The Nintendo Switch 2 is off to a strong start, quickly carving out its place in the competitive gaming landscape with a rapidly expanding and diverse game library. This new console not only builds on the unique hybrid design of its predecessor—offering gamers the flexibility to play at home on a big screen or on the go—but it also brings significantly improved hardware capabilities. These enhancements allow for more immersive, visually stunning, and technically ambitious titles.
Whether you're seeking fresh exclusives that fully leverage the system’s power, remastered classics reimagined with smoother performance and higher resolutions, or blockbuster third-party games brought to life on this versatile platform, the Switch 2 delivers a compelling selection. From innovative gameplay experiences that push the boundaries of portable gaming to familiar favorites optimized for a new generation, this year’s lineup promises to captivate newcomers and longtime Nintendo fans alike. Here are the best games you should consider adding to your collection in 2025.
Donkey Kong Bananza: The Innovative New Platformer
Nintendo kicked off its Switch 2 journey with a bold choice—putting Donkey Kong front and center for its first flagship 3D platformer, rather than Mario. Donkey Kong Bananza isn’t just a Mario game with a different skin; it’s crafted from the ground up to highlight Donkey Kong’s strength and personality.
- Destructible Worlds: Almost every part of the colorful levels can be smashed or broken, encouraging players to explore snowy mountains, dusty deserts, and everything in between.
- Endless Collectibles: Collect hundreds of shiny objects, each rewarding your curiosity and platforming skill.
- Simple, Sweet Story: Donkey Kong teams up with a young Pauline in a fun and approachable adventure.
This game has the potential to be the first must-have “system seller” for the Switch 2.
Mario Kart World: Classic Racing Meets New Innovations
If you grabbed a Switch 2 bundle, chances are you already own Mario Kart World. But for those who didn’t, this entry in the storied franchise is well worth playing.
- Open World Exploration: Between races, explore a vast (though somewhat sparse) open world that adds a new layer to the Mario Kart formula.
- New Moves: Try out wall riding, rail grinding, and other fresh mechanics.
- Knockout Tour Mode: Battle 47 other players in an intense, battle royale-style competition.
While it may have less content than Mario Kart 8 Deluxe, Mario Kart World refreshes the classic kart racer in exciting ways.
Cyberpunk 2077: A Sci-Fi RPG Masterpiece on the Go
Cyberpunk 2077 has undergone a redemption arc since its troubled debut in 2020, and the Switch 2 version brings this vast RPG to handheld perfection.
- Full Experience: Includes the essential Phantom Liberty expansion.
- Portable Night City: Play as mercenary V in a crime-ridden dystopia wherever you go.
- High Praise: Now considered a masterpiece thanks to extensive fixes and content.
For fans of deep narrative-driven games, this is the Switch 2’s most compelling third-party release.
The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom & Breath of the Wild – Remastered Classics
Zelda lovers have two incredible adventures newly optimized for Switch 2.
- Improved Performance: Both games benefit from smoother framerates and enhanced graphics.
- Innovative Abilities: Tears of the Kingdom introduces Ultrahand, letting you creatively craft vehicles and structures.
- Lengthy Adventures: Each game offers 100+ hours of sprawling open-world gameplay.
If you can only pick one, Tears of the Kingdom edges out due to its fresh mechanics, but both are must-plays.
Hogwarts Legacy: Magical Adventures Reimagined on Switch 2
The upgraded Switch 2 version of Hogwarts Legacy solves many of the performance issues seen in the original Switch release.
- Better Graphics and Framerates: Closer to the flagship console experience.
- Immersive Story: Attend Hogwarts and uncover a sinister goblin plot.
- Hogwarts Houses: Get sorted into Gryffindor, Hufflepuff, Ravenclaw, or Slytherin.
This version is a must for Harry Potter fans wanting a portable magical RPG experience.
Sonic X Shadow Generations: High-Speed Remaster
Sonic fans get a remastered celebration with Sonic X Shadow Generations.
- Classic Meets New: Combines 3D and side-scrolling levels with a new chapter starring Shadow.
- Perfect for Switch 2: Quick levels ideal for portable play.
- Smooth Performance: Runs flawlessly even at breakneck speeds.
The game is a fitting tribute to Sonic’s enduring popularity.
Can You Play Switch 1 Games on Switch 2?
If you’ve built up an extensive collection of the best Nintendo Switch games, you’ll be glad to hear that the Switch 2 offers strong backward compatibility. Simply put, yes—you can play most Switch 1 games on the Switch 2, though there are a few exceptions to keep in mind.
The Switch 2 supports both physical Switch 1 game cartridges and digital downloads through the Nintendo eShop. Nintendo has confirmed that over 15,000 Switch 1 titles run smoothly on the Switch 2, with no major issues found during standard compatibility testing.
However, a small number of games do encounter “issues that prevent progress.” While this represents only a tiny fraction of the original Switch’s library, some popular titles, including Crash Bandicoot N. Sane Trilogy and Overcooked! All You Can Eat, is affected.
Additionally, certain games such as Ring Fit Adventure, 1-2-Switch, Nintendo Switch Sports, and Nintendo Labo require specific Joy-Con controllers to play. These are not compatible with the Switch 2’s default Joy-Con 2 controllers. It’s worth noting that the Nintendo Labo Toy-Con VR Kit is also not compatible, as the larger size of the Switch 2 console does not fit into the cardboard holder.
Despite these limitations, the vast majority of Switch 1 games work flawlessly on Switch 2. Moreover, Nintendo has provided performance upgrades for several first-party titles through free updates. These enhancements improve graphics, framerates, and loading times for games like Pokémon Scarlet and Violet, Splatoon 3, Super Mario 3D World + Bowser’s Fury, Super Mario Odyssey, and The Legend of Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom. A complete list can be found on Nintendo’s official website.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: Are there any exclusive Nintendo Switch 2 games that are not playable on Switch 1?
Yes, games like Donkey Kong Bananza and Mario Kart World are exclusive or specifically optimized for Switch 2’s hardware capabilities.
Q2: Does Nintendo Switch 2 support performance upgrades for older games?
Yes, Nintendo has released free updates to enhance the framerate, graphics, and loading times for many first-party titles on Switch 2.
Q3: How many hours of gameplay do Zelda Switch 2 editions offer?
Both Tears of the Kingdom and Breath of the Wild provide 100+ hours of rich open-world gameplay.
Q4: Is Cyberpunk 2077 on Switch 2 the same as on other consoles?
The Switch 2 version includes all major content, including the Phantom Liberty expansion, and offers a smooth portable experience comparable to other platforms.
Conclusion
The Nintendo Switch 2 is quickly building a diverse and exciting game library in 2025. Whether it’s the destructible worlds of Donkey Kong Bananza, the fast-paced thrills of Mario Kart World, or profound adventures like Cyberpunk 2077 and Zelda, there’s something for every type of gamer.
Add in remastered classics and backward compatibility, and the Switch 2 becomes a hybrid console capable of delivering both nostalgia and fresh innovation. With new games and updates on the horizon, now is the perfect time to dive into the best Nintendo Switch 2 games available.