Best Local Co-Op & Split-screen SNES Games

The Super Nintendo is one of the greatest consoles of all time, housing some of the most iconic video games of all time that fans still adore to this day. The retro palette featured in these games has become the stuff of legends, with many players having a soft spot for the SNES and its many amazing offerings.

There are many games on this console that players can enjoy with their friends, with some offerings being better than others. Regardless, players who want to enjoy some retro goodness with their friends will be more than pleased by the wide array of amazing games that players can check out on the legendary SNES.

Updated on December 27, 2023, by Ritwik Mitra: The Super Nintendo Entertainment System is hailed by many as one of the greatest consoles ever made. Featuring a wealth of incredible titles that continue to be talked about to this day, these consoles continued the golden age of gaming and established Nintendo as one of the most important video game companies of all time. Many games on this console are still a blast to play to this day, including many co-op and split-screen games that allow friends and family to have a nice time together.

9 Ghoul Patrol

GameRankings Score: N/A

• Release Date: November 1994
• Developer: LucasArts
• Platform(s): Super Nintendo Entertainment System, PC, Nintendo Switch, Xbox One, PlayStation 4

After the underappreciated success of Zombies Ate My Neighbors, it was only a matter of time before a sequel to this charming action title would make its way on the Super Nintendo. Unfortunately, this game didn’t capture the same magic in a bottle that its predecessor achieved.

That being said, fans of Zombies Ate My Neighbors would still love what Ghoul Patrol brings to the table. The controls can be a bit finicky compared to its predecessor, and Ghoul Patrol doesn’t try to expand on what made the first game such a blast to play through, but it’s still a safe recommendation for fans of Zombies ate my Neighbors.

8 Goof Troop

GameRankings Score: 70.25%

• Release Date: November 25, 1993
• Developer: Capcom
• Platform(s): Super Nintendo Entertainment System

No one expected a game based on a popular animated series to feature some of the most engaging co-op gameplay on the SNES, but that’s precisely what Goof Troop manages to accomplish. The game is as simple as they come, but fans of these characters will find something to enjoy about this title.

The puzzles are engaging enough without being too hard, and having to fight an enemy using indirect methods of damage makes every combat encounter pretty frenetic in multiplayer. It’s a great gem that fans of charming and fun experiences on the SNES should check out.

7 Battletoads In Battlemaniacs

GameRankings Score: 78%

• Release Date: June 1993
• Developer: Rare
• Platform(s): Super Nintendo Entertainment System, Sega Master System

Battletoads is one of the hardest video game series of all time, and it’s only a given that this title is no slouch in this department. Twitch reflexes and a lot of trial and error are required to get through these titles’ engaging levels.

Battletoads in Battlemaniacs features many unique takes on the levels from the original Battletoads, making this game perfect for fans of this title if they haven’t played through it already. Once players conquer the initial difficulty curve, the result is bound to be a blast!

6 Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Turtles In Time

GameRankings Score: 83%

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles has enjoyed a great string of retro titles, mainly in the form of engaging beat-em-ups where players control one of the Ninja Turtles to foil whatever evil plan Shredder may be concocting. As expected from Turtles in Time, the beat-’em-up action is top-notch and is enhanced even more with a friend!

The engrossing setting of this game leads to the turtles exploring many unique stages that Shredder has sent them to in a bid to prevent them from stopping him. The title can be pretty challenging at times, but players who keep a clear head and learn from their mistakes will be able to clear the game’s toughest stages in no time flat.

5 Zombies Ate My Neighbors

GameRankings Score: 84.5%

A game on the SNES that didn’t get the love it deserved at launch, Zombies Ate My Neighbors has enjoyed a resurgence in modern times as more and more people have discovered why this game is such an overlooked gem. The unique art style, wacky setting, and engaging gameplay make it a great title to experience with a friend.

Despite all the attention this title has received in the modern era, there are still many gamers who are completely unaware of this game, which is a shame. It takes one playthrough with a friend to establish why Zombie Ate My Neighbors is such a gem of a title.

4 Kirby Super Star

GameRankings Score: 86%

While the Kirby series may take more of a backseat to Nintendo’s other IPs, there’s no denying that this cute pink blob was a huge hit back in the day when he was the star of many great games on Nintendo’s old lineup of consoles, with Kirby Super Star being one of the many feathers in this mascot’s cap.

Kirby’s appeal to children and its simple yet fun gameplay manifested in this SNES gem with a rather unique take on co-op gameplay. Kirby can produce a Helper with the same copy ability as the last enemy ingested by this character, which is a unique way for players to help each other out.

3 Contra 3: The Alien Wars

GameRankings Score: 86.35%

• Release Date: February 28, 1992
• Developer: Konami
• Platform(s): Super Nintendo Entertainment System, Game Boy, Game Boy Advance

The Contra series features some of the toughest shoot-em-ups in gaming history that players can check out. Seasoned gaming veterans who want to conquer a challenge will be more than pleased with what this series has to offer, with the third game being especially beloved by the masses.

The Alien Wars is about as descriptive a title as can be, with players controlling two commandos on a mission to save Earth. The game is tough as nails, and players will face many frustrating losses before managing to complete the game… provided they have the patience and skill required to do the same.

2 Secret Of Mana

GameRankings Score: 87%

Secret of Mana is one of Squaresoft’s most beloved games, featuring a mix of co-op and real-time combat that is pretty engaging. There’s no denying that the title’s combat hasn’t aged all that well for its time, but it’s the charming nature of this title that will entice many fans to check it out.

The game’s combat is fun with two players, despite how simplistic it can feel. It’s one of the most revered SNES RPGs for a reason, with the music, story, characters, and art being exemplary.

1 Super Mario Kart

GameRankings Score: 94%

• Release Date: August 27, 1992
• Developer: Nintendo EAD
• Platform(s): Super Nintendo Entertainment System

It was only a matter of time before Mario Kart would be mentioned, with many people considering this title to be one of the best arcade racing games of all time. There’s a lot to love about the simple yet engaging racing in this title, with multiplayer being as fun as most people would expect.

Super Mario Kart was a must-have on the SNES back when it was launched, and many people still consider it to be a worthwhile title to check out for fans of this arcade racing series. Mario Kart has a stellar reputation in the industry, and Super Mario Kart is another feather in its cap.