Best Nintendo Switch Party Games

Super Mario Party (Switch)

What better way to get the party started than 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 first Switch entry in the franchise, that's not a backhanded compliment.

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The Jackbox Party Pack 3 (Switch eShop)

For new, party-loving Switch owners who have only dabbled in the series around a friend's house, they may well be asking 'Is Jackbox Games on Switch?' Well, yes it is. There are multiple Jackbox games on Switch, in fact. Seriously, they're into double digits now.

This is a great option for anyone at your gathering that might find a controller intimidating. You'll need an internet connection and a smartphone 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 eight 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. Add in the enormous 48-track Booster Course Pass DLC and you really are spoiled for choice.

When you're done with racing, the Battle Mode lets 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?

There's also the sequel, Everybody 1-2-Switch, if you just can't get enough and want to expand on the concept here with similar shenanigans involving many, many more people using their phones as an input device. We weren't enamoured with it, but given the right context, perhaps you could be.

Just Dance 2024 Edition (Switch eShop)

Just Dance 2024 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 or Just Dance 2023 *breathe* will do just as good a job of getting people on their feet.

With over 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 when 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 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 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!

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.

And if you like this, the sequel — Super Bomberman R 2 (yep, shocker) — is also available, featuring a neat new 'Castle' mode which lets you create the board you'll be playing on.

Rocket League (Switch eShop)

One of modern gaming's true multiplayer success stories, Rocket League is a brilliant addition to the Switch party game lineup. 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.

Cake Bash (Switch eShop)

A stand-out party game, Cake Bash deserves a place on your Switch menu. As with all games of its type, it benefits from having your friends alongside you, but online play with matchmaking (here called "matchbaking") works well, and you can play with bots if you really feel like you need to.

It's only the eventual repetition that brings down Cake Bash, and that's really in the pie of the beholder. Far more than a mere trifle, Cake Bash belongs in the upper crust. Geddit?

Clubhouse Games: 51 Worldwide Classics (Switch)

You can't go wrong with the classics, and there's 51 of them to enjoy in the appropriately titled Clubhouse Games: 51 Worldwide Classics. With a wide variety of card games, board games, and other games (including some golf and bowling), you're sure to find at least one activity that everyone will dig, whether you want a few rounds of poker or some target practice. It's not the most raucous of party games, but perhaps you're not throwing the most raucous of parties. Sticky floors and broken porcelain aren't prerequisites for a good time, you know! Crack out the (digital) cards, grab yourself a drink and enjoy.

Mario Party Superstars (Switch)

Mario Party Superstars is a love letter to the parties you remember attending 20 years ago. A disappointingly slim selection of boards takes the shine off things somewhat, but it’s hard to argue that this is the best Mario Party has been in over a decade.

No new ideas feels like a missed opportunity, but by the same token we’d much prefer to have all these classic ideas intact rather than potentially tainting them with unwanted and unnecessary inclusions only added for the sake of being new. Grab a can of Tango and a fistful of 10p Freddos — you’re going to party like it’s 1999.

Gang Beasts (Switch eShop)

Gang Beasts' charm has always been its janky, unpredictable, chaotic physics brawling, and you'll either be pleased or disappointed to know that it hasn't changed too much since 2014. On Switch, it runs well in Local and Online mode, although the Switch's voice chat options make the latter a less appealing choice. If you're a fan of portable party games, though, this is a classic not to be missed.

Overcooked 2 (Switch)

Overcooked 2 is a fantastic sequel to a co-op classic, building on the gameplay ideas from before in meaningful new ways while polishing up what was already there. There is a lingering sense that this is more of the same, but it’s such a blast to play that you’ll hardly be focused on the lack of any major innovations; overall, this feels like a stronger execution of the original vision with the added benefit of some hearty DLC that's been added to the menu since launch.

The organisation and coordination required to run a kitchen effectively may be beyond the abilities of your guests if the party's been jumpin' for a few hours, but Overcooked 2 is bubbling over with personality and heart, and we’d recommend this one to anyone looking for a fantastic party game.

WarioWare: Get It Together! (Switch)

WarioWare: Get It Together! was a triumphant Switch debut for the subversive series that makes some daring changes to core gameplay, resulting in the best entry in the franchise to date. With a generous roster of playable characters, lots of solo and multiplayer modes to dig into, and stages that cleverly adapt to your choices on the fly, this is a superb compilation of hilarious microgames that delivers more ways to play than ever before.

You'll laugh, you'll cry, you'll dodge bird droppings on a skateboard. So grab a few friends or family members, break out the controllers, and gather 'round the TV — WarioWare: Get It Together! is essential stuff.

Kirby's Dream Buffet (Switch eShop)

What do you get when you take a generous helping of Fall Guys, add a pinch of Super Monkey Ball, and then mix in a lovely big dollop of Kirby? Well, a great big dream buffet, that's what.

Kirby's Dream Buffet is a bright and breezy party game that sees a whole field full of Kirby characters roll at speed down sweet treat-laden tracks where the only objective is to get to the bottom first and lay claim to the largest mountain of strawberries when you get there. What results is a colourful and chaotic slice of slapstick party game action that's friendly to beginners, young gamers, and adults alike.

TowerFall (Switch eShop)

Some party games — like Jackbox — are suitable for all audiences. Others — like Smash Bros. — are for the gamers. TowerFall falls (ha) into that latter category, but don't let that fool you. This precision fighting platformer can support six characters, and the more chaotic, the better — it's an easy recommendation to anyone looking for a great party game for their Switch; the easy-to-understand mechanics and near-bottomless depth will ensure that this one will be a house favourite for years to come.

Lovers in a Dangerous Spacetime (Switch eShop)

Lovers in a Dangerous Spacetime caught us by surprise; we were expecting a great multiplayer party experience but ended up with something much more than that. If you have a great bunch of friends and the necessary controllers, be sure to gather everyone 'round for some challenging but hilarious teamwork.

But even when the party's over, load the game up anyway and enjoy an intense, strategically-minded campaign with a warm and welcoming exterior. Lovers in a Dangerous Spacetime deserves to be played and should most definitely be on your eShop wishlist – we’re in love, for sure.

Let's Sing ABBA (Switch)

As a group, Abba sits alongside only a handful of the world's biggest acts — The Beatles, Queen, and perhaps only a couple of others — with the cross-generational, mainstream appeal to support a multiplayer music game like Let's Sing Abba.

As a party game, it works well whatever the enthusiasm levels of your attendees; unabashed karaoke lovers can get stuck right in belting out the classics, but there's also 'Jukebox' mode, which just slaps the videos to the songs you've unlocked on screen with the lyrics. This makes for perfect background noise at reserved British parties where nobody wants to stand with a mic in their hand, but they'll happily spend several hours staring at a screen while nursing a drink and realising how few Abba lyrics they actually know. Everyone's a winner!

Vampire Survivors (Switch eShop)

Vampire Survivors skyrocketed in popularity in 2022 for good reason. It's one of the best roguelites in recent memory thanks to its gripping gameplay loop and metagame that hijacks your mind. The Switch port only adds more to love with local co-op and updated content.

It's so easy to slip into a blissful sense of flow in Vampire Survivors' Castlevania-inspired, comically named levels as its ripping soundtrack and satisfying sound design propel you into the horde that you'll surely lose track of time playing it. It's a good thing that rounds don't usually last more than half an hour.

As a party game, it's a winner thanks to the fool-proof simplicity of its controls — just push in the direction you want to go! With the addition of free Adventures and a host of DLC, including the excellent Ode to Castlevania, this undead master is teeming with life.

Trombone Champ (Switch eShop)

Trombone Champ is a hilarious rhythm game about perfection. Before you (or up to three other tromboners) play, it asks you to select a stance: 'estudious' or 'jubilant'. Neither of these is appropriate when you know your performance will be as ear-abusive as an excited puppy mauling a bulb horn. Or are they?

The true lesson is perhaps to hold your head high anyway. In life, as in Trombone Champ, faced as we all are with certain doom, be 'estudious' if you like, be jubilant, parp like crazy, and be your very best you – no matter how imperfect that invariably is.

WarioWare: Move It! (Switch)

WarioWare: Move It! is another great entry in this long-running franchise that brings back the motion-controlled mayhem whilst giving you plenty of ways to enjoy its loony fun with family and friends.

There are lots of fun modes to dig into and unlock here, the microgames are as daft and colourful as ever, and, as long as you can make peace with things not being quite as fun solo, it's really hard to knock the chaotically silly vibe of this most excellent party game.

Super Mario Party Jamboree (Switch)

Super Mario Party Jamboree is a fantastic entry in the franchise that focuses on improving the core mechanics and experience, making for a more involving board game in the process, whilst also polishing everything to a slick sheen.

Online aspects and modern stuff like the game's battle pass and collectibles are woven in smoothly, and the various new modes all have their place in a package that also delivers the goods in terms of minigame quality.

For our money, Jamboree is the best Mario Party to date. So if your invite didn't come through, this is the party to crash.