Can you believe the Nintendo Switch 2 has been out a year already? We can, and we’ve put together a list of the best games so far.
Looking back on our review from June 2025, and realising just how many games have been released in that year, it’s always a surprising thing. Remember how hard Capcom supported the device in those opening weeks? Kunitsu-Gami, Street Fighter 6. What about Square Enix with Bravely Default Flying Fairy HD Remaster, or SEGA with Sonic x Shadow Generations, and Puyo Puyo Tertris 2S. Remember Survival Kids? We’re all getting old, those are games a year old now. You’re welcome.
Back in that original review, I said: “Nintendo Switch 2 is a massive upgrade in every way that matters on a day to day basis, and with some firmware updates it could be even better.” And to Nintendo’s credit, it has been updated, and has had some seriously impressive software support. But one year on, what are the best games released on Nintendo Switch 2? Where possible we’ll link to our review, and drop a quote from said review, but for now, let’s get into the list of best Nintendo Switch 2 games.
Pokémon Pokopia
Our review (9/10) said: “Pokemon Pokopia is a fantastic entry to the cosy and town-building genres, and easily one of the greatest Pokemon games I’ve played. It ticks all the boxes for me, from endless ways to build and customise environments to scratching my nostalgic Pokemon itches with its cast of creatures and iconic soundtrack. Whether you’re a newcomer or a seasoned trainer, Pokopia is a game everyone should try. ”
Final Fantasy VII Remake Intergrade
Our review (10/10) said: “Final Fantasy VII Remake Intergrade is the new gold standard when it comes to Switch 2 ports, and one of the best games available on the system full stop. If you’re a framerate snob you may still prefer to play it on a more standard home console, but for a handheld option it’s seriously impressive. I can’t wait to play more of this trilogy while tucked up in bed on my Switch 2, as it’s now my preferred way to play one of my all time favourite games.”
Kirby Air Riders
In our 9/10 scoring review, we said: “Kirby Air Riders takes the entire kart racing genre and shakes it so hard it’s barely recognisable, but is still just as fun. With loads of different modes and a huge variety of customisation options, it’s got so much content to experiment with whether you’re playing alone or with friends. Kirby Air Riders might be the king of karts in 2025, and I was not expecting that in such a stacked year.”
Pokémon Legends: Z-A
Another huge score, we gave this one a 9.5/10 and said: “Pokémon Legends: Z-A propels the Pokémon series in a bold new direction, and does so while respecting the history of the series. This is one of the greatest Pokémon games ever made, and one of the best games you could be playing on your shiny new Switch 2. This mega evolution of the series cannot be overlooked, and might just convince another generation to obsess over Pocket Monsters.”
Hades 2
How could this one not get a 10/10? Steve says: “Expanding upon the high standards set by the original game, the sequel raises the bar on every aspect. I’ve always had high hopes but Hades 2 has gone beyond even those heady expectations. In what has been an absolutely stellar year for games, here we have an absolutely essential addition to any game collection. Hades 2 is quite simply spellbinding.”
Donkey Kong Bananza
Another massive 10/10, this time from me. I said: “Donkey Kong Bananza is a truly special game, one that rewards you for your ideas, and one that I don’t think could have been achieved with this level of quality on the original Nintendo Switch. It wasn’t a launch title and perhaps should have been, but it’s here now, and it’s easily one of the most enjoyable games of the year so far. I never thought I’d be okay with not having an Odyssey sequel, so kudos to Nintendo for delivering Donkey Kong Bananza, a game I didn’t know I wanted until I got it. Bravo.”
Resident Evil Requiem
We didn’t score this one, but our PS5 version score was 9.5/10. Lyle reckons there’s witchcraft involved in some of these Switch ports, and he might just be right. He said: “Resident Evil Requiem is an entertaining and genuinely scary horror game, and if your preferred way to play spooky games is tucked up in bed then you’re in luck. The Switch 2 is a great place to play this landmark game, and is proof that even new multiplatform releases can launch the handheld with very few issues. As long as you’re willing to manage a few small compromises, Resident Evil Requiem will be just as haunting on the Switch 2 as anywhere else.” Oh and the ports of 7 and 8 are also very worth picking up.
Fantasy Life i: The Girl Who Steals Time
Another superb game, with a phenomenal Switch 2 edition. In our review, we said: “Fantasy Life i is a gorgeous, deeper than it first appears life sim that somehow marries having a mainline story that needs to be followed, with also being open for the player to explore at leisure. It’s a fine line when a game attempts both, and I’m not sure I’ve seen it done this while in quite some time. There are annoyances, and that slow start will have people questioning what they’ve gotten themselves in for, but get past that, and you’ve got an excellent experience that you will lose hours to in the blink of an eye.”
Yoshi and the Mysterious Book
Despite being our lowest scoring game on this list, it’s probably one of the most unique titles on Switch 2. In our review I said: “Because of its laid back, lack-of-peril nature design, Yoshi and the Mysterious Book won’t be for everyone. Those seeking a challenge will have to look elsewhere, and there’s no doubt this is an adventure aimed at younger audiences, but so were the previous Yoshi games. If you’re happy to enjoy a game that’s part platformer and part weird nature documentary, then Yoshi and the Mysterious Book is the one for you.”
Sektori
Maybe the best game you haven’t heard of from the past few years? It came to Switch in 2026, and Steve gave it 9/10, saying: “Sektori is a frantic, eyeball-melting arcade blast-em-up that deserves a place in the pantheon of all-time great twin-stick shooters. Brutally unforgiving on anything but the lowest difficulty setting, it’ll chew you up, spit you out, and then teabag you for good measure but, time and time again, you’ll still come back for more. Whether you’re into leaderboard clout, achievement chasing, or simply hate yourself, Sektori will challenge you to “git gud” in the best possible way. A modern classic of the genre that sets one hell of a high bar for those that follow.”
Ball x Pit
Sticking with arcade-games, you can’t really beat a nice long session of Ball x Pit. Our 10/10 review said: “I didn’t think another game would ever replace Vampire Survivors or Balatro as my go-to game for a quick run, but Ball x Pit has done it. The Breakout-style action is such a clever spin on the genre, the fusions create all manner of chaos, and the city building is not only a nice distraction but always ensures you’re progressing. There’s a good chance that when December comes along that Ball x Pit will be my most played game of 2025, and that’s because it’s simply exceptional.”
Yooka-Replaylee
Now we’re talking. A collectathon platformer that was decent when it first came out, but is amazing now? Oh and it also now has a 60fps mode on Switch 2? Thank you very much. Our 9/10 review says: “With more than double the Pagies to collect, loads quills and five beautiful worlds to explore, you’re sure to enjoy your time as much as I have. Full of heart, a cute cast, a seemingly endless array of goodies to grab and new ideas at every turn, Yooka-Replaylee is a required purchase for any fan of the platforming genre.”
Mina the Hollower
Have you ever played a game that, despite not being exclusive, just felt right on a particular console? That’s Mina the Adventurer. A 10/10, then: “Mina the Hollower managed to live up to the hype, and even surpass it. Much like Shovel Knight before it, Mina feels retro but with modern design that ensures it’s the best of both worlds. Every single screen of this game feels masterfully crafted, with not a pixel nor mechanic out of place. Mina the Hollower is quite simply one of the best games I’ve ever played, and if you’re looking for an old school challenge with a creative twist then your new obsession is right here.”
Vampire Crawlers
Another indie game, another “non-exclusive”, but another game as good as you can get. 10/10: “I can’t quite believe how incredible Vampire Crawlers is. This fast paced deck builder is almost impossible to put down, and might be the best the genre has to offer full stop. With so many builds and synergies to uncover, unlockables to tick off, and combat that just never gets old, Vampire Crawlers is an effortlessly compelling, fever dream of a game. Even if you don’t particularly like Vampire Survivors this game has to be played, just try to put it down sometimes to touch some grass: it’s just that addictive.”
Star Fox
Now we’re cheating a bit, but I have played this game recently for preview. While we can’t speak to the final game yet, it feels like it’s going to be something special. From my preview: “After spending over an hour with Nintendo’s new take on Star Fox, I can say I’m absolutely in. This is a gorgeous, glorious revisiting of a classic, and a series that deserves more love. The multiplayer left me wanting to spend all day playing it, such was the pick up and play enjoyable nature, while the co-op was way more fun than I anticipated. While I’m not sure the Augmented Reality GameChat based fun will be for everyone, it feels like the cherry on top of a package that feels bursting with content, and as though it’s been created with love and reverence for both the source material and its audience. I can’t wait to play more of this. I loved Star Fox when it first came out, and I think I’m very much ready to fall in love with it all over again.”
Are there any we’ve missed? Let us know in the comment section if you disagree with the list. And let us know what you’re looking forward to, as well.
