Best online multiplayer games for Nintendo Switch 2023

Joy-Cons and a Switch in handheld mode
Joy-Cons and a Switch in handheld mode (Image credit: iMore)

The Nintendo Switch has been out in the wild for a while now, and we've seen some seriously fantastic games released for it since it launched back in 2017. Unfortunately, the Switch has been a little light when it comes to games supporting online multiplayer. While we hope to see some new games soon, here are some of the best Nintendo Switch games with online multiplayer available right now.

Enjoy some of the best Nintendo Switch games online with friends

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In this day and age, online multiplayer is more essential to gaming than ever before. While past Nintendo consoles had lots of local multiplayer, Nintendo has embraced the online scene in recent years. One such title is Super Smash Bros. Ultimate. The sheer amount of characters to play as and content to unlock is absolutely insane. What fighting game do you know has Mario, Sonic the Hedgehog, Mega Man, Pac-Man, Terry Bogard from King of Fighters, Minecraft's Steve, and Sephiroth from Final Fantasy VII, among many others beating the snot out of each other? With dozens of stages, hundreds of videogame soundtracks, and various game modes to partake in, this is undoubtedly the biggest Super Smash Bros. game ever made.

Pokémon Sword and Shield is also a solid multiplayer game in the Nintendo Switch's library. This game has something for everyone — a lengthy single-player campaign, hundreds of new Pokémon to catch and trade with friends, and an addictive PVP endgame where you can build the most powerful team of Pokémon to battle other trainers online.

For 3rd party titles, I highly recommend Monster Hunter Rise. This title has hours of content for you and your friends to sink their teeth into. You can switch aspects of your weapon's move-set to suit your playstyle. It features the quality of life improvements from Monster Hunter World. It has cool monsters inspired by Japanese mythology to hunt, and you get to ride giant adorable dogs called Palamutes. What's more, it will be receiving a massive DLC expansion soon called Monster Hunter Rise: Sunbreak, which will feature more monsters to slay and gear to acquire. So, now's the best time for you and your friends to get in on the hunt.

Alexander Cope

Alexander Cope is a writer for Windows Central and iMore that has been gaming since the 16-bit era.