Quick Comparison
| Product | Best For | Est. Price | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sony DualSense Wireless Controller | Best Overall | ~$60-75 | 4.7/5 |
| PowerA Enhanced Wireless Controller PS5 | Best Budget | ~$40-55 | 4.6/5 |
| Sony PULSE 3D Wireless Headset | Best Premium | ~$90-110 | 4.7/5 |
| HORI Split Pad Pro Controller | Best for Co-op | ~$45-60 | 4.5/5 |
| Razer Kaira Pro Wireless Headset | Best Compact | ~$150-200 | 4.6/5 |
Couch Co-op Gets an Upgrade on PS5
The PlayStation 5 brought more than just faster load times and better graphics. it introduced the DualSense controller with haptic feedback and adaptive triggers that genuinely change how co-op games feel. When you and a partner both feel the same in-game tension through your controllers, it creates a shared physical experience that was not possible on previous hardware.
The PS5 couch co-op library includes both native next-gen titles and a massive catalog of backward-compatible PS4 games that run better than ever on the new hardware. Whether you are picking up a PS5 specifically for local multiplayer or looking to expand your existing library, the five games below represent the best the platform has to offer.
Top 5 Couch Co-op PS5 Games
1. It Takes Two (PS5 Version). The co-op masterpiece now runs at a locked 60fps with near-instant load times on PS5. If you have not experienced this game yet, the PS5 version is the definitive way to play. Two players only, but every moment is crafted with extraordinary care.
2. Sackboy: A Big Adventure. Sony’s most family-friendly co-op title on PS5 features gorgeous visuals, excellent level design, and support for up to four local players. The DualSense haptics add subtle but satisfying texture feedback that makes the tactile gameplay feel even more alive.
3. Overcooked: All You Can Eat. The definitive Overcooked collection includes the original game, Overcooked 2, and all DLC remastered for PS5. It runs at 60fps, supports up to four local players, and adds cross-play if you ever want to extend beyond the couch.
4. Returnal (Two-Player Co-op Mode). Housemarque’s brutal roguelike added a two-player co-op mode that transforms the experience entirely. Sharing the run with a partner makes the punishing difficulty feel more manageable without removing the tension. Best for experienced gamers who want a challenge together.
5. Trine 4: The Nightmare Prince. A stunning puzzle-platformer that supports up to four players locally. Each player controls a character with unique abilities, and the puzzles require genuine cooperation to solve. The PS5 version’s visual clarity makes reading the beautifully illustrated environments easier than ever.
What to Look for in a Couch Co-op PS5 Game
Native PS5 vs backward compatible. Native PS5 games take full advantage of DualSense features, faster SSDs, and higher frame rates. Backward-compatible PS4 titles still play well on PS5 but miss some of these enhancements. For the best possible co-op experience, prioritize native PS5 titles when they are available.
DualSense co-op features. Some PS5 co-op games implement haptic feedback and adaptive triggers in ways that genuinely enhance the shared experience. In Sackboy, for example, both players feel different surfaces underfoot. These details matter and separate truly next-gen co-op from ports.
Couch space and screen size. PS5 games at 4K can look extraordinary, but split-screen co-op at 4K still divides your screen. A 55-inch or larger TV makes split-screen games dramatically more enjoyable. If your TV is smaller, prioritize shared-screen games over split-screen titles.
Backward compatibility value. The PS4’s couch co-op library is massive and largely compatible with PS5. You do not need to spend money on new titles exclusively. many PS4 co-op classics run beautifully on PS5 and are available cheaply as physical or digital copies.
Final Thoughts
The PS5 couch co-op library is strong and getting stronger. For most players, It Takes Two remains the single best co-op experience on the platform regardless of generation. But Sackboy and Overcooked: All You Can Eat are the better picks when your group includes kids or casual gamers. Invest in a second DualSense controller and make the most of what Sony’s current generation has to offer.
Frequently asked questions
Does PS5 have good couch co-op games?+
Yes. the PS5 has a growing library of excellent couch co-op games, including native PS5 titles and backward-compatible PS4 games. Titles like It Takes Two, Sackboy: A Big Adventure, and Returnal's two-player mode all take advantage of PS5 hardware. The library continues to grow with new releases each year.
Can you play couch co-op on PS5 with PS4 controllers?+
For PS5 native games, Sony requires DualSense controllers for the primary player, but some games allow a DualShock 4 to be used as the second controller. For backward-compatible PS4 games running on PS5, DualShock 4 controllers work fine. Always check the specific game's controller compatibility before buying extra controllers.
Is It Takes Two on PS5 worth buying if you already own the PS4 version?+
If you already own It Takes Two on PS4, the PS5 upgrade is free via PlayStation's upgrade program. The PS5 version loads significantly faster and runs at a smoother frame rate. If you have not played it at all, buying the PS5 version directly is the best way to experience the game at its absolute best.