TL;DR: If you want to stop the "get off the screen" battles and actually enjoy gaming with your kids, stop looking for solo games and start looking for local multiplayer. Our top picks for 2026 are Split Fiction for mind-bending puzzles, Overcooked! All You Can Eat for high-stakes kitchen chaos, and Mario Kart 8 Deluxe for the classic "one more race" family night.
We’ve all been there: you walk into the living room and everyone is on a different device. One kid is zoned out on Roblox, another is scrolling YouTube Shorts, and you’re just trying to figure out if anyone has actually blinked in the last hour.
Digital wellness isn't just about timers and "no-go" zones; it’s about high-quality engagement. Couch co-op (local multiplayer) is the ultimate parenting hack because it turns screen time from a passive, isolating activity into a team sport. It forces kids to communicate, delegate, and—most importantly—deal with the absolute frustration of a sibling accidentally throwing a digital tomato at their head.
Here is the Screenwise guide to the best couch co-op games for families in 2026.
These games are essentially stress tests for your family’s ability to work together. If you can survive these without a shouting match, you’re doing great.
This is the gold standard. You’re all chefs in a kitchen that is literally falling apart (sometimes it’s on a moving truck, sometimes it’s in space). One person chops, one person fries, one person washes dishes. Why it works: It’s impossible to win alone. It teaches kids (and parents) how to give clear instructions without screaming. Ages: 7+ (Younger kids might get overwhelmed by the timers).
Similar vibes to Overcooked, but you’re moving furniture. You have to pivot couches through narrow doors and toss boxes into a moving van. It’s goofy, physical, and involves a lot of "To me, to you!" Ages: 6+
There is a two-player mode where you are both horrible geese causing problems for a small village. It’s hilarious, low-stress, and great for kids who just want to be a little bit mischievous in a safe environment. Ages: 5+
If your kids are the types who like Legos or riddles, these are the winners.
This is the breakout hit of the year. It uses a "split-screen" mechanic where you have to physically move the line between your two screens to solve puzzles. It’s brilliant, it’s fresh, and it makes you feel like a genius when you finally click into the solution. Ages: 8+ (Requires some spatial reasoning).
You play as two paper characters who have to snip pieces out of each other to change shape and solve puzzles. It’s adorable and requires a high level of "Okay, stand still while I cut a hole in your stomach so I can carry this ball." Ages: 5+
While the main story is mostly solo, the "Dandori Battle" mode is a fantastic way to play together. It’s about efficiency and planning. Plus, Pikmin are objectively the cutest things in the Nintendo universe. Ages: 7+
Sometimes you just want to run to the right and jump on things.
This is arguably the best 2D Mario ever made. Up to four people can play at once. If you have a younger child, have them play as a Yoshi or Nabbit—they don’t take damage, which eliminates the "I died again!" tantrums. Ages: 4+ (with the Yoshi/Nabbit hack).
It’s charming, the music is incredible (lots of licensed tracks parents will actually recognize), and the levels are designed with co-op in mind. It feels like playing through a high-budget animated movie. Ages: 6+
Heads up on this one: The story is about a couple going through a divorce, which might be heavy for some families. However, the gameplay is widely considered the best co-op experience ever made. Every level introduces a totally new mechanic. Ages: 10+ (due to some darker themes and complex controls).
Check out our guide on whether It Takes Two is appropriate for your family
In our community data, we see that 64% of middle schoolers primarily play games online with strangers or via headsets. While that has its place, it’s a very different social experience than sitting on the couch next to your brother.
- Emotional Regulation: When a game gets hard, you are right there to model how to handle frustration. You can see the physical cues of them getting "tilted" and suggest a break before the controller gets thrown.
- Digital Literacy: You aren't just watching them play; you're seeing how the game mechanics work. You’ll understand why they’re obsessed with V-Bucks or Robux because you’re seeing the "hooks" in real-time.
- Shared Language: When you play Minecraft together, you aren't just "the parent who lets them play." You’re the person who helped build the castle. That shared history matters.
Ages 4-7: The "No-Fail" Era
Look for games where players can't "die" or where one player can carry the other.
- Top Pick: Kirby and the Forgotten Land. Player 2 plays as Bandana Waddle Dee, who is helpful but not essential for the platforming.
Ages 8-12: The "Competitive-ish" Era
This is the sweet spot for games like Mario Kart 8 Deluxe or Super Smash Bros. Ultimate. They want to win, they want to be better than you, but they still need you to help them unlock the cool stuff.
Ages 13+: The "Deep Dive" Era
Teenagers might act like they’re too cool for family Wii Sports, but they usually aren't. Try something with more depth like Stardew Valley (which has a great split-screen mode) or Baldur's Gate 3 (if you’re okay with M-rated content and want a 100-hour epic to bond over).
- The Controller Struggle: If you’re on a Nintendo Switch, make sure you have enough Joy-Cons or Pro Controllers. Nothing kills a family night faster than a dead battery.
- Frustration Management: Co-op games can be stressful. If you see the vibe turning sour, have a "save and quit" rule. No one wins if everyone is mad.
- Blue Light: Even "good" screen time is still screen time. If you’re playing after dinner, consider turning on the "Night Shift" mode on your TV or console to help with sleep later.
Couch co-op is the bridge between "I hate that my kid is always on their phone" and "I actually enjoy this." It’s a way to reclaim the living room.
Don't worry about being "good" at the games. In fact, being slightly worse than your kids is usually a win—they love teaching you how to play, and it puts them in the position of the expert, which is a great confidence booster.
- Inventory Check: Do you have two controllers? If not, that’s your first step.
- The Demo Hack: Many of these games (like Pikmin 4 or Moving Out 2) have free demos. Download them first to see if the "vibe" fits your family.
- Schedule It: Make it "Friday Night Games" and pair it with pizza. If it’s a ritual, it’s not a battle.