Our pick of the best Switch 2 games around right now is the perfect jumping off point if you're looking for something to tuck into on Nintendo's latest console.
From some of the latest games to arrive on the Switch 2, to Switch 2 launch games that continue to bring us back time and again, we've also taken some of the best Switch games that have gotten Switch 2 game upgrades into consideration to bring you the standout highlights available.
The Switch 2 saw some of the best games of 2025, with some memorable Switch exclusives to third-party releases that find a happy home on the console. And of course, thanks to all of the many upcoming Switch 2 games on the way - including the likes of Fire Emblem: Fortune's Weave and The Duskbloods - we're only going to have more to consider in the future. But for the best Switch 2 games you can play right now, read on below to explore our selection.
The 15 best Switch 2 games to play in 2025
15. Hollow Knight Silksong
Developer: Team Cherry
Released: 2025
It still doesn't feel real, but Hollow Knight Silksong is finally out in the wild. What's more, it's already taking the Switch 2 by storm. In fact, Team Cherry has garnered such a passionate following in the lead-up to its Metroidvania sequel that the influx of would-be purchasers caused Steam and Nintendo eShop storefronts to literally break on release day.
It's found a happy home on the Switch 2, running beautifully on the new-gen console. If you love a challenge as well as stunning bug-filled world-building, we can confidently say that this game will be right up your street. In fact, you can read our Hollow Knight Silksong review if you need more convincing on its majesty (and of course, if you haven't already, it's well worth checking out its predecessor).
14. Rune Factory: Guardians of Azuma
Developer: Marvelous Inc.
Released: 2025
Set in the kingdom of Azuma (an East Asian inspired world), Rune Factory: Guardians of Azuma is the newest entry in the iconic cozy RPG series and is the perfect pick for a relaxing handheld experience on the Switch 2. While the story isn't as gripping as Rune Factory 4 or 5, Guardians of Azuma has a ton to do and will have you hooked with its cozy gameplay loop and charming RPG elements.
Like with previous Rune Factory games, you can farm, fight, tame monsters, and even romance one of the characters you'll meet throughout the story. But what really sets Rune Factory: Guardians of Azuma apart from other titles in the series is the new city-building-esque mechanics available. Not only will you manage your room and farm, but you can also build shops and assign workers to them as well. It's a cool addition to the typical Rune Factory formula, and helps capture that cozy game feel.
13. Kirby Air Riders
Developer: Nintendo
Released: 2025
The famous pink puffball made a big comeback in the racing scene on Switch 2 in 2025, with Kirby Air Riders delivering a sequel to the classic GameCube game over 20 years later. While it may not reinvent the wheel, so to speak, it's a delightfully colorful racing adventure that offers up a Kirby-shaped alternative that's infused with Masahiro Sakurai's Smash Bros-laden history.
Part racing game, part fighter, with plenty of mini-games packed in, our Kirby Air Riders review highlights its charm and replayability, and there's something very joyful about the whole experience. If you're looking for a racing experience on Switch 2 that isn't Mario Kart, Kirby Air Riders offers a delightful alternative.
12. Final Fantasy Tactics: The Ivalice Chronicles
Developer: Square Enix
Released: 2025
Final Fantasy Tactics: The Ivalice Chronicles is a full remake of the 1997 classic that packs refined gameplay, fully voiced dialogue, and a more approachable difficulty setting. But for those who are looking to dive into an experience that's even closer to the original, it also features a classic version.
Set in the kingdom of Ivalice, the game sees you take on the role a knight by the name of Ramza Beoulve who gets caught in the middle of the machinations between warring factions. The strategic battles of Final Fantasy Tactics feels right at home the Switch 2, and the fantasy world and its 3D terrains really come to alive. If you're looking for something to sink into that will test your strategic prowess, then this is the one for you. Check out our Final Fantasy Tactics: Ivalice Chronicles review to learn more.
11. Story of Seasons: Grand Bazaar Switch 2 Edition
Developer: Marvelous Inc
Released: 2025
If you're looking for a laid-back, rewarding, and cozy experience to get stuck into on Switch 2, you can't go wrong with Story of Seasons: Grand Bazaar. It's welcoming, colorful world looks beautiful on Switch 2, and with a satisfying farming loop that sees you grow crops, raise animals, and forage, you'll then be able to see your goods at the local bazaar every week.
With lots of upgrades to work towards, plenty to discover out in the world, and lots to do to occupy your days throughout each season, it's such an easy farming sim to sink into. And with all characters fully voiced, it's a joy getting to know the locals - and yes, you can even find love, too. You read more about our impressions here.
10. Split Fiction
Developer: Hazelight Studios
Released: 2025
If you want to experience one of the best co-op games of all time on the Switch 2, then Split Fiction is the title for you. You and your player two will play as either Mio or Zoe (two aspiring authors who specialize in sci-fi and fantasy, respectively). You'll have to team up and make your way through each other's stories as you try to escape a machine that is hell bent on extracting all your ideas. Not only is Split Fiction visually stunning and emotionally touching, but its level design is heaps of fun.
Each new world you explore has its own creative mechanics, from shooting robots, flying dragons, or playing a rhythm mini-game with a bunch of monkeys. As our Split Fiction review states, the game "perfectly straddles two genres simultaneously and consistently introduces one good idea after another." With a free friend pass and local co-op available, this is the best two-player experience on the Switch 2 so far.
9. Yakuza 0 Director's Cut
Developer: Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio
Released: 2025
Yakuza 0 is the best Yakuza game ever made (just check out our Yakuza 0 review for more on that), so of course, the new Director's Cut edition of this iconic title made our list of the best Switch 2 games. Set during Japan's '80s economic boom, Yakuza 0 marks the start of the story in terms of the long-running franchise. You'll follow a young Kiryu and Majima, and play through their interconnected stories surrounding their paths in the criminal world, set against a gripping real estate plot.
Yakuza 0 has an amazing story, but is also filled with charming and silly side-quests that keep you smiling in between heavy story reveals. The beat 'em up gameplay is also uber satisfying as you hit combos and plummet enemies into the dirt. However, the big standout here is that the Director's Cut offers new cut scenes and English voice-overs. For Yakuza veterans and series newcomers, this is a Switch 2 must-play.
8. Cyberpunk 2077 Ultimate Edition
Developer: CD Projekt Red
Released: 2025
Cyberpunk 2077 is one of the best RPGs of all time. It's also a pretty taxing game to run with all of its realistic graphics. However, the Switch 2 runs this futuristic story like a dream. Developed by CD Projekt Red, Cyberpunk 2077 is set in the dystopian metropolis Night City, where you take on the role of a mercenary called V. After getting stuck with a cybernetic "bio-chip", you'll have to work to save your life and separate from a Keanu Reeves-shaped engram.
With FPS elements mixed with action-RPG mechanics, Cyberpunk 2077 offers a detailed open world and some of the best quest lines in modern gaming, period. In our Cyberpunk 2077 Switch 2 hands-on preview, we note that the game feels as if we're running the title on a PC with settings ranging from "Medium" to "High". So, don't worry, the Switch 2 does this title justice. It also includes all DLC, so it's a great bargain for new players, especially.
7. Bravely Default Flying Fairy HD Remaster
Developer: Cattle Call Inc
Released: 2025
Bravely Default Flying Fairy is widely considered to be one of the best JRPGs to ever hit Nintendo since it first released in 2012. So, it makes sense that we'd get a shiny remaster to celebrate the launch of the Switch 2. Luckily for us, despite being over a decade old, Bravely Default Flying Fairy is still as charming and captivating as it was back in the day.
Set in Luxendarc and following four heroes who must reclaim elemental crystals from the forces of darkness to save their world, Bravely Default Flying Fairy is a classic turn-based RPG. However, it's Brave and Default system offers a fun twist to the typical combat seen in JRPGs. Gathering Brave points to take multiple actions against a strong enemy never gets old! So, while its story isn't as revolutionary as it once was, Bravely Default Flying Fairy HD Remaster gives a classic a modern makeover and is still worth your time.
6. Street Fighter 6 (Switch 2 Edition)
Developer: Capcom
Released: 2025
In our five-star Street Fighter 6 review, we call it "the best overall fighting game package ever made". So, yeah, it's an easy addition to our list of the best Switch 2 games and should be on every gamer's radar, for sure. Complete with an 18-character roster with new and returning fighters, Capcom's latest entry to its iconic competitive fighting series is polished, massive, and the perfect addition to add to your Switch 2 library.
Not only are there tons of modes (such as one of the best online battle hubs ever made), but the Switch 2 exclusive modes like Gyro Battle and Calorie Contest are pure fire co-op hits, that will have your heart pounding and friendships put to the test in the best way possible. Basically, even if you've played Street Fighter 6 before, there is a ton of new content to explore with Nintendo's fresh version of this 2023 masterpiece.
5. Pokémon Legends: Z-A
Developer: Game Freak
Released: 2025
Pokemon Legends: Z-A is easily one of the best Pokemon games we've played in recent years, and really makes you feel like you are part of your very own slice of life anime series. Set entirely in Lumiose City, the single setting lets you form deeper connections with characters, and as you see Pokemon and humans hanging out all around you (along with a surprisingly mature storyline to follow), you can’t help but feel utterly charmed when playing this new Switch 2 game.
While it's not a mainline title, but instead part of the Legends moniker, Pokemon Z-A feels like an evolution of the tried and tested formula that we all love. Battles are now more intense as they are real-time affairs, where strategy needs to be kept in mind. It'll take some getting used to, but as we mention in our Pokemon Legends: Z-A review, once you get your head around it, the "brilliant battle system changes are a real delight," and we hope this isn't the last we see of Pokemon's innovations. If you want a challenge and a new type of Pokemon experience, this game will be right up your street.
4. The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild (Switch 2 Edition)
Developer: Nintendo
Released: 2025
The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild is one of the best games ever made, and now you can play it on the Nintendo Switch 2. While its sequel, Tears of the Kingdom, is also available (and should be played if possible as well), Breath of the Wild is still one of the best open-world games around and should be your starting point if you want to experience Link's journey all over again as he sets out to rescue Princess Zelda and save the world from Calamity Ganon.
The Switch 2 Edition of the game feels rewarding to play through. Thanks to the new Zelda Notes app via the Nintendo Switch App, your progress feels more involved, as you can experience Voice Memories from characters, have a handy navigation tool at the ready, and even engage in item sharing. It truly feels like we're experiencing The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild all over again, and it's still just as mesmerizing as it was back in 2017. Read our Breath of the Wild review for more details on this must-play!
3. Mario Kart World
Developer: Nintendo
Released: 2025
At this point, Mario Kart is an institution, and Mario Kart World is hands down the best racing game that we've had from the beloved series in a long time. Taking a new Forza Horizon-style approach to gameplay, Mario Kart World expands the tried and tested formula to give players more freedom to explore, take pictures, and just drive for the fun of it in between races, thanks to the new Free Roam mode.
But on the competitive side of things, things have also been cranked up a notch. There are 24 drivers that you'll have to beat, secret characters to unlock, and a battle royale style mode called Knockout Tour that will 1000% cause a few screaming matches in your household. In our Mario Kart World preview, our competitive spirits were pushed to the max, and we couldn't wait to get our hands on the console for another round.
2. Hades 2
Developer: Supergiant Games
Release: 2025
Hades 2 has officially left Early Access, and its full release well worth the wait. Not only is the game one of the best reviewed games of 2025 so far, but it's also a perfect roguelike addition that feels right at home on the Switch 2. Following Melinoë, Princess of the Underworld, as she crawls through beautifully crafted dungeons in order to defeat Chronos, Hades 2 succeeds at being bigger and better than its predocessor (and that's saying something given that the first Hades game reached godly heights. There's a new cast, new weapons, new biomes, and a brand new combat resource that makes the sequel stand just a bit taller.
In our near-perfect Hades 2 review, we praise the game for its innovative combat, attention to detail, and deep post-game progression. It's obvious that this was a labor of love, and every part of the title has been thought through with the player's enjoyment at the front of mind. Hades 2 is completely deserving of all its hype, and will become your new favorite game if given the chance.
1. Donkey Kong Bananza
Developer: Nintendo
Released: 2025
Donkey Kong Bananza officially landed to take the top spot among the very best Switch 2 games around right now. As we detailed in our Donkey Kong Bananza review, the destruction DK is able to unleash really is a smashing good time, and with a story packed full of charm, the adventure is topped off with a variety of different levels that keep the experience feeling fresh and varied throughout.
There's a lot of Super Mario Odyssey DNA on display, with vast areas to work your way through and plenty of collectibles to find, but the pairing of DK and a young Pauline really shines as they work together to reach the center of the earth, where they hope to fulfill their dreams. If there's one Switch 2 game to tuck into right now, it's undoubtedly Donkey Kong Bananza. Hopefully, this is just the beginning of fresh new Switch 2 exclusives that we can look forward to as well.
For more exciting releases, check out our roundup of all the new games heading our way this year.
