Short answer: Choose Splatoon 3 if you want colorful team shooting with a recurring wave mode. Choose Borderlands Legendary Collection if you want conventional first-person gunplay, campaign co-op and loot-driven progression. Neither is a one-for-one replacement for Hypercharge: Unboxed: Hypercharge remains the closest match for four-player split-screen, online play and toy-themed wave defense.
The practical difference is how your group plays. Splatoon 3’s Salmon Run supplies the horde-session structure, but Nintendo documents a separate Switch-family console and a copy of the game for each player. Borderlands supplies a longer campaign-and-loot route, while its Nintendo listing warns that the collection needs a download of at least 49 GB. Use the comparison and setup checks below before buying.
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
The best alternatives at a glance
| Game | Perspective and feel | Co-op structure | Local-play reality | Important requirements |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hypercharge: Unboxed | First- and third-person shooting in a toy-defense setting | Four-player online or local co-op built around wave-based tower defense | Official Nintendo eShop listing explicitly supports split-screen/local co-op | Exact online requirements depend on the platform and setup |
| Splatoon 3 | Colorful third-person ink shooting | Salmon Run: a four-player team defeats waves of Salmonids and collects Golden Eggs | Nintendo Support documents one Nintendo Switch-family system and one copy per player; do not treat it as same-console split-screen co-op | Nintendo Switch Online is required for relevant online play |
| Borderlands Legendary Collection | Conventional first-person shooter with RPG-style loot progression | Campaign co-op across three games rather than a dedicated tower-defense mode | Confirm the exact edition and region before promising a couch setup; Nintendo’s listings do not establish a universal local configuration | At least 49 GB download; Nintendo Switch Online applies to the collection’s online features and Save Data Cloud where specified |
This is a trade-off list, not a claim that the three games play alike. Hypercharge combines local split-screen, online squads and wave defense in one package. Splatoon 3 moves the emphasis to competitive-style movement, ink control and scheduled team sessions. Borderlands replaces short defensive rounds with story missions, character builds and collectible gear.
The Tool Desk
Outbyte Driver Updater FREEScan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Outbyte PC Repair FREERepair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →What Hypercharge: Unboxed does that alternatives must replace
Nintendo’s official eShop description calls Hypercharge a “Cooperative First and Third-Person Shooter including Multiplayer (Split-screen/Online) with Wave based Tower Defense mechanics.” It also says that players can “Squad up with 3 other players in Online / Local Co-op and save the HYPER-CORE from total annihilation.” Those details define the baseline for this comparison.
#1 Best Overall
- 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.
Four players in one defensive loop
The important feature is not merely that Hypercharge contains shooting. Its co-op is organized around protecting an objective through successive attacks. A group can use local split-screen or online play, and the official listing describes a squad of up to four players. That makes it unusually suitable for a household that wants everyone on one console, or for a party that wants a shared wave-defense goal rather than separate campaign progress.
Why “similar” can be misleading
A game can be a good Switch co-op shooter without reproducing Hypercharge’s toy presentation, first-person option, split-screen arrangement or tower-defense pacing. Decide which feature matters most before choosing an alternative:
- Same-room play: Hypercharge is the only option in this comparison whose official listing explicitly promises split-screen/local co-op.
- Wave sessions: Splatoon 3 has a documented four-player Salmon Run mode, but its hardware setup is different.
- Traditional shooter campaigns: Borderlands is the better fit for mission-based progression and loot.
- Toy-scale presentation: Neither alternative uses Hypercharge’s toy-defense framing.
Splatoon 3: the best wave-mode alternative
Pick Splatoon 3 when your group wants coordinated shooting in short, repeatable sessions and can provide a separate Switch-family system and game copy for every participant. Nintendo describes it as “the freshest shooter around” and frames its core battles as four-on-four ink-slinging matches. Its relevant co-op answer is Salmon Run, not the standard competitive mode.
Free tools Windows power users keep installed
One-click scans. No signup required.
How Salmon Run maps to Hypercharge
In Nintendo’s launch news, Salmon Run is described as available 24/7, with a group of four players defeating waves of Salmonids and collecting Golden Eggs. That gives your team the same broad rhythm that attracts people to wave defense: enemies arrive in groups, players divide responsibilities and success depends on coordination rather than individual eliminations alone.
The objective is different. Hypercharge asks the squad to save the HYPER-CORE through tower-defense-style attacks. Salmon Run asks the team to gather Golden Eggs while fighting Salmonids. You are therefore getting a horde mode with a collection objective, not a replacement for building or defending a toy installation.
Rank #2
- 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.
The shooting feel
Splatoon 3 is a colorful third-person ink shooter. Movement, territory control and team coordination shape the experience more than conventional military weapon handling. If your group enjoys communicating about lanes, enemy pressure and when to carry objectives, Salmon Run is the strongest structural match in this list. If the appeal of Hypercharge is specifically aiming down a realistic-looking gun in first person, Splatoon 3 will feel like a deliberate change rather than a substitute.
Multiplayer setup you must plan for
Nintendo Support says each player needs their own Nintendo Switch 2 or Nintendo Switch and a copy of Splatoon 3 for multiplayer. That is the key limitation for anyone searching for couch co-op. The documented arrangement is multiple consoles and multiple game copies, not several players sharing one Switch screen.
Nintendo also flags Nintendo Switch Online requirements for relevant online play. Check the current membership requirement for the mode and account setup you intend to use, and make sure every participant can connect before organizing a session. A single purchase on one console should not be treated as a four-player local solution.
Who should choose Splatoon 3
- Groups that want an ongoing four-player horde mode with a clear team objective.
- Players who prefer bright, stylized third-person shooting to military or toy-themed presentation.
- Friends who already own multiple Switch-family systems and can provide one copy per player.
- Players who value repeatable team sessions as much as, or more than, a linear campaign.
Who should skip it
Skip Splatoon 3 as a Hypercharge replacement if your non-negotiable requirement is same-console split-screen. It is also a poor fit if you want a conventional first-person shooter with campaign missions and loot statistics. Those are not faults; they are the trade-offs created by its ink-based, team-focused design and documented multiplayer setup.
Borderlands Legendary Collection: the best campaign-and-loot alternative
Choose Borderlands Legendary Collection when “co-op shooter” means working through story missions, improving characters and collecting increasingly interesting weapons. Nintendo markets Borderlands: Game of the Year Edition in the collection as a “co-op shooter-looter,” and the package includes Borderlands: Game of the Year Edition, Borderlands 2 and Borderlands: The Pre-Sequel.
Rank #3
- 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.
Three campaigns instead of wave defense
The collection changes the shape of a co-op evening. Rather than defending one objective through repeated attacks, your group advances through campaign content and carries loot progression from encounter to encounter. The three included games give a party a much longer route through missions and character development than a session-based horde mode.
That makes Borderlands the clearest choice for players who use the words “FPS co-op” to mean a conventional first-person viewpoint, enemies encountered during story missions and a reason to keep experimenting with gear. It is not the right recommendation if your favorite Hypercharge feature is building a defensive position and surviving waves as a team.
What the Nintendo listing confirms
Nintendo’s product description identifies the collection as three games and emphasizes its co-op shooter-looter positioning. It also states that a download of at least 49 GB is required. Treat that as a product requirement, not a performance benchmark: check the free space on the console or microSD card before purchasing, because a microSD card may be needed.
Nintendo Switch Online is required for the collection’s Save Data Cloud and for online features where the listing specifies it. Requirements can vary by feature and region, so verify the exact edition shown in your Nintendo eShop before assuming that every online or save function works the same way.
Local co-op: do not assume the setup
Nintendo’s listings do not establish one universal local-play arrangement for every Borderlands title, edition or region on Switch. If your buying decision depends on couch co-op, confirm the product page for the precise collection and the number of systems you intend to use. Online campaign co-op is the safer expectation to investigate; a general “Borderlands supports local co-op” statement is too broad without that edition-specific check.
What’s actually slowing this PC down?
Pick the symptom - the matching free tool is one click away.
Rank #4
- 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
- Broad Compatible: The usb c to usb adapter widely supports all USB C/ USB A devices like laptops, tablets, cellphones, car chargers, and phone chargers. Such as compatible with MacBook Pro/Air 2023/2022, Thunderbolt 4/3 Devices,Apple MagSafe Watch 9/8/7/SE/Ultra, iPad Pro 2022/2021, Samsung Galaxy S23/S20/S10, and iPhone 17/16/15 Pro. Plug and play
- 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
Who should choose Borderlands
- Players who want first-person gunplay rather than third-person ink shooting.
- Groups that prefer a campaign they can continue over multiple sessions.
- Friends who enjoy loot, character progression and comparing equipment.
- Owners with enough internal or microSD storage for a download of at least 49 GB.
Who should skip it
Do not choose the collection expecting a four-player tower-defense loop or a guaranteed one-screen party setup. Its defining value is the amount of campaign and loot content, not a direct recreation of Hypercharge’s wave-defense structure.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Which game fits your group?
Use the requirement that would make you return a purchase. The following decisions deliberately prioritize logistics first, because multiplayer games are only useful when everyone can actually join.
If one Switch must serve the whole room
Hypercharge is the only game in this comparison with an official Nintendo listing that explicitly supports split-screen/local co-op. Splatoon 3’s documented multiplayer model requires one Switch-family system and one copy for each player. Borderlands’ local behavior must be checked for the exact edition and region. If shared-screen play is mandatory, neither alternative should be bought on the assumption that it will reproduce Hypercharge’s setup.
If every player has a console
Splatoon 3 becomes compelling when your group can meet its per-player hardware and copy requirements. Its Salmon Run mode gives four players a clearly documented wave activity, while its competitive ink battles offer another team-oriented way to play. Borderlands is the stronger choice when the group wants to stay together through campaign missions and build characters over time.
If the phrase “FPS” is the deciding factor
Borderlands is the closer fit because Nintendo describes its included Borderlands: Game of the Year Edition as a co-op shooter-looter and the collection is built around conventional first-person action. Splatoon 3 is intentionally different: it is a third-person ink shooter whose team play revolves around movement, coverage and objectives.
Best Value
- 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.
If you only have short sessions
Salmon Run is easier to approach as a repeatable team activity: Nintendo describes groups of four defeating waves and collecting Golden Eggs. Borderlands can be played in shorter bursts, but its campaign-and-loot structure is designed around progression from one mission to the next. Hypercharge remains the most direct option when you want short defensive rounds with local or online squad play.
If storage is tight
Borderlands requires special planning because Nintendo lists a download of at least 49 GB. Check available space and the capacity of any microSD card before purchase. Nintendo’s listings do not establish an equivalent download figure for Splatoon 3 or Hypercharge, so do not infer one from the Borderlands requirement.
Pre-purchase checklist
- Name the priority. Write down whether it is split-screen, wave defense, first-person shooting, campaign progression or loot. The alternatives trade these features rather than combining all of them.
- Count systems and copies. For Splatoon 3 multiplayer, plan one Nintendo Switch 2 or Nintendo Switch and one game copy per player, as Nintendo Support specifies.
- Check online membership. Review Nintendo Switch Online requirements for the exact mode. Nintendo flags the requirement for relevant Splatoon 3 online play and for Borderlands online features where specified.
- Check storage. Reserve at least 49 GB for the Borderlands Legendary Collection download and determine whether a microSD card is necessary.
- Confirm the edition and region. Borderlands features, local behavior and online requirements should be checked on the exact Nintendo eShop listing you will buy.
- Test the least flexible player. Before buying multiple copies, confirm that the person without a second console, online membership or storage can still participate. This prevents choosing a game whose central co-op requirement your group cannot meet.
Common mistakes when replacing Hypercharge
Expecting every “co-op shooter” to mean couch co-op
Co-op describes the shared objective, not the hardware arrangement. Hypercharge’s listing explicitly names split-screen/local co-op. Splatoon 3’s support documentation instead requires separate systems and copies. Borderlands needs an edition-specific check. Read the multiplayer setup, not just the genre label.
Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitches2Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problems3Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteCalling Salmon Run a tower-defense mode
Salmon Run is the closest wave-oriented alternative here, but its stated objective is defeating Salmonids and collecting Golden Eggs. Hypercharge’s stated objective is saving the HYPER-CORE through wave-based tower defense. Similar pacing does not make the objectives interchangeable.
Buying Borderlands without planning storage
A download of at least 49 GB can change the cost and preparation of the purchase if the console has limited free space. Check storage first; a microSD card may be required.
Assuming online access is automatic
Nintendo’s descriptions flag Nintendo Switch Online requirements for relevant online features in both Splatoon 3 and Borderlands. Confirm the requirement for your mode, account and region instead of assuming that owning the cartridge or download is enough.
Final recommendation by player type
| Your priority | Best fit | Why | Accept this trade-off |
|---|---|---|---|
| Four-player waves with colorful team play | Splatoon 3 | Salmon Run is documented as a four-player wave activity with Golden Egg collection | Separate Switch-family hardware and a copy per player; no documented same-console couch setup |
| First-person campaign co-op and loot | Borderlands Legendary Collection | Three Borderlands games and Nintendo’s co-op shooter-looter positioning | At least 49 GB of download space and edition-specific online/local checks |
| Split-screen plus online wave defense | Hypercharge: Unboxed | Its official listing explicitly combines local split-screen, online co-op and wave-based tower defense | It is the baseline, not an alternative; choose something else only if you want a different perspective, mode or progression model |
If you want the closest structural substitute, keep Hypercharge: Unboxed. If you want the nearest wave-session change of pace, select Splatoon 3 after confirming the multi-console setup. If you want a traditional FPS campaign with loot and can accommodate the storage requirement, select Borderlands Legendary Collection.
Recommended Free Tools
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.
