Pokémon was built to be shared. Trading a Haunter so it evolves, losing a link battle to your little brother, fighting over who gets to be Player 1 in Pokémon Stadium: that is half the fun of the series.
This guide covers the best 2 player Pokémon games we know of, which ones work as true couch co-op on one screen, and which ones need two systems. We kept it to real games and real features, so you can pick one tonight.
🎮 Want to play classics without hunting down old hardware?
Old Arcade R36 Ultra Handheld: for Game Boy, Game Boy Color and GBA-era play on the go. 4" IPS screen (720x720), 3000mAh battery, 64GB or 128GB. From $64.99.
Old Arcade Classic Console (771 Games, HDMI): for couch play on the TV. Two controllers in the box, 771 built-in retro games, plugs in with the included HDMI cable. $49.99.
Prices as listed on oldarcade.store. Free shipping on orders over $60.
Quick picks: 2 player Pokémon games at a glance
| Game | Original platform | How 2 players play | Same screen? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pokémon Stadium | Nintendo 64 | Head-to-head battles, mini-games for up to 4 | Yes |
| Pokémon Stadium 2 | Nintendo 64 | Battles, 12 mini-games for up to 4 | Yes |
| Pokémon Puzzle League | Nintendo 64 | Versus puzzle battles | Yes |
| Pokkén Tournament DX | Nintendo Switch | 1v1 fighting on one console | Yes |
| Pokémon: Let's Go, Pikachu! / Eevee! | Nintendo Switch | Drop-in co-op with a second Joy-Con | Yes |
| Pokémon Scarlet / Violet | Nintendo Switch | Union Circle co-op for up to 4 | No, one Switch each |
| Pokémon Red / Blue / Yellow | Game Boy | Link cable battles and trades | No, two Game Boys |
| Pokémon Gold / Silver / Crystal | Game Boy Color | Link cable battles and trades | No, two systems |
| Pokémon Ruby / Sapphire / Emerald | Game Boy Advance | Link battles, trades, 4-player Multi Battles | No, two or more systems |
| Pokémon FireRed / LeafGreen | Game Boy Advance | Wireless Adapter battles and trades | No, two systems |
| Pokémon Colosseum | GameCube | Battle mode for up to 4 | Yes |
| Pokémon Trading Card Game | Game Boy Color | Link cable card duels | No, two systems |
The best couch co-op Pokémon games (one screen)
1. Pokémon Stadium (Nintendo 64, 2000)
Stadium is the original Pokémon couch game. Two players can battle on the same TV with full 3D animations, which felt huge after years of tiny Game Boy sprites.
The Kids Club mini-games support up to four players and are pure party chaos. With the N64 Transfer Pak, you could even load your own team from Red, Blue or Yellow.
Today: Pokémon Stadium is available on Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack. The Switch version does not support the original Transfer Pak features.
2. Pokémon Stadium 2 (Nintendo 64, 2001)
The sequel adds every Pokémon from Gold, Silver and Crystal, plus 12 mini-games for up to four players (Egg Emergency and Delibird's Delivery are classics). There is also a Quiz mode with three difficulty levels.
If you only grab one N64 Pokémon game for game night, make it this one.
Today: Added to Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack in August 2023, with online play. Transfer Pak functionality is not available in that version.
3. Pokémon Puzzle League (Nintendo 64, 2000)
Not a monster-catching game at all. It is a fast panel-swapping puzzle game (think Tetris Attack) with a Pokémon anime theme, and the 2-player versus mode is seriously competitive.
Great pick when one player loves Pokémon and the other just loves puzzle games. It is also on Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack.
4. Pokkén Tournament DX (Nintendo Switch, 2017)
A real fighting game starring Pokémon like Pikachu, Lucario and Blaziken. Two players can fight locally on one Switch, which makes it one of the few modern Pokémon games built for couch versus.
5. Pokémon: Let's Go, Pikachu! and Let's Go, Eevee! (Nintendo Switch, 2018)
This is the friendliest couch co-op Pokémon game. A second player can jump in at any time with a second Joy-Con and help catch Pokémon and fight battles alongside Player 1.
It is a Kanto remake with simple, Pokémon GO-style catching, so it works well for kids, partners who are new to Pokémon, and parents playing with their kids.
6. Pokémon Colosseum (GameCube, 2004)
Colosseum's battle mode supports up to four players, and you could link a Game Boy Advance to bring in teams from Ruby, Sapphire, FireRed, LeafGreen or Emerald. A fun option if you have a GameCube and a stack of controllers.
The best 2 player Pokémon games on two systems
7. Pokémon Scarlet and Violet (Nintendo Switch, 2022)
Scarlet and Violet's Union Circle lets up to four players explore the open world together, battle and join Tera Raid Battles as a team. It is the closest the main series has come to true co-op adventuring.
The catch: each player needs their own Switch and their own copy. Local wireless works without the internet; online play needs Nintendo Switch Online.
8. Pokémon Red, Blue and Yellow (Game Boy)
Where it all started. Two Game Boys, two cartridges and a Game Boy Link Cable let you battle and trade at the Cable Club on the second floor of any Pokémon Center.
Trading is the only way to finish the original 151 Pokédex, since some Pokémon are exclusive to each version (Scyther in Red, Pinsir in Blue).
Pro tip: turn both systems off before plugging in the cable, and make sure it is fully seated. A loose cable is the number one reason a link battle will not start.
9. Pokémon Gold, Silver and Crystal (Game Boy Color)
Generation 2 added held items, a day and night cycle, and two new types (Dark and Steel), which made link battles much deeper. The Time Capsule even lets you trade with Red, Blue and Yellow.
Gold and Silver are still a favorite pairing for two friends playing through side by side.
10. Pokémon Ruby, Sapphire and Emerald (Game Boy Advance)
Generation 3 introduced Double Battles and abilities. With link cables, up to four players can team up in Multi Battles.
Emerald also supports the GBA Wireless Adapter, so trading and battling with a friend is less cable wrangling.
11. Pokémon FireRed and LeafGreen (Game Boy Advance, 2004)
These Kanto remakes shipped with the GBA Wireless Adapter in North America. Hop into the Union Room at any Pokémon Center to trade and battle with a nearby friend. A great pick if you want the original story with GBA polish.
12. Pokémon Trading Card Game (Game Boy Color)
A faithful video game version of the early card game, with link cable duels between two players. It also landed in the Game Boy library on Nintendo Switch Online in August 2023.
Bonus: Pokémon UNITE (Nintendo Switch, iOS, Android)
UNITE is a free-to-start online 5v5 team battle game. You and a friend can party up on the same team, even across Switch and mobile. It is online only, so it is not couch co-op, but it is an easy, free way to play Pokémon together.
How to play 2 player Pokémon games today
You have three realistic options:
- Original hardware. The most authentic way: real cartridges, link cables, N64 controllers. Expect to pay collector prices for cartridges in good condition.
- Nintendo Switch Online. The Expansion Pack tier includes Pokémon Stadium, Stadium 2, Puzzle League and Snap. The standard tier's Game Boy library includes the Pokémon Trading Card Game.
- A retro handheld or plug-and-play console. The easiest way to enjoy classic-era games on one device. The R36 Ultra supports Game Boy, Game Boy Color and GBA emulation on a 4" IPS screen, and our Classic Console brings 771 built-in retro games and two controllers to your TV for couch play.
Pokémon games belong to Nintendo, Game Freak and The Pokémon Company, so play copies you have the rights to. If you are unsure how that works with emulators, read our guide: Are retro gaming consoles legal to buy?
FAQ: 2 player and couch co-op Pokémon games
What are the best couch co-op Pokémon games?
For true same-screen co-op, Pokémon: Let's Go, Pikachu! and Let's Go, Eevee! are the best, since a second player can join any time with a second Joy-Con. For couch versus, Pokémon Stadium 2, Pokkén Tournament DX and Pokémon Puzzle League are the top picks.
What is the best 2 player Pokémon game?
It depends on how you want to play. Pokémon Stadium 2 is the best party pick for one TV. Scarlet and Violet are the best for exploring together, as long as each player has a Switch. Gold and Silver are the best classic pairing for link battles and trades.
Can two people play Pokémon on one console?
Yes, in some games. Let's Go Pikachu/Eevee, Pokkén Tournament DX, Pokémon Stadium, Pokémon Stadium 2, Pokémon Puzzle League and Pokémon Colosseum all support two players on one system. Most main-series games (Red through Scarlet/Violet) need one system per player.
Can you play Scarlet and Violet co-op on one Switch?
No. Union Circle co-op needs one Switch and one copy of the game per player, connected by local wireless or online.
Is there a good 2 player Pokémon game for kids?
Pokémon: Let's Go is the easiest. Catching is simple, Player 2 can drop in and out, and nobody gets stuck on a hard battle alone. Pokémon Stadium 2's mini-games are also great for younger players.
Can I play Pokémon games on a retro handheld?
Retro handhelds like the R36 Ultra emulate Game Boy, Game Boy Color and GBA, which covers the classic handheld generations. Link-cable style trading and battling between two handhelds depends on the device and emulator, so do not count on it for multiplayer.
Your next Pokémon battle awaits
The best 2 player Pokémon game is the one that gets you and a friend on the same couch, or at least the same Cable Club. Pick a party game like Stadium 2 for game night, Let's Go for co-op with the kids, or a classic link battle if you still have two Game Boys in a drawer.
Want more couch games? See our best 4-player PS2 games and best retro handhelds under $100.
