You’d think that online multiplayer would be much the same as couch co-op. But no, there is a world of difference. Not least because you can see the other person’s reactions. You can point at the screen and say ‘That was your fault’. The problem with co-op games is that a lot of them are advertised as co-op and in reality are only online co-op with one console per player. The following games are co-op games that can be played by 2 people on a single console, checked against the publisher’s own information.
Built for two from the start
Hazelight’s games are the clearest examples of co-op designed for a pair. EA’s page for It Takes Two describes it as pure co-op with local split-screen and online play; there is no single-player mode at all. Two players control a bickering married couple shrunk into dolls, and the puzzles change constantly, so neither player ever gets the dull half of the job. Split Fiction, released in March 2025, follows the same model with two writers trapped inside their own stories, swapping between science fiction and fantasy worlds. Both offer a Friend’s Pass so a second person can join online without buying the game, although on the sofa you only need one copy.
Chaos, cooking and cartoons
Overcooked! 2 converts a restaurant kitchen into a test of local co-op communication in levels that change as you play with up to 4 players. While it works well with 2 players, it can be surprisingly tense as well. Cuphead offers a harder gaming experience: a 2-player hand-drawn run-and-gun action game with demanding boss battles. A second player can join in as Mugman. It suits a pair who enjoy repeat plays of the same tough battle until they win it.
Super Mario Bros. Wonder is the gentler pick for mixed skill levels. Up to four can play on one console, and some characters take no damage, which lets a less experienced player keep up. The Nintendo Switch 2 Edition, released in March 2026, adds an assist mode and a new area of local minigames, and owners of the original Switch version can buy an upgrade pack rather than the whole game again.
Something slower
Stardew Valley is the choice for couples and friends who would rather build something together than race through levels. Split-screen lets two or more people share a farm, with the official wiki listing up to four players on PlayStation, Xbox and Switch 2 and up to two on the original Switch. Sessions can last as long as you like, and there is no pressure to play at the same pace.
| Game | Local players | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| It Takes Two | 2 (co-op only) | Partners who want a story to share |
| Split Fiction | 2 (co-op only) | Pairs who enjoyed It Takes Two |
| Overcooked! 2 | Up to 4 | Loud, chaotic evenings |
| Cuphead | 2 | Players who like a hard challenge |
| Super Mario Bros. Wonder | Up to 4 | Mixed ages and abilities |
| Stardew Valley | 2 to 4, by platform | Relaxed, long-running play |
Quick questions
Do we need two controllers for couch co-op?
This is usually the case with one controller per player, but some games on Nintendo Switch allow a pair of Joy-Con to be split between two players. Check the game’s controller options before you go down this route, though. On PlayStation and Xbox, buying a second official controller is the simplest route. Before you play for long periods of time, it’s also worth charging up both controllers.
Is split-screen hard to play on a small TV?
Depends on the game. Generally, each player gets roughly half the image (so text and small details will appear noticeably smaller), but some games are easier on smaller televisions than others, e.g. games that are played with a shared single screen (e.g. Overcooked! 2 and Cuphead) rather than split screen (e.g. It Takes Two). Sitting a little closer or a larger screen can help with split-screen games.
Which of these works best with a non-gamer?
Super Mario Bros. Wonder and Stardew Valley are the kindest starting points. Both games don’t punish failure too harshly and allow an experienced player to quietly lend a helping hand if needed. While It Takes Two is also approachable for a newbie, the controls demand more from the player. Cuphead, on the other hand, should be avoided by new players until they have found their feet, because the boss fights are notoriously tough.
