Local multiplayer games are played on one console and allow players to co-operate or compete without the need for extra consoles and screens or an internet connection. All that is required is one console, one copy of the game, one screen and a controller for each player.

Co-operative games often onvolve both players sharing the same screen space, each controlling their own character. Lego Star Wars obviously springs to mind in this regard.

Co-operative games enable a second player to assist in the action. Mario Galaxy is the most famous of these, but other Wii games like the Dora and Diego series or World of Goo also provide good opportunities for assistance play on one console.

Other local mulitplayer games split the screen, providing a portion for each player. Family Ski and Snowboard, for example, enables four players to compete on one console provided you have enough controllers. It's worth mentioning that on the Wii a lot of mutliplayer games will require four Wii-motes and Nun-chucks. Add to this the new option of the MotionPlus add on (giving greater control in games like Grand Slam Tennis Wii) and the cost of controllers for four player can be more than the console itself. Also noteworthy, the Wii can only support one balance board making this feature a single player persuit.

Competitve local multiplayer games are becoming less common. Online services such as Xbox Live and Playstation Network - which let multiple players compete over the internet - mean that the local modes are included less often.

Sports games still provide strong support for multiple local players. EA have led the way in this with their All Play mode on the Wii which lets players of different abilities choose the controls to suite their skill level. Both Pro Evoution and FIFA offer strong local mutliplayer modes enabling 12 players to compete on the same side or split into two teams and go head to head.

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