Summary

  • Multiplayer video games can strengthen family relationships and create lasting memories, even when played online with distant family .
  • Not every family game s multiplayer, but even some single-player experiences work well as -and-play games or for collaborative puzzle solving.
  • The best family games can be enjoyed by all age groups, and typically promote creativity or overcoming challenges together.

Playing multiplayer video games together as a family can be a wonderful way to spend time with one another in a fun and relaxed way, and there are many games that all ages can enjoy participating in, from LEGO Star Wars. Whether the group consists of little ones, teenagers, grown adults, or all of the above, these games are perfect for getting cozy in the family room together, especially during the cold winter months. Even once family have moved away and spread out across long distances, playing video games together online can help keep relationships strong and lines of communication open in a relaxed way.

Most of the games listed here can be played in multiplayer modes, but even the ones that are not are still good for families to enjoy together. Through deciphering clever puzzles, or cheering each other on during difficult boss battles, playing a game with loved ones can create lasting memories and strengthen relationships. Naturally, playing games together can also require patience at times, especially when young kids are involved, but as long as nobody gets too competitive, these games can be wonderful experiences to share.

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10 New Pokémon Snap

Platforms: Nintendo Switch

New Pokemon Snap's protagonist taking a picture from inside their vehicle.

Released
April 30, 2021
ESRB
E For Everyone
Developer(s)
Bandai Namco Entertainment
Publisher(s)
Nintendo
Franchise
Pokemon
Platform(s)
Nintendo Switch
How Long To Beat
12 Hours

Although New Pokémon Snap is a single-player game, its charming photography-focused gameplay and slower pace make it a wonderful game to share with others. Typically, a game in the Pokémon franchise involves capturing and battling with the pocket monsters, but Pokémon Snap changes the approach by taking the player character on safari rides to capture pictures of Pokémon in their natural habitats. New Pokémon Snap was given 4.5/5 stars in its Screen Rant review and has a Metacritic score of 79.

9 WarioWare: Move It!

Platforms: Nintendo Switch

Wario-From-WarioWare-Move-It-Running-And-Screaming

Released
November 3, 2023
ESRB
E10+ For Everyone 10+ Due To Crude Humor, Fantasy Violence
Developer(s)
Nintendo
Publisher(s)
Nintendo
Franchise
WarioWare
Platform(s)
Switch

WarioWare: Move It! will help the whole family with their wiggles and giggles while engaging in a silly and fun party game. Tons of ridiculous minigames using the movement sensors in the Nintendo Switch Joy-Cons require players to do everything from waddling like penguins to fishing for hot dog octopuses. Its Party Mode works for two to four players who have an excellent sense of humor. Screen Rant's review of WarioWare: Move It! gave it 4/5 stars, and it has a Metacritic score of 75.

8 Captain Toad: Treasure Tracker

Platforms: Nintendo Wii U, Nintendo 3DS, Nintendo Switch

Captain Toad: Treasure Tracker is a vibrant platformer in a 3D world that provides many fun puzzles for players to unravel on each course. It offers two-player co-op on every level, and even for others just watching the game, it is easy to get drawn into the excitement of trying to find the secret hidden pixel toads or figure out what the player needs to do to solve the puzzle. The original Wii U version of the game received a Metacritic score of 81, and now the new Nintendo Switch version includes new levels as well as full co-op multiplayer.

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7 Rayman Legends

Platforms: PC, PS3, PS4, Nintendo Wii U, Nintendo Switch, Xbox 360, Xbox One

Rayman fighting a dragon in key artwork for Raymen Legends (2013)

In Rayman Legends, up to four players can play through the 2D platformer levels to defeat enemies, collect Lums, and free Teensies. Many of the levels require cooperation to succeed, and even more playable characters can be unlocked as they are rescued from certain stages in the game. Rayman Legends does not have online multiplayer, but for those playing together locally, it can be a lot of fun. Metacritic lists the game an impressive must-play score of 92.

6 Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Shredder's Revenge

Platforms: PC, PS4, PS5, Nintendo Switch, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S

Platform(s)

Designed in the style of classic 2D side-scrolling beat-em-ups from the 1990s, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Shredder's Revenge is fun for all ages, and even more so for anyone who loves TMNT. It can be played in either local or online co-op, as well as single-player. In addition to the standard fighting gameplay action, there are optional mini-challenges in each level and hidden secrets to find. TMNT: Shredder's Revenge was given 4/5 stars by Screen Rant's review and a Metacritic rating of 85.

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5 Super Mario 3D World + Bowser's Fury

Platforms: Nintendo Switch

Mario riding an orange dinosaur leaping out of the water in Bowser's Fury

Super Mario 3D World was originally made for the Wii U, yet the game was brought over to the Nintendo Switch in a compilation package with the much smaller game, Bowser's Fury. Together, these two titles are an incredible multiplayer adventure where players can enjoy the colorful world of Mario and cat suits. It earned itself a Screen Rant review of 4.5/5 stars, while Metacritic has it listed with a score of 89.

4 LEGO Star Wars: The Skywalker Saga

Platforms: PC, PS4, PS5, Nintendo Switch, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S

The Falcon in LEGO Star Wars The Skywalker Saga 

Released
April 5, 2022
ESRB
E10+ for Everyone 10+: Cartoon Violence, Comic Mischief
Developer(s)
Traveller's Tales
Publisher(s)
Warner Bros. Interactive
Multiplayer
Online Multiplayer
Franchise
Star Wars
Platform(s)
Switch, Xbox One, Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S

LEGO games are some of those titles that are typically always enjoyable for players of all ages, and LEGO Star Wars: The Skywalker Saga is one of the best for not only being an action-filled Star Wars game that is full of hilarious movie moments, but a LEGO adventure story with humor hidden everywhere. The game covers events from the nine mainline Star Wars movies and includes a local co-op multiplayer mode. With a Screen Rant review giving it 4.5/5 stars and a Metacritic aggregate of 82, it is a wonderful family gaming experience to try.

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3 Super Mario Bros. Wonder

Platforms: Nintendo Switch

Released
October 20, 2023
ESRB
e
Developer(s)
Nintendo EPD
Publisher(s)
Nintendo
Franchise
Super Mario
Platform(s)
Switch

The newest game on this list, Super Mario Bros. Wonder was released in October 2023 to bring back the series' clever and chaotic 2D platformer gameplay, with a new Elephant Mario suit and Wonder Flowers that change entire levels. Not only does the game allow for up to four-player local co-op, but there is also a variety of ways to have online multiplayer with private rooms. Younger children can benefit from playing as either Yoshi or Nabbit for an easier difficulty, although they can't make use of some of the fun power-ups that way. Screen Rant's review considers Mario Wonder as deserving of 4.5/5 stars, while it has a Metacritic rating of 92.

At The Game Awards 2023, Super Mario Bros. Wonder was nominated for Game of the Year and won Best Family Game.

2 Mario Kart 8 Deluxe

Platforms: Nintendo Switch

Mario holding a boomerang in Mario Kart 8 while Wario races behind him
Publisher
Nintendo
Genre
Racing
Platform
Nintendo Switch
Mode
Racing
Rating
E
Release Date
2017-04-28

It's hard to beat the classic multiplayer experience that can only come from Mario Kart. The Nintendo Switch's Mario Kart 8 Deluxe has recently put out many DLC course packs with new playable characters and tracks, giving a lot of variety for families to enjoy. It has rightfully earned a Metacritic score of 92, as the game is fun for all ages with bright colors, fun items, and just enough challenge for anyone to be compelled to try just one more time.

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1 Minecraft

Platforms: PC, Mac, Linux, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, PS4, PS5, Nintendo Switch, Fire OS/TV, Android, iOS, Windows Mobile, and Samsung Gear VR

Steve, the default Minecraft character skin, overlooking a Minecraft world from the edge of a cliff, with a village down below, and mountains and the ocean in the distance.
Minecraft
Sandbox
Survival

Developer(s)
Mojang
Multiplayer
Online Co-Op, Online Multiplayer
Franchise
Minecraft
Platform(s)
Xbox One, Xbox 360

Over the years, Minecraft has become one of the most well-known examples of video games for all ages. Whether enjoying the story mode, creative sandbox, or even some of the Minecraft spin-off titles, the blocky game is popular for good reason. It is easy to learn, offers plenty to do, and unlocks the imagination. The game has a Metacritic score of 82, and Minecraft is available on nearly any platform and can be enjoyed online, so families can enjoy their own little virtual space together, wherever they are in the real world. Minecraft has a versatility and creativity unmatched even by other games on this list, including Mario Kart and LEGO Star Wars, and is a must-try for any family looking to play video games together.

Sources: Metacritic (1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10)