The 25 Best Switch Games to Play Right Now
If you’ve got a Switch, and you’re wondering what to play, this list is for you. We’re going through the best Switch games out there, including fan favorites, big sellers, and the stuff people actually stick with. We looked for not just what’s “critically acclaimed,” but what gamers are reporting as actually fun. What’s worth your time and what people keep talking about.
Some of these are massive adventures. Some are small, weird, and addictive in the best way. But all of them earn their spot as the best Nintendo Switch games you can play right now. If you’re hunting for the best games on Switch, or just want something new that won’t disappoint, this is a great place to start!
A Quick Look at the Must-Play Best Games on Switch
Picking a game can be challenging (and not in the fun, boss-level way). Here’s our picks for the top 10 best Nintendo Switch games:
| Rank | Name | Description | Popularity (total units shipped) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. | Animal Crossing: New Horizons | A chill life sim where you build your island, make friends, and play at your own pace. | ~ 47.8 million |
| 2. | Bayonetta 3 | Over-the-top action with fast combat, wild set pieces, and a ton of style. | ~ 1 million |
| 3. | Cuphead | A tough platformer with old-school cartoon art and boss fights that really test your timing. | ~ 8 million |
| 4. | Dave The Diver | A relaxing mix of diving adventure and restaurant sim, with a quirky tone and chill vibe. | ~ 5 million |
| 5. | Divinity: Original Sin 2 – Definitive Edition | A deep, turn-based RPG with tons of choice, co-op, and smart writing. | ~ 7.5 million |
| 6. | Donkey Kong Country Returns HD | A platformer full of tight jumps, hidden secrets, and classic DK charm. | ~ 1.2 million |
| 7. | Fire Emblem: Three Houses | A strategy RPG with turn-based battles, school life, and big choices that shape the story. | ~ 4.1 million |
| 8. | Hogwarts Legacy | A strategy RPG with turn-based battles, school life, and big choices that shape the story. | ~ 34 million |
| 9. | Hollow Knight | A hand-drawn action platformer with tight controls and a dark, beautiful underground world to explore. | ~ 2.8 million |
| 10. | Hyrule Warriors | A hack-and-slash game where you take on huge groups of enemies in fast, Zelda-themed battles. | ~ 5 million |
Other honorable mentions:
So many Switch games, so little time! Just because these games didn’t quite make our pick for the top 10, doesn’t mean that they aren’t a hoot-and-a-half to play. Here are some other great titles to check out:
- Kirby and the Forgotten Land: A lighthearted 3D platformer where Kirby explores strange ruins, and copies different powers.
- Link’s Awakening: A cute and clever remake of the classic Zelda adventure, with puzzles and lots of charm.
- Mario Kart 8 Deluxe: An arcade racer, packed with colorful tracks, tight handling, and some of the best local multiplayer on Switch.
- Metroid Dread: A tense 2D action platformer, where you can explore, upgrade, and try your best not to get caught.
- Minecraft: A sandbox game about building, surviving, and creating whatever you want, whether solo or with friends.
- Octopath Traveler 2: A turn-based RPG with eight characters, pixel-art visuals, and branching stories.
- Pikmin 4: A real-time strategy game where you guide tiny creatures through puzzles and hazards.
- Spiritfarer: A peaceful management game about helping spirits move on, complete with crafting and heartfelt stories.
- Splatoon 3: A colorful online shooter where teams cover the map in ink and battle it out in quick matches.
- Super Mario Odyssey: A 3D platformer full of fun worlds, clever ideas, and that classic Mario feel.
- Super Smash Bros. Ultimate: A huge fighting game with a packed roster and tight multiplayer mechanics, available both local and online.
- TMNT: Shredder’s Revenge: A retro-style, beat-em-up that’s great for co-op and full of Ninja Turtles nostalgia.
- Tetris Effect: Connected: A classic puzzle game turned into a trippy, music-driven experience that’s difficult to put down.
- The Witcher 3 Complete Edition: A massive open-world RPG with a great story, deep quests, and tons of content to explore.
- Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 1 + 2: A remake of the classic skateboarding games with smooth controls and great music.
Why We Love These Titles (And Why You’ll Love Them Too)
We have curated our choices to take into account the general popularity of different games, as well as the different play styles, and functions that you may be looking for. Let’s take a closer look at why each of these options have made our list.
Animal Crossing: New Horizons
2020 | Life Sim | Nintendo
Animal Crossing: New Horizons is slow-going, in the best possible way. You start on a quiet island with just a tent and a few neighbors, and over time, you turn it into a cozy, lived-in place. You can decorate, fish, catch bugs, or just talk to your favorite villagers every day. There’s no rush and no wrong way to play.
If you like games that let you relax and take your time, this is one of the best games for Nintendo Switch. It’s especially great if you’re into collecting, designing, or just want something low-stress to come back to when you’ve had a long day.
Bayonetta 3
2022 | Action | PlatinumGames
This one’s all about fast combat, wild weapons, and stylish moves. You play as a witch fighting through big, over-the-top battles, while summoning giant monsters to help out. The story goes to some strange places, but the real fun is in mastering combos and dodging attacks at the last second.
If you’re into action games that don’t take themselves too seriously, Bayonetta 3 is one of the best Nintendo Switch games to check out. It’s flashy, fast, and rewards players who like learning how to fight with style.
Cuphead
2022 | Platformer | Studio MDHR
Cuphead looks like an old cartoon but plays like a tough action platformer. Most of the game is made up of boss fights, with patterns you’ll have to memorize and react to, quickly. It’s difficult to master, but also super satisfying when you finally beat a level you’ve been stuck on.
If you like games that test your reflexes and don’t mind trying again (and again), Cuphead is one of the best options out there for that kind of challenge.
Dave The Diver
2023 | Adventure/Management | Mintrocket
You’ll like Dave The Diver if you’re looking for the best Switch games that are casual, but still creative. It mixes deep-sea diving with sushi restaurant management, and somehow it works. By day, you explore the ocean, catch fish, and uncover strange secrets. By night, you serve food, hire staff, and upgrade your gear. It’s laid back, but there’s always something new to do.
The one’s weird in the best way and easy to lose track of time in.
Divinity: Original Sin 2 – Definitive Edition
2020 | RPG | Larian Studios
This is a huge turn-based RPG with tons of freedom. You can build your character how you want, talk your way out of fights, or burn the whole place down if that’s your style. Almost everything you do affects how the story plays out.
If you’re looking for one of the best games for Nintendo Switch with a deep story and smart combat, this one’s difficult to beat. Especially if you like classic-style RPGs or playing in co-op.
Donkey Kong Country Returns HD
2024 | Platformer | Forever Entertainment
This polished remake of the Wii title, has earned a rightful spot as one of the best Switch games. It’s a classic platformer that plays clean and feels satisfying. The tight controls and creative levels change things up. By the end of this game, you’ll be used to running, jumping, and hanging onto mine carts for your dear life. The difficulty ramps up, so be prepared.
Fire Emblem: Three Houses
2019 | Strategy RPG | Intelligent Systems
Three Houses blends turn-based battles, with regular life at a special school for knights and mages. You train your students, build relationships, and then take them into battle. Every choice feels like it matters, and the story branches depending on which house you choose. There’s a lot to dig into if you’re willing to look for it!
It’s one of the best Switch games for players who like strategy with a side of story and character-building.
Hogwarts Legacy
2023 | Action RPG | Avalanche Software
Ever wanted to live in the wizarding world, instead of just watching it? This is one of the best games on Switch for exploring this magical place, firsthand. Set in the world of the Harry Potter series, Hogwarts Legacy drops you into a magical school full of secrets, spells, and strange creatures. You get to explore on your own terms, go to class, duel enemies, and uncover a mystery tied to ancient magic.
Hollow Knight
2018 | Action Platformer | Team Cherry
Hollow Knight throws you into a quiet, mysterious underground world full of ruins, secrets, and tough fights. There’s no map unless you find someone to draw it, and no one tells you where to go. But if you’re into exploring and figuring things out on your own, that’s part of the draw.
It’s one of the best Nintendo Switch games for players who like a bit of a challenge and those who enjoy slow, rewarding exploration.
Hyrule Warriors
2014 (Definitive Edition: 2018) | Action | Koei Tecmo
This is not your usual Zelda game. Hyrule Warriors is about slicing through waves of enemies and capturing bases across big battlefields. If you just want to mash buttons or see flashy moves, this is the game for you. It’s simple, but satisfying, especially if you’re into action that doesn’t require too much thinking.
Kirby and the Forgotten Land
2022 | Platformer | HAL Laboratory
The beloved Kirby finally steps into 3D. You run, float, and swallow your way through colorful levels that feel a little like Mario, but with a slower, softer edge. It’s creative, easy to pick up, and fun for all ages, especially if you’re looking to just relax.
Link’s Awakening
2019 | Action Adventure | Nintendo
For players who want a smaller Zelda game that still holds up today, this is one of the best Switch games out there, and it’s definitely worth checking out. It’s a remake of the Game Boy classic, with a new toy-like art style and some QOL updates. It’s still got that strange, dreamlike vibe, but now it plays much smoother. However, do not let the fantasy vibe fool you, it’s hiding some pretty tricky challenges.
This is a great option for players who are feeling nostalgic for that 2D gameplay, with modern polishes, and plenty of side quests.
Mario Kart 8 Deluxe
2017 | Racing | Nintendo
Many people still consider this the best multiplayer game on Switch. You race through creative tracks, launch shells at friends, and drift around corners in one of the smoothest-feeling racers ever made. It’s packed with content and works great online, or on the couch.
If you’ve got people to play with (or even if you don’t), this is one of the best Nintendo Switch games to add to your lobrary.
Metroid Dread
2021 | Action Adventure | MercurySteam / Nintendo
In Metroid Dread, you move through a maze-like world, unlocking new powers and avoiding terrifying robots that chase you on sight. You’ll enjoy this if you like a mix of action, puzzle-solving, and exploration, without much handholding.
Minecraft
2017 | Sandbox | Mojang
Build, survive, explore, repeat! Minecraft on Switch is the full experience and one of the best games if you want the freedom to do your own thing. It lets you create huge worlds or survive in the wild with limited tools. You can play solo or with friends, and the game keeps growing with every new update.
Octopath Traveler 2
2023 | RPG | Square Enix
This sequel improves everything from the first game: gorgeous visuals, layered turn-based combat, and several characters with different paths that weave together as you go. You can start wherever you want and play at your own pace.
Pikmin 4
2023 | Strategy | Nintendo
Try this one if you’re into slower-paced games. Pikmin 4 gives you a new pup companion and more control over how you explore. You send tiny plant creatures to fight enemies, carry stuff, and solve small puzzles in big outdoor spaces. It’s part strategy, part adventure, and fully chill.
Spiritfarer
2020 | Management/Adventure | Thunder Lotus Games
This is one of the best Switch games if you want something emotional and thoughtful, but not too heavy to play. You play as a ferry master to the spirits. Help them complete tasks and say goodbye before they move on. You’ll build, cook, explore, and have conversations that hit a little harder than you’d expect.
Splatoon 3
2022 | Shooter | Nintendo
Splatoon 3 keeps the core idea: cover the map with ink while battling the other team. But it adds better matchmaking, smoother play, and more ways to style your character. You’ll enjoy short bursts of action with a lot of personality.
If online shooters usually feel too serious, this is one of the best games for Nintendo Switch to shake that up.
Super Mario Odyssey
2017 | Platformer | Nintendo
Odyssey is full of fun surprises. You throw your hat to take over enemies, collect moons hidden in strange places, and bounce through colorful worlds that each feel different. It’s playful and light, so you’ll enjoy it if you like games that make you smile while you play.
Super Smash Bros. Ultimate
2018 | Fighting | Nintendo / Bandai Namco
With a massive roster of characters and stages, this is the most packed Smash game ever. It plays fast and looks clean. Plus, it works just as well for casual button-mashing, as it does for competitive play. Whether you play solo or with friends, it’s one of the best Nintendo Switch games to pull out at short notice.
TMNT: Shredder’s Revenge
2022 | Beat ‘em Up | Tribute Games
If you grew up with the Turtles or just like fast, simple fighting games, this is one of the best opportunities to pass around the controller. You pick a turtle (or April, or Splinter) and punch your way through colorful levels with great co-op levels.
Tetris Effect: Connected
2021 | Puzzle | Monstars / Resonair
It’s still Tetris, but with music and visuals that change as you play. These small additions make it weirdly calming, even when things go fast. This is one of the best Switch games to zone out with, especially if you want something chill, but gripping. The Connected mode adds co-op and competitive play for an even more intense experience.
The Witcher 3 Complete Edition
2019 | RPG | CD Projekt
Yes, it runs on Switch. The Witcher 3 is a huge fantasy RPG with a detailed world, deep quests, and some of the best writing you will come across. You can sink dozens of hours into just wandering around, talking to people and monsters. Of course, the actual gameplay is pretty great too. It’s an excellent choice for gamers and readers who want to escape into a new world, with exciting and fresh challenges around every corner.
Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 1 + 2
2020 | Sports | Vicarious Visions
This remake brings back the old levels and music, but smooths everything out for a more modern feel. You skate, grind, flip, and pull off combos in short levels that still feel perfect all these years later. It’s one of the best Switch games for quick, satisfying runs that make you want to try one more time.
Final Verdict: The Must-Play Switch Games We Can’t Stop Thinking About
Whether you are looking to unwind after a stressful day, or you are looking to ramp up the excitement with your friends – there are plenty of great Nintendo Switch games for you to explore. Our selection for the best-of-the-best covers all the bases – chill, action-packed, open-world, and story-based – so it should be easy to find something to fit your play style or mood.
Frequently Asked Questions
With approximately 68 million units sold, Mario Kart 8 Deluxe is the most bought game on the Nintendo Switch.
Many players consider The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild or Super Mario Odyssey to be the most enjoyable. IGN readers rank Tears of the Kingdom as the best game for the Switch.
The Nintendo Switch 2 was officially released on June 5, 2025. This second edition improves on the first, with better performance, enhanced graphics and newer hardware. Plus, most of the games included on our list have already been made available for the Switch 2.
Coinciding with Super Mario’s 40th anniversary in September 2025, Nintendo is expected to release several new Mario games, including a new 3D Mario title. A new Mario Kart game called Mario Kart World was confirmed at the Switch 2 launch.