Thanks to the Joy Con controller, the Nintendo Switch puts a great emphasis on local multiplayer which can be enjoyed effortlessly on the go. Local multiplayer, however, isn’t the only multiplayer mode available on the console, as there are several great titles that do thrive on online multiplayer and today we’re here to share the best online multiplayer games you can play on Switch in 20202.
The introduction of the Nintendo Switch Online service has put an end to the free online multiplayer experience which followed the console’s release, but the low cost of the subscription has made it so that those who wish to enjoy the following titles don’t have to spend too much per month.
Check out below our list of the best Nintendo Switch online games you must play this years (in no particular order)!
Diablo III Eternal Collection
Diablo III is one of the best loot-based games released in recent years, and the Diablo III Eternal Collection is among the best ways to enjoy it, not only due to the portability factor, which is huge for a game like this, but also thanks to the multiplayer features which have been faithfully reproduced in this version of the game.
The online multiplayer of Diablo III Eternal Collection works pretty much like the local multiplayer mode does, as a total of four players can join together in exploring the game’s many locations, defeat enemies, collect loot and continue defeating even more powerful enemies.
Diablo III Eternal Collection gameplay loop may be simple, but it becomes extremely engaging when enjoyed together with other players, and online multiplayer is just perfect if you don’t have anyone that can play with you locally.
Fortnite
Fortnite is a game that requires no introduction, as it is not only the most popular battle royale game around but also one of the most successful games released in recent times.
The Nintendo Switch release is definitely among the most interesting, as it combines features from the other console releases with the portability factor that would only be available on the iOS and Android releases, but without proper controller support.
Fortnite is a battle royale game where players are literally thrown into a huge map together with other 99 players with no resource whatsoever, which must then be found to survive.
Resource gathering, however, is only a small part of the experience, as players can also build structures to gain an advantage. The playable zone eventually shrinks as the match goes on, forcing the remaining players to get closer to one another and engage in a direct confrontation.
There’s no way to properly describe the Fortnite experience, as only by experiencing it’s possible to understand how good it is.
Mario Kart 8 Deluxe
Mario Kart 8 Deluxe is hardly a new release, as it’s only the complete edition of the Wii U game Mario Kart 8 Deluxe, but the fact that the game can be played on the go without any limitation makes it a worthwhile experience on the Nintendo Switch.
While the game comes with a beefy single-player mode, Mario Kart 8 Deluxe is best enjoyed while playing with others.
The game actually combines local and online multiplayer in a very nice way, allowing two players on the same console to race against others online. This fact alone makes Mario Kart 8 Deluxe one of the best multiplayer games on the Nintendo Switch.
Minecraft
Like Fortnite, Minecraft is yet another game that deserves no explanation, as it is among the most popular titles ever released.
Minecraft started small as a PC game but eventually became a phenomenon that’s available on all the current gaming platforms, including the Nintendo Switch.
The Nintendo Switch version comes with some added benefits not found in other versions of the game, such as some Nintendo-themed exclusive content and the ability to play the game in TV, Handheld and Tabletop mode. With such versatility, Minecraft can be enjoyed in any way a player desires.
Minecraft is all about letting creativity go wild, build worlds and share this experience with other players. The multiplayer experience may seem a little basic, but when you have an infinite amount of possibilities at your disposal, you don’t need complicated mechanics to make something enjoyable.
Overcooked 2
Overcooked 2 is yet another online multiplayer experience that’s perfect on Nintendo Switch, as it can be enjoyed on the go wherever there is an active internet connection. Just make sure there is no one nearby: Overcooked 2 can get pretty hectic, so shouting and loud laughing are to be expected.
Overcooked 2’s premise is quite simple. Up to four players can team up to prepare and cook orders in some extremely unusual restaurants. Players have to chop and cook ingredients, combine them to create dishes and serve them on a conveyor belt.
While the experience is simple enough, things become hectic quickly as some orders are more complicated than others, and players will end up bumping into each other and so to get them served in a timely manner.
As if the basic experience wasn’t hectic enough, many of the available restaurants also feature some hazards like fires, portals, moving walkways and so on. Usually, these things would be extremely annoying to deal with in a real kitchen, but in the co-op experience of Overcooked 2, they make everything even more fun.
Rocket League
Pure racing and sports games are usually among the best multiplayer experiences possible, but what would happen if someone were to combine the two. A game like Rocket League would be created.
Rocket League is a vehicular soccer game where players take control of a rocket-powered car and use it to hit a large ball. Players can obviously get in the way of the opponents by ramming into them at high speed, which is possible thanks to the speed boosts available on the field.
Cars can also be destroyed, but they will respawn almost immediately. The physics also makes the game extremely fun, as cars can also jump, hit the ball in the air and use the momentum to their advantage.
All of the Rocket League mechanics contribute in making the game a perfect multiplayer experience. Things are extremely competitive online, however, so make sure to be prepared before jumping online.
Splatoon 2
Splatoon 2 is among the best Nintendo Switch exclusive games, and it owes much of each success to the multiplayer mode, which is the true heart of the game.
The basic Splatoon 2 mechanics are quite simple to understand. Players take control of an Inkling, a race of anthropomorphic squids, who has the ability to shoot colored ink while in human form. Once ink runs out, they must turn into squids to recharge it. It’s also possible to move around quickly in squid form by dicing into pools of ink shot by the player.
What makes the Splatoon 2 multiplayer so engaging are the number of different play modes and the continued support of the game. With new modes and weapons coming to the game for free, it’s hard to feel bored with Splatoon 2, especially if you’re of a competitive disposition.
Super Smash Bros. Ultimate
Super Smash Bros. Ultimate is yet another game that wouldn’t be a huge phenomenon without any multiplayer mode, despite coming with some beefy single player content.
Super Smash Bros. Ultimate is a fighting game at heart, albeit a bit different from the standards introduced by Street Fighter II, as characters don’t have a real health bar, but only a percentage indicator which increases as they are hit. The more it increases, the easier it is to launch a character, and if it gets out of bounds, it loses one stock.
Items are also a big part of the Super Smash Bros. Ultimate experience, which includes a variety of weapons, mystery blocks and more which contribute to making the experience quite hectic.
The Super Smash Bros. Ultimate experience translates quite well in the online multiplayer mode, which comes with a matchmaking system that gives preference to the chosen rules. Players can choose to play free for all matches as well as time and stock matches, play with items turned on and off, choose the total number of players and so on.
The Globla Smash Power also keeps track of the player’s skill with each character, making it easier to be matched with players of similar skill level.
Tetris 99
Tetris 99 is an extremely interesting take on the modern Tetris formula. The game is essentially a battle royale game powered by the Tetris mechanics.
At the beginning of each match, 99 players compete against one another until only one player is left standing. The falling speed of the tetrominoes increases as the match proceeds like in the regular Tetris experience, so you must always be on your toes to survive.
What makes Tetris 99 more engaging than regular modern Tetris is the ability to attack opponents. By clearing two or more lines, players have the ability to send these cleared lines as garbage blocks to players of their own choosing.
Targets can be chosen manually or by setting a condition such as near KO, attackers, and medals, which increase attack power and are obtained by defeating opponents. The attacking options add a layer of strategic depth that makes Tetris 99 an extremely engaging experience.
Ultra Street Fighter 2
Is there a gamer on the planet that hasn’t heard of Street Fighter 2? The fighting game developed by Capcom has set the standards of fighting games since its release, and Ultra Street Fighter 2 breathes new life into the classic game by adding two new characters, Evil Ryu and Violent Ken, the ability to escape from throws and a color edit mode which allows players to create custom colors for all fighters.
For the rest, Ultra Street Fighter 2 is the same game that players have loved since 1991, and thanks to the online multiplayer mode, they can show the rest of the world that they are truly the best.
Super Kirby Clash
Are you a Sword Hero? Hammer Lord? Beam Mage? Or Doctor Healmore?! No matter what, each mighty role offers up a unique way to play in Super Kirby Clash, the game that is definitely more fun if you enjoy it in multiplayer.
Luigi’s Mansion 3
Things looked good when Luigi was first invited to the Last Resort hotel, but when Mario and his friends start disappearing, it’s Luigi who has to save the day. Slam, blow away, and vacuum up ghosts with the all-new Poltergust G-00, and join forces with Gooigi to overcome the puzzling contraptions and mischievous boss on each themed floor.
Or you can jump straight into the ScareScraper – the ultimate online experience, where you are challenged to defeat all ghosts, rescue toads and complete objectives before the timer runs out.
Whether you play with friends or wander the hotel alone, you’ll be sucked in by the atmospheric music and ghoulish décor of every cobwebby corner you explore.
DAEMON X MACHINA
In the brand new Daemon X Maxhina game for the Switch, your environment is your ally, but it never hurts to have some real friends around as well.
Collect and use Femto Energy on the field to boost your stats and create powerful mirages; or wield objects like cars and street signs as melee weapons and projectiles. Upgrade your combat abilities and learn new skills through augmentations, then start combat and prove your skill. A fun game overall that you will definitely love.
Marvel Ultimate Alliance 3: The Black Order
One of the best Nintendo Switch Exclusive, a Marvel Universe-themed action RPG is exactly what you need these days. Hope into the shoes of your favorite superhero and have tons of fun!
In this new storyline, heroes and villains unite in a race across the Marvel Universe to find the Infinity Stones before Thanos and The Black Order use them to unleash cosmic chaos. From Avengers Tower to the X-Mansion and beyond, every stop on the dangerous quest to thwart Thanos results in unexpected collisions of fan-favorite characters and iconic locations.
The game features drop in/drop out co-op multiplayer, so you can continue your adventure even if your friends are not around.
Considering the huge amount of games with online multiplayer modes available on Nintendo Switch, picking just ten of them proved to be a challenge. Any notable game we have missed? Let us know in the comments below.
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The Absolute Best Online Multiplayer Games for the Nintendo Switch (2020 Update)