The best Nintendo Switch 2 games include platform exclusives that launched alongside Nintendo's latest console, as well as older games that are now enhanced on the upgraded hardware. Even though the Switch 2 is still early in its lifecycle, there's a great list of games to check out, whether that's in docked or handheld mode.
Since the release of Nintendo Switch 2, I've spent hundreds of hours playing the games that make up its already impressive catalogue, and we've been hard at work reviewing as many games for the console as we can. Switch 2 exclusives like Mario Kart World, Splatoon Raiders, and Donkey Kong Bananza have stood out, thanks to 4K visuals and great use of the extra horsepower that the Switch 2 provides.
Looking ahead, there are loads of upcoming Nintendo Switch 2 games to look forward to. As I get my hands on them, I'll be regularly updating this list, tweaking my recommendations for the very best games to play on Switch 2. And if you don't yet have a Switch 2 but still own the original Switch, you might be interested in checking out our best Nintendo Switch games guide for up-to-date recommendations for Nintendo's last-gen machine.
Your latest Nintendo Switch 2 news
The first special edition Switch 2 might be on the way: New leaks claim that the very first Nintendo Switch 2 special edition console could be arriving this year. It's allegedly based on The Legend of Zelda, made to celebrate the series' 40th anniversary alongside the release of The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time remake later this year.
A Switch 2 price hike could happen sooner than you think: In-store Switch 2 kiosks are warning potential customers that a price hike is imminent, likely from on September 1, 2026. This is likely to be a result of the ongoing global RAM shortage.
My top three Nintendo Switch 2 games in 2026
"Splatoon Raiders is a wonderful solo reinvention of the popular multiplayer series filled with smartly designed missions and endlessly engaging progression systems. Underpinned by the franchise’s fantastic shooting mechanics, it’s a fresh and exciting adventure that should be in every Nintendo Switch 2 owner’s library." - Dashiell Wood, Gaming Editor at TechRadar Gaming
"Donkey Kong Bananza is the greatest Nintendo Switch 2 title to date, delivering an incredible destruction system that showcases the power of the new system. It’s visually impressive and, while the story isn’t anything to write home about, benefits from charming and expressive voice acting and animations. Throw in a seemingly endless stream of collectibles and secrets, and you have a meaty adventure that’s a delight to explore." - Dashiell Wood, Gaming Editor at TechRadar Gaming
"Pokémon Pokopia was always bound to be up there among my most-played games of 2026, but even I underestimated how well Nintendo would tackle its latest town-building / cozy life sim. It’s story-driven, offering a great gameplay loop, inventive mechanics, and very few friction points; Nintendo clearly learned from some of Animal Crossing: New Horizons’ quality-of-life hiccups." - Josephine Watson, Managing Editor, Social & Engagement at TechRadar
Best Nintendo Switch 2 games in 2026
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"Star Fox is a solid remake of an excellent game, maintaining everything that made the original a cult classic while sprucing it up with a new lick of paint. Still, it feels overpriced given the campaign’s short length and the unfortunate lack of new content aside from the decently enjoyable, albeit rather threadbare, multiplayer mode." - Dashiell Wood, Gaming Editor at TechRadar Gaming
"Mario Kart World is easily the standout launch title on Nintendo Switch 2. And while that may not be saying much, I anticipate it’s comfortably going to be the best-selling Switch 2 game for the entire console generation. Nintendo has created a visually stunning kart racer here, chock-full of its trademark charm and personality." - Rhys Wood, Managing Editor, Buying Guides at TechRadar
"By bundling the base game with the phenomenal Overture expansion, Lies of P: Complete Edition is the ideal way of playing this tremendous soulslike for the first time. There are some caveats, but performance on Switch 2 is largely solid, with multiple graphics settings available to choose from." - Rhys Wood, TechRadar Gaming reviewer.
"Cyberpunk 2077: Ultimate Edition brings a massive, must-play RPG to Nintendo Switch 2. Its solid performance and fantastic visuals are technically impressive and a real showcase of what the system can do. Throw in a wealth of Nintendo Switch 2-exclusive features, plus a handy progression sharing system, and you have the best way to play it on the go." - Dashiell Wood, Gaming Editor at TechRadar Gaming.
"The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom was already on the Mount Rushmore of video games. That said, if you weren't able to click with the original due to the performance, the Nintendo Switch 2 Edition completely revolutionizes the game. Having spent over 70 hours exploring the vast region of Hyrule in glorious HDR, I can't recommend this game enough; it's truly one of the best gaming experiences you can buy." - John-Anthony Disotto, TechRadar Gaming reviewer
"Kirby Air Riders feels like a combination of Mario Kart and Super Smash Bros. at their most chaotic. You’ll have to carefully balance battering rival riders while also out-speeding them, all while mastering seemingly simple controls – controls that actually require significant skill to master." - Harry Padoan, Reviews Staff Writer at TechRadar
"The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild is already a classic, thanks to its incredible systemic open-world design that truly allows you to run wild and do whatever you’d like. It gives players the tools to experiment, do silly things constantly, and make their adventure their own. The Nintendo Switch 2 Edition is simply the game as you know it, but better, thanks to its improvements to framerate and resolution." - Scott McCrae, TechRadar Gaming reviewer.
"Super Mario Bros. Wonder – Nintendo Switch 2 Edition + Meetup in Bellabel Park is the definitive way to play the greatest 2D Mario game in a generation. With revamped visuals, entertaining new boss battles, and an Assist Mode for younger players, there’s a lot to love here. " - Harry Padoan, TechRadar Gaming reviewer
"People often say you can't reinvent the wheel. Pokémon Legends: Z-A proves that sometimes you can improve on perfection, and while some changes need some fine-tuning, the experience it delivers is one I hope I'll see again from this franchise." - Hamish Hector, Senior Staff News Writer at TechRadar
"Metroid Prime 4: Beyond can't possibly live up to years and years of anticipation, but that's not to say it's a disappointment. Drop-dead gorgeous visuals pair with stunning environments and a uniquely alien atmosphere. Its massive open desert is a slog to get through, however - even on Samus's new bike - but Beyond is nonetheless an adventure that's tough to put down, flaws and all." - Rhys Wood, Managing Editor, Buying Guides at TechRadar
"Even with no prior experience of the Rune Factory series, Rune Factory: Guardians of Azuma is a relaxing blend of genres that works in part due to the wholesome nature of its cast and setting. It’s chicken soup on a rainy day - uncomplicated, but unmistakably enjoyable." - Lloyd Coombes, TechRadar Gaming reviewer.
"Hollow Knight: Silksong is so much more than I expected from a sequel, deftly avoiding the pitfalls that come with following up from one of the best indie games. Team Cherry’s second masterpiece is not for everyone, but it’s absolutely proven to be worth the wait. It rewards patience in its combat, platforming, and exploration, before daring the player to take big risks during boss fights." - Jake Green, TechRadar Gaming reviewer
"Hitman World of Assassination – Signature Edition is a decent port of an incredible stealth game, bringing hundreds, if not thousands, of hours of entertainment to Nintendo Switch 2 in a very well-rounded package. Performance could be better, and there are a few bugs in need of patches, but it's nevertheless a joy to pick up and play and almost impossible to put down." - Dash Wood, Gaming Editor at TechRadar Gaming
"It took a while for Street Fighter 6 to arrive, and for good reason. The final product is slickly polished, packed with modes and headlined by its feature-rich online Battle Hub and ambitious single player World Tour. It’s a fighting game for everyone, with multiple control styles and vast accessibility options." - Rhys Wood, Managing Editor, Buying Guides at TechRadar
"Fortnite is the biggest battle royale for a reason. Epic Games has created an ecosystem that you can get dozens of hours of play from without even touching the main Battle Royale mode. The Nintendo Switch 2 edition is a massive step up from the original Switch, thanks to its enhanced performance, and I can’t think of a better way to play the game on a handheld." - Scott McCrae, TechRadar Gaming reviewer
Best Nintendo Switch 2 games: FAQs
Is it still worth buying a Nintendo Switch?
Now that the Nintendo Switch 2 is out, there are some questions over whether its predecessor is still worth picking up. If you can find one on the cheap, though, getting a Switch for cheap is still a great idea as Nintendo is still supporting the console with new releases. Check out our Switch 2 vs Switch comparison article to see what's changed between the two.
Which games should I download on my Nintendo Switch 2?
Any of the games on this list are great places to start, though if you're looking for a solid place to start, check out our top three picks. Each of those three games (Splatoon Raiders, Pokémon Pokopia, and Donkey Kong Bananza) provide high-quality gaming experiences in either docked or handheld modes. Or, if you're after a cheaper release, it's hard to go wrong with the excellent Hollow Knight: Silksong.
Are Nintendo Switch 2 games region locked?
No. Unlike some previous Nintendo home consoles, the Switch 2 is completely region-free. That means you can play physical games from other regions on your console. If you've been eyeing up region-exclusive special editions or game releases, they'll work on your Switch 2 without issue. You will need an account from a relevant country to access its region-based Nintendo eShop, however.
How we made our best Nintendo Switch games list
The Nintendo Switch 2 is only early on in its life, but we've been covering it since it was first announced, even going hands-on before launch day. Now, we've spent dozens of hours testing the new hardware, games, and accessories, and will continue to do so, so you know you can trust our takes and verdicts.
Having covered the Switch generation from the beginning, the experts at TechRadar Gaming are therefore confident in our recommendations, which will continue to be updated as new games come out in the future.
