The best Nintendo Switch 2 games include platform exclusives that launched alongside Nintendo's new console, as well as older games that are now enhanced on the upgraded hardware. Even though the Switch 2 is still early in its lifecycle, there's a great list of games to check out, whether that's in docked or handheld mode.

Since the release of Nintendo Switch 2, I've spent countless hours playing the games that make up its already impressive catalogue, and we've been hard at work reviewing as many games for the console as we can. Switch 2 exclusives like Mario Kart World have stood out, thanks to 4K visuals and great use of the extra horsepower that the Switch 2 provides. Still, there are plenty of the best Nintendo Switch games that make this list as well. These range from upgraded versions like The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom - Nintendo Switch Edition, to modern classics like Hollow Knight.

Looking ahead, there are loads of upcoming Nintendo Switch 2 games to look forward to. As I get my hands on them, I'll be regularly updating this list, tweaking my recommendations for the very best games to play on Switch 2 as the year goes on. For now, here are the best games to play on Nintendo Switch 2 right away.

Best Nintendo Switch 2 games 2025

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11. Rune Factory: Guardians of Azuma

A bountiful harvest

Our expert review:

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Reasons to buy

Whole host of systems interwoven masterfully A great cast of characters A real time sink you can get lost in

Reasons to avoid

-Some frame rate drops when docked-Structure won’t be for everyone

Switch 2 enhancements: faster loading times, 60FPS, better visuals when docked.

Rune Factory: Guardians of Azuma arrived at the perfect time, just a few weeks after the launch of Switch 2, and in-between two big releases. Downtime like that can be a great time for games like Rune Factory to wow players, and that's exactly what the latest entry does. Part village-building simulator, part hack and slash, Rune Factory: Guardians of Azuma offers up a seriously addictive combination, one that'll win the hearts of anyone fond of farming simulators.

In Rune Factory: Guardians of Azuma, you'll slowly build out a small village, get to know its quirky inhabitants, and even fall in love. There's a dozen characters to romance, allies that can be brought out with you on monster-hunting excursions, and plenty of upgrades that can be applied to your village. It's this upgrade loop that makes the game particularly more-ish, getting increasingly elaborate as you move from village to village building out your bases.

10. Split Fiction

BFFs

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Reasons to buy

Seemingly endless array of varying game mechanics Stunning art direction, level, and world design An epic crescendo that seamlessly mixes cinematics and gameplay

Reasons to avoid

-Puzzles could be more challenging-Changing perspectives can be jarring

Switch 2 enhancements: GameShare, GameChat.

Split Fiction is the best co-op game you can load up on Switch 2, and thanks to the new GameShare feature, Switch 1 players can even join in for the first time. The ability to play the game handheld and to use the GameShare feature positions Split Fiction in quite a unique space when compared to other platforms. The performance isn't as good as on PC or PS5, but being able to take the game on the go and share the experience with those on older platforms more than makes up for any technical shortcomings.

We found Split Fiction to be an exhilarating co-op title in our PS5 playthrough, earning it a perfect score in our Split Fiction review. On Switch 2, we found it to measure up in the fun and gameplay variety, but did find a slight hit in technical performance. It's Hazelight's best game yet, and that's saying something, managing to improve upon its predecessors in combat, storytelling, and imagination. Thanks to Friend's Pass, you can invite a friend to play alongside you for free. It's neat features like this that pair so well with Nintendo Switch 2's GameChat and overall party-play ethos. It's a match made in heaven, one that's easy to recommend for those wanting to play with pals.

9. Street Fighter 6

Fight!

Our expert review:

Average Amazon review:☆☆☆☆☆Today's Best DealsView at AmazonView at WalmartView at Amazon(Black)

Reasons to buy

Broad, accessible control schemes World Tour mode rules Seamless online functionality Excellent, diverse base roster

Reasons to avoid

-Difficulty spikes in World Tour-Microtransaction support

Switch 2 enhancements: Gyro Battle Mode, improved framerate, improved visuals, Calorie Contest Mode, and New amiibo functionality.

Street Fighter 6 was a real mixed bag on Switch, but its Switch 2 version fixes many of the issues we had. Firstly, the Switch 2 Pro Controller is a much better fit for the intricate inputs required for some Street Fighter 6 characters, with a hugely improved d-pad and back buttons that can be customized to suit your preferred configuration. Now, all but the World Tour Mode runs at 60FPS (frames per second), a huge step up that makes a world of difference in a fighting game such as this.

We absolutely adored Street Fighter 6 at launch, and it's only gotten better with post-launch additions like M. Bison, Terry, Mai, and Elena. Being able to take such a solid fighting game on the go is a real treat. You can challenge friends and use the improved tabletop mode to set up a match anywhere you want. There are some fun additional modes as well, that make very fun use of the Joy-Con's, though they're hardly the main event. With Year 3 content imminent, now is the perfect time to try out one of the best fighting games of all time on your Switch 2.

There will be a full Street Fighter 6 Switch 2 review going live on TechRadar Gaming in the near future. Once it's up, this section will be updated to reflect our Nintendo-specific playthrough.

8. Fortnite

Mouse and...Joy-Con?

Our expert review:

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Reasons to buy

Increased resolution and draw distance from Switch 1 Mouse controls are a great fit The closest thing to an endless amount of content you can get Cross-progression from other platforms

Reasons to avoid

-Mouse control setup and buttons are a bit awkward-Sometimes the new seasons are real bad-Nintendo's restrictions make the V-Bucks transfer awkward

Switch 2 enhancements: Mouse Mode controls, improved framerate, improved visuals, greater view distances, replays, GameChat.

Fortnite received a massive upgrade for Nintendo Switch 2 at launch. Now, the game runs at a steady 60FPS (frames per second), and the Mouse Mode can be used in Battle Royale matches. The mouse controls are particularly great, allowing you to use one Joy-Con as your mouse for aiming and shooting, and the other controller for movement. It's a sort of mouse and keyboard/controller hybrid that feels fantastic to use.

Elsewhere, Fortnite offers plenty outside of the headline Battle Royale Mode. There's Lego Fortnite Odyssey, a full-blown survival crafting game, the high-stakes racing of Rocket Racing, and the Guitar Hero-throwback stylings of Fortnite Festival. That's before you add in Fortnite OG, Fortnite Ballistic, and all of the user-generated maps. If you're short of things to play on your shiny new Nintendo Switch 2, Fortnite is practically 10 games in one, with plenty of variety to keep you interested while waiting for new releases.

7. The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild - Nintendo Switch 2

Wonderfully enhanced

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Reasons to buy

It’s still Breath of the Wild Looks gorgeous on Switch 2 with enhanced textures 60fps throughout, even in that forest Two save files, mindblowing Zelda notes is kind of great

Reasons to avoid

-The dungeons are still the weakest in the series-DLC isn’t included in the full version-Zelda Notes would be better in the actual game

Switch 2 enhancements: Improved visuals, improved framerate, Zelda Notes App integration.

Breath of the Wild is absolutely worth loading up on Switch 2, now that the visuals have been cleaned up and performance improved across the board. The upgrade is transformative, fixing certain pain points like the Korok Forest - which ran poorly on the original hardware. Now, you can explore Hyrule without any technical limitations holding you back.

Whether you've played Breath of the Wild before, you'll know that it's a modern classic at this point. While its sequel, Tears of the Kingdom, made smart changes and tweaks to the open exploration of Breath of the Wild, there's still magic to be found in the first of the series. Those who own the Switch Online Expansion Pack will receive the Switch 2 upgrade for Breath of the Wild at no extra cost. Remarkably, the now eight-year-old game still holds up, standing toe to toe with any of the newer games on this list.

6. Hitman World of Assassination – Signature Edition

Killer app

Our expert review:

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Reasons to buy

Looks good in handheld mode Hundreds, if not thousands, of hours of things to do Some of the best level design ever Stealthy infiltration is still brilliant

Reasons to avoid

-Choppy performance at times-A fair number of bugs-Very limited offline functionality

Switch 2 enhancements: Improved visuals, improved framerate, native version (non-Cloud).

Hitman: World of Assassination - Signature Edition brings everyone's favorite killer to the new console. Playing the game in handheld mode is a real delight, allowing you to tackle missions in bite-sized chunks and opening up a more casual way to play. Still, this is the same game that continues to receive updates to this day on other platforms, which isn't necessarily a bad thing.

There are a couple of Nintendo-themed clothing options, but Hitman World of Assassination is largely unchanged for Switch 2. Thankfully, the game is still absolutely brilliant, with the excellent Freelancer Mode being a real highlight. Featuring levels from the three main games, as well as a bunch added as DLC, this is a complete package that'll keep you busy for hours. Now, when are we getting 007: First Light again?

5. The Legend of Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom

Time to shine

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Reasons to buy

Adorable art direction Enjoyable puzzles Vibrant, memorable world

Reasons to avoid

-Combat can be a chore-Poor performance at times

Switch 2 enhancements: Improved visuals, improved framerate, Echoes favorite function added.

The Legend of Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom was brilliant at launch; however, it did tend to run into some framerate inconsistencies quite often. On Switch 2, the game has been fixed, now running smoothly and looking gorgeous on the new hardware. There's a new feature that lets users favorite Echoes, making menu browsing much easier. In short, one of the best Switch games is even better on Switch 2.

Echoes of Wisdom stars Zelda as the main playable character. It's much more of a puzzle-action game than Link's Awakening, with which it shares an art style. Zelda has a bunch of magical abilities that allow her to place objects on the world map, using them to overcome battles and traverse obstacles. This is a modern twist on classic Nintendo gameplay, which is really refreshing alongside the more open-world RPG-focused Zelda games on this list.

4. Super Mario Odyssey

The best 3D platformer for Switch 2Average Amazon review:☆☆☆☆☆Today's Best DealsView at AmazonView at Amazon(Switch)View at Walmart(Switch)

Switch 2 enhancements: Improved visuals, improved framerate.

Super Mario Odyssey is a real feast for the eyes, and it now looks even better on Switch 2. Visuals have been enhanced slightly, though this is very much still the same game that debuted in 2017. It's one of the best Mario games released so far, with a globetrotting adventure taking Mario to a bunch of weird and wacky locales. Thanks to Cappy, Mario can take control of enemies, even giant ones like the T-Rex that sleeps on one particular level. This feature really stood out at launch, and it's something we praised in our original Super Mario Odyssey review.

If you've yet to try out Super Mario Odyssey, just know that it's a love letter to the franchise, blending 3D and 2D sections that feature neat Easter Eggs and throwbacks to older games. One particular level drops Mario in New Donk City, where he goes about gathering a band for a soaring musical number. It's pure Nintendo magic, reminding players why Mario games continue to be so popular so many years after debuting all the way back in the eighties.

3. Mario Kart World

Holy cow!

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Reasons to buy

A stunning showcase of Switch 2’s increased power Knockout Tour is a chaotic blast A vast, eclectic soundtrack that I need on Nintendo Music immediately Online play is impressively stable Seamlessly transitioning to Free Roam from the menu is a blessing

Reasons to avoid

-Unlocking some characters can be frustratingly random-Character select screen is a total mess-While Free Roam can be fun, it feels a little empty-Stickers are a very underwhelming collectible-There’s no dedicated circuits-only option for Grand Prix events

Mario Kart World is the big Switch 2 launch title, and when compared to its predecessor, it's a wildly unique experience. Now, tracks are all connected on a broader open world map. Through the new Free Roam Mode, you can explore this world at your leisure, testing out your driving skills, unlocking new characters, and completing hidden challenges. So far, I've been wowed by the versatility and creativity of the driving. You can hop onto rails, ride along walls, and charge jumps to reach Coins and other boons.

Thanks to the extra power that the Nintendo Switch 2 provides, Mario Kart World looks incredible, whether that's in docked or handheld mode. Weather effects turn familiar locales into dynamic surprises. There's a whole host of outfits to unlock for the main roster, and there are even stickers that can be plastered onto your kart of choice. Simply put, Mario Kart World is a fresh new spin on the tried and tested Mario Kart formula. Knockout Tour is a real highlight, providing chaotic and tense elimination races that hinge on your ability to improvise and use items effectively. There's a whole new world to explore, and I can't wait to see what's added post-launch.

2. Deltarune

Parallel worlds

Our expert review:

Reasons to buy

Unique, personable characters Hilarious, off-the-wall writing Stunning chiptune soundtrack Surreal, atmospheric pixelated worlds Delve deeper into the story with each chapter

Reasons to avoid

-Bullet Board can feel impossible to maneuver at times-Encounters can be repetitive, especially in Chapter 1

Deltarune received its third and fourth chapters alongside the launch of Nintendo Switch 2. So far, the story is dazzling, telling an emotional tale that runs parallel to the events of Undertale. Fans of Undertale will find plenty to love here. There are familiar faces to meet, new allies to recruit to your team, and some truly wild twists and turns along the way. Deltarune shines on Switch 2, especially in handheld mode, allowing you to chip away at the game's chapters bit by bit.

There are three more chapters planned for Deltarune, but the game is already easy to recommend to Switch 2 owners. The soundtrack is second to none, combat has been updated in smart and interesting ways, and there's an overall sadness to proceedings that makes the story linger in your memory, long after you've set it down for the night.

1. The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom - Nintendo Switch 2 Edition

Best adventure game for Switch 2

Our expert review:

Average Amazon review:☆☆☆☆☆Today's Best DealsView at Walmart(Switch)View at AmazonView at Amazon

Reasons to buy

Powerful new abilities Massive, rich open world Stuffed with puzzles

Reasons to avoid

-Complex battles cause low framerates

Switch 2 enhancements: Improved visuals, improved framerate, Zelda Notes App integration.

The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom has been massively improved in its Nintendo Switch 2 version. Somehow, one of the best games ever made is now even better, with improved performance and visuals more than warranting a reason to revisit Hyrule. The new Zelda Notes app is a great companion too, featuring a sort of sat-nav that'll guide you to Shrines and Korok Seeds, and a Zelda-led narration tool that adds extra story context.

We played over 70 hours in our The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom review and found it to be an absolute delight, full of welcome embellishments and bold additions. One of the biggest new additions to the established formula is the new Zonai abilities, such as Ultrahand and Fuse, which add a new perspective to how you can interact with the game world. That's very much just scratching the surface of what makes this adventure RPG so special. It's still the best game you can play on Switch 2.

Stay tuned for our full Tears of the Kingdom Switch 2 Edition review in the near future. It'll be going up on TechRadar Gaming, meaning this section will be revisited with our full thoughts on the upgrade.

Best Nintendo Switch 2 games: FAQs

Is it still worth buying a Nintendo Switch in 2025?

Now that the Nintendo Switch 2 is out, there are some questions over whether its predecessor is still worth picking up. Given that Switch 2 exclusives are quite rare at this point, getting a Switch for cheap is still a great idea. You'll still be able to play many of the big games coming in 2025, like Pokémon Legends Z-A and Metroid Prime 4: Beyond. Check out our Switch 2 vs Switch comparison article to see what's changed between the two.

Which games should I download on my Nintendo Switch 2?

Any of the games on this list are great places to start, though there are loads of games that I'd recommend for your new console. Pokémon Scarlet and Violet has been massively updated, fixing the frankly awful visuals and performance. Then there's Hollow Knight, which is still one of the best games to get on handheld devices. You can't go wrong with a 2D Mario game either, and I'd happily recommend Super Mario Maker 2.

Are Nintendo Switch 2 games region locked?

No. Unlike some previous Nintendo home consoles, the Switch 2 is completely region-free. That means you can play physical games from other regions on your console. You will need an account from a relevant country to access its Nintendo eShop, however.

What Switch 1 games are better on Switch 2?

The majority of Switch 1 games are better on Switch 2, though there are some that feature more substantial improvements on the new hardware. The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom has the best upgrade, though you'll need to pay for it. For a free upgrade, Fortnite and No Man's Sky are brilliant on Switch 2.

How we made our best Nintendo Switch games list

The Nintendo Switch 2 is only early on in its life, but we've been covering it since it was first announced, even going hands-on before launch day. Now, we've spent dozens of hours testing the new hardware, games, and accessories, and will continue to do so, so you know you can trust our takes and verdicts.

Having covered the Switch generation from the beginning, the experts at TechRadar Gaming are therefore confident in our recommendations, which will continue to be updated as new games come out in the future.

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