A curated selection of gaming consoles that excel at local multiplayer experiences, supporting couch co-op and competitive play for families and groups. These devices prioritize ease of connecting multiple controllers and offer extensive libraries of split-screen and shared-screen games.
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The ultimate portable hybrid console for local multiplayer, featuring detachable Joy-Con controllers that allow immediate two-player gaming right out of the box. Its vast library includes party favorites like Mario Kart 8 Deluxe and Super Smash Bros. Ultimate, making it ideal for social gatherings.
Sony's flagship console offers robust local multiplayer support through its DualSense controllers and a growing selection of split-screen titles. Games like Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart and Overcooked! All You Can Eat provide high-fidelity co-op experiences with haptic feedback enhancements.
Microsoft's most powerful console emphasizes backward compatibility and cross-generational multiplayer, allowing families to share game libraries across generations. Features like Game Share facilitate local split-screen sessions for titles such as Halo Infinite and Forza Horizon 5 with friends and family.
Valve’s premium handheld PC allows local multiplayer via docked mode or Bluetooth controller sharing, bridging the gap between portable gaming and traditional console setups. While not natively designed for couch co-op, it supports titles like Lovers in a Dangerous Spacetime and various indie party games.
While primarily designed for handheld play, the Switch Lite can connect to a TV via a dock (requiring separate Joy-Cons) for local multiplayer experiences. It offers a budget-friendly entry point into the Switch ecosystem, allowing access to the same massive library of co-op games as the standard model.
Identical in performance to the disc drive model, this variant supports the same extensive library of local multiplayer games but lacks physical media options. It is an ideal choice for digital-first households looking to maximize budget for additional controllers and co-op titles.
Microsoft’s next-gen entry-level console is fully capable of local split-screen multiplayer, supporting digital purchases and Game Pass subscriptions. Its compact size and affordability make it a perfect secondary console for dedicated multiplayer gaming setups in dorms or smaller living spaces.
The standard OLED-less model remains a powerhouse for local gaming, offering identical gameplay performance and controller compatibility for couch co-op. It serves as a versatile option for those who prioritize game library over screen size, supporting up to eight controllers for wireless multiplayer sessions.
Custom-built PCs running Steam offer unparalleled local multiplayer versatility, supporting nearly any game with local co-op or split-screen features. With a few additional controllers and a large TV setup, PC gaming provides the highest graphical fidelity and widest selection of indie and AAA party games.