What co-op games should I play with my partner?

Dearest Mother,

I've been looking for a game that I can play together with my partner. We're both decently experienced with games ranging from Gameboy to Switch 2, but my boyfriend less so... I wondered if you had advice for co-op games that are easy to approach and not too big a commitment?

I recently got him back into Pokemon with Z-A Legends, but it's still a bit of a 'project' to fire up and commit to a session compared to something we can dip in and out of. And of course, it's more he plays and I watch! So how do I find something we can both enjoy?!

Thanks for any and all advice,
Uninspired & Frankly Tired

Dear Uninspired,

The age-old question for gaming couples everywhere! It's harder to answer than you might think, because there are so many different kinds of co-op games, and your potential enjoyment depends not just on your taste and your partner's taste, but specifically on your dynamic when you play games together. That's also something you'll have to learn over time through trial and error, unfortunately.

The co-op games made by Hazelight Studios — A Way Out, It Takes Two, and Split Fiction — are perhaps the most famous (and critically acclaimed) games of the entire co-op genre, and yet many couples describe frustration and fights ensuing when they have given these games a shot. In my opinion, this is because these games all have sections that are actually pretty difficult, even if both halves of the couple are experienced gamers. These games are also satisfying because, as a team, you must overcome these challenges — but I can't blame any couple for not wanting that vibe from a co-op game. Sometimes you just want to have a chill night together.