The Nintendo Switch 2 is one of the must-have consoles thanks to its impressive hardware upgrades and smooth gameplay performance. Another of its appeals is its growing library of fantastic games. There's a title for everybody, including anything between massive open-world adventures to competitive multiplayer experiences. That said, if you're curious about which games you should jump into, we'll help you by showing 20 games that are phenomenal on the Nintendo Switch 2.
20. Mario Kart World
Nintendo's iconic racing franchise returned bigger than ever with Mario Kart World. Featuring interconnected environments, larger race counts, and plenty of new characters to choose from, this installment feels like a pretty big step-up rather than a simple sequel. We appreciate the enhanced visuals and buttery-smooth performance on the Nintendo Switch 2, which genuinely makes every race feel like a joy. It's the kind of game that can entertain you for months or even years.
(Image Credit: Nintendo)
19. Elden Ring: Tarnished Edition
Though it's only set to be released in August 2026, we're willing to add Elden Ring to this list. It's for good reason too, because we believe it's one of the greatest action RPGs of the decade. Its enormous open world is packed with challenging bosses, hidden dungeons, and wild discoveries. Every boss battle can feel incredibly challenging, but that's part of the appeal since defeating them is equally satisfying. The Tarnished Edition includes the original game, the Shadow of the Erdtree expansion, new armor, and customization features for Torrent's appearance. It's the complete package, and we can't wait for its imminent release.
(Image Credit: FromSoftware)
18. Hogwarts Legacy
Hogwarts Legacy is an action RPG that allows you to live out your wizarding fantasies in a detailed recreation of the magical world of Harry Potter. Attend classes, learn novel spells, and uncover mysteries that lie beneath. It's all part of this rather enjoyable experience — where there are a bunch of customization options — that truly creates a sense of immersion that diehard fans of the franchise will appreciate. The game's open-world structure also encourages you to explore and experiment.
(Image Credit: Avalanche Software)
17. Pokémon Legends: Z-A
Pokémon Legends: Z-A takes the franchise in an exciting new direction with a greater focus on exploration and real-time interactions. Set in a reimagined Lumiose City, the game introduces fresh mechanics while retaining the charm that Pokémon fans know and love. We particularly love the upgraded real-time combat, which allows you to move around and dodge enemy attacks. In spite of all the new introductions, building your team and discovering new secrets remains incredibly satisfying. It's definitely one of the stronger Pokémon games to have been released in recent times.
(Image Credit: Game Freak / The Pokémon Company)
16. Cyberpunk 2077: Ultimate Edition
To this day, we still believe that Cyberpunk 2077 is one of the most ambitious and most technical games to have ever been released. The Ultimate Edition on the Switch 2 includes the base game bundled with the Phantom Liberty expansion and all major gameplay overhauls. Altogether, Night City feels alive with towering skyscrapers, colorful districts, and endless side activities. The gripping main story, meaningful character customization, and engaging combat make it easy for us to recommend it to anyone.
(Image Credit: CD Projekt Red)
15. Animal Crossing: New Horizons
Animal Crossing: New Horizons is not only a great game on the Switch 2, but it's also the ultimate relaxation game. Building your dream island, decorating homes, and interacting with charming villagers creates a cozy, almost home-like experience that's unlike anything else we've experienced before. The portable nature of the Switch 2 makes daily check-ins even more convenient. Overall, it's the perfect game for those who prefer creativity and comfort over more intense gameplay.
(Image Credit: Nintendo)
14. Metroid Prime 4: Beyond
After over eight years of anticipation, Metroid Prime 4: Beyond was finally launched on the Nintendo Switch 2 in 2025 — and the wait couldn't have been more worth it. The action-adventure game delivers an atmospheric sci-fi adventure that's genuinely worthy of the series' legacy. Exploration, puzzle-solving, and first-person combat blend seamlessly as you uncover the mysteries of alien worlds. The game looks stunning on the platform and is incredibly immersive throughout the campaign.
(Image Credit: Retro Studios)
13. Stardew Valley
Stardew Valley is a timeless classic at this point, as it continues to be one of the most beloved farming and life simulation games around. In it, you are tasked with managing your very own farm, befriending townsfolk, and uncovering secrets. It creates a relaxing yet rewarding experience. The steady progression system keeps you hooked, and if you enjoy relaxing and open-ended gameplay like us, it's certainly a game you can invest hundreds of hours in. It's a perfect choice for anyone looking for a cozy adventure that they can enjoy at their own pace.
(Image Credit: ConcernedApe)
12. Minecraft
Minecraft is definitely one of the most versatile games that has ever been created. It's simple on the surface, but there's actually a whole system of complex material combinations and biome mechanics that you have to take in if you want to beat the game (or just survive). Ultimately, though, it's an extremely enjoyable game that's great for solo sessions or long runs with your friends. You can build elaborate structures, explore randomly generated worlds, or survive dangerous nights — the possibilities are nearly endless.
(Image Credit: Mojang Studios)
11. Street Fighter 6
Street Fighter 6 delivers one of the most thrilling, fast-paced, and competitive fighting game experiences in years. The revamped controls help the combat sequences feel fluid, while the familiar characters and fighting mechanics help keep the game connected to its decades-old roots. The Drive Gauge mechanic adds a new level of skill that you'll have to manage correctly if you want to be able to deploy better offensive or defensive actions. There are also a variety of game modes to test your skill in, so it doesn't matter what type of player you are, as there's something for everyone.
(Image Credit: Capcom)
10. Split Fiction
Split Fiction is a narrative-driven co-op adventure that leans heavily into teamwork mechanics. On top of that, it's got a gripping storyline that really makes you bond with the protagonists Mio and Zoe. You (and your friend) will be pushed to communicate and coordinate through the constantly shifting environments, creative puzzles, and action sequences that change from chapter to chapter. It's quite addictive, if we're being totally honest, so it's a great game if you're looking for something to sink your teeth into.
(Image Credit: Hazelight Studios / EA)
9. Donkey Kong Bananza
Donkey Kong Bananza is a platformer game that gives one of Nintendo's legendary characters a fresh adventure that's packed with a whole lot of destruction and platforming. Levels are filled with environmental interactions that invite you to smash, dig, and explore. The game balances that classic Donkey Kong charm with more modern gameplay ideas. The final result is an experience that feels both familiar (for seasoned players) and exciting (for newer players). For all this and more, it's easily one of the standout games currently available on the platform.
(Image Credit: Nintendo)
8. Resident Evil Requiem
Resident Evil Requiem is the latest installment in Capcom's legendary survival horror franchise. It's a new chapter that blends psychological tension, atmospheric exploration, and intense encounters. There's a lot of suspense, as usual, and it encourages you to carefully manage your resources. The game also has impressively detailed environments, cinematic storytelling, and terrifying enemy designs.
(Image Credit: Capcom)
7. Pokémon Pokopia
Pokémon Pokopia really took the world by storm when it was launched in early 2026. It introduced a more experimental spin on the classic Pokémon formula by focusing more on creativity and exploration in a world built around discovery and interaction. Instead of just duking it out in traditional battles, the game leans into building connections with your Pokémon and shaping environments in more playful ways. The vibrant visuals make the world feel especially alive. It's a refreshing take that we haven't gotten tired of yet.
(Image Credit: Game Freak / Omega Force / The Pokémon Company)
6. Sektori
Sektori is one of those intriguing, hard-to-describe indie-style titles that leans heavily into minimalist design and fast-paced gameplay. It focuses on tight mechanics, pattern-based challenges, and solid twin-stick shooting action that gradually ramps up in intensity the more you progress through the game. This makes it somewhat easy to learn, but so challenging to master. The game performs rather smoothly on the Nintendo Switch 2, and its visual clarity stands out during hectic moments.
(Image Credit: Kimmo Lahtinen)
5. PRAGMATA
PRAGMATA delivers a moody sci-fi adventure that's set in a bleak futuristic world where exploration and tactical combat go hand in hand. The game does a decent job of mixing third-person action with unique mechanics that, for example, include manipulating your environment. The atmospheric lighting and detailed environments truly make the game stand out. PRAGMATA's storyline is also impressive, with the companionship between Hugh and Diana being quite charming.
(Image Credit: Capcom)
4. The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild
Even years after its debut, The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild continues to stand as one of gaming's defining open-world adventures. Its freedom-driven world design encourages you to approach objectives however you see fit, which makes every playthrough quite unique. The graphics are a sight to behold, with the attention to detail being incredibly high. The experience on the Nintendo Switch 2 certainly feels smoother and quite immersive.
(Image Credit: Nintendo)
3. Hades II
Hades II expands upon everything that made the original roguelike a hit. Fast-paced combat, compelling storytelling, and great dungeon-crawling action make the gameplay experience one that's super difficult to put down. Every run introduces new strategies and character interactions that keep things fresh. On top of all that, the game's stylish art direction and excellent writing make it one of the most addictive experiences on the Switch 2.
(Image Credit: Supergiant Games)
2. Hollow Knight: Silksong
Hollow Knight: Silksong builds upon the foundations of its 2017 predecessor with new abilities, enemies, and game-changing environments. Exploration remains a central focus of the game, and it rewards more adventurous players who venture off the beaten path. The game's challenging combat and atmospheric world create a deeply satisfying adventure that's a must-play for those who appreciate phenomenal action-platformers.
(Image Credit: Team Cherry)
1. The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom
The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom remains one of the most ambitious games Nintendo has ever released on the platform. Its vast open world, creative building mechanics, and near-limitless open-world exploration make it easy to lose yourself for hours. With the Switch 2, you'll find improved performance that helps the adventure feel even better than if you played on the first Switch. There's always something to do in the game, like solving puzzles or constructing bizarre contraptions, which makes the game just so much fun.
(Image Credit: Nintendo)
The Nintendo Switch 2 is one of the must-have consoles thanks to its impressive hardware upgrades and smooth gameplay performance. Another of its appeals is its growing library of fantastic games. There's a title for everybody, including anything between massive open-world adventures to competitive multiplayer experiences. That said, if you're curious about which games you should jump into, we'll help you by showing 20 games that are phenomenal on the Nintendo Switch 2.
