When you think of epic pairings, “multiplayer” and “Nintendo” sit high on the list. From the Nintendo 64 to the Wii and Wii U, the company is well-known for producing exciting and fun group games.

7 Best Competitive Local Multiplayer Games

Competitive local multiplayer games can ruin friendships if not played carefully, and these titles are the best in the business.

There’s something for everyone too whether you’re looking to buddy up with a friend (or a date) or you want something that’s cool and easy to play with the family. These are only a few of the best multiplayer games you’re able to find for the Nintendo Wii and Wii U.

Rocket League and Towerfall Ascension

None of these games are in a particular rank because many of them have different features geared toward different audiences. Some are ideal for kids or players who want a more relaxing adventure. Others are more action-packed and competitive.

12Kirby’s Epic Yarn

A New Look For Our Pink Friend

Kirby’s Epic Yarn

Seamless gameplay mechanics and eye-popping visuals elevate Kirby’s Epic Yarn from a standard side-scrolling platform to an exciting, fun adventure. The difficulty scales a little, but there’s not too much stress involved here.

On the co-op side, it’s one of the best multiplayer games for Nintendo Wii for a relaxing experience. It’s perfect for beginners of any age to learn the ropes of video gaming.

Kirby’s Epic Yarn Wii game cover

11Hyrule Warriors

Become a Legendary Warrior

Hyrule Warriors

Ever played a Zelda game and wished you could explore this fantastical realm with a friend?Hyrule Warriorscaptures that vibe. Play as your favorite Legend of Zelda characters in co-op mode in an asymmetrical hack-and-slash.

The game expertly utilizes the Wii U design with one player on the TV and one player on the gamepad. Both of you can still storm the battlefield side-by-side.

Action pose of Legend of Zelda characters in Hyrule Warriors

10Mario Kart

A Race to Make or Break Friendships

Mario Kart Wii

We can’t have multiplayer and Nintendo withoutMario Kart. On the Wii, the game introduced responsive motion controls, allowing us to turn our controllers to move the characters for the first time.

10 Iconic Tracks From The Mario Kart Series

Mario Kart’s had some really great courses across the whole series, but which are the most iconic of them all? This list seeks to answer that.

There are dozens of characters and racetracks to explore. Plus, it was the Mario Kart game that introduced bikes, which made it all the more exciting when it released.

Mario Kart racing for Wii

9Just Dance

Show Off Your Moves

Just Dance 2016

If you don’t mind getting active, theJust Danceseries is always a fun multiplayer game to pick up. There are quite a few in the series available on Nintendo Wii and Wii U, so if there’s a particular song you’re looking for, check out the song list on each to find the one you’d like the most.

It’s also theperfect group gamewhether you’re playing with friends or family. And it doesn’t involve much skill, so feel free to let loose, look “goofy” and have fun.

Performing a dance routine in Just Dance for the Wii

8Super Smash Bros. Brawl

Fight Your Friends with Iconic Characters

Super Smash Bros. Brawl

Grab your snacks and make room on the couch; Super Smash Bros. Brawl is one of the best party games you’re able to boot up on Wii. It’s the third entry in what quickly became one of the most popular fighting series.

10 Best Fighting Games on Nintendo Switch

There are plenty of fighting games to rumble in with a Nintendo Switch.

The roster is beyond impressive with more than thirty iconic characters to choose from. What’s even better about the game is that you can buy custom GameCube controllers to work with it if you want the full retro vibe while playing.

Place Your Mark on the World

Splatoonis a vibrant and exciting twist on average shooting games. Rather than trying to kill an opponent, you’re busy pushing to have your ink color dominate the map.

There’s a four-player co-op mode where you group up and take on the opposing team. Although it’s competitive, it’s ideal for anyone who may not be that good with shooters. Even if your aim is terrible, you can still win by spraying.

6GoldenEye 007

A Return to the Classics

GoldenEye 007 Remake

The classics stick around for a reason and GoldenEye 007 is proof of that. It was an incredible multiplayer game back on the Nintendo 64, andwith its revivalon the Wii, a new generation can finally explore it (or an older generation can relive the joys of the past).

With ten multiplayer maps, you may join friends in both couch co-op or online play. Local co-op supports up to 4 players split-screen, while online allows for up to 8. Plus, there are plenty of modifiers from Melee Only to Paintball to make things even more lively.

5Super Mario 3D World

A Beautiful and Vibrant World

Super Mario 3D World

Like most Mario games,Super Mario 3D Worldoffers some of the best multiplayer experiences. Up to four players can play together, and the levels are wonderfully spacious and as colorful as any other Mario game.

Choose from Mario, Luigi, Toad and Peach with each player bringing unique abilities to bring something different to the table. And of course, there are fun power-ups like Super Bell to gain those charming cat-like abilities.

4Wii Sports

Bringing Sports Indoors

Wii Sports

It’d be almost a crime to talk about multiplayer games for the Nintendo Wii and not bring up Wii Sports. Innovative for its time, it was the go-to way to get off the couch and get more active all while playing a video game.

Forever one of the best family games, just about anyone can boot this up and enjoy it. There are several different sports to pick. Like bowling? You can do that. Ever wanted to try tennis? That’s here too.

3Affordable Space Adventures

A Thrilling and Innovative Space Exploration

Affordable Space Adventures

Team up to tackle space in Affordable Space Adventures. It offers a distinct co-op setup. Floating through hostile environments, the ship mechanisms grow and change as you go through the game.

For 3-player co-op, each person has a job to do. Someone serves as the pilot, successfully getting everyone through safely. Another watches the scanner and a separate player acts as engineer. It’s unique and expertly pushes the cooperative idea.