Nintendo’s newest console, the Switch 2, is steadily constructing a library of fantastic video games, however that are the most effective? Nicely, listed here are what we expect are the 15 most important video games to spend your time with on the hand held/residence console hybrid.
As for our standards, we’ve chosen to not go along with simply any sport that’s obtainable on the Switch 2, and as a substitute have chosen solely these which were particularly created for Switch 2 and weren’t beforehand obtainable on the unique Nintendo Switch (nicely, with one single exception). Mainly, we’re not counting upgrades of years-old Switch 1 video games, similar to Breath of the Wild, Tears of the Kingdom, or Kirby and the Forgotten Land, and many others, however you can see the odd multiplatform on this listing that’s arrived on Nintendo {hardware} for the primary time
Does that make sense? I do hope so. Anyway, let’s get on with it and reveal our picks for the Top 15 Best Nintendo Switch 2 Games.
15. PowerWash Simulator 2
PowerWash Simulator 2 may be very a lot a sequel that abides by the mantra, “If it ain’t broke, don’t repair it”, and we wouldn’t have it another method. A soothing set of ranges which might be ever-expanding in dimension and complexity, scrubbing and soaking this new bunch of impossibly dirty automobiles, buildings, and furnishings is the right solution to spend a calming night in along with your Switch 2. It’s simply good, clear enjoyable.
14. Pokémon Legends: Z-A
With Legends: Z-A, it lastly appears like Pokémon is absolutely discovering its toes with regards to adapting the collection’ basic template for a 3D world. Not simply one other monster-battling RPG, Z-A makes the daring determination to take away turn-based fight fully and change it with a way more dynamic real-time system. It could take slightly getting used to, however it’s a real evolution of the now 30-year-old system that’s greater than welcome. With improved efficiency due to the Switch 2’s superior energy, one of the simplest ways to play this newest Pokémon journey is on Nintendo’s newest console.
13. Hyrule Warriors: Age of Imprisonment
Koei Tecmo returns for an additional chunk of the Hyrule Warriors apple, following up 2020’s Age of Calamity with Age of Imprisonment, which serves not solely as a muso motion spectacle, but in addition a prequel to The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom. Its story could not attain the heights of the most effective of the Zelda collection, however the satisfaction present in its fight is plain, and this time the {hardware} can sustain with the motion. All that makes it probably the greatest Switch 2 exclusives thus far.
12. Ball X Pit
Brick-breakers are virtually as outdated a online game style as you could find, however none have ever fairly completed it like this. Ball X Pit borrows from the kaleidoscopic pixel mayhem motion of Vampire Survivors and interprets that score-chasing sensation right into a collection of superpowered balls of untamed selection that may be bounced off towards enemies till all of them fall down and clear the trail alongside its steadily scrolling display screen. Throw a lightweight little bit of settlement administration into the combination, and also you’ve received one of many hardest Switch 2 video games to place down.
11. Kirby Air Riders
A sequel to 2003’s Kirby Air Trip definitely wasn’t on our Switch 2 bingo card for this yr, however maybe much more shocking is that it is genuinely nice. Maybe that shouldn’t come as a shock, although, on account of legendary Kirby creator and Smash Bros. supremo Masahiro Sakurai being behind the wheel of this combative racing sport that borrows as a lot from Smash because it does Mario Kart. In search of a little bit of chaos? Check out Kirby Air Riders in your Nintendo Switch 2.
10. Fantasy Life i: The Woman Who Steals Time
A comfy mixture of action-adventure RPG and life sim administration, Fantasy Life i: The Woman Who Steals Time hits an ideal candy spot for the Nintendo Switch 2 within the absence of a brand-new Zelda journey or Animal Crossing city to spend time in. We’re going to bend our guidelines ever so barely right here, because it did first launch on the unique Switch and different consoles on Might 21, 2025, earlier than making its solution to Switch 2 as a day one sport with enhanced visuals, however we expect it is price it to shout out a deal with of a collection that has been criminally underplayed.
9. Mario Kart World
Mario Kart World takes some dangers because it barrels out of the confines of the collection’ acquainted circuit environment and out onto open roads for the primary time. A combination of vibrant and expansive programs and open-world time trials and challenges, World modifications up the Mario Kart methodology in essentially the most impactful method since Double Sprint hit the GameCube. A day one Switch 2 launch, it is destined to be one of many console’s most-played video games for the remainder of its lifespan.
8. Break up Fiction
Hazelight Studios has develop into the go-to place for co-op video games over the previous few years due to A Means Out, It Takes Two, and, now, Break up Fiction. You and a good friend take management of authors Mio or Zoe, who dive out and in of sci-fi and fantasy worlds conjured from their artistic imaginations. It is a feast of assorted gameplay design and a real take a look at of teamwork. Obtainable to play each on-line and domestically, it’s a fantastic match for the Switch 2 and its pair of removable Pleasure-Con controllers.
7. Cyberpunk 2077: Final Version
With the ability to play CD Projekt Crimson’s dense and detailed sci-fi RPG on a Nintendo handheld looks as if it ought to nearly be unlawful, and but you are able to do precisely that. Now a far cry from the state it arrived in through the rockiest of launches, Cyberpunk 2077 has been retooled and refined into the unbelievable open-world motion RPG that it’s immediately, with the colourful Night time Metropolis enjoying host to a story of underworld revolutions and corporate-level betrayals. While you additionally throw within the magnificent Phantom Liberty growth as a part of this final version, then you definately’ve received one of many best RPGs of latest years within the palm of your hand, each time and wherever you need it on Switch 2, even when it might not run fairly as easily or look as stellar because it does on different platforms.
6. Dragon Quest I & II HD-2D Remake
Dragon Quest I & II HD-2D Remake takes two basic RPGs and brings them into the trendy age to stunning impact. Each video games are given a welcome facelift right here, however efficiently retain the retro magic that made them each so beloved after they had been first launched method again in 1986 and 1987, respectively. Practically 4 many years on, they’ve by no means been extra playable, and are among the many finest video games now you can play in your Nintendo Switch 2.
5. Ultimate Fantasy Techniques: The Ivalice Chronicles
A remaster of 1997’s Ultimate Fantasy Techniques, 2025’s The Ivalice Chronicles has lately develop into the definitive solution to play certainly one of Sq.’s most acclaimed RPGs. Its tactical battling system is as tight because it ever was, with some welcome tweaks solely making it kinder to have interaction with, together with a graphical increase that also captures the attraction of the PlayStation unique. Now totally voiced-acted, its story stuffed with intrigue and conspiracy is able to be loved by an entire new technology of gamers, and is an ideal match to be loved within the Switch 2’s handheld mode.
4. Deltarune
A chapterised follow-up to Toby Fox’s beloved cult-classic, Undertale, Deltarune picks up the place its predecessor left off by way of subverting the RPG style and delivering one thing wholly singular. Heartfelt and infrequently hilarious, its story captivates from begin to end, with its unorthodox strategy to battling simply one of many some ways it surprises via creative gameplay methods. To say rather more could be a spoiler. With extra chapters nonetheless deliberate to be launched as free updates, Deltarune guarantees not solely to be one of many Switch 2’s finest video games proper now, however lengthy into the long run, too.
3. Hole Knight: Silksong
It was additionally going to be troublesome to dwell as much as the hype that constructed up throughout Hole Knight: Silksong’s lengthy, lengthy improvement, however someway, developer Workforce Cherry didn’t disappoint. Hornet’s snaking metroidvania world is suffering from unwelcoming areas crammed with even much less inviting enemies and pesky platforming, however it’s one which additionally begs to be explored. Sure, it’s punishing, however equally as rewarding, with secrets and techniques lurking in hidden corners and behind each difficult boss struggle. The satisfaction discovered all through is sort of unparalleled on the Switch 2.
2. Donkey Kong Bananza
Donkey Kong Bananza lastly provides Nintendo’s most well-known ape a 3D platformer that may proudly sit alongside its Mario counterparts. In flip, it additionally gave Switch 2 homeowners one of many perfect video games to play on their new consoles. A delectably damaging smashathon, DK Bananza borrows parts and concepts from Tremendous Mario Odyssey, however breaks them down and reshapes them right into a Donkey Kong context brilliantly. With quite a few worlds begging to be sculpted in your picture, and tons of of treasured bananas to be uncovered, platformed, and puzzled their solution to, it is an actual showcase for what this new technology of Nintendo can appear like, whereas by no means as soon as forgetting to root itself in that decades-old wild creativity.
1. Hades 2
A Switch 2 console unique, Hades 2 someway manages to enhance on its masterful predecessor as developer Supergiant Games developed the thought of its narrative-led roguelike motion to God-tier ranges. Melinoë’s journey to the depths of the underworld and the heights of Mount Olympus is layered with element, whether or not or not it’s in its intricate weapons and ability methods, or the majesty of its putting artwork path that pops each on an enormous TV display screen or on the Switch 2’s handheld show. The peak of its style, Hades 2 is difficult to tear your self away from, and, merely put, essentially the most enjoyable you’ll be able to have in your Nintendo Switch 2 proper now.
And people are our picks for the most effective Switch 2 video games that you may play proper now. What have been your favourites thus far? Tell us within the feedback! Hungry for extra Nintendo? Then try our listing of the Top 100 Best Nintendo Games of All-Time.
Simon Cardy is a Senior Editor at IGN who can primarily be discovered skulking round open world video games, indulging in Korean cinema, or despairing on the state of Tottenham Hotspur and the New York Jets. Comply with him on Bluesky at @cardy.bsky.social.