Top 20 Handheld Multiplayer Games

Handheld multiplayer can mean a quick local session on a train or a full evening of online play from the couch. The best picks make connecting simple and keep matches short and satisfying. This list mixes local wireless, same-system co-op, and online options across Switch, 3DS, Vita, PSP, and more. You will find player counts, connection methods, and what each game’s multiplayer actually offers so you can jump in fast.

Mario Kart 8 Deluxe

On Nintendo Switch, up to eight players can race via local wireless with one console per person. Up to four players can share a single system using split screen in handheld or docked mode. Online races support large lobbies with friends or random players. Wireless play needs each console to have the same version and nearby signal.

Super Smash Bros. Ultimate

Local wireless on Switch supports up to eight players with multiple consoles. Up to eight can also play on a single system, though handheld screens work best with fewer players. Online modes include Battle Arenas for private rooms with rules you set. Controllers and connection stability matter for smooth matches.

Splatoon 3

This Switch shooter offers four-player squads in online Turf War and Ranked modes. Salmon Run is a co-op horde mode for up to four players with matchmaking. Private battles let you set teams and map rotations for friends. A Nintendo Switch Online subscription is required for online features.

Monster Hunter Rise

On Switch, up to four hunters team up online or via local wireless to tackle quests. The game separates Village and Hub progress so co-op focuses on Hub quests. Item crafting and armor sets carry across solo and multiplayer. Voice chat can be handled through the Nintendo Switch Online app or other services.

Pokémon Scarlet and Violet

The Union Circle lets up to four trainers explore the same open world together. You can trade and battle with friends or strangers online. Tera Raid Battles support quick co-op sessions against powerful Pokémon. Local wireless works for nearby players without internet.

Mario Party Superstars

This Switch collection supports four players locally on one system or via local wireless. Online lobbies allow full board games with friends, plus mini-game playlists for shorter sessions. Progress saves if a connection drops and lets the group continue. Each player needs consistent inputs for mini-game timing.

Overcooked! 2

Up to four players can cook together locally on one Switch or online. The game includes a quick join feature for matchmaking and private lobbies for friends. Teamwork matters for chopping, cooking, and delivering in time. The handheld screen fits fine for two to four as long as everyone sits close.

Among Us

This social deduction game supports large online lobbies on Switch and mobile. Local communication works through in-person chat while in the same room. Cross-play lets handheld players join friends on other platforms. Private rooms use codes for easy invites.

Tetris 99

On Switch, this battle royale puzzler pits you against ninety-eight others online. You can create private lobbies for friends with the appropriate mode. Events and special themes rotate and keep the player base active. Handheld controls are responsive for long play sessions.

Animal Crossing: New Horizons

Up to eight players can visit the same island online, and local wireless supports nearby friends. On a single system, up to four residents can play together with one island. Best Friend settings control who can use tools that change your island. Airport and Dodo Codes make inviting simple.

Diablo III: Eternal Collection

On Switch, up to four players can share one system for couch co-op. Local wireless supports multiple consoles in the same room without internet. Online play works for seasonal characters and Adventure Mode. Loot drops are instance-based so each player gets their own rewards.

Monster Hunter 4 Ultimate

On Nintendo 3DS, up to four players can hunt together via local wireless. Online lobbies and matchmaking existed during the service period, while local play still functions. Weapon variety and armor skills give teams roles to fill. StreetPass adds guild cards and item trades between sessions.

Mario Kart 7

This 3DS racer supports up to eight players over local wireless. Online races were available during the service period, and local play continues to work. Download Play lets friends race with one copy in limited configurations. Customization uses gliders, bodies, and wheels unlocked through play.

Super Smash Bros. for Nintendo 3DS

Local wireless supports fast matches between nearby handhelds. Online matchmaking existed during the service period, while local battles remain available. Custom moves and stages can be shared in local sessions if enabled. Circle Pad inputs and button mapping help with control comfort.

Pokémon Sun and Moon

Local wireless on 3DS enables battles and trades between friends. The Festival Plaza handled online features during the service period, while local play remains supported. Multi Battles allow two-on-two formats with four players. QR mechanics and Wonder Trade provided ways to expand collections.

WipEout 2048

On PS Vita, online multiplayer supports fast anti-gravity racing across classes and tracks. Cross-play with compatible PS3 content existed for broader lobbies where available. Time trial and combat events rotate during sessions. Ad hoc local play works for nearby handhelds.

Freedom Wars

This Vita co-op action game supports up to eight players online in mission-based hunts. Ad hoc local sessions allow nearby squads without internet. Weapon crafting and thorn movement systems give teams mobility and roles. PvP modes exist for competitive matches with objective control.

Monster Hunter Freedom Unite

On PSP, up to four players can hunt together using ad hoc local wireless. Quest tiers scale to group coordination and gear levels. Item combination and farm systems support group preparation. Infrastructure online required workarounds, while local ad hoc remains the standard.

Phantasy Star Portable 2

This PSP entry supports four-player ad hoc co-op with character classes and photon arts. Mission ranks and drops scale with progression. Lobbies and trade features existed during the service period, while local play continues. Character builds allow party roles like support, melee, and ranged.

The Legend of Zelda: Four Swords

On Game Boy Advance, up to four players link consoles with cables to tackle shared dungeons. Each player sees personal rooms or hidden paths on their own screen. Rupees combine to set shared goals for rewards. Cooperative puzzles require passing items and triggering switches together.

Share your favorite handheld multiplayer memories in the comments and tell us which game you still play today.