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From playing solo to playing with a group of friends, we’ve got great suggestions for games to play with any crowd this winter break. In this article, we break down how you can play certain games on your own, with one or more friends* in the same room, and multiplayer* with folks online**. You can check out the list to find out which game might make a great fit for how you want to play over the holidays!

 

What would be a fun game to play by solo and with friends?

The Splatoon 3 game is great for solo and multiplayer play! If you’re playing solo, you can check out the game’s single-player mode. In Story Mode, you’ll journey through a story fraught with mystery. Story Mode is also great for practice, so you can try to master the basics before moving on to multiplayer* modes like Salmon Run and Turf War! Salmon Run is a four-player co-op mode (one player per system) and Turf War is a three-minute, 4-vs-4** battle. Here are some tips and tricks on what to expect from the game’s different modes!

 

What would be a good game to play in-person with one friend?

The Animal Crossing: New Horizons game offers fun multiplayer options, including local wireless (no internet connection required). To connect via local wireless, both players must be in the same room and have their own Nintendo Switch system and game. You can talk to Orville at the airport about opening the gates to visitors, or your friend can invite you to visit their island. Once you’re there, you can go shopping, play games, and use in-game messaging to chat. Here are some tips and tricks on how to be a good host in the game!

 

What would be a good game to play with a younger sibling?

If you’re hungry for an unforgettable adventure, you can team up for twice the fun in the Kirby and the Forgotten Land game! Co-op play is available on the same system, as long as both players have their own Joy-Con controller. Player 1 plays as Kirby while Player 2 can drop in and out of the game at any time and play as Bandana Waddle Dee. Kirby can float and inhale enemies and Bandana Waddle Dee can spin and stab with his sturdy spear. You can play this game with your sibling at home or on the go—even on a long plane ride. Here are some tips and tricks to help guide you through the game!

 

What would be a good game to play with the whole family?

The Mario Kart 8 Deluxe game is packed with fun for everyone, whether they’re in the same room or across the country. You can play on a single Nintendo Switch system with up to four players (and four Joy-Con controllers). You can also play local wireless with up to eight players* and online** with up to 12 players! The game also has options to help out rookie racers and younger players, like Smart Steering to help keep you on track. Plus, with the Mario Kart 8 Deluxe – Booster Course Pass DLC***, there are tons of courses to choose from. Here are some helpful tips and tricks for racers of all ages!

 

What would be a good game to play online with faraway folks?

You can play online** and face opponents near and far in the Nintendo Switch Sports game. There are seven sports to master, including the newly added Golf. With online play, up to eight* players can all swing at the same time (no waiting for turns!) and go for the lowest score to avoid elimination in Survival Golf. There’s Survival Bowling as well, where up to eight players can roll at once and try to be the last player standing. Here are some tips and tricks for each sport in the game!

 

Games and systems sold separately.

*Additional games, systems, and/or accessories may be required for multiplayer mode. Games, systems, and some accessories sold separately.

**Any Nintendo Switch Online membership (sold separately) and Nintendo Account required for online features. Membership auto-renews after initial term at the then-current price unless canceled. Not available in all countries. Internet access required for online features. Terms apply. nintendo.com/switch-online

***Full version of game required to use DLC.

Splatoon 3 ESRB Rating: Everyone 10+ with Cartoon Violence

Kirby and the Forgotten Land ESRB Rating: Everyone 10+ with Cartoon Violence

Mario Kart 8 Deluxe ESRB Rating: Everyone with Comic Mischief

Animal Crossing: New Horizons ESRB Rating: Everyone with Comic Mischief

Nintendo Switch Sports ESRB Rating: Everyone 10+ with Mild Violence