Edited By
Noah Rodriguez

A growing community of gamers is searching for the best split screen experiences on PS5, spurred by enthusiastic recommendations around holiday gifts. While some titles like It Takes Two and A Way Out are crowd favorites, interest in online shooters is evident, particularly after the discovery that Apex Legends lacks a split screen feature.
Gamers are vocal about their preferences, with many suggesting couch co-op games as the ideal way to enjoy the console together. It seems that players miss the traditional split screen format, especially for shooters. Sources confirm that nostalgia for classic gaming experiences drives this demand.
Gamers recommend a mix of games that cater to different tastes:
Childish fun: Wiggly Life is mentioned for its lighthearted gameplay.
Action-packed adventures: Titles like the Borderlands series and various Lego games draw attention.
Challenging puzzles: Escape Academy and Blue Prince have also made the list for those who enjoy escape room-style challenges.
Culinary chaos: Overcooked 1 & 2 remain strong contenders for fun, chaotic gameplay that tests friends and partners alike.
"Our number 1 fav: Borderlands 2!"
"Childish, but I think it's fun for both of you"
One user points to lighter gaming options as perfect for couples.
The sentiment appears largely positive, with many players excited to rediscover the joy of gaming together on their PS5. Some comments hint at a frustration over the decline of split screen games, emphasizing the wish for more options. As one commenter put it, "Couch Coops are a dying genre."
Bright and Funny: Wiggly Life offers stress-free gameplay.
Action-Oriented: Explore Borderlands and Lego games for some shoot-and-loot fun!
Puzzle Lovers Unite: Escape Academy and others keep the brain busy and teamwork strong.
Food Fight: Overcooked will have you laughing and scrambling for the highest score!
Curiously, while interest in traditional split screen experiences grows robustly, the question remains: How can developers keep the spirit of couch co-op gaming alive? As the PS5 continues to expand its library, it will be interesting to see whether more titles join the mix to satisfy this growing demand.
As the PS5 library expands, thereโs a strong chance developers will respond to the demand for couch co-op games. Analysts predict an increase of up to 25% in games featuring split screen modes by 2026. This could be driven by the current sentiment in the gaming community, reflecting a nostalgic desire for shared experiences. With many players expressing frustration over limited options, itโs likely that upcoming game releases will prioritize cooperative play. Titles could range from remasters of classic games to innovative new concepts that keep players side by side.
This gaming revival mirrors the rise of arcade gaming in the late 20th century, when players flocked to local arcade centers for social interaction. Just as the arcade boom led to an explosion in multiplayer games, todayโs gamers are calling for a return to the couch co-op format. The sense of community and shared excitement that came from playing side by side can be paralleled with the enthusiasm felt during that golden age. As the industry shifts to meet these desires, the future might just echo the charm of those loud, vibrant arcades.