The award-winning co-op adventure game It Takes Two Switch has finally landed on Nintendo’s hybrid console. Originally launched to critical acclaim in 2021 for PS4, PS5, Xbox, and PC, this emotionally resonant and mechanically inventive title by Hazelight Studios now aims to captivate a new audience.
Whether you’re wondering if It Takes Two – Nintendo Switch maintains the charm and depth of its original release—or curious about how it performs on handheld hardware—this guide has you covered.
What Is It Takes Two?
It Takes Two is a two-player-only action-adventure puzzle platformer that explores the emotional journey of a couple on the verge of divorce. Through magical circumstances, Cody and May are transformed into dolls and must navigate a surreal world filled with metaphors for their fractured relationship.
Players must work together through wildly varied levels, each introducing new mechanics and themes. It’s part therapy session, part thrill ride, and all heart.
Is It Takes Two on Switch?
Yes! After much demand, is It Takes Two on Switch is no longer a question—it is. EA and Hazelight officially launched the Nintendo Switch version in November 2022, optimized for portable and docked play.
The game is now fully available on the Nintendo eShop and physical cartridges, allowing new co-op fans to enjoy the journey.
Nintendo Switch It Takes Two: Performance Overview
Running Unreal Engine 4, It Takes Two Switch game was reworked to fit the technical limits of Nintendo’s console. While some visual concessions were made, the experience remains remarkably intact.
Bullet Points: Switch Version Highlights
- Full feature parity with other versions
- Local wireless play between two Switch consoles
- Split-screen support on one device
- Friend’s Pass: Only one copy needed to play online with a friend
- Compressed textures, reduced lighting effects
It Takes Two on Switch vs Other Platforms
| Feature | Nintendo Switch | PS5/Xbox Series X |
| Resolution (Docked) | 720p | 4K |
| Frame Rate | 30 FPS (stable) | 60 FPS |
| Local Split-Screen | Yes | Yes |
| Online Friend’s Pass | Yes | Yes |
| Audio Quality | Compressed | High Fidelity |
| Load Times | Moderate | Fast (SSD) |
While the Switch version is visually scaled down, the cleverness and emotional impact of the gameplay remain fully preserved.
Gameplay Mechanics: Perfect for Portable Co-op
Switch It Takes Two fits surprisingly well on Nintendo’s handheld thanks to the game’s intuitive controls, natural split-screen design, and family-friendly tone.
5 Reasons It Shines on Switch
- Pick-Up-and-Play Nature: Each level offers bite-sized co-op sections, perfect for quick sessions.
- Built-in Split Screen: No additional setup required.
- Friend’s Pass Compatibility: Only one player needs to own the game.
- Joy-Con Functionality: Each player can use one Joy-Con (though two full controllers are better).
- Creative Level Design: Switch’s screen size doesn’t detract from visual storytelling.
It Takes Two – Compatible with Nintendo Switch: Yes, Fully
The game is fully compatible with Nintendo Switch, both in handheld and docked modes. It supports:
- Pro Controller
- Joy-Con pairs
- Single Joy-Con per player (with limitations)
Additionally, the game offers motion controls for some sections, optional HD rumble feedback, and online co-op with voice chat (via Nintendo app).
Visual Quality: What’s the Sacrifice?
It Takes Two – for Nintendo Switch doesn’t look quite as sharp as its counterparts. Expect:
- Lower resolution textures
- Simplified shadows
- No ray tracing or advanced lighting
However, character animations, particle effects, and cutscenes are all retained in full. The developers ensured the magic of the world wasn’t lost in translation.
Is It Takes Two – Nintendo Switch the Best Way to Play?
Not necessarily—but it’s the most accessible for casual and younger audiences. If you value portability and co-op flexibility over visual fidelity, it’s a great choice.
The ability to hand your console to a friend and instantly start adventuring is priceless, especially for families.
When Portability Trumps Power
Unlike most AAA ports, Nintendo Switch It Takes Two embraces the strengths of its platform:
- Short bursts of gameplay on-the-go
- Split-screen without performance hiccups
- Stable online sessions (assuming good connection)
It proves you don’t need maximum graphics to deliver maximum emotional punch.
ExitLag and Online Optimization
While ExitLag is traditionally associated with competitive multiplayer, its benefits extend to It Takes Two Switch when playing remotely. Using cloud or mobile tethering?
ExitLag can:
- Reduce matchmaking latency
- Prevent mid-session drops
- Enhance responsiveness in motion-triggered puzzles
This ensures smoother gameplay, especially when one player is remote.
Voice Acting, Soundtrack, and Humor
Despite compression, the voice acting in the Switch version still delivers the humor and heart. Cody and May’s banter, Dr. Hakim’s wild antics, and the dynamic musical score remain intact.
From jazzy chase themes to somber string compositions, the emotional beats still land—even through Switch speakers.
Continuing: It Takes Two Switch Review – Part 2
Story Overview: Emotional Depth in a Portable Format
One of the strongest points highlighted in many It Takes Two – Nintendo Switch reviews is the narrative. The story manages to blend comedy, action, and emotional resonance in a way few games dare.
You follow Cody and May as they navigate magical versions of their home and memories, each level symbolizing a relationship issue. From rekindling passion to rebuilding trust, the game never shies away from real themes.
Even on the Switch, cutscenes are fully intact and emotional performances still hit hard.
Handheld Mode Performance
In handheld mode, It Takes Two Switch game remains smooth and readable:
- Text is clearly legible
- Frame pacing holds steady at 30 FPS
- Joy-Con drift concerns are minimal due to the game’s moderate input demands
Battery usage is average for a 3D game, offering about 3.5–4 hours of continuous play on a standard Switch model.
Local Co-op on a Single Console
A unique strength of It Takes Two – for Nintendo Switch is the ability to split-screen with just one device. Two players can:
- Use individual Joy-Cons
- Play tabletop mode with a kickstand
- Use dual Pro Controllers
This transforms any physical location into a portable co-op experience—no TV required.
Level Variety and Creativity
Switch It Takes Two doesn’t just reuse mechanics. Every new chapter introduces a fresh gimmick:
- Magnetic powers
- Time rewind puzzles
- A full musical instrument battle
These make each level feel like a new mini-game. The Switch version includes all content from other platforms without cuts.
Level Themes and Mechanics Overview
| Chapter | Core Mechanic | Visual Theme |
| The Tree | Flying squirrels, nail & hammer | Forest canopy |
| Cuckoo Clock | Time control, clone powers | Steampunk interior |
| Snow Globe | Magnetism-based movement | Winter wonderland |
| Garden | Growth and shrink mechanics | Vibrant greenhouse |
| Kaleidoscope | Rotating perspective puzzles | Abstract illusions |
Each mechanic builds teamwork in new ways, requiring communication and timing that feel rewarding on any console.
Couch vs Online Co-op: Which Feels Better?
On Switch, It Takes Two – compatible with Nintendo Switch supports both couch and online play.
Couch Co-op Pros:
- No lag or sync issues
- Easier coordination (visual cues)
- Ideal for households or in-person pairs
Online Co-op Pros:
- Long-distance play with only one copy (Friend’s Pass)
- Nintendo Switch Online voice chat support
- Use ExitLag for stable sessions if using mobile data or cloud
In both cases, syncing is fluid and load times are minimal.
Audience Reaction: How Switch Fans Received the Game
Positive Feedback:
- Users on Reddit and Twitter praise the portability
- Co-op couples say the story resonates even on a small screen
- Critics say performance is “better than expected” for Switch
Common Criticisms:
- Lower resolution can blur some environmental details
- Joy-Con size may feel cramped for long sessions
- Occasional sound sync issues during cutscenes (minor and rare)
Why It Takes Two Still Wins on Switch
The game may be less graphically impressive than on PlayStation or Xbox, but it keeps:
- All content and features
- The same story and levels
- Intact humor and heart
Portability, affordability, and ease-of-access make it a top-tier co-op experience for Nintendo owners.
Ideal Player Types for Switch Version
- Couples wanting light-hearted yet meaningful play
- Parents and kids exploring teamwork and puzzle-solving
- Friends separated by distance using Friend’s Pass
- Portable players on long trips or in shared living spaces
- Switch-first gamers curious about top-tier narrative games
Final Verdict: A Must-Have Co-op Title
Despite being graphically scaled back, It Takes Two – Nintendo Switch keeps the experience whole. It’s a technical achievement and a co-op triumph.
From snappy split-screen to intuitive Joy-Con controls, it transforms the multi-award-winning title into a pocket-sized emotional journey.
And if you’re connecting remotely, don’t forget: ExitLag helps maintain stability when it matters most.
FAQ: It Takes Two Switch
Yes. It holds 30 FPS consistently with only minor graphical downgrades.
Yes. Friend’s Pass allows one player to own the game, and another to join online.
Absolutely. Two players can use Joy-Cons or Pro Controllers on a single Switch.
All game images used in this blog belong to Hazelight Studios and Electronic Arts. They are used for informational/educational purposes only and do not imply endorsement or affiliation with the rights holders.
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