💞Best Games for a Partner Who Doesn't Play Games
Handing a normal controller to someone who has never used one is the fastest way to end the evening. The trick is picking games where the input is simple and the interest comes from somewhere else.
These fall into three groups: games one of you can play while the other watches and decides, games with one-button controls, and games designed for two people with different skill levels.
Play together, one controller
Detroit: Become Human (2018)
- PC
- PS5
Mostly decisions, with a flowchart at the end showing what you missed. Passing the controller between scenes works perfectly.
Life is Strange (2015)
- PC
- PS5
- Xbox
- Switch
A slow, talky story where the choices are the gameplay. Easy to discuss and easy to hand over.
Return of the Obra Dinn (2018)
- PC
- PS5
- Xbox
- Switch
A deduction puzzle you solve on paper together. The person not holding the controller is doing half the work.
What Remains of Edith Finch (2017)
- PC
- PS5
- Xbox
- Switch
Two hours, no failure, and one of the few games that lands with people who do not play games at all.
Simple controls, two players
Overcooked! All You Can Eat (2020)
- PC
- PS5
- Xbox
- Switch
Two buttons and a stick. The difficulty comes from communication, not dexterity.
Unravel Two (2018)
- PC
- PS5
- Xbox
- Switch
Gentle two-player platforming where a stronger player can carry a weaker one without it feeling bad.
Snipperclips (2017)
- Switch
Two shapes cutting each other into new shapes. Almost no controls to learn and immediately funny.
Mario Kart 8 Deluxe (2017)
- Switch
Smart steering and auto-accelerate let a complete newcomer finish a race, which is the whole battle.
Games they might play alone
Stardew Valley (2016)
- PC
- PS5
- Xbox
- Switch
- Mobile
The most common first game for people who thought they did not like games. No failure, endless small goals.
Animal Crossing: New Horizons (2020)
- Switch
Twenty minutes a day of tidying an island. It asks nothing and rewards routine.
Untitled Goose Game (2019)
- PC
- PS5
- Xbox
- Switch
You are a horrible goose. It explains itself in ten seconds and lasts a pleasant afternoon.
Dorfromantik (2022)
- PC
- Switch
Placing tiles to build a calm landscape. Closer to a jigsaw than a video game, which is the appeal.
Gear that fits this list
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Moginno Gaming Pillow, Lap Desk Reading Pillow for Adults Teens, Arm Support Pillow for Sitting in Bed Sofa, Playing Steam Deck/Switch/Xbox/PS5, Gamer Gifts for Men Teenage Boy, Light Grey
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AceGamer 2 Pack Wireless Controller for Nintendo Switch/Lite/OLED/Switch 2, Hall Effect Joystick for Switch 2 Pro Controller with Wake-Up/Turbo/Dual Vibration/Programmable (Red+Blue)
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VOYEE Switch Controllers for Switch/Lite/OLED/PC Windows, RGB Star LED | Wireless Pro Controller, Programmable, One-key Pairing, Wake-up, Turbo, Vibration, 6-Axis Gyro Control, 10-15H Runtime
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LEGO Super Mario Game Boy - Retro Building Sets for Adults, Ages 18+ - Gifts for Birthdays - Collectible Model with Game Paks and Display Stand - 72046
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VOYEE Switch Controller for Switch/Lite/OLED, Pro Controller Red-Blue | Programmable, Wireless Remote, Motion Control, 6-Axis Gyro, Vibration, Turbo, Wake-Up, Ergonomic Grips, 33ft Range
$16.99
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Prices as of Oct 27, 2026, 4:34 AM UTC. Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon.com at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
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