Playing Together: A Comprehensive Guide to It Takes Two on Nintendo Switch with a Friend

So, you’re ready to embark on the whimsical, emotionally resonant, and downright fun adventure that is It Takes Two with a friend on your Nintendo Switch? Excellent choice! This cooperative masterpiece shines brightly on Nintendo’s hybrid console, and getting started is easier than you might think. The core idea is simple: one person owns the full game, and the other plays for free using the Friend’s Pass. Here’s a step-by-step breakdown of how it works:

1. The Owner’s Role: If you’re the one who purchased It Takes Two, ensure the game is downloaded and installed on your Nintendo Switch.

2. The Friend’s Pass: Your friend needs to search for “It Takes Two Friend’s Pass” in the Nintendo eShop and download it for free. This acts as a key, unlocking the cooperative experience when paired with your game.

3. Inviting Your Friend: Launch It Takes Two on your Switch. From the main menu, select the option to play online co-op. You’ll then be prompted to invite your friend from your Nintendo Switch friend list.

4. Accepting the Invitation: Your friend should receive an invitation notification on their Switch. Accepting the invitation will launch the Friend’s Pass and connect them to your game.

5. Prepare for Adventure: Once connected, you’ll both be transported to the zany world of Cody and May, ready to solve puzzles, overcome challenges, and mend their fractured relationship…all while having a blast, of course!

Understanding the Technical Aspects

While the process itself is straightforward, understanding the technical requirements will ensure a smooth gaming experience. Let’s delve deeper into the specifics.

Online Play Requirements

To play It Takes Two online with a friend on the Nintendo Switch, both players need:

• A Nintendo Switch Online subscription: This is Nintendo’s paid online service, necessary for accessing online multiplayer features in most games.

• A stable internet connection: A reliable internet connection is crucial for a lag-free and enjoyable cooperative experience.

• Each other as Nintendo Switch friends: You need to be added to each other’s friend lists on the Nintendo Switch for the game to recognize and allow you to invite each other.

Local Co-op Options

If you and your friend are in the same physical location, you have two options for local co-op:

• Couch Co-op: This involves playing on the same Nintendo Switch console, using either two Joy-Con controllers or two separate gamepad controllers. Make sure both controllers are properly paired with the console.

• Local Wireless Play: If you both have your own Nintendo Switch consoles, you can connect them wirelessly. Each player needs a copy of the Friend’s Pass (or the full game) and a Nintendo Switch console. Ensure both consoles are on the same local network for seamless connectivity.

Controller Configurations

It Takes Two on the Nintendo Switch supports various controller configurations:

• Two Joy-Con controllers: Each player can use a single Joy-Con controller.

• Two Pro Controllers: Each player can use a Pro Controller for a more traditional gaming experience.

• A combination of Joy-Cons and Pro Controllers: As long as you have two controllers properly connected to the Nintendo Switch, you can mix and match Joy-Cons and Pro Controllers.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

To further clarify any lingering questions, here are 15 frequently asked questions about playing It Takes Two with a friend on the Nintendo Switch:

1. Do both players need a Nintendo Switch Online subscription to play online? Yes, both players require an active Nintendo Switch Online subscription to play It Takes Two online. This is a standard requirement for most online multiplayer games on the Nintendo Switch.

2. Can I play It Takes Two with someone on a different console (e.g., PlayStation, Xbox)? No, It Takes Two does not support cross-platform play. You can only play with other players on the same platform (Nintendo Switch in this case).

3. Does the Friend’s Pass expire? No, the Friend’s Pass doesn’t expire. Once downloaded, your friend can use it to play with you whenever you’re playing the full game.

4. What happens if the game owner stops playing? If the owner of the full game quits, the friend playing with the Friend’s Pass will be disconnected and returned to the Friend’s Pass main menu.

5. Can I use the Friend’s Pass to play the entire game solo? No, the Friend’s Pass requires the presence of a player who owns the full game. It’s designed specifically for cooperative play.

6. Is there a physical copy of It Takes Two for Nintendo Switch, and does it require a download? Yes, It Takes Two is available on physical cartridge for the Nintendo Switch. However, it requires a download of at least 3.5GB.

7. How much storage space does It Takes Two require on the Nintendo Switch? The game requires a download of at least 3.5GB, but may need more space for updates and save data.

8. Can two people play It Takes Two on one Nintendo Switch? Yes, you can play couch co-op on a single Nintendo Switch using either two Joy-Con controllers or two Pro Controllers.

9. How long does it take to beat It Takes Two? The average playthrough of It Takes Two takes around 14 hours, depending on your play style and how much time you spend exploring and completing side activities.

10. Can I play It Takes Two with the Friend’s Pass even if I’ve never played the game before? Yes, the Friend’s Pass allows you to play the entire game cooperatively, even if it’s your first time experiencing It Takes Two.

11. Do both players need the same region Nintendo accounts to play together online? While it’s generally recommended to have accounts from the same region, it’s often possible to play with players from different regions. However, connectivity issues may arise.

12. What if I’m having trouble connecting with my friend? Ensure both of you have a stable internet connection, are on each other’s Nintendo Switch friend lists, and that your Nintendo Switch Online subscriptions are active. Restarting your consoles can sometimes resolve connectivity issues.

13. Is it worth it to buy It Takes Two on Nintendo Switch? Absolutely! It Takes Two is a critically acclaimed and award-winning co-op adventure that’s well worth the investment. The Nintendo Switch version offers a fantastic experience, whether playing locally or online.

14. Can I use the Friend’s Pass to play with multiple friends? The Friend’s Pass only allows one friend to join the game owner at a time. You can’t use it to host a game with multiple players simultaneously.

15. Where can I learn more about the educational benefits of gaming? You can explore the Games Learning Society website, GamesLearningSociety.org, for resources and research on the intersection of gaming and education. The Games Learning Society is dedicated to understanding and promoting the positive impact of games on learning.

Final Thoughts

It Takes Two is a remarkable cooperative experience that’s perfectly suited for the Nintendo Switch. By following these steps and understanding the technical requirements, you and a friend can embark on an unforgettable adventure filled with laughter, challenges, and heartwarming moments. So grab your Joy-Cons, invite a friend, and prepare to be transported to a world where cooperation is key and anything is possible!