For over eight years, the Nintendo Switch has dominated living rooms, backpacks, and commutes alike. Selling more than 143 million units globally, the hybrid console blended portability with an unmatched first-party lineup. From the standard model to the Lite and OLED, the Switch has been home to some of Nintendo’s best experiments and boldest reimaginings.
Now, with Switch 2 on the horizon and backward compatibility confirmed, this generation’s standout titles matter more than ever. Many are receiving free updates or paid upgrade packs for Nintendo’s new hardware. Here are 20 essential Switch games you should play right now.
The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom
- Release: May 12, 2023
- Genre: Open-world sandbox adventure
- Switch 2: Paid upgrade pack with enhanced visuals & Zelda Notes integration
A direct follow-up to Breath of the Wild, this epic redefined Hyrule with floating islands, an expansive underworld, and new tools like Ultrahand, which turned the internet into an engineering playground. It’s both a remix and a reinvention that makes its predecessor feel instantly dated.
Mario Kart 8 Deluxe
- Release: April 28, 2017
- Genre: Party racing
- Switch 2: Native compatibility
The definitive party racer. With 96 tracks (including DLC), accessibility options like smart steering, and timeless local multiplayer, Mario Kart 8 Deluxe remains the most reliable joy machine on Switch.
Super Smash Bros. Ultimate
- Release: Dec. 7, 2018
- Genre: Platform fighter
- Switch 2: Runs natively
With 86 fighters spanning franchises from Mario to Cloud Strife, Smash Ultimate is the ultimate crossover fantasy. Competitive or casual, it remains the gold standard for platform fighters.
Splatoon 3
- Release: Sept. 9, 2022
- Genre: Third-person shooter
- Switch 2: Native compatibility
Nintendo’s colorful spin on shooters reaches new heights with wild weapons, expanded customization, and a surprisingly strong single-player campaign.
Stardew Valley
- Release: Feb. 26, 2016
- Genre: Farming/life sim
- Switch 2: Runs natively
Still the coziest farming sim around. Build your farm, craft, fish, mine, romance, and lose countless evenings to its pixel-perfect charm.
Animal Crossing: New Horizons
- Release: March 20, 2020
- Genre: Village-building sim
- Switch 2: Runs natively
The ultimate lockdown escape. Decorate your island, befriend quirky villagers, and craft your perfect digital paradise. Years later, the community remains vibrant.
Super Mario Bros. Wonder
- Release: Oct. 20, 2023
- Genre: 2D platformer
- Switch 2: Runs natively
A joyous return to 2D Mario with endless surprises. Wonder Flowers transform stages in unexpected ways, from singing enemies to gravity-defying chaos.
Super Mario Odyssey
- Release: Oct. 27, 2017
- Genre: 3D platformer
- Switch 2: Free update for smoother performance
Mario’s globe-trotting adventure remains one of his greatest. With Cappy’s possession mechanic and 999 Power Moons to chase, Odyssey rewards both casual play and obsessive completionism.
Spiritfarer
- Release: Aug. 18, 2020
- Genre: Management sim / emotional journey
- Switch 2: Runs natively
A cozy but heart-wrenching tale of ferrying souls to the afterlife. Build, explore, and say goodbye in one of the most affecting indies of the decade.
Xenoblade Chronicles 3
- Release: July 29, 2022
- Genre: JRPG
- Switch 2: Runs natively
A sweeping, existential epic with refined combat and one of the most compelling JRPG stories in years.
Metroid Prime Remastered
- Release: Feb. 8, 2023
- Genre: First-person adventure
- Switch 2: Runs natively
A faithful, gorgeous remaster of Samus’ GameCube masterpiece. Multiple control options and polished HD visuals make this the definitive way to play.
Super Mario 3D World + Bowser’s Fury
- Release: Feb. 12, 2021
- Genre: 3D platformer
- Switch 2: Free update confirmed
Two games in one: a reimagined Wii U classic and Bowser’s Fury, a bite-sized open-world Mario that hints at the series’ future.
Tetris Effect: Connected
- Release: Nov. 10, 2020
- Genre: Puzzle / rhythm hybrid
- Switch 2: Runs natively
The most mesmerizing Tetris ever. Music, visuals, and gameplay fuse into a hypnotic, emotional experience.
Kirby and the Forgotten Land
- Release: March 25, 2022
- Genre: 3D platformer
- Switch 2: Paid upgrade with new levels & abilities
Kirby ventures into a strange, decayed world. Classic copy powers meet atmospheric exploration in one of his boldest adventures.
Pokémon Legends: Arceus
- Release: Jan. 28, 2022
- Genre: Open-world monster tamer
- Switch 2: Runs natively
Pokémon finally feels wild. Explore the Hisui region, dodge attacks, and face creatures that actually scare you. A bold reimagining of the series.
The Legend of Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom
- Release: Sept. 26, 2024
- Genre: Puzzle adventure
- Switch 2: Free update confirmed
For the first time, play as Zelda herself. Use the Tri Rod to echo enemies and objects, blending old-school dungeon design with BOTW’s creativity.
Super Mario Party Jamboree
- Release: Oct. 17, 2024
- Genre: Party minigame collection
- Switch 2: Paid upgrade pack with new minigames & Joy-Con camera mode
Seven boards, 112 minigames, and endless chaos. With new Pro Rules and matchmaking, it’s the most content-rich Mario Party yet.
Metroid Dread
- Release: Oct. 8, 2021
- Genre: 2D action-adventure
- Switch 2: Runs natively
Samus returns to her side-scrolling roots with fluid combat, haunting survival-horror mechanics, and nerve-wracking chases from the unstoppable EMMIs.
Pikmin 4
- Release: July 21, 2023
- Genre: Puzzle strategy / exploration
- Switch 2: Runs natively
Cute but cunning. Command armies of Pikmin, explore alien landscapes, and tackle new tower-defense Night Expeditions.
Super Mario Maker 2
- Release: June 28, 2019
- Genre: Platformer / creation tool
- Switch 2: Runs natively
A playground for creators and players alike. Build, share, or just play through hundreds of thousands of community-crafted Mario levels.
Final Thoughts
With Switch 2 right around the corner, this library remains timeless. Whether you want sweeping adventures, cozy farming, chaotic multiplayer, or puzzle zen, the Switch has something unforgettable.
💡 Player Tip
If you’re upgrading to Switch 2, check which titles offer free updates versus paid upgrade packs. Games like Super Mario Odyssey and Echoes of Wisdom will run better at no cost, while others like Kirby and the Forgotten Land add new paid content. Plan your library accordingly.
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