The 11 best Nintendo Switch 2 games we played in 2025

2025 was a big year for gaming, including consoles. Nintendo launched Switch 2 console in June, and since then, several noteworthy Switch 2 titles and updates to original Switch games have been released. These include all-new Nintendo experiences such as Mario Kart World and Donkey Kong Bananzaas well as some belated but welcome third-party titles, including Cyberpunk 2077 and Divinity: Original Sin 2. Even classic like The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild Got some new life on the upgraded console.

If you’re thinking about buying a console, or you’re getting one for someone else, here are 11 games we think are must-haves for any Switch 2 owner.

So what if? Mario Kart World Comes in the box with the $499 Switch 2 bundle? still Very easy to recommend Because few other games match the speed that allows you to let loose and have fun. The latest installment in Nintendo’s best-selling racing series adds several new characters, an open-world single-player mode, unique interconnected courses, and much more.

One of the best ways to play the original version The hollow knight It was on Nintendo Switch, so it’s no surprise that Switch 2 is a great way to enjoy the long-awaited sequel, Silksong. The side-scrolling action exploration game looks great, and its gorgeous animations are easy to appreciate thanks to the console’s 120Hz refresh rate display.

Before creating Larian Studios Baldur’s Gate 3And he became famous for it Divinity series. The developers recently announced a reboot of the RPG franchise, but for now, this is the closest thing to it B C3 Which Switch 2 owners can try now is Divinity: Original Sin 2a fantastic RPG that first launched in late 2017. It just got a free update for Switch 2 that improves the visuals and reduces lag, and I highly recommend playing it.

The team that evolved Super Mario Odyssey He clearly had a ball in his final game; Donkey Kong Bananza. It’s quite ambitious in terms of level design, giving Donkey Kong several unique transformation powers. But it is significantly more destructive, allowing him to demolish everything in sight with his fists or punch the ground to get around obstacles.

Cyberpunk 2077: Definitive Edition

You know Nintendo did something right with the Switch 2 when it showcased the graphics Cyberpunk 2077 It appears as a launch game. The first-person shooter with RPG gameplay plays well on the system, especially when using the Joy-Con 2 in mouse mode, making it feel somewhat similar to the PC version. This version includes the premium game Illusory freedom Downloadable content (DLC) adds even more excitement, plus Idris Elba.

After nearly a decade in development, the first new Metroid Prime The game from nearly 20 years ago is now available for the Switch 2. It runs at fantastic 4K resolution on the new hardware (or up to 120fps at 1080p), but beyond the looks, it’s great to be back in Samus Aran’s sexy shoes again. This time, you’re given a Vi-O-La motorcycle to ride around the desert terrain connecting the main dungeons. the The story and exploration may not have the same charm as the original prime ministerbut its best parts are still worth the price of admission to experience.

Splatoon 3 It was already a fun game on the original Switch, but it’s even better with Free update for Switch 2. With faster loading speeds and better-looking visuals, you owe it to yourself to wreak havoc in the fun single-player campaign and online multiplayer modes.

The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild

The Switch 2 release made old things new again. For example, the original Switch launch title The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild It has never looked or played better than it does on New Switch 2 versionwhich costs $10 if you own the Switch game or $70 alone (the upgrade is free if you have the Switch Online + Expansion Pack). Faster frame rates, faster loading times, better visuals, and a GPS-style mobile app feature make this device feel like a breath of fresh air.

Rockstar Games’ Western open world has been delayed Press the original keybut the new (and free) Switch 2 update makes it shine in surprising ways. Not only does it boost visuals and performance thanks to the new controller’s more powerful specs, it adds a PC-like mouse mode for easier aiming (and more fun to play).

If you’ve never played No sky manCan we switch minds so I can try it again for the first time? The infinite universe space exploration game (made possible through procedural generation that makes each player’s experience unique) is one of the biggest gaming success stories in recent years. The developers put together several substantial updates every year, making this an excellent game to play, whether you want to relax or participate in building a space empire. Oh, and the Switch 2 update is free for those who own the base game.

fortnite It’s the only game on this list that’s free to play, but that doesn’t make it a game you should miss. Epic Games’ battle royale shooter is a cultural juggernaut that includes characters representing a wide range of fanbases. The Switch 2 port makes it feel like a completely different game From the original Switch version. You can join as a character from Dragon Ball Z-Lock and upload as your favorite family member from The Simpsonsor play as Sabrina Carpenter or Kim Kardashian, to name some of the dozens of additional connections that are fun to see in-game.