Some links on this page are affiliate links: if you buy through them we may earn a commission, at no extra cost to you.
Marvel Ultimate Alliance 3: The Black Order is the clearest choice if “multiple playable characters” means selecting different Marvel heroes and switching among them in action combat, including couch co-op. Marvel’s Midnight Suns also lets you bring several heroes into a mission, but its turn-based battles use cards and allow up to three selected heroes at a time. Marvel’s Guardians of the Galaxy is different: you directly control Star-Lord while ordering attacks from Rocket, Groot, Drax and Gamora. It is a team game, not a freely swappable five-character game.
That distinction matters more than the size of the on-screen team. The comparison below separates direct control, tactical selection, cooperative play, platform availability and downloadable content so you can choose the Marvel game that fits the way you want to play.
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
At a glance
| Name | Best for | Key spec | Platforms | Checked |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Marvel Ultimate Alliance 3: The Black Order | Choosing from a broad Marvel roster and playing action co-op | Hero-focused action RPG; 1–4 players on one Switch, local wireless or online | Nintendo Switch; Nintendo lists it as supported on Switch 2 | Oct 2026 |
| Marvel’s Midnight Suns | Building a tactical squad and developing hero relationships | Select up to three heroes per combat mission; abilities are represented by cards | PC, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation 4 and Xbox One (the last two digital-only releases); no Switch version | Oct 2026 |
| Marvel’s Guardians of the Galaxy | A focused single-player Guardians story led by Star-Lord | Direct control is Star-Lord; four teammates contribute commanded abilities | PC, PlayStation, Xbox and a Cloud Version on Switch in select regions | Oct 2026 |
Which Marvel game lets you directly play different heroes?
Ultimate Alliance 3 is the best match for direct character choice and switching. You assemble a team from a large cast spanning the Avengers, Guardians, X-Men and other Marvel groups, then use those heroes in action-RPG combat. Nintendo describes team combinations that can provide bonuses, so the roster is not merely cosmetic: who you put together affects how a team is built.
Midnight Suns meets a narrower version of the same request. You select up to three heroes for each tactical mission and customize their individual ability-card sets. You are choosing a squad and managing turns rather than rapidly swapping between action-game protagonists.
Popular on Amazon
- Read Before You Buy — No Video Output: These adapters support charging and USB 2.0 data transfer, but cannot transmit video signals. Except for standard USB webcams (which use USB data only), they are not compatible with HDMI/DisplayPort cables, video-capable USB-C hubs, or docking stations with video output.
- Convert USB-A Ports to USB-C: Designed to connect USB-C earphones, cables, flash drives, card readers, and other USB-C accessories to standard USB-A ports. Plug-and-play with no drivers or software required.
- Aluminum Alloy Housing: Built with a sturdy aluminum alloy shell that aids in heat dissipation and protects against daily wear and scratches. Designed to maintain a stable and secure connection.
- Compact & Travel-Friendly: The ultra-compact design allows the adapter to stay plugged into your device without blocking adjacent ports or adding bulk, reducing wear and tear on your original USB ports.
- 12-Month Warranty: Backed by a 12-month manufacturer warranty for peace of mind. Designed to meet strict quality control standards for reliable everyday performance.
Guardians of the Galaxy should not be treated as a multiple-protagonist game. Square Enix defines it as a single-player adventure in which you take the role of Star-Lord. You issue commands that make the other Guardians use their specialties, but the game does not give you direct, free control of Rocket, Groot, Drax or Gamora.
What does Ultimate Alliance 3 offer?
Ultimate Alliance 3 is the strongest option when the important words are “large Marvel roster,” “directly play” and “co-op.” It launched for Nintendo Switch on July 19, 2019. Nintendo’s product listing specifies one to four players on one system, local wireless play and online play.
Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minute2Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problems3Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesHow does its local multiplayer work?
One to four people can team up on a single Switch. Nintendo specifically notes that four players on one system require another pair of Joy-Con controllers sold separately; the console’s included controllers are not enough for four individual players. Local wireless and online modes provide alternatives when everyone is not sharing one screen, but the exact hardware and account requirements can vary with the mode and Nintendo service conditions.
How broad is the playable roster?
Nintendo presents the cast as a large selection drawn from groups including the Avengers, Guardians and X-Men. No independently verified total character count is established here, so a precise roster number would be misleading. The practical point is that the game is designed around assembling teams from many named heroes, not following one hero while companions remain AI-controlled.
What is in the paid Expansion Pass?
The Expansion Pass is separate from the base game. Nintendo identifies three packs: Marvel Knights, which adds Blade, Moon Knight, Morbius and Punisher; an X-Men pack featuring Phoenix, Gambit, Iceman and Cable; and a Fantastic Four pack with the four Fantastic Four heroes. Those names illustrate the additions and should not be read as a complete count of every downloadable character or costume.
The UK DLC listing states a European base-game requirement. Treat that regional wording as a condition for that edition rather than as a universal purchasing rule for every country. If you buy a physical copy, do not assume the game card contains the Expansion Pass; the downloadable content is a separate purchase.
The Tool Desk
Outbyte Driver Updater FREEFix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →Outbyte PC Repair FREEClear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Also popular on Amazon
- 5-in-1 USB-C Hub: Experience comprehensive connectivity featuring a Power Delivery input, two USB-A 2.0 ports, a USB-A 3.0 port, and an HDMI port. (Note: The USB-C power delivery input port is only for connecting an external wall charger to power your laptop and cannot power peripheral devices.)
- 90W Pass-Through Charging: Achieve optimal charging with 90W pass-through power to your laptop, supported by a total input of 100W, with the hub reserving 10W for operational efficiency. (Note: Wall charger not included.)
- Quick Data Transfers: Accelerate your productivity with rapid data transfers using a high-speed 5Gbps USB 3.0 port and two 480Mbps USB 2.0 ports.
- 4K HDMI Display: Enhance your visual experience with a hub capable of delivering 4K resolution at 30Hz in both mirror and extend modes. Please note that this hub is compatible with MacBook (macOS 12 and newer), Windows 10 and 11, ChromeOS, and laptops equipped with DP Alt Mode and Power Delivery. Note: This device is not compatible with Linux.
- What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (5-in-1, 4K HDMI), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.
What should Switch 2 owners know?
Nintendo’s US listing marks the Switch game as supported on Switch 2. That label indicates compatibility, not a separate native Switch 2 edition. Check the console’s current compatibility information and any required system updates before buying specifically for Switch 2.
Can you switch characters in Guardians of the Galaxy?
No—not in the sense most players mean by character switching. You play as Star-Lord throughout the single-player campaign. The rest of the Guardians are active squad members whose abilities you direct during encounters.
What each Guardian contributes
- Rocket: area-damage support.
- Groot: defensive support and battlefield control.
- Drax: a forceful attacker who can stagger or pressure enemies.
- Gamora: a precise swordfighter focused on high-impact attacks.
Star-Lord calls the shots, which creates the feeling of leading a team without giving you four additional playable viewpoints. Square Enix describes the game as an original, single-player action-adventure, so it is not a substitute for a co-op roster game either.
What is the Switch version?
The announced Switch release was a Cloud Version in select regions. That is a streaming edition rather than the same proposition as a physical Switch game card. Regional availability, network requirements and service support therefore matter before purchase; a Switch listing in one country does not establish availability everywhere.
Free tools Windows power users keep installed
One-click scans. No signup required.
Why choose it anyway?
Guardians is the pick for a directed story about this particular team, not for controlling every member. Square Enix advertised more than 40 in-game outfits and more than 30 classic 1980s soundtrack tracks. Those are publisher figures from 2021 and add customization and atmosphere, but they do not change who you control.
How does Midnight Suns handle multiple heroes?
Midnight Suns gives you a selectable team of heroes in turn-based tactical missions, with a maximum of three heroes brought into combat at once. 2K’s gameplay description says all hero abilities are represented through cards, so the central decisions concern which cards appear, how you position characters and when you spend each ability.
Also popular on Amazon
- Sleek 7-in-1 USB-C Hub: Features an HDMI port, two USB-A 3.0 ports, and a USB-C data port, each providing 5Gbps transfer speeds. It also includes a USB-C PD input port for charging up to 100W and dual SD and TF card slots, all in a compact design.
- Flawless 4K@60Hz Video with HDMI: Delivers exceptional clarity and smoothness with its 4K@60Hz HDMI port, making it ideal for high-definition presentations and entertainment. (Note: Only the HDMI port supports video projection; the USB-C port is for data transfer only.)
- Double Up on Efficiency: The two USB-A 3.0 ports and a USB-C port support a fast 5Gbps data rate, significantly boosting your transfer speeds and improving productivity.
- Fast and Reliable 85W Charging: Offers high-capacity, speedy charging for laptops up to 85W, so you spend less time tethered to an outlet and more time being productive.
- What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (7-in-1), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.
What happens in a mission?
- Choose the squad: select up to three heroes for the upcoming combat.
- Build the decks: customize each hero’s individual set of ability cards, shaping the actions that can appear during battle.
- Position and play cards: use the available cards to attack, protect allies, move enemies or create combinations. The game’s tactical format rewards planning rather than rapid character swapping.
- Return to the Abbey: between missions, the customizable Hunter explores the Abbey and interacts with teammates, making relationships and downtime part of progression.
The Hunter is the customizable central hero, while the recruited Marvel characters supply different card identities and battlefield roles. This structure can satisfy someone who wants several heroes on a mission, but it is fundamentally different from Ultimate Alliance 3’s real-time action and human co-op.
Which platforms are available?
2K released Midnight Suns on PC, PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S on December 2, 2022. PlayStation 4 and Xbox One versions followed on May 11, 2023, and those releases were digital only. The planned Switch version was dropped; there is no current Switch release to select.
What does the Legendary Edition mean?
At launch, 2K described the Legendary Edition as including a Season Pass with four post-launch character DLC packs. A May 2023 announcement identified Storm as the fourth and final DLC recruit. That four-pack statement describes the Legendary Edition’s post-launch content, not the number of heroes you can take into one battle.
For physical editions, 2K distinguishes console generations and says Season Pass and skin content can be supplied as a redeemable code in the box. A secondhand copy may therefore lack usable DLC if the code has already been redeemed. Verify the platform, edition and code status before paying a premium for “complete” physical packaging.
What is the difference between the three games’ control and co-op models?
| Question | Ultimate Alliance 3 | Guardians of the Galaxy | Midnight Suns |
|---|---|---|---|
| Directly controlled characters | Choose heroes from a broad roster and control the team in action combat | Star-Lord only; teammates’ abilities are commanded | Hunter and selected heroes act through tactical turns and cards |
| Combat style | Real-time action RPG with team actions | Single-player third-person narrative action-adventure | Turn-based, card-based tactical RPG |
| Human multiplayer | One to four players on one Switch, plus local wireless and online options listed by Nintendo | Single-player; no co-op mode is described by Square Enix | Do not treat the multi-hero missions as human co-op; 2K’s description concerns selecting heroes for combat |
| Team-building focus | Roster combinations and team bonuses | Ordering complementary Guardian abilities under Star-Lord’s leadership | Card customization, positioning and Abbey relationships |
Which game is best for couch co-op?
Ultimate Alliance 3 is the clear choice. Nintendo explicitly lists one to four players on one system, making it the only game in this comparison with documented same-console co-op. Plan for an additional pair of Joy-Con controllers if four people will play together.
Guardians is explicitly single-player. Midnight Suns lets you field several heroes, but that is a squad-management feature, not evidence of multiple human players. Buying it for a group expecting shared-screen action would create the wrong expectation.
Outdated Drivers Are Slowing You Down
One free scan finds every outdated or missing driver and matches the right update for your exact hardware.Free scan · exact hardware matchPC Slower Than It Used to Be?
A free scan shows the junk files, broken settings and background clutter dragging Windows down - then fixes them in one click.Free scan · Windows 10 & 11Also popular on Amazon
- Dual Converters, Infinite Potential：Includes 2× USB C male to USB A female adapters and 2× USB A male to USB C female adapters. Perfect for a wide range of uses—tablets with Bluetooth keyboards, expand USB ports on macbook, and more. Two different converters for all your daily needs
- Next-Level 10Gbps & 3A Charging: No more slow 480Mbps, this usb to usb c adapter has a transfer speed of up to 10Gbps, allowing you to do more transferring in less time. This usb adapter fits both USB A and USB C charger, supporting up to 3A fast charging
- Upgraded Exquisite Craftsmanship: With an aluminum alloy housing and metal connector, the usbc to usb adapter is extremely durable and sturdy. Rigorously tested to withstand more than 10,000 times of plugging and unplugging, ensuring long-lasting performance
- Widely Compatible: Transform any USB-C port into a USB-A port and USB-A port into a USB-C port, and connect up a wide range of USB-C(including MacBook, iPad Pro/Air/Mini, iPhone models with USB C ports, Samsung Galaxy series, and Google Pixel series. ) and USB A devices(including external hard drives, phones, mice, printers, and more)
- Please Note: To reach 10Gbps speed, keep the cable under 3.3 ft. For USB A Male to USB C adapters, try flipping the USB C connector. USB C Male to USB A adapters support bidirectional 10Gbps transfer within 3.3 ft
How should you choose by platform?
If you own a Nintendo Switch
Choose Ultimate Alliance 3 if you want a conventional Switch game with a broad roster and local or online multiplayer. Guardians may be available only as a Cloud Version in select regions, so confirm that your country supports it and that your internet connection meets the service’s requirements. Midnight Suns is not available on Switch.
If you play on PlayStation 5 or Xbox Series X|S
All three concepts are represented across current-generation platforms, but the experiences remain different: Ultimate Alliance 3 is Switch-only, Guardians is a single-player Star-Lord story, and Midnight Suns is the tactical option. Midnight Suns launched on these consoles on December 2, 2022.
If you use PlayStation 4 or Xbox One
Midnight Suns arrived on those systems digitally on May 11, 2023. Check the storefront edition before purchase because the older-generation releases were not physical launches. Guardians’ and Midnight Suns’ platform editions can also differ in included DLC, so read the exact product description rather than relying on a console-family label.
Which game fits each type of player?
- For the broadest playable Marvel roster and couch co-op: Ultimate Alliance 3. Its team system, real-time combat and one-to-four-player support directly match that goal.
- For deliberate squad tactics and character relationships: Midnight Suns. Pick up to three heroes, shape their card sets and spend time with the team at the Abbey.
- For a cinematic Guardians campaign: Guardians of the Galaxy. Select it when Star-Lord’s perspective and a focused story matter more than controlling every Guardian.
How we picked
The ranking uses the criteria implied by “multiple playable characters”: who receives direct control, how many heroes can be selected for a mission, whether human co-op is documented, and whether the platform edition actually exists. It does not use unverified total-roster counts, sales figures, playtime claims or hands-on performance testing.
Recommended Free Tools
What should you check before buying?
- Edition and platform: confirm Switch, PC, PlayStation or Xbox compatibility instead of assuming every Marvel title appears on every system.
- Co-op requirement: only Ultimate Alliance 3 has documented same-console multiplayer in this comparison.
- Downloadable content: Ultimate Alliance 3’s Expansion Pass is separate; Midnight Suns editions may include code-based Season Pass content.
- Regional availability: the Guardians Cloud Version was offered only in select regions, and the UK DLC listing for Ultimate Alliance 3 includes a regional base-game condition.
- Used physical copies: ask whether any included Midnight Suns DLC code has already been redeemed.
Frequently asked questions
Can you play as all five Guardians in Guardians of the Galaxy?
No. Star-Lord is the playable viewpoint, while Rocket, Groot, Drax and Gamora perform abilities when you command them. The game’s appeal is coordinating their personalities and powers within one story, not rotating through five controllable characters.
Is Midnight Suns a four-player alternative to Ultimate Alliance 3?
No. Its “up to three heroes” wording refers to the computer-controlled squad you select for a tactical mission, not three additional human participants. The game is better understood as a single-player strategy RPG with a changing team.
Also popular on Amazon
- 5-in-1 Connectivity: Equipped with a 4K HDMI port, a 5 Gbps USB-C data port, two 5 Gbps USB-A ports, and a USB C 100W PD-IN port. Note: The USB C 100W PD-IN port supports only charging and does not support data transfer devices such as headphones or speakers.
- Powerful Pass-Through Charging: Supports up to 85W pass-through charging so you can power up your laptop while you use the hub. Note: Pass-through charging requires a charger (not included). Note: To achieve full power for iPad, we recommend using a 45W wall charger.
- Transfer Files in Seconds: Move files to and from your laptop at speeds of up to 5 Gbps via the USB-C and USB-A data ports. Note: The USB C 5Gbps Data port does not support video output.
- HD Display: Connect to the HDMI port to stream or mirror content to an external monitor in resolutions of up to 4K@30Hz. Note: The USB-C ports do not support video output.
- What You Get: Anker 332 USB-C Hub (5-in-1), welcome guide, our worry-free 18-month warranty, and friendly customer service.
Does Ultimate Alliance 3’s physical game card include every character?
The base game and the paid Expansion Pass are separate products. The card does not automatically establish ownership of the downloadable Marvel Knights, X-Men or Fantastic Four content, so check the bundle name and included entitlements.
Is the Switch 2 version of Ultimate Alliance 3 a remaster?
Nintendo’s listing identifies the Switch release as supported on Switch 2. That is a compatibility designation, not confirmation of a separate native Switch 2 edition with new assets or features.
What’s actually slowing this PC down?
Pick the symptom - the matching free tool is one click away.
Are Midnight Suns’ PS4 and Xbox One editions physical?
2K’s May 11, 2023 release statement describes those versions as digital only. If you need a disc, look at a PlayStation 5 or Xbox Series X|S physical edition and verify whether its DLC code remains redeemable when buying used.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you play as all five Guardians in Guardians of the Galaxy?
No. Star-Lord is the playable viewpoint, while Rocket, Groot, Drax and Gamora perform abilities when you command them. The game’s appeal is coordinating their personalities and powers within one story, not rotating through five controllable characters.
Is Midnight Suns a four-player alternative to Ultimate Alliance 3?
No. Its “up to three heroes” wording refers to the computer-controlled squad you select for a tactical mission, not three additional human participants. The game is better understood as a single-player strategy RPG with a changing team.
Does Ultimate Alliance 3’s physical game card include every character?
The base game and the paid Expansion Pass are separate products. The card does not automatically establish ownership of the downloadable Marvel Knights, X-Men or Fantastic Four content, so check the bundle name and included entitlements.
Is the Switch 2 version of Ultimate Alliance 3 a remaster?
Nintendo’s listing identifies the Switch release as supported on Switch 2. That is a compatibility designation, not confirmation of a separate native Switch 2 edition with new assets or features.
Are Midnight Suns’ PS4 and Xbox One editions physical?
2K’s May 11, 2023 release statement describes those versions as digital only. If you need a disc, look at a PlayStation 5 or Xbox Series X|S physical edition and verify whether its DLC code remains redeemable when buying used.
Quick Recap
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 at the time of purchase will apply.
