggestions. I also like 1, 2, Switch. I'd include Party Golf, Lovers in a Dangerous Spacetime, Worms, Super Mario Maker 2 (with the right levels, I've been with a group of friends where we ended up singing songs together because of awesome music levels), Towerfall, Namco Museum (PAC man VS), Mario Tennis, Taiko Drum n Fun (can be hilarious waving joy cons around to the beat), Horizon Chase, 12 orbits, Guacamelee (the second game is up to four players), n++ , Conduct Together!, Astro Duel Deluxe, Snipperclips, Duck Game, Beach Buggy Racing (better than Mario Kart because it always runs at 60fps, even in 4 player splitscreen), Retimed, Nidhogg 2, Screen Cheat (60fps 4 player splitscreen, maybe these programmers could be in charge of adding multiplayer to Turok 2!), and Oh Sir the insult simulator. Yep, that's enough games for a party!
I've got a heap of party games, unfortunately my crew is hard to get to play the Switch. They didn't mind Jackbox one night but pretty much turned their noses up at it after. The one and only game I can ever really get them to play willingly is... Flat Heroes... so I guess i'm going to have to recommend that one.
(I might add that they didn't mind Towerfall. And Nidhogg 2 kept them entertained for about 40 mins. Saying that, I doubt they would want to play them again unless I forced them to lol, which I don't do).
YOU FORGOT DUCK GAME
quack
Only got my switch back in march, and looked a lot into Mario Party.. But I just can't justify it
Only one I ever really played was one on gamecube, I think it was 7
But the boards in the switch Mario Party look dull as hell, also online MP is only a handful of mini games only I think?
Hope they make another Mario Party for switch but one that's good.
@skulltulips I'd love a physical version for this game
How is online community on Switch? I had this on PC since first came out and use to really dig it, got over 200 hours on that version play-time, might double dip sometime for switch version if its got a healthy playerbase
@Doktor-Mandrake tbf I've not had much joy with the online play. Last time I tried the game could only match me with one other player, if any.
Plus I'm a casual player and most people I matched with were insanely good at the game to the point where it can't have been much fun for either of us. Maybe others' experience is different but I'd struggle to recommend it.
As a local multiplayer game though, Duck Game is supreme.
Lol, party games? You think I have friends on the same half of the planet?
@Anti-Matter He wasn't being salty. He was explaining how in his opinion, the Wii Mario Party's are better than Super.
Just Shapes & Beats
Lovers in a dangerous space-time
Crawl
ARMS
@dartmonkey
Dear Gavin, if "Keep talking and nobody explodes" it's so good, why there's no Nintendo Life review?
It slipped through the net unfortunately - too many games! It's a winner though.
Overcooked 2 has been added to the menu
@dartmonkey
You guys plan to review Circle of Sumo at any time? I've watched the trailer on the eShop and have strongly considered purchasing it, but haven't done so yet. It looks like a very enjoyable party game.
@FiveDigitLP We won’t be reviewing Circle of Sumo, but it looks like a party would be the best context for that game
@dartmonkey That's really unfortunate. I know you guys have a limited amount of time (believe me, I understand completely!), but one of the things that originally drew me to this site was that I could find reviews for even the most obscure games on the 3DS. Likewise, I've always valued Nintendo Life's opinion over other sites like IGN.
@dartmonkey Overcooked should be in there So much fun yelling at everybody when everything goes on fire!
Tower of Babel no mercy too! that's a friendship breaker however but Ilove it
Some real fun times had by the family in many of those!
This list is missing Chompy Chomp Chomp Party! It's defo one of the best party games on Switch.
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