Co-op, racing, or fighting: discover 12 retro two-player games to enjoy on the same couch, along with the local modes and accessories you'll need.

Sharing a screen, passing a controller, or starting an immediate rematch: retro games for two remain perfect for a night with friends or family. You still need to distinguish between cooperative games, competitive games, and adventures where you take turns.

Here is our selection of twelve titles for playing in the same room, on the versions and consoles indicated. We have selected local modes: there is no need to rely on old multiplayer servers for the experiences described.

Choose your type of evening

1. Streets of Rage 2: advancing together through the streets

On the Mega Drive, this beat 'em up allows two characters to move through levels side by side. The controls are quickly learned, while positioning and managing enemies become essential for progressing.

Choose this if you want a game that is immediately easy to understand and offers continuous action. Be careful not to hit your partner: cooperating doesn't mean you can strike without looking at where they are.

2. Turtles in Time: Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles in co-op

The Super Nintendo version of Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles IV: Turtles in Time allows two players to play simultaneously. Each player chooses their turtle and advances through levels filled with enemies and changing scenery.

A good option for an arcade night. Be sure to check the platform: the Super Nintendo version selected here should not be confused with the arcade cabinet and its multiplayer possibilities.

3. Super Mario Kart: racing and battles on SNES

Two players can compete on a split screen, in racing or Battle mode. The trajectories, items, and knowledge of the tracks make you want to start a new race immediately.

It is suitable for competitive fans who accept a different style of driving from modern Mario Kart games. Short matches make it easy to switch players during the evening.

4. Street Fighter II Turbo: the thrill of the duel

On the Super Nintendo, each player chooses their character and tries to read the other's intentions. Special moves add depth, but you can start with simple moves and a few common rules.

To balance the evening, change characters regularly or prevent the experienced player from always using their favorite. Two working controllers are enough for two-player battles.

5. Donkey Kong Country: sharing an adventure by taking turns

Donkey Kong Country on the Super Nintendo is interesting for experiencing an adventure together, but the two characters are not controlled simultaneously by two independent players. Two-player modes rely on taking turns and sharing control depending on the situation.

It is a good choice if you like watching the path, exchanging advice, and then taking the controller again. If you are exclusively looking for simultaneous co-op, choose another title from this selection.

6. Crash Team Racing: racing on PlayStation

Crash Team Racing offers local split-screen racing. Drifting, shortcuts, and items create real potential for progression behind accessible controls.

For two players, the two controller ports on the PlayStation are enough. To play with more participants, check for compatible Multitap equipment. Our recommendation here is for local racing, not a cooperative adventure campaign.

7. Tekken 3: fast-paced fights to keep going

Tekken 3 on PlayStation is a natural choice for playing consecutive duels. Each character has their own style, and movement allows you to go beyond a simple succession of hits.

It is well suited to an evening where you want to play in short matches. Provide a comfortable controller for each person: worn-out buttons can quickly unbalance the fights.

8. Mario Kart: Double Dash!!: rivals or teammates

On the GameCube, Double Dash!! stands out for having two characters on each kart. Two players can compete against each other, but also cooperate on the same vehicle, sharing the roles of driving and managing items.

This is our choice for those who want a race truly experienced as a team. Specify the mode before starting: playing side by side on a kart greatly changes the dynamic of the game.

9. SoulCalibur II: sword duels

Available notably on GameCube, PS2, and Xbox, SoulCalibur II offers fights where weapon range and movement matter as much as combos.

Choose the version corresponding to your console: the guest lists differ depending on the editions. The two players compete on the same machine; you are not connecting two versions from different platforms.

10. TimeSplitters 2: a two-player campaign

TimeSplitters 2 allows two players to complete its campaign together in split-screen co-op. It also offers local battles for those who prefer to compete against each other.

It is an option for FPS fans who want to share something more than just a simple match. Take into account the available screen space and choose a game suited to the age and preferences of the participants.

11. LEGO Star Wars: a cooperative adventure on PS2

LEGO Star Wars: The Video Game on PlayStation 2 combines action, building, and small puzzles in an adventure accessible to two players. The characters have different abilities that encourage you to divide the actions.

This version uses a shared camera: sometimes you need to coordinate to move in the same direction. Do not assume that the portable adaptations of the same title offer exactly the same possibilities.

12. New Super Mario Bros. Wii: cooperating in the same level

On the Wii, up to four players can progress simultaneously. For two players, you share platforms and bonuses, with situations where a good intention can also push your partner into the void.

Provide one Wii Remote per player. This cooperation differs from New Super Mario Bros. on the Nintendo DS: be sure to check the edition when purchasing. Nintendo details the local possibilities of the Wii version.

The equipment to prepare before the evening

Test the two controllers, the video cable, and the eventual save file. Check specific accessories if you want to go beyond two players. An available port on the console does not guarantee that every game accepts the same number of participants.

On a modern television, activate Game Mode if available: significant display lag can interfere with fighting or platform games. Also respect the image format to maintain a comfortable view of the split screen.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which game to choose to cooperate without fighting each other?

LEGO Star Wars, Turtles in Time, and the TimeSplitters 2 campaign offer common objectives. Choose according to the genre and audience rather than just the "two players" mention.

Which game to choose for very short matches?

Tekken 3 and Street Fighter II Turbo are well suited to quick matches. Super Mario Kart or Crash Team Racing races also make it easy to organize rotations.

Is an Internet connection required?

No for the local modes described in this selection. However, you need the appropriate versions and the necessary accessories on the console concerned.

Find the Super Nintendo games, the PlayStation games, the PS2 games, and the Wii games offered by Retromania. The available references vary depending on new arrivals.

Tags

Multijoueur Retrogaming

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