15 Best Switch 2 Games of 2025

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2025 was already a fantastic year for gaming, but the release of the Nintendo Switch 2 made it even more special. Despite the cost of games (which we’ve discussed), the Switch 2 breathed new life into the console world and offered some truly exceptional titles. Let’s take a look at the nominees for the best Switch 2 games of the year, starting with…

Mario Kart World

Determining the best Mario Kart is always subjective, but this installment is definitely the most content-rich one yet. It introduces exciting new features like a sprawling open world to explore with unique challenges and collectible items, advanced maneuvers like hopping and wall-riding for skilled players, and creatively connected new tracks. Plus, there are entirely new game modes, and everything runs smoothly.

Kirby Air Riders

The game features 21 characters and 22 machines, each with their own special skills and stats. You’ll race on new tracks alongside updated versions of favorites from the first game. Popular modes like Top Ride and City Trial are back – City Trial now has a battle royale-style twist! There are also boss battles and a complete story mode. But even if you just want a quick, casual race, it’s just as enjoyable as the original game.

Pokémon Legends: Z-A

Despite some visual shortcomings, the newest main Pokémon game still delivers the classic fun of catching and training creatures. The city of Lumiose is vibrant and full of interesting Pokémon, and features like Z-A Royale and special, powerful Mega-Evolved Pokémon, plus enjoyable details like rooftop exploration, help it feel fresh and engaging.

Metroid Prime 4: Beyond

The game’s levels feel like intricate labyrinths, and as you gain new skills, you’ll often revisit old areas to discover secrets – that constant sense of anticipation and wonder is still incredibly strong, even after all this time, thanks to Retro Studios. New features, like the character Vi-O-La, fit right in, and surprisingly, the companion characters aren’t bad at all. But what really makes a difference is experiencing the game with such impressive detail and the added precision of mouse controls – it takes the whole experience to a new level.

Super Mario Galaxy + Super Mario Galaxy 2

While not specifically made for the Switch 2, the chance to play two incredible platforming games in 4K is very appealing. The new Storybook Chapters add a little extra content, but the real draw is revisiting these amazing galaxies, rediscovering the joy of each planet and everything they offer.

Donkey Kong Bananza

It felt unbelievable that Jumpman’s biggest enemy would be the star of a new game, but Bananza truly delivers. Given it’s made by the team behind Super Mario Odyssey, amazing platforming and stunning graphics were expected. However, the way destruction and platforming work together creates a 3D adventure that easily stands alongside Mario’s best titles.

Hades 2

Following the success of their critically acclaimed rogue-like, Supergiant Games has delivered an exceptional sequel with Hades 2. The game is packed with content, offering extensive exploration of both the Underworld and Olympus, alongside demanding and original boss battles. Every new weapon adds significant depth, making Hades 2 a substantial improvement in every aspect of the original.

Split Fiction

Hazelight’s newest game is a standout co-op experience, ranking among the best of recent years, and feels perfectly suited for the Switch 2. While the port isn’t the most comprehensive version, features like local GameShare, cross-play, and the Friend’s Pass – which lets someone play with you without buying their own copy – make it a fantastic option.

Inazuma Eleven: Victory Road

After over nine years of development and several setbacks, Inazuma Eleven: Victory Road is finally here – and it seems 2025 is the year for long-awaited releases! This game doesn’t aim for realistic soccer simulation; instead, it perfectly captures the spirit of the anime, featuring stunning cutscenes from MAPPA and an incredible roster of over 5,400 characters to collect. It’s a unique and incredibly fun experience once you learn the ropes.

Hollow Knight: Silksong

Okay, so I finally got my hands on Silksong, and wow, it’s a ride! It’s seriously challenging – I was getting frustrated at times, even a little angry! But honestly? That’s part of what makes it so good. The controls are incredible, so smooth and responsive, and they’ve built on everything that made the first game great. Plus, Hornet’s new moves add a whole new layer to the gameplay. The world is just stunning, too – so much detail packed into every area, and tons of secrets to find. It’s a tough game, for sure, but I’m completely hooked. Silksong is a fantastic game, plain and simple.

Cyberpunk 2077: Ultimate Edition

Just a few years ago, the idea of playing Cyberpunk 2077 on the original Switch was considered impossible. Now, over five years later, it’s running beautifully on the Switch 2! Both the main game and the Phantom Liberty expansion offer a fantastic RPG experience, and the Switch 2’s touch screen and motion controls add even more to the gameplay. Plus, including the entire game on a physical cartridge is a brilliant move.

The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom – Nintendo Switch 2 Edition

While the new additions, such as the phone maps and QR codes for sharing creations, aren’t revolutionary, this game remains a true masterpiece. The real draw is finally being able to experience it in 1440p resolution at 60 frames per second, with better graphics and much faster loading times. That improvement alone makes it worth buying.

Kirby and the Forgotten Land: Switch 2 Edition + Star Crossed World

If you enjoyed Air Riders, the Switch 2 version of the popular 2022 Kirby game is definitely worth playing. Star Crossed World features a fresh story, new areas within familiar levels, and updated abilities, including the fun Mouthful Mode, plus new enemies to battle while you investigate a strange meteor. Plus, the graphics are a big improvement over the already beautiful original game.

Cronos: The New Dawn

Bloober Team previously impressed players with their remake of Silent Hill 2, but their latest game, Cronos, offers a very different kind of horror experience. Set in a post-apocalyptic world filled with evolving creatures, the game features time travel and a slower, more mysterious story and main character. These elements help Cronos stand out from games like Dead Space. Even playing on the Switch 2’s handheld mode, it’s a genuinely frightening and suspenseful game.

Star Wars Outlaws

Initially overlooked, Massive Entertainment’s Star Wars game has seen a surprising comeback this year, especially with its release on the Switch 2. It’s impressive how the developers, working with Red Lynx, achieved such strong performance and realistic visuals – including ray tracing – without sacrificing image quality, even when using DLSS. The game still looks fantastic and now runs better than ever, which is a major plus.

And the Best Switch 2 title of 2025 goes to…

Donkey Kong Bananza

Considering how much freedom and playful destruction was already present in previous Donkey Kong games – like tearing apart levels to attack enemies or ride on debris – it’s no surprise this new installment delivers even more of that. Bananza isn’t just a rehash of the Mario Odyssey formula; it builds on it with impressive level design and a fantastic sense of pacing, seamlessly blending exploration with the ability to dynamically destroy the environment. Donkey Kong feels incredibly responsive to control, the new Bananza Powers are delightfully over-the-top, and the game is remarkably focused – there’s no wasted content. For all these reasons, and countless others, we’re confident it will be the best game on the Switch 2 in 2025.

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2025-12-31 22:45