There was a time when gaming meant sharing a couch, a screen, and a bag of snacks. Couch co-op was once the heart of gaming culture—but it nearly vanished before staging a powerful comeback.
In the 1990s and early 2000s, games like GoldenEye 007, Mario Kart 64, and Halo defined social gaming. Split-screen chaos and shared victories forged lasting memories. But as online multiplayer surged in the late 2000s, couch co-op began to fade.
Developers prioritized online modes, and fewer AAA titles supported local multiplayer. Some blamed screen size limitations, others cited the logistics of balancing both local and online play.
Yet, the charm of couch co-op never truly died. Indie games like Overcooked, TowerFall, and Lovers in a Dangerous Spacetime reignited the spark. Simpler setups and shared chaos became their selling points. The Switch, with its portable, two-player design, also played a key role in the revival.
Today, couch co-op thrives again—not as a default, but as a deliberate choice. In an era of remote connection, the tactile, immediate joy of sitting next to a friend and playing together feels both novel and nostalgic.
Couch co-op reminds us that gaming is not just about competition or performance—it’s about connection. And sometimes, all you need is a single screen and someone to share it with.