I feel like you’re imagining a world where only loot-box games exist. There are plenty of couch co-op games if you look for them. You can also still buy physical games, and they are still cheaper used.
I have some older games and consoles. I'm talking about the current games. Do you have recommendations? I've even looked through some lists online for splitscreen games and ther choices are pretty slim for new games.
Really depends on what kind of games you play and how much time you spend with frinds. Games like Overcooked and Jackbox Party Pack can fill the void for more casual play (I even played them with parents). It Takes Two won game of the year 2021 as a game focused primarily on a 2 player experience.
The hardcore market, sure. There is less these days. AAA games are more and more targeted at american adults who are farther away than ever, and we just had 2-3 years of COVID that actively pushed people closeby to be at distance. Online multiplayer has taken over in those regards.
For me personally, I was always a huge platformer fan, so CupHead and Rayman Origins/Legends were some of my go to multiplayer expeirences for more gaming heavy friends back in the day (i.e. 6-7 years ago). As well as Kirby Star Allies that had drop in multiplayer. it looks like the upcomig Sonic Superstars will also support multiplayer as well
