How to Plan the Perfect Video Game Date Night With Your Partner

Looking to level up your date nights? You're not alone. The Knot's 2024 Relationship & Intimacy Study reveals that video game date nights are on the rise, with 37% of premarried and 31% of married couples enjoying gaming sessions as a date activity in the last three months. And it's easy to see why—bonding over controllers and consoles can power up your connection.

Whether you're diving into a friendly boss battle or teaming up in a co-op quest, video game dates are a perfect way to test your communication and problem-solving skills—which are major green flags you'll want to look for in relationships. Plus, they're a relatively inexpensive way to spend quality time together. So, if you're ready to hit pause on your usual routine and unlock some unforgettable memories, we've got all the tips and tricks you need to plan the ultimate gaming night with your partner, straight from an editor who's mastered it all with her own gamer boyfriend.

In this article:

• How to Plan a Video Game Date Night
• Video Game Date Night Ideas

How to Plan a Video Game Date Night

A video game date night is not your typical "Netflix and chill," though it can be an equally cheap date idea if you already have the equipment. Think beyond the basics of what goes into a night-in by crafting a cozy setup, stocking up on snacks and diving into a gaming adventure that'll have you both hitting high scores in fun and memory-making. Swap out your remote for controllers for a night that's anything but ordinary.

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Choose the Right Game

Picking the right game is key to an unforgettable video game date night, especially if one or both of you are novices. For the ultimate couple's experience, look for games dubbed "couch co-op." (That means games where you can play side by side on the same screen.) If you're in a long-distance relationship, there are plenty of games labeled as "online co-op" or "multiplayer" that let you connect and play together, no matter where you are.

Lucky for you, we've already rounded up the best video games for couples whether you're sharing a couch or miles apart. My boyfriend and I are currently battling the "Unbread" in Overcooked. It's a fast-paced kitchen chaos simulator where teamwork is essential. You'll need to prepare dishes under pressure from hungry customers while dealing with restaurants that move, change and even disappear—all while perfecting your recipes together. Communication is key (we often start off shouting but eventually work through the challenges with a bit of constructive debate). Each round is quick, so you can easily take snack breaks or snuggle up between levels.

Whatever game you choose, make sure it's something you both enjoy. (Personally, I'm all for adventure, but I draw the line at anything with gore or violence.) So, discuss your preferences and take the time to explore the video games available on your console or PC, whether it's Nintendo, Xbox or Steam. This way, you'll find the perfect challenge to make your next date night exciting and fun for both of you.

Set the Vibe

Creating the right ambiance is just as crucial as picking the perfect game for your date night. Begin by dimming the lights to set a relaxed, game-ready mood. For a true gamer touch, line the ceiling or TV with colorful LED light strips to create an immersive, high-tech atmosphere. (Psst, anything RGB—short for Red, Green, Blue lighting—can make an excellent gift for your gamer boyfriend, girlfriend, husband, wife or partner and add the perfect aesthetic to every video game night together.)

Next, consider your seating, whether it's a cozy couch, a plush bed or an extra-large bean bag, make sure it's spacious and comfortable enough for extended gameplay. Blankets and extra pillows on hand are essential so you don't have to fully pause your game when you want to adjust your comfort. To really escape reality and immerse yourselves in the game, you could even build a blanket fort. This charming hideaway adds a whimsical, romantic element to your setup, creating a snug retreat where you can really focus on both the gaming adventure and each other.

Dress the Part

While you'd usually expect to dress up for dates, a night of video games calls for dressing down. Show up in your favorite sweats or pajamas for a cozy, laid-back vibe. You could even achieve #couplegoals and flaunt matching sets that make you look like a perfect team. Or rock some onesies to show off your inner geek and make the night even more fun! Either way, comfort is essential for those long gaming sessions.

Stock Up On Snacks

Gaming and snacking go hand in hand. Opt for finger foods that aren't too greasy to keep your controllers clean while you play. Popcorn is a classic choice, as are pretzels, baked chips, veggie sticks or grapes, and gummies or hard candies for dessert.

If you're craving something heartier, takeout is a solid choice. After all, you don't want to waste energy cooking when you've got high scores to chase. Stick with easy options like pizza, burritos or sandwiches—cutting a steak or balancing dumplings on a chopstick isn't ideal while gripping a controller. Plus, these foods taste great hot or cold, so you won't need to hit pause the moment the food arrives.

Video Game Date Night Ideas

Now that you've built the aesthetic, let's talk about all the unique date ideas that can come from it. Whether you're feeling competitive or just want to relax, these are the best date night video game ideas to keep things fun and fresh.

A Racing Game Twist

Racing games are a classic way to spark some friendly competition between you and your partner. Take it up a notch by combining the thrills of fast cars with a game of truth or dare. Every time a race ends, the winner gets to set a playful challenge for the loser. Keep it PG with questions about their biggest fears or dares, like eating a weird food combination, or turn up the heat with questions about their biggest turn-ons and dares, like sharing a sweet kiss. (Just make sure you're both comfortable with the challenges to keep the night enjoyable and pressure-free.) It's a fun way to mix competitive gaming with a bit of flirty fun, making your video game date night unforgettable.

Mario Party Double Date Tournament

Invite your favorite couple over for some light-hearted competition with Mario Party. With a variety of four-player mini-games like "Trike Harder" and "Don't Wake the Wigglers," along with two-versus-two games like "Hammer and Sic 'Em," there's no shortage of fun challenges to tackle. While you might compete against your partner in some mini-games, your scores will be combined to take on the other couple. This way, you'll cheer each other on and work together, even as you aim for individual wins. To up the stakes, decide on a prize for the winning couple before the tournament starts—like a round of drinks on the losing team!

Story Mode Marathon

Not all games are about competition—some are all about the story. Dive into a game with a compelling narrative and experience it together, turning your date night into a cinematic adventure. As you play through the game's twists and turns, you'll enjoy the storytelling and connect on a deeper level as you discuss the choices you made, the characters you encountered and the emotions you felt along the way. Settle in with some popcorn, dim the lights and treat it like a movie marathon (except this time, you're both part of the story and can make your own choices along the way).

Virtual Date Night

Can't be together IRL? No problem. Plan a virtual gaming date night where you both play the same game online. Pick a date about two weeks in advance so you can ship each other a care package filled with their favorite snacks, warm socks or PJs or a new controller. On the big night, you can set up a video call or simply launch the same game and chat on Discord.

Have A Themed Video Game Night

Pick a theme for the evening and choose games that fit. For example, go for a sci-fi theme with games like No Man's Sky or Mass Effect, and decorate your space with related props to enhance the experience. Or dress up as characters from your favorite games for a themed costume night. Whether it's Link and Zelda or Mario and Luigi, it adds a playful and immersive element to your date night.

Game-Based Movie Night

Wrap up your game night with a twist by finishing with a movie or TV adaptation of one of your favorite games. After an hour or so of heart-racing gaming, it's the perfect way to relax while still staying immersed in the worlds you love. From Super Mario Bros. to Sonic the Hedgehog, and from The Last of Us to Tomb Raider, many beloved games have made the jump to the screen, offering a fresh take on familiar stories. As you watch, have fun comparing the movie to the game—what did they get right, what missed the mark and how might you have done things differently? Did the movie capture the essence of the game? Any surprising moments? It's a great way to keep the conversation going while you're cuddled up on the couch, adding a new layer of appreciation for the games you love by seeing them come to life in a different way.