Best NES Co-Op Games You Can Play Together

Few things beat the feeling of couch co-op on a classic console. The Nintendo Entertainment System laid the groundwork for friends huddled on a living room floor, trading shots, cheering as a malfunctioning boss falls, and laughing at chaotic moments that only happen when two players share the same screen. If you’re looking to curate a retro night that’s fun, accessible, and highly replayable, these NES co-op staples are a perfect starting lineup.

Two-player action on the NES isn’t just about blasting through levels; it’s about how well you and your partner communicate, cover each other, and sync your strategies under pressure. Below are some of the most dependable co-op experiences that still hold up for modern game nights, whether you’re revisiting them after years or introducing a new friend to the era.

Two-Player Powerhouses

Contra — The quintessential two-player run-and-gun. You and a friend push through waves of aliens, sharing power-ups and planning flanks as you navigate tight corridors and explosive set pieces.
Super C — The tougher, more fast-paced sibling to Contra. It preserves the same cooperative rhythm but demands tighter coordination and sharper reflexes.
Double Dragon II: The Revenge — A classic beat-'em-up that shines with two players punching, kicking, and comboing your way through crowded streets. Cooperation is key to surviving the boss gauntlets.
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles II: The Arcade Game — A side-scrolling brawler that rewards teamwork in crowded levels and epic boss battles, letting each player handle multiple targets while keeping an eye on the map.
Gauntlet II — A dungeon crawl where treasure, monsters, and traps pile up quickly. Two players can team up to explore mazes, share loot, and survive waves of adversaries.
Ice Climber — A playful, cooperative platformer that tasks you with climbing to the top while gathering fruit and avoiding plummeting hazards. Coordination and timing matter more than speed.

Cozy Co-Op, Pocket-Sized Chaos

Some NES titles lean into cooperation as a social experience rather than a high-skill sprint. Bubble Bobble is a standout here: two players trap enemies in bubbles, then pop them in a precise rhythm that evolves into a satisfying puzzle against the clock. The blend of timing, route planning, and mutual support makes it a timeless pick for casual sessions or longer nights with friends.

Two-player NES sessions are less about speed and more about teamwork.

There’s also Jackal, where you and a partner pilot a jeep through enemy territory, trading fire and sharing resources to push forward. While the scope isn’t cinematic by today’s standards, the shared objective and collaborative play create memorable moments that feel distinctly retro and charmingly chaotic.

In exploring these titles, you’ll notice the NES shines most when you lean into a cooperative mindset: plan routes, divide responsibilities, and celebrate mutual progress rather than competing for the fastest clear. The joy of these games isn’t just finishing a level; it’s working together to adapt to unexpected enemy patterns and helping each other survive tougher sections.

For players who want to keep the vibe flowing during long gaming nights, having practical accessories on hand can make a difference. For example, the Neon Card Holder Phone Case with MagSafe is a handy companion for coordinating schedules, sharing quick notes, or keeping essential cards accessible while you game. It’s a small detail, but it helps the session stay smooth as you switch between rounds and quick planning between friends. You can check it out here: Neon Card Holder Phone Case MagSafe.

If you’d like a curated snapshot of these classics and another look at how co-op on the NES shaped later multiplayer design, a concise roundup is available at this roundup.

As you assemble your roster, consider what you want your night to feel like: a brisk, arcade-like sprint through familiar stages, or a laid-back, puzzle-rich session that puts teamwork front and center. The NES library offers both flavors, giving you the flexibility to tailor your gatherings to your group’s energy and playstyle.