Retro Local Multiplayer Games Worth Revisiting

8 January 2026

Remember the good ol’ days when the biggest argument in the room wasn’t politics or social media drama—it was whether Player 1 was screen-peeking during GoldenEye? Yeah, those were the days. When gaming meant huddling around a tiny CRT TV with your best friends, tangled controller cords, and loads of friendly smack-talk. There's something magical about that era—something even the shiniest modern game can’t replicate.

So here’s a throwback treat: a handpicked list of retro local multiplayer games worth revisiting. Whether you're a nostalgic gamer looking to relive your childhood or a new-gen player curious about the roots of couch co-op, this one’s for you.

Let’s power up that old console (or emulator, we’re not judging), call up your friends, and take a trip down pixelated memory lane.

Why Retro Local Multiplayer Games Still Matter Today

Before we talk titles, let’s touch base on _why_ these games are still totally worth your time today.

Sure, online multiplayer is king now. But there’s nothing quite like the chaos of sitting next to your buddy, yelling at each other while mashing buttons. Retro games were built with simplicity and raw fun in mind. No mandatory updates. No microtransactions. Just pure, unfiltered gameplay.

Plus, retro local multiplayer has this amazing ability to bring people together—whether it’s over beers and pizza or a family game night.

You don’t need voice chat; you’ve got actual voices. And instead of rage-quitting in silence, you get to throw the controller across the room (just be nice about it).

GoldenEye 007 (Nintendo 64)

Let’s kick things off with a legend.

If you haven’t played GoldenEye 007, you’ve missed out on one of the most iconic shooters of all time. Released in 1997, this James Bond-themed gem set new standards for console FPS games.

Why It’s Still a Blast:

- Four-player split-screen mayhem.
- Unique characters (just don’t be _that_ guy who picks Oddjob).
- A slew of creative weapons and custom match types.

This game defined dorm room rivalry long before Fortnite and Warzone even existed. There's a reason fans still mod and play this one to this day.

Mario Kart 64 (Nintendo 64)

Now we’re shifting gears—literally. Mario Kart 64 isn’t just a racing game; it’s a friendship-tester wrapped in rainbow-colored chaos.

What Makes It Timeless:

- Rubber-banding AI that keeps every race intense.
- Blue shells. Love them or hate them.
- Battle mode is still one of the most entertaining local gameplay options out there.

Seriously, few things are as satisfying (or infuriating) as hitting your best friend with a perfectly-timed red shell right before the finish line.

Super Smash Bros. (Nintendo 64)

Sticking with the N64, the original Super Smash Bros. was where it all started. A wild, chaotic brawler that brought Nintendo’s biggest icons into the same ring for the very first time.

Why You Should Revisit It:

- Straightforward mechanics that are easy to jump into.
- Each character feels unique.
- Fast-paced and wildly fun—even by today’s standards.

It’s not as polished as the newer entries, but that’s part of its charm. It’s raw, it’s unpredictable, and it’s endlessly fun.

Bomberman '94 (Sega Genesis/TurboGrafx-16)

Want a multiplayer game that causes giggles and grudges in equal measure? Enter Bomberman.

What Makes It a Hidden Gem:

- Intense four-player action.
- Strategic but accessible gameplay.
- Matches are short and sweet, ideal for quick gaming sessions.

This one’s ideal for groups because the gameplay loop is easy to grasp but tough to master. Plant bombs. Trap your foes. Try not to blow yourself up. Rinse and repeat.

Streets of Rage 2 (Sega Genesis)

Ready to punch your way through waves of bad guys with a buddy by your side? Streets of Rage 2 is your ultimate co-op brawler. Simple, stylish, and surprisingly deep for its time.

Why It's Worth a Second Playthrough:

- Fantastic soundtrack that still slaps.
- Diverse set of characters and moves.
- Fluid co-op gameplay that’s just pure beat-‘em-up fun.

This is a game where teamwork pays off, but friendly competition for the top score adds an extra layer of spice.

NBA Jam (SNES/Genesis)

“He’s on fire!”

If you remember those words, your childhood was probably awesome. NBA Jam took arcade basketball and cranked the fun up to 11.

Why It Holds Up:

- Over-the-top dunks and physics.
- Two-on-two gameplay that’s easy to pick up.
- Trash talk factor: 10/10.

You don’t even need to like basketball to love NBA Jam. It’s that universally enjoyable.

Contra III: The Alien Wars (SNES)

Now here’s a game that rewards teamwork _and_ tests friendships. Contra III is hardcore, no doubt about it—but beating it with a partner? That’s a badge of honor.

Highlights:

- Crazy weapon combos and power-ups.
- Levels that throw all kinds of madness at you.
- Coop mode that’s tough, but fair (mostly).

It’s the kind of game that makes you yell “I got your back!” one second and “DUDE, WHY DID YOU DIE?!” the next.

Micro Machines (NES/Genesis/PS1)

Imagine racing tiny toy cars on breakfast tables, pool tables, and bathtubs. Micro Machines turns that childhood fantasy into a frantic multiplayer experience.

Why It’s a Must-Play:

- Unique tracks and environments.
- Innovative shared-screen multiplayer.
- Competitive and wonderfully chaotic.

This one's an underrated classic that brings out the creative chaos you didn’t know you needed.

Worms Armageddon (PC/PlayStation)

It’s turn-based. It’s strategic. And it’s completely ridiculous.

In Worms Armageddon, you control a team of wisecracking worms with access to a massive arsenal of bizarre weapons—from banana bombs to exploding sheep.

Why It’s a Laugh Riot:

- Endless customization options.
- Strategy meets slapstick.
- Local multiplayer that leads to nonstop hilarity.

It’s the ideal blend of thinking and laughing—like playing chess if pawns could scream and launch rockets.

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles IV: Turtles in Time (SNES)

Cowabunga, dude! This side-scrolling beat-‘em-up is everything a TMNT fan could ever want. Whether you were Leonardo or Michelangelo, there was room for everyone on the couch.

What Makes It Legendary:

- Drop-in/drop-out co-op.
- Tight, satisfying combat.
- Glorious pixel art and fan-service galore.

This game is basically a Saturday morning cartoon episode you get to play. And it beats any modern reboot by a mile.

How to Play Retro Local Multiplayer Games Today

Thinking, “Okay, I’m sold—but how do I even play these games in 2024?”

Glad you asked. Here are some easy options:

1. Dust Off Your Original Consoles

If you still have your old NES, SNES, Genesis, or N64 lying around—congrats, you’re a legend. Plug ‘em in, grab a few controllers, and you’re ready to rock.

2. Use Emulators

Emulators on PC are a great way to access hundreds of retro classics. Just make sure to play responsibly and legally.

3. Buy Classic Game Collections

Many developers have released remastered or bundled versions of their retro games. Think “Sega Genesis Classics” or “Super Nintendo Classic Edition.” These often include multiplayer support and save states.

4. Look for Remakes or Ports

Some games, like Streets of Rage 4 or TMNT: Shredder's Revenge, are modern reimaginings of retro classics—and they often keep local multiplayer at their core.

Don't Let These Classics Fade Away

Gaming has evolved so much over the past few decades, but that doesn’t mean we should forget where it all started. These retro local multiplayer games weren’t just good for their time—they’re still an absolute blast today.

They remind us that great gameplay doesn’t need fancy graphics or an internet connection. All you need is a screen, a controller, and a friend (or sibling, mortal enemy, neighbor—you pick).

So next time you’re looking for something different—something real—fire up one of these classics. You won’t just be playing a game; you’ll be reliving a golden era of gaming history.

And hey, don’t forget the snacks. Because no couch co-op session is complete without a plate of pizza rolls and a bottle of soda ready to spill all over your pants in the heat of victory.

Final Thoughts

Whether you're dueling in Smash, racing in Mario Kart, or blowing each other up in Bomberman—retro multiplayer games bring people together in a way modern games often forget.

It’s not just about graphics or online rankings. It’s about laughs, memories, and maybe a few friendly controller-throwing grudges.

So, clear your calendar, gather your crew, and make some new memories with some old-school magic. Because these retro local multiplayer games? They’re more than just worth revisiting—they’re timeless.