Stuck at home and looking for a console to have a blast with your favorite multiplayer titles alongside friends and family? Whether that’s local multiplayer or online multiplayer, we’ve got you covered with this full breakdown of consoles and how they fair according to their multiplayer aspects.
Best Console For Multiplayer (Summary)
The best console for playing multiplayer is the Xbox One, due to its large multiplayer library, and inclusive accessories, such as the Xbox Adaptive Controller, and Pro Controller.
The best console for Local multiplayer is the Nintendo Switch, due to the sheer amount of local multiplayer party & non-party games that you can’t find on any other platform. The Nintendo Switch also showcases great accessories to pair your gaming needs with, and a game library that is mostly filled with notable family-friendly titles.
Playstation 4 Multiplayer
| Console | Pros & Cons |
| Playstation 4 Best For: Single Player Games | Pros:
Cons:
|
| Type | Link |
| Playstation 4 Slim 1TB | Check Updated Price On Amazon |
| PlayStation 4 Slim 1TB Console – Only On PlayStation Bundle | Check Updated Price On Amazon |
| Playstation 4 Pro 1TB | Check Updated Price On Amazon |
| Playstation Plus | Check Updated Price On Amazon |
1) Online Multiplayer Fee
To play online multiplayer on the Playstation 4, you’ll be required to have a subscription to Playstation Plus. Playstation Plus offers a wide range of features such as cloud storage, monthly free games, and share play, for more information, here is the official Sony page. Here are the current prices:
- 14-Day Trial – $0
- 1 Month – $9.99
- 3 Months – $24.99
- 12 Months – $59.99
2) Online Multiplayer Library
In terms of online multiplayer exclusives for the Playstation 4, there really aren’t any, there are currently only Factions in The Last Of Us and the multiplayer mode in Uncharted 4. Besides exclusives multiplayer, there are also other phenomenal multiplayer games, such as Grand Theft Auto Online, Overwatch, Fortnite, and more on the Playstation 4, however, they aren’t exclusive to the Playstation 4.
3) Local Multiplayer Library
If you’re having friends over, or want to spend the afternoon spamming buttons with a family member or spouse, there are several prominent local co-op multiplayer games for the Playstation 4, such as, Moving Out, Overcooked 2, Rocket League, Crash Team Racing Nitro-Fueled, and my personal favorite story-based game, A Way Out. However, most local multiplayer games on the Playstation 4 are already out on other platforms, such as the Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, and Steam on PC.
4) Summary
As seen above, the Playstation 4 multiplayer library isn’t at all compelling enough to purchase the console, and although Playstation is looking to promote more exclusive multiplayer games, they aren’t yet at the level of Xbox One.
But, if multiplayer is not your main concern, the Playstation 4 does endorse an extensive library of both triple-A, and indie titles alike, with just about every category in the book.
Xbox One Multiplayer
| Console | Pros & Cons |
| Xbox One Best For: Online Multiplayer | Pros:
|
| Type | Price |
| Xbox One Slim (1TB) | Check Updated Price On Amazon |
| Xbox One X (1TB) | Check Updated Price On Amazon |
| Xbox Live Gold | Check Updated Price On Amazon |
1) Online Multiplayer Fee
Xbox utilizes a service called Xbox Live Gold that is required to play online multiplayer. The main features of Xbox Live Gold are the 2-4 monthly free games, as well as the 50-70% discount on games. Linked here, is the official Microsoft page to purchase and seek for more information regarding Xbox Live Gold. Here are the current prices:
- 1 Month – $9.99
- 3 Months – $24.99
- 12 Months – $59.99
2) Online Multiplayer Library
The Xbox One excels when it comes to their multiplayer library. The Xbox One itself is promoted more as a multiplayer platform. Exclusive multiplayer games include Halo, Gears 5, Forza, Sea Of Thieves, the list goes on and on, and that’s just the exclusives!
3) Local Multiplayer Library
And it doesn’t end just there, the local multiplayer library on the Xbox One is just as comprehensive, Gang Beats, Overcooked, Don’t Starve Together, Gears Of War 4, and many more, are available for local co-op on the Xbox One. But it is important to note that most of the local multiplayer titles on the Xbox One aren’t exclusive to the platform.
4) Summary
The Xbox One is the one-stop-shop when it comes to its large multiplayer library. The variety of multiplayer games is endless, and the exclusive titles are a good enough reason to purchase the console.
Needless to say, there are a few downsides when it comes to purchasing the Xbox One. If you enjoy singleplayer, and exclusive titles, the Xbox One doesn’t fare as well. As seen in my article where I showcase which console has the most games, the Xbox One ranks lower in exclusives, and its singleplayer library just isn’t as big as the Playstation 4’s.
Nintendo Switch
| Console | Pros & Cons |
| Nintendo Switch Best For: Local Multiplayer | Pros:
|
| Type | Price |
| Nintendo Switch With Gray Joy-Con | Check Updated Price On Amazon |
| Nintendo Switch With Neon Blue and Neon Red Joy‑Con | Check Updated Price On Amazon |
| Nintendo Switch Online | Check Updated Price On Nintendo’s Official Site |
1) Online Multiplayer Fee
Nintendo Switch is much cheaper coming in at $3.99 USD for its cheapest plan, the service is named Nintendo Switch Online, and come with a variety of services. Such as the library of 70+ classic Super NES and NES games, cloud saves, as well as an app to communicate via voice chat with others. Here is the official Nintendo page for more information, and for purchasing. Here are the current prices:
- 7-Day Free Trial – $0
- 1 Month – $3.99
- 3 Months – $7.99
- 12 Months – $19.99
- Family Membership – $34.99 (Up to 8 Nintendo Account Holders)
2) Online Multiplayer Library
The Nintendo Switch introduces many online multiplayer games that are exclusive to the Nintendo platform. Instead of your typical shooters and online racing genre of games, you have access to games such as Splatoon 2, Mario Tennis, ARMS, Pokemon Shield, Luigi’s Mansion 3, and many more, for the full list, you can check out the Nintendo Game Store here.
3) Local Multiplayer Library
The Nintendo Switch strives at producing great local multiplayer hits, with games such as Mario Kart 8 Deluxe, Super Mario Maker 2, Snipperclips, Super Smash Bros. Ultimate, to even local multiplayer exclusives such as Super Mario Party, there are endless possibilities when it comes to local multiplayer on the Switch. Moreover, the Nintendo Switch has the easiest to use controls with its Joy-Cons, and the fact that the majority of its games fit all ages, makes it the perfect fit for all local parties! For a full list of local multiplayer games on the switch, check out this thread.
4) Summary
Online multiplayer for the Nintendo Switch isn’t its main selling point, and there are definately great alternatives for that, such as the aforementioned Xbox One, which has a better library for that. But if you’re purchasing it as a gift for your child, or for someone that isn’t familiarised with video games, the Nintendo Switch is certainly a great introduction due to its easy controls, seamless user-interface, and cheap pricing to play online.
Furthermore, local multiplayer on the Switch is highly encouraged and provides for endless party games possibilities, and Nintendo even goes as far as selling specific controller packs such as the Super Mario Party + Controller pack, to endorse the Switch’s local multiplayer features.
Overall Best Console For Multiplayer
Its the Xbox One. Despite the fact that that Xbox One’s pricing to play online isn’t any cheap, its push for multiplayer functionality is bigger than any other.
The Xbox One has the biggest library for online multiplayer, especially if you’re looking to play renowned exclusives such as Sea Of Thieves, Gears 5, Halo, and many more. These games aren’t playable on any other platform. Many gamers have taken note that multiplayer on the Xbox One has heavily improved, and has became the preferred way to play online games for most.
The local multiplayer library on the Xbox One isn’t all that different from the Playstation 4; there aren’t many differences in the local multiplayer library and functionality that makes it exceptional. Therefore, for local multiplayer, I recommend the Nintendo Switch, more on that down below!
Moreover, if you’re looking to play Xbox One titles in 4k, and on the most powerful hardware, the Xbox One X is the most capable, most powerful, and fastest console, and has been termed as the world’s most powerful console for some time now, even with competitors such as the Playstation 4 Pro. And if you’re looking to upgrade your controller, the Xbox Elite Wireless Controller is suited for multiplayer games and allows you to fully map your controls.
The Xbox One has also gone the extra mile for individuals with disabilities, with the Xbox Adaptive Controller, which makes playing games (including multiplayer games) more accessible to everyone, by making all controls on the Xbox One Controller to be customizable; which includes connecting external devices, such as switches, buttons, mounts, and joysticks. More on the Xbox Adaptive Controller here.
All-in-all the Xbox One has perfected the core aspects of online multiplayer with its large-scale library, Elite & Adaptive controller, that allows users to further upgrade their experience, which makes it the best console for multiplayer. If you aren’t just in for multiplayer, and also seek to play singleplayer story mode games, the Xbox One does have a considerably great singleplayer library and exclusives for you to enjoy, but the Playstation 4 does have a bigger and superior library as well as more singleplayer exclusive titles such as Spiderman on the PS4, Days Gone, and many more! For more on the library of the Playstation 4, and other consoles, check out my article here!
Best Console For Local Multiplayer
For the best console for local multiplayer, it goes to the Nintendo Switch. If you’re looking to have family and friends over, the party games on the switch have you covered, with titles such as Super Smash Bros. Ultimate, Super Mario Party, and Mario Tennis Aces, as well as 1-2 Switch, that requires physical activity, which allows you to get more immersed into the gameplay.
Besides just party games, the Switch’s local multiplayer library contains games such as Animal Crossing: New Horizons, where there are multiple local multiplayer modes, which all allows for everyone to go into the same island, and play together, or you could play Luigi’s Mansion 3, where you play the story mode (co-op), and work together as Luigi and Gooigi. These games allows you to play local multiplayer beyond just party games, and spend a few hours with a friend or two, endlessly getting engaged in the gameplay.
The options for local multiplayer on the Nintendo Switch are endless, and the controls, as well as the user interface, is essentially a one-size-fits-all and is easy to understand for users of all age. In other words, this equates to less confusion, and more playtime, which is necessary when you’re playing local multiplayer with someone who isn’t as knowledgable with video games and its controls.
Not to mention you could utilize Nintendo Switch accessories such as the Pro Controller to enhance your experience, or the Joy-Con charging grip to prolong your time spent on your beloved games.
Above all, the Nintendo Switch has remained as the best console for local multiplayer, due to its easy-to-use controls, simplistic interface, large local multiplayer game selection, as well as extensive accessories to upgrade your arsenal of controllers, or to purchase extra for family & friends to play together.
Bottom Line
To conclude, the Xbox One is the overall best console for all things multiplayer, mainly for its big exclusive multiplayer library, but it isn’t the best for its local multiplayer library, for that, the Nintendo Switch will do a better job. The Nintendo Switch has a great library of local multiplayer games, most of which you’ve heard of and probably watched gameplays/reviews of, additionally, the simplicity of the Joy-Cons, as well as the user interface of the Switch makes it simply unparalleled to any other. Likewise with all things Nintendo, the Switch also has a library of mostly family-friendly games which is the perfect addition for family party games!
Meanwhile, the Playstation 4 isn’t in any means the best for multiplayer games, but it definately takes the cake for having the biggest library within these three consoles and having the most amount of top-tier exclusives.