The 11 best Nintendo Switch 2 games we played in 2025

2025 was an enormous 12 months for gaming, and that features gaming {hardware}. Nintendo launched its Switch 2 console in June, and since then, quite a few Change 2 titles and noteworthy updates for authentic Change video games have launched. These embody brand-new Nintendo experiences like Mario Kart World and Donkey Kong Bananza, in addition to some belated however welcome third-party titles, together with Cyberpunk 2077 and Divinity: Authentic Sin 2. Even classics like The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild obtained some new life on the upgraded console.

In case you’re contemplating shopping for a console, otherwise you’re getting one for another person, there are 11 video games that we expect are a must-buy for any Change 2 proprietor.

So what if Mario Kart World comes within the field with the $499 Change 2 bundle? It’s nonetheless so easy to recommend as a result of few different video games match the briskness at which it simply enables you to get going and have enjoyable. The most recent entry in Nintendo’s top-selling racing franchise provides many new characters, an open-world single-player mode, distinctive interconnected programs, and much more.

Among the finest methods to play the unique Hole Knight was on a Nintendo Change, so it’s no shock that the Change 2 is a good way to benefit from the long-awaited sequel, Silksong. The side-scrolling motion exploration sport seems implausible, and its attractive animations are simpler to understand because of the console’s 120Hz refresh price display.

Earlier than Larian Studios made Baldur’s Gate 3, it was greatest recognized for its Divinity sequence. The builders just lately introduced a reboot of the RPG franchise, however for now, the closest factor to BG3 that Change 2 house owners can expertise proper now’s Divinity: Authentic Sin 2, a implausible RPG that first launched in late 2017. It simply obtained a free Change 2 replace that enhances visuals and reduces slowdown, and I extremely suggest taking part in it.

The staff that developed Tremendous Mario Odyssey clearly had a ball with its most up-to-date sport, Donkey Kong Bananza. It’s simply as formidable when it comes to stage design, giving Donkey Kong a number of distinctive powers of transformation. Nevertheless it’s considerably extra harmful, letting him demolish every little thing in sight along with his fists or punch by means of the bottom to get round obstacles.

Cyberpunk 2077: Final Version

You already know Nintendo did one thing proper with the Change 2 when the graphics showcase Cyberpunk 2077 reveals up as a launch sport. The primary-person-shooter-meets-RPG performs properly on the system, particularly whenever you use the Pleasure-Con 2 in mouse mode, which makes it really feel a bit just like the PC model. This model of the sport consists of the wonderful Phantom Liberty DLC that provides much more motion, plus Idris Elba.

After practically a decade in improvement, the primary new Metroid Prime sport in practically 20 years is now accessible for the Change 2. It runs at wonderful 4K on the brand new {hardware} (or as much as 120 frames per second in 1080p), however past seems, it’s nice to be again in Samus Aran’s butt-kicking boots once more. This time, she’s obtained the Vi-O-La motorbike for getting across the desert terrain that connects the principle dungeons. The story and exploration may not have the same magic as the original Prime, however its greatest elements are nonetheless value paying the worth of admission to expertise.

Splatoon 3 was already a enjoyable sport on the unique Change, nevertheless it’s even higher with the free Switch 2 update. With sooner loading speeds and better-looking visuals, you owe it to your self to make a splashy mess in its enjoyable single-player marketing campaign and on-line multiplayer modes.

The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild

The discharge of the Change 2 made outdated issues new once more. For instance, the unique Change launch title The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild has by no means regarded or performed higher than it does within the new Switch 2 Edition, which prices $10 in the event you personal the Change sport or $70 by itself (the improve is free when you have Change On-line + Growth Pack). Quicker body charges, speedier loading occasions, higher visuals, and a GPS-style cellular app function make this one really feel like a breath of recent air.

Rockstar Video games’ open-world Western was late to hit the original Switch, however the brand new (and free) Change 2 replace makes it shine in some stunning methods. Not solely does it increase the visuals and efficiency because of the brand new console’s extra highly effective specs, it provides a PC-like mouse mode to make it a lot simpler to purpose (and extra enjoyable to play).

In case you’ve by no means performed No Man’s Sky, can we swap brains so I can expertise it once more for the primary time? The area exploration sport with an infinite universe (made attainable by way of procedural era that makes every participant’s expertise distinctive) is considered one of gaming’s greatest success tales in recent times. The builders pile on quite a few substantive updates every year, making this a superb sport to play, whether or not you wish to chill or interact in constructing an area empire. Oh, and the Change 2 replace is free for many who personal the bottom sport.

Fortnite is the one sport on this checklist that’s free to play, however that doesn’t make it one which you must go up. Epic Video games’ battle royale-style shooter is a cultural juggernaut that features characters representing an enormous array of fandoms. The Switch 2 port makes it feel like an entirely different game than the unique Change model. You possibly can drop in as a personality from Dragon Ball Z, lock and cargo as your favourite member of the family from The Simpsons, or assume the position of Sabrina Carpenter or Kim Kardashian, to call among the actually dozens of tie-ins which are enjoyable to see in-game.