We’re in the thick of summer now in the Northern Hemisphere, and this is a time where many platform holders like to have sales on their shops. Nintendo is no different, and this year it has decided to theme its summer sale around the idea of playing together. That’s the name, in fact: the Play Together Sale. There are tons of discounts on offer, and we’re once again here to offer you some guidance on the matter. We’ve picked out fifteen of the finest sales in the “play together” spirit of the thing, and will present them in no particular order. Let’s spend money!
Snipperclips – Cut It Out, Together! ($13.99 from $19.99)
This was such an early game that it feels like a lot of people already have it, but it’s also old enough that many new Switch owners might not have noticed it. Snipperclips is ridiculously good fun to play with another person. Each stage offers an objective of some kind that you’ll have to achieve by clipping each other’s characters into the right shape for the job. You’ll fail more often than you succeed, but it’s one of those games where failure can be a lot of fun all on its own.
Mario Tennis Aces ($39.99 from $59.99)
Some of the earliest video games in existence are basically tennis games, and it’s kind of amazing how well the simple idea of whacking a ball back and forth has kept its shine over the decades. Mario Tennis Aces got a lot of criticism at launch for being a little thin on content, and that was more than fair. That said, with the numerous additions made via free patches plus this discount price, I think I can safely recommend it to anyone looking for an arcade-style take on the sport to play with their friends or family.
Windjammers ($5.09 from $14.99)
The sequel is also on sale and it’s pretty good, but there’s just something about the original Windjammers that can’t be denied. Another game where you’re essentially sending an object back and forth between the players, but here it’s a flying disc. It’s suitably pumped up to just the right amount of over the top, and the result is a game that is around three decades old but still just as excellent a time as it ever was. Gather some players around and you’ll be busy for hours.
Hyrule Warriors: Definitive Edition ($41.99 from $59.99)
I’ll grant that this is as much a deep and enjoyable single-player affair as it is multiplayer mayhem, but pulling in a friend to play this one with you is a riot all on its own. The Warriors games are all about controlling the battlefield, and having another ostensibly intelligent human out there with you can make things a lot more interesting. And hey, when everyone goes home you can keep the party going with the oodles of characters and missions on offer. The ultimate version of an awesome game, and one that is very rarely on sale.
Cuphead ($13.99 from $19.99)
Cuphead can be a very aggravating game, but it somehow keeps you coming back for more anyway. If you’re going to be frustrated, it’s better to be frustrated with a friend, don’t you think? Admittedly the game can often be harder with a second player because you really need to be on the same page with regards to your strategy, but you don’t have to win to have a good time. Or so I’m told, as I toss my buddy out the front door for getting us both killed in one of the stages leading up to a boss fight.
Clubhouse Games: 51 Worldwide Classics ($27.99 from $39.99)
I’ll say it: this is quietly one of the best values you can find on the Nintendo Switch. You get so many great games to play in one low-priced package, and it’s easy to find something to enjoy whether you’re playing on your own or with others. While the bulk of the selection leans into classic board games, there are a few other interesting change-ups in the line-up that makes the overall package varied enough to please most. The fact that many of the games are well-known outside of the gaming sphere makes this an excellent choice when you have people who don’t usually play games in the mix.
Mario Golf: Super Rush ($39.99 from $59.99)
This… is not Mario’s greatest golf showing, to be certain. It’s different from what we’re used to, and at times it feels like it’s just doing it for the sake of being different. Still, if you get into what it’s laying down there’s certainly a lot here to dig into. The frantic run from each shot to the next makes for a wild multiplayer experience, and if nothing else you certainly can’t accuse it of being just another golf game. A little hard to bite on at full price, but on sale it might be worth a swing.
Persona 4 Arena Ultimax ($8.99 from $29.99)
Playing together doesn’t always mean cooperating, so let’s throw a fighting game into the mix here to keep everyone on their toes. Persona 4 Arena Ultimax is a great fighter with a lot of modes and features to enjoy. While its presentation isn’t quite up to snuff with some of the other versions of the game, relative to other Switch games in the genre it carries itself well. Some missing online features will be of more concern to those who intend to take their battles into the digital space, but those squaring off locally will have a fine time. Overall this is a strong pick-up for Persona fans and those looking for a little on-the-go pugilism alike.
Nintendo Switch Sports ($27.99 from $39.99)
While I was personally fine with the state of Nintendo Switch Sports when it launched, I couldn’t argue with those that felt it would be better with more sports on offer. One well-featured golf mode and a cute take on basketball later, I think this is a stronger value proposition for the average person. Throw a discount on top and you have a game that deserves to be in the collection of anyone who enjoyed its Wii predecessors. It’s perfect for party nights with players of mixed skill levels.
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Shredder’s Revenge ($16.24 from $24.99)
I will recommend this game until every human on Earth owns at least one copy. Here I am recommending it again, but to be fair it fits the theme perfectly. Up to six people can play this game together, and it doesn’t matter how good or bad at the game they are because it’s fun either way. It’s an easy game to pick up and start enjoying on a basic level, but there are plenty of options for those who want to devote the time and energy into getting fancy about it. Cowabunga! Eat my shorts! Wait, that was Bart. Someone should do a new Simpsons beat ’em up, though. Then I would have two games to push on everyone ever.
It Takes Two ($19.99 from $39.99)
While I found myself a bit… mixed about the story of this game and how it plays out, there is one thing I cannot deny: the gameplay is superb. Most platformers that dabble in multiplayer try to build their challenges for both solo and multiple players, It Takes Two laser focuses on designing its stages around what two players can accomplish together. It’s a very unique experience as a result, and one that is very satisfying to go through with a friend or family member. Just make sure you reserve enough time with them to see the whole thing through.
Disney Illusion Island ($27.99 from $39.99)
This is something of a multiplayer platforming adventure game, and its gentle difficulty curve combined with the familiarity of the characters involved make it a natural to go through with younger players. The sense of style in this game is something else, and it’s often genuinely funny in its cut-scenes. It also feels good to play, with sound mechanics that make it a joy just to run and jump around. A great pick-up at a value price.
DC’s Justice League: Cosmic Chaos ($9.99 from $39.99)
Here’s another game that is worth going through with younger players, especially if you have any superhero fans in the bunch. Cosmic Chaos ended up surprising me, to be honest. Its publisher isn’t exactly known for a high level of quality, but this one turned out downright decent. It would have been a solid rental back in the day for comic book fans, and if you take inflation into account ten bucks is about in that price range. And you don’t even have to drive it back to the shop on Monday!
Samba de Amigo: Party Central ($15.99 from $39.99)
I haven’t paid particular attention to the sales numbers for this game, but my gut tells me it didn’t exactly go over a treat. And that’s a shame, because it’s a rather good update of a game that had quite a lot of requirements to properly enjoy. Here, you can just use your Joy-Cons and shake them like they’re maracas in your mind. You also get an updated track list with lots of fun tunes to shake and pose along with, and some good DLC you can buy if you want to expand it. While it isn’t as precise as the original game with the Maracas Controller, playing it with a friend negates a lot of that. At this price, it’s even easier to recommend.
Super Monkey Ball Banana Rumble ($37.49 from $49.99 until 8/12)
More SEGA? Sure, let’s party like it’s 1999. Super Monkey Ball finally got a completely new entry for the first time in ages with Banana Rumble, and it’s quality stuff. Like previous games in the series, there’s plenty here to dig into whether you’re on your own or in a room full of friends. There’s something fundamentally entertaining about a monkey rolling around in a ball, and SEGA leans into the concept with plenty of silly and/or absurd ways to play with that. This is the lowest price it’s been at yet, so if you love the series this is a good time to jump in on the latest Primate Party.
And those are our picks from the Play Together Sale on the Nintendo Switch eShop. There are plenty more great games on sale right now, so make sure to check your wishlists and dig into the publisher pages on the eShop just to be sure you aren’t missing anything. If you have any sales you’d like to share, please hit those comments below. Thanks for reading!