The Switch 2 has landed and the eShop is overflowing. I’ve played most of the standout releases, and this is my take on the Top Nintendo SWITCH 2 Games you should consider first. Below I break down what each title brings to the table, why it feels special on Switch 2, and who will get the most out of it.
Top picks and why they matter
My selections focus on games that genuinely benefit from Switch 2 hardware—smoother frame rates, faster loading, better draw distance—or titles that are simply excellent on their own. I organized entries so you can scan by genre or pick based on what you like to play.
Pokémon Pokopia — A cozy, non-battle Pokémon life sim
This one reimagines Pokémon as a town-building life sim. There’s no battling—just gardening, crafting furniture, and learning abilities from your Pokémon neighbors. It’s peaceful, deliberately different from the mainline games, and has game share so friends can visit your town. If you want a chill Pokémon experience, keep this on your radar.
The Disney Afternoon Collection — Retro platformer nostalgia
A curated set of eight classics (DuckTales, Chip ‘n Dale, Darkwing Duck and more) with quality-of-life features like rewind, save states, and online leaderboards. Digital Eclipse packed in museum galleries and extras, so it’s essential for retro fans and anyone who grew up on the Disney Afternoon.
Mario Kart World — The ultimate kart racer
Tracks remastered from across the series, a massive roster, and dynamic weather and day/night cycles that actually affect racing. Online has been rebuilt with better matchmaking and ranked modes. If you own a Switch 2, this is the kart racer you’ll play a lot.
Donkey Kong Bonanza — Retro platforming at 120 FPS
Retro Studios nails tight 2D platforming with lush level design, secrets everywhere, and a soundtrack that channels the classic trilogy. Runs at 120 FPS on Switch 2 and is mandatory for fans of precise platformers or family-friendly chaos.
Kirby Air Riders — Sakurai’s return to chaotic racing
A fresh take on Air Ride with simple two-button controls, stealable copy abilities, and a highlight mode called City Trial where 16 players scramble for power-ups. It’s the most chaotic alternative to Mario Kart and supports game share.
Metroid Prime 4: Beyond — Classic Prime reborn
Retro Studios returns to the first-person exploration that defined Prime. The Switch 2 version runs at 60 FPS and refines scanning, puzzles, and backtracking with new traversal tools like an upgraded grapple beam. A perfect entry for newcomers and a triumphant return for veterans.
Cyberpunk 2077 Ultimate Edition — Portable Night City
All expansions and fixes in one package, optimized for Switch 2. Expect dynamic resolution with the full content of Phantom Liberty. It’s not the PS5 or PC look, but CDPR squeezed impressive performance into handheld portability.
The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom — Enhanced edition
The same sprawling masterpiece with a Switch 2 enhancement: locked 60 FPS, better draw distance, and faster loads. The core abilities—fuse, ultrahand, ascend, recall—still make this the definitive Hyrule sandbox.
Hades II — A roguelike that tops its predecessor
Fast, strategic combat with witch-based powers, Omega moves, and an incredible soundtrack. Runs at 120 FPS in TV mode on Switch 2 and feels buttery in every run. If you like roguelikes that respect your time, this is a must.
Final Fantasy VII Rebirth — Midgar expanded
A reimagining of the classic PS1 opening that turns the Midgar segment into a sprawling 40-hour adventure. Real-time combat blends ATB mechanics and party swapping. The Switch 2 version is portable FF7 at 1080p 60 FPS.
Hollow Knight: Silksong — A triumphant sequel
Hornet’s speed and acrobatics refresh exploration and combat. Gorgeous hand-drawn art and a soundtrack that elevates every biome. It retains the soul of the original while carving its own identity.
Super Mario Party Jamboree — Massive party mayhem
Over 110 mini-games, support for up to eight local players and 20 online, plus two exclusive boards. Expect chaotic mechanics that can ruin and make friendships in equal measure.
Indiana Jones and the Great Circle — Adventure done right
First-person puzzle-adventure with whip traversal, stealth and punchy melee. It nails cinematic set pieces and captures the spirit of the films with clever puzzles and audio work that channels Indiana’s swagger.
The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim — Best portable edition yet
Anniversary Edition with Creation Club content, improved visuals, and 1080p 60 FPS. Controls can feel dated, but it’s Skyrim—explore, join guilds, and ignore the main quest with unparalleled freedom.
Yakuza 0 — Crime drama with heart and absurdity
A wild blend of serious storytelling and ludicrous side content. Multiple fighting styles, sub-stories that range from touching to bizarre, and runs at 1080p 60 FPS on Switch 2.
Hogwarts Legacy — Live the Hogwarts fantasy
A 19th-century take on wizarding school with a 30-hour main story and extensive side content. Switch 2 brings smoother performance and better textures, making exploration around Hogwarts more immersive.
Resident Evil Requiem — Survival horror at its finest
A modern, terrifying Resident Evil with both first-person survival horror sections and action-heavy third-person gameplay. Runs solidly at 60 FPS on Switch 2 and delivers fear in spades.
Pokémon Legends: Z-A — Urban open-world Pokémon
An entire adventure set in a living city. No random encounters, real-time catching, and Mega Evolution as a core mechanic. It’s Pokémon in an urban playground.
Sonic X Shadow Generations — Two games in one
Sonic Generations remaster plus a new Shadow campaign with unique movement powers. Fast-paced platforming runs at 60 FPS and offers both nostalgia and fresh content.
Super Mario Odyssey — Timeless platforming
The Switch 2 polish unlocks rock-solid 60 FPS and near-instant load times. Odyssey remains one of the most creative sandbox platformers—if you missed it, this is the way to play.
Bravely Default: Flying Fairy — Classic JRPG reborn
Turn-based combat with Brave and Default mechanics that reward planning. The Switch 2 remaster smooths animations and refines the UI while preserving deep, tactical JRPG gameplay.
Split Fiction — Co-op storytelling at its best
A co-op-only adventure by the makers of It Takes Two. Unique genre-hopping levels that force teamwork and creativity. The friends pass returns, so only one person needs to own the game, but you cannot play this solo.
Final thoughts
The Switch 2 launch library offers something for everyone: big franchises upgraded for newer hardware, stellar indie follow-ups, and a few surprises. If you’re prioritizing raw performance, look for titles that highlight 60 FPS or 120 FPS support on Switch 2. If you want joy and variety, pick a mix of party, single-player adventures, and co-op experiences.
If you want my short recommendation: for pick-up-and-play fun, grab Mario Kart World or Super Mario Odyssey; for deep single-player time sinks, choose Tears of the Kingdom or Final Fantasy VII Rebirth; and for co-op bliss, don’t miss Split Fiction.
