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Retro handhelds are not just for solo play. Hook one up to a TV, pair a couple of controllers, and you have a tiny couch console packed with multiplayer classics. The 8-bit and 16-bit eras were full of brilliant co-op and versus games, and they are some of the most fun you can have on a handheld. This list pulls the best local multiplayer games from across every retro system.
These 25 games are grouped by genre and chosen for how fun they are with friends in the same room. Before the list, a quick word on getting set up for multiplayer. Frame all of these as games you already own or want to add to your collection.
Affiliate disclosure: This page contains affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate and Anbernic affiliate, we earn from qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you.
Getting Set Up for Multiplayer
Most local multiplayer on a handheld means connecting to a TV and pairing controllers. You need a device with video output and Bluetooth, plus a couple of controllers. Our best retro handhelds with HDMI out guide covers which devices can drive a TV, and our how to pair a Bluetooth controller guide walks through connecting them. With that done, you are ready to play.
Beat 'Em Ups and Brawlers
Streets of Rage 2 (Genesis). The gold standard for co-op brawling. Great combat, a legendary soundtrack, and pure fun with a friend. A must for any multiplayer night.
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Turtles in Time (SNES). A fantastic co-op brawler based on the arcade classic. Bright, fast, and endlessly replayable with a partner.
River City Ransom (NES). An open-ended brawler with RPG upgrades and a great sense of humor. The two-player mode is a blast.
Golden Axe (Genesis). Fantasy co-op with magic and rideable beasts. Short and satisfying. A classic couch pick.
Battletoads & Double Dragon (NES). Two beloved series in one tough, fun co-op brawler. Bring a patient friend.
Fighters and Versus
Street Fighter II Turbo (SNES). The fighter that defined the genre. Endless one-on-one fun. Perfect for quick matches.
The King of Fighters '98 (Neo Geo). A deep, balanced team fighter with a huge roster. A favorite for versus play.
Super Smash style chaos lives elsewhere, so for retro versus, try Samurai Shodown II (Neo Geo). Tense weapon duels where one hit matters. Great between friends.
Windjammers (Neo Geo). A frantic disc-throwing sports game that plays like air hockey. One of the best two-player games ever made.
Mortal Kombat II (Genesis). The classic fighter at its peak. Pure competitive fun in short bursts.
Party and Puzzle
Super Bomberman (SNES). The definitive multiplayer Bomberman, supporting up to four players with the right setup. Chaotic, hilarious, and endlessly replayable. A perfect party game.
Saturn Bomberman (Saturn). An even bigger Bomberman with a huge multiplayer mode. A riot with a full group.
Dr. Mario (NES). Simple, addictive versus puzzling. Easy for anyone to pick up. Great filler between bigger games.
Tetris Attack (SNES). Fast, competitive match-and-clear puzzling. Tense and fun head to head.
Puzzle Bobble 2 (Neo Geo). Bubble-popping versus action that anyone can enjoy. A friendly, addictive party pick.
Shooters and Co-op Action
Contra III: The Alien Wars (SNES). Intense run-and-gun co-op. Tough but thrilling with a partner. A genre high point.
Gunstar Heroes (Genesis). Treasure's co-op masterpiece, full of weapons and spectacle. One of the best two-player action games ever.
Metal Slug 3 (Neo Geo). Chaotic, gorgeous run-and-gun co-op. Short levels make it perfect for handheld sessions on a TV.
Sunset Riders (SNES). A western-themed co-op run-and-gun with personality. Fast and fun with a friend.
Dungeon Explorer (TurboGrafx-16). An early action RPG with up to five-player co-op in the right setup. A unique group experience.
Sports and Racing
NBA Jam Tournament Edition (Genesis). Over-the-top two-on-two basketball. Pure fun whether or not you follow the sport.
Super Mario Kart (SNES). The original kart racer, still a great two-player versus game. Battle mode is a highlight.
Mario Kart 64 (N64). Four-player kart racing and battle chaos. A multiplayer staple for good reason.
NFL Blitz (N64). Fast, arcade-style football that anyone can pick up. Short games suit couch sessions.
Micro Machines (Genesis). Tiny cars on tabletop tracks, with a clever shared-controller multiplayer mode. A delightful party racer.
Recommended Handhelds for Couch Multiplayer
For local multiplayer, you want video output and easy controller pairing. The
has HDMI output on a budget. For a more powerful living-room setup that handles N64 and beyond, the outputs video and pairs controllers easily. Add a couple of and you are set.For setup help, see our best retro handhelds with HDMI out and how to pair a Bluetooth controller guides. Want online play instead? Our how to set up netplay guide covers playing with friends over the internet.
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