If you're looking for a list of the best Switch games, we're here to help. Here at Pocket Tactics, we've played countless titles on the Nintendo console, from awesome triple-As to incredible indies, and we've put this guide together detailing some of our favorites. As more games arrive, we'll be sure to add to this list, so check back often if you need something new to play.
Good Switch games can range from the coziest farming sim all the way to an intense FPS title, so no matter your genre of choice, there's bound to be a helpful suggestion for you waiting below. The system boasts numerous unmissable games, and this number is likely to grow now that the Nintendo Switch 2 is available.
Here are the best Switch games in no particular order:
1. Mario Kart World
The main launch title for the long-awaited Nintendo Switch 2, Mario Kart World, takes the iconic series to a whole new level. Introducing new game modes (including free roam), a great selection of new and returning tracks, and a wider-than-ever roster of Mario characters for you to choose from, it's a great time for returning fans and newcomers alike.
Connor Christie gave the game a 9/10 in our Mario Kart World review, stating that "it's a bold new vision for the 30-year-old series that takes some big risks with the classic formula." He continues to praise the game's "visually stunning new tracks, incredible karting tech, and a soundtrack that [kept his] head bopping at all times."
As you would expect from any good Nintendo game, there are also heaps of items to collect, including brand-new Mario Kart World costumes and Mario Kart World karts. This is a great game for the whole family as well as your most competitive group of friends, and we can't recommend it enough.
Check prices: Nintendo Switch 2
2. Donkey Kong Bananza
Nintendo might have taken its sweet time providing us with a new 3D Donkey Kong platformer, but the wait was worth it for Donkey Kong Bananza. This game combines the colorful world and platforming delights of Mario Odyssey, the engaging combat mechanics of Kirby and the Forgotten Land, and the challenging mini-levels of The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild to offer something wildly engaging, revitalizing the collectathon genre on the way.
The big twist in this Nintendo Switch 2 game is that DK can smash his way through the environment, adding a whole new dimension to the platforming joy you expect from a Nintendo game. In Connor Christie's 10/10 Donkey Kong Bananza review, he praises the "absolutely fantastic combat," especially in big boss battles, with DK embracing new Bananza forms that turn him into everything from a big-hitting gorilla to a fast-moving zebra.
Not only does Bananza offer great mechanics and top-tier combat, but it also pulls on your heartstrings as you watch Donkey Kong and Pauline bond on their journey to the Planet Core. The relationship between the pairing is truly heartwarming, which makes the story all the sweeter as you travel further into the earth to find a way to return Pauline to the surface. It's just one of those games that you don't want to end, and it doesn't have to, as our Donkey Kong Bananza DLC review lets you know if it's worth picking up the DK Island and Emerald Rush content. If you are already playing, check our DK Bananza gold farm guide.
Check prices: Nintendo Switch 2
3. The Legend Of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom
It's hard to follow up a masterpiece with something just as incredible, but if anyone can do it, it's Nintendo. Tears of the Kingdom is the best sandbox adventure game on the market, let alone just on the Switch, with a mind-bogglingly big world of dungeons, shrines, and quests to adventure. There are new powers, too, with an emphasis on creation. Link is capable of creating vehicles with Ultrahand, and then there's Fuse, which allows him to invent new weapons.
Picking up after the events of Breath of the Wild, Tears of the Kingdom sees Link and Zelda separated once more, as a long-dormant evil revives and spreads across Hyrule. As Link, it's your job to regain your power, find the princess, and return peace to the land once more. In our 10/10 Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom review, Ben Johnson muses that "there's nothing like it on the Switch."
Tears of the Kingdom takes everything that made Breath of the Wild great and adds to it, and that was a tough ask, as, not to spoil a later entry on this list, but BOTW also makes it. If you want to explore a sprawling open world, tackle increasingly difficult bosses, and maybe tame a pony or two, you need look no further than one of the best Zelda games ever.
Check prices: Nintendo Switch
4. Super Mario Odyssey
Not content with simply releasing the most groundbreaking Zelda game in 2017, Nintendo outdid itself and also gave us what is not only one of the best Mario games on Switch but also one of the plumber's best outings ever. Returning to the 'sandbox' style of the world seen in Super Mario Sunshine, Super Mario Odyssey has our man with the mustache exploring huge levels to find hidden challenges and earn the literal hundreds of Power Moons needed to power his hat-shaped ship, The Odyssey, and rescue Peach.
In our 9/10 Super Mario Odyssey review, Dave Irwin states that the game "is nigh-on perfect in almost every way." He continues, "With the help of Cappy, Mario has never been as fun to control, reaching new heights and, in the hands of a skilled player, accomplishing impossible skips." This game is a great entry into the Mario franchise for new gamers and also a must-play for existing fans of the series.
What sets this apart from other Mario games is that the titular plumber can copy the abilities of almost any enemy in the game. No, he hasn't been taking lessons from Kirby, but instead made friends with a hat with magical abilities. Cappy allows Mario to possess enemies, NPCs, and even random objects, giving him skills and moves unlike anything before. With so many fun ways to move and so many things to do (with a selection of Super Mario Odyssey amiibo available to enhance the game), Mario's latest 3D adventure should keep you going for weeks.
Check prices: Nintendo Switch
5. Animal Crossing: New Horizons
Remember when Animal Crossing was a niche GameCube game? The one with the weird villagers and wobbling gyroids. Well, Animal Crossing: New Horizons has now sold over 30 million units on Nintendo Switch and is a phenomenon that inspired countless games and spawned a wealth of plushies and toys. Through some serendipitous timing and a truck full of new ways to customize not just your house but your island, the series took the world by storm.
Dave Irwin gave the game a 9/10 in our Animal Crossing: New Horizons review, where he gushes over how the game is "the perfect way to escape and relax from life's pressures." He states this is especially true "if you have a bunch of like-minded friends to share it with." There's nothing quite like venturing to a friend's well-maintained island and sharing fruits.
New Horizons looks absolutely gorgeous in shiny HD. The ACNH villagers are cuter than ever, bugs can be seen wandering around, and the atmosphere provided by the gorgeous night sky is untouchable. This fantastic game also received a hefty update and some paid DLC.
Check prices: Nintendo Switch
6. Astral Chain
Platinum knows how to make action games like Gordon Ramsay knows how to shout at people and cook things. It's an art form at this point, and they always deliver. Astral Chain is a console exclusive for Nintendo Switch and shows Platinum flexing its action muscles in some interesting ways while providing some truly impressive graphics.
You play as Akira, a cop in a future-noir city who must use monsters known as Legion as weapons. The Legion is bound to you by the Astral Chain, and you can attack not only by yourself and with your Legion but also by combining your attacks with the chain itself. Part detective story, all intrigue, Astral Chain is an outstanding action game stuffed with style, and any action fan owes it to themselves to give it a try.
Not only is Astral Chain all of the things we've mentioned above, but we also regard it as massively underrated. The game goes on sale fairly frequently, so there's really no excuse not to pick it up. It's ideal for fans of the best RPGs and will occupy you for 30+ hours.
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7. Fire Emblem: Three Houses
Not only is Fire Emblem: Three Houses one of the best Switch games out there, but it might be the best game from the series, full stop. With a riveting plot that invites multiple playthroughs, strategic combat mechanics that push your brain to get creative with tackling enemies, and fantastic dialogue that draws you in close to the characters, it's a personal favorite from the Switch catalog.
You play as Byleth, a professor at a school that's home to different factions, and the relationships between these characters and the world have far-reaching consequences. With so many lovable characters, three different stories to play through, and some fantastic refinements to the series' RPG elements, Fire Emblem: Three Houses is a huge adventure and an easy recommendation for any strategy or RPG fan.
Three Houses is undoubtedly one of our favorite strategy games available on any console, but with the Fire Emblem: Fortune's Weave release date on the horizon, we're wondering if it will take Three Houses' crown and make its way onto this list.
Check prices: Nintendo Switch
8. Luigi's Mansion 2 HD
Poor Luigi. For someone so easily scared, he sure does end up in a lot of frightening places. This entry is no different. In fact, it's probably worse for the easily-petrified plumber, who, instead of taking on one haunted mansion, embarks on a tour of five possessed places that are packed with poltergeists. It also looks much better than the original for the 3D, thanks to some stellar work from developer Tantalus Media.
In his Luigi's Mansion 2 HD review, Connor Christie gave the game an 8/10 score, highlighting the "delicious dialogue" and "solid fun" of the gameplay. Outside of the core gameplay, Connor detailed how the multiplayer game mode added to the experience, offering a way of testing your ghost-busting mettle in a semi-competitive format or the chaos of the game modes that rely on collaboration. Oh, and there's the soundtrack, which is top-tier, even compared to some of the classics from the Nintendo archive.
While Mario is often the sought-after brother, we can't help but think Luigi gives him a run for his money here. We're not hesitant to say Luigi's Mansion 2 HD may be better than a few of Mario's own outings, and if you're looking for a horror game that allows you to lightly dip your toe into the genre without scaring you out of your seat, this pick has spooky vibes and a lighthearted story.
Check prices: Nintendo Switch
9. Monster Hunter Rise
Monster Hunter Rise allows you to live out your dreams of becoming a hunter, accompanied by absolutely adorable Palicos, fiercely loyal Palamutes, and even some helpful Cohoots. With over 100 monsters to take down, a slew of different weapons to take into combat, and some gorgeous graphics, this is a great entry into Capcom's popular franchise.
In our Monster Hunter Rise review, Dave Irwin couldn't get enough, scoring it a 9/10 and commenting that "Rise nails the theme, introduces smart improvements to combat, and is a thoroughly fun experience from start to finish." He goes on to praise the excellent monster designs, attention to detail, and massive areas you're able to explore.
Adding some acrobatics to proceedings, Monster Hunter games have never felt quicker or sharper on Nintendo than with Rise. There's even the new rampage mode if you enjoy cutting down hordes of enemies, and multiplayer is a joy with buddies. Rise also has a massive expansion, with Sunbreak bringing even more content to the package, and we're blown away.
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10. Stardew Valley
While Stardew Valley is available on almost every gaming platform, there's something about this cozy wonder that just makes it feel perfect on the Nintendo Switch. You can load it up, make some new friends in Pelican Town, and spend your time farming, fishing, and foraging, living the idyllic rural life without leaving the comfort of your home.
In our Stardew Valley review, Connor Christie ruminates on how "it quite possibly saved [his] life." The game is iconic, and not only does Connor praise the "in-game music that flawlessly lends itself to the core concept," but he also states Stardew is the "blueprint for a reimagined genre and endless hours of playability."
There's something about the gameplay loop that keeps so many of us coming back for more, and while you can't load Stardew Valley mods on the Switch version, there's plenty of content in the base game, thanks to some substantial updates from developer ConcernedApe.
Check prices: Nintendo Switch
11. Hollow Knight
If you've ever played and enjoyed a Metroidvania game (Metroid, Castlevania, Axiom Verge, Ori and the Will of the Wisps, etc.), you owe it to yourself to play Hollow Knight. It's tougher than most, taking some cues from Dark Souls with difficult bosses tucked away in most corners, a long trek back to them, and a battle with yourself to reclaim any of the souls you lose upon death.
Where Hollow Knight excels, though, is in world-building and game feel. Hollow Knight feels absolutely incredible to control, and every additional ability unlocked only further strengthens your arsenal. We're still astonished at the quality of this game, as you can see in our Hollow Knight review, where Nathan Ellingsworth calls the game "an incredible achievement that combines smart game design, a rich world, and sharp combat, with an enthralling insectoid world and a story just begging for you to find it."
This was a hard choice for our list, as if you read our views on the new game 9/10 Hollow Knight: Silksong review, it's obvious that the sequel is just as amazing as the first game. Honestly, we don't mind where you start; all we want is for you to experience exactly what makes this series such a cult classic.
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12. Metroid Dread
Talk about being fashionably late. A sequel to the 2001 GBA game Metroid Fusion, Samus finally returned in Metroid Dread, though it feels like she never left. With slick movement, satisfying weapons, and an incredibly atmospheric world to explore, Dread could be the best entry in the 35-year-old series.
Glen Fox praises how "well-balanced" the game is in our Metroid Dread review, calling the game a "solid Metroidvania that will please fans new and old alike." We gave the game a much-deserved 8/10 and think it plays absolutely wonderfully on the OLED model Nintendo Switch.
If you're a first-time Metroid player, you're about to play an amazing action game that just so happens to finish a story. This is as good a place to start as any, and if Dread eventually makes you a Metroid fan, then welcome aboard.
Check prices: Nintendo Switch
13. Super Mario Maker 2
With so many Mario games over the years, it was getting difficult to imagine where the 2D sidescrolling series could go in the future. So Nintendo instead gave the tools to fans, and we couldn't be happier. Create your own levels in the style of classic Mario games, but make them as devious and difficult as you can possibly imagine.
The game is well deserving of the 9/10 score Dave Irwin gave it in our Super Mario Maker 2 review, where he calls the game "the best level editor on the market and a great gateway for those interested in game design." The concept is a unique one for sure, and we can't really think of anything else that compares on Nintendo's home console.
Super Mario Maker 2 adds a lot of exciting new elements to the formula (slopes, worlds, and new styles) and even gives us a taste of a Zelda Maker with an NES Link power-up that copied the Hero of Time's abilities. Where could Mario go next? You'll have to wait for the next Nintendo Direct to find out, but for now, we've got literally thousands of fantastic Mario levels to play until then, so there's no rush.
Check prices: Nintendo Switch
14. Xenoblade Chronicles: Definitive Edition
A sprawling open-world RPG with a gargantuan story, spanning worlds built on the bodies of dead gods, Xenoblade is as JRPG as it gets. However, with some fantastic active battle systems, it manages to mix strategy with skill in some really smart ways.
The main characters are still likable, even if you get a bit sick of hearing "It's Reyn time!" repeatedly, and this port brings the Wii classic to life with beautiful visuals that finally do this huge world justice. There's never been a better way to play this classic than on your Nintendo Switch.
We love this series so much that we even have a full Xenoblade Chronicles timeline that spans all three games if you find stepping into this world a bit daunting. However, even if you go in blind, this is the best place to start, and you don't need knowledge of any of the other games to enjoy this one.
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15. Bayonetta 2
Bayonetta 2 is a prime example of PlatinumGames firing on all cylinders, and luckily, it wasn't stuck on the Wii U forever. Both entries in the series are on Switch and are stellar action games with a chaotic flair for detail, but the sequel is just inching ahead for us, thanks to its gigantic set pieces and the occasional Nintendo nod. Both entries are utterly unmissable action games that any fans of the genre have to experience.
We chose the second entry over the first and third, as we think this game is where the Umbra Witch truly shines. In our Bayonetta 2 review, Dave Irwin highlights the "spectacularly smooth combat" and lovingly calls it a "thoroughly entertaining romp from start to finish." It's well deserving of the 8/10 we gave it, and we would highly recommend the game to all hack-and-slash action fans.
It's easy to see why this larger-than-life character has touched so many gamers. She was great in the first game, but as we mentioned, the second puts everything up a notch and provides a more colorful, action-packed adventure. You don't need to worry if you haven't played the original Bayonetta either, as many editions of the second game come with a download code for it. If you do want to know more about its sequel, we have a Bayonetta 3 review to highlight what else makes this series so special.
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16. Xenoblade Chronicles 3
It's hard to believe this series went from a desperate struggle to be localized in the West to a smash trilogy with a new entry flying above and beyond expectations. Monolith Soft is a true master of the genre, and Xenoblade Chronicles 3 exemplifies their talent at crafting open worlds and satisfying JRPG combat.
Any game in the Xenoblade series could have easily made it onto this list (and another one actually did), but there's just something so charming and enthralling about 3 that demands its place here. Ben Johnson even gave the game a 10/10 in our Xenoblade Chronicles 3 review, calling it "the perfect videogame."
The game takes place in a world being torn apart by a war between two factions known as Agnus and Keves. XC3 squeezes an enormous world onto the Switch and somehow looks better than its predecessors while still cramming seven different characters into every battle. The ouroboros technique adds a thrilling new wrinkle, while the story is the darkest the series has ever tackled. It's truly one of the best JRPGs available today.
Check prices: Nintendo Switch
17. Splatoon 3
The third time is the charm. Splatoon was already a huge success in Japan and made waves in the West, but Splatoon 3 truly took the world by storm. Introducing the exciting new Tricolor Splatfests, along with numerous quality-of-life improvements and a slew of new weapons, anyone who describes Splatoon 3 as an iteration has taken a few too many Splattershots to the head.
This is potentially the most fun multiplayer game on this list, with an active competitive scene to boot. Ben Johnson gave the game a 9/10 in our Splatoon 3 review, commenting on how close to perfection this game comes. Despite the multiplayer aspects being so good, he states that the "single-player is so good it could be worth buying the game for that alone."
Not only do we love the gameplay, but the Splatoon 3 soundtrack is also epic, with its various fictional bands that all make different fusions of disparate genres. The single and multiplayer tracks vary and provide a unique experience, no matter what mode you decide to play.
Check prices: Nintendo Switch
18. Triangle Strategy
Look, we don't like the name either, but just give it a chance. Lovers of classic titles like Final Fantasy Tactics, Fire Emblem, and Tactics Ogre will find so much to love in Triangle Strategy. Underneath the strategic hood is a tense political thriller, and almost every single decision plays a part in your story's path.
Who you talk to, who you save, who you kill, and the choices along the way all test your resolve and inform your decisions in meaningful ways. In our Triangle Strategy review, Nathan Ellingsworth gave the game a 9/10, calling it "a sublime tactical game with a gut-wrenching story of political and personal strife."
If that hasn't sold you, the tactical combat, exhilarating soundtrack, and charming HD-2D graphics are also absolutely stellar, so if you know strategy games are your thing, this is a must-play from us.
Check prices: Nintendo Switch
19. Hades
The rogue-like genre seems to have exploded in popularity over the last few years, and the Nintendo Switch is home to dozens of fantastic picks. But if you only have the money for one, we'd recommend Hades. Combining slick action gameplay with a stylish world and great dialogue, Hades is a joy to play from start to finish.
Cameron Bald gave it a 9/10 in our Hades review, offering very high praise, saying, "Hades is a near-perfect marriage of reactive storytelling, blistering action, and bickering gods." He goes on to discuss how the combat system is the finest in any genre of game and how the story of Zagreus' escape from Hell, the overbearing pressure from his father, Hades, and his climb through the many layers, never fails to surprise him.
Each death is part of the journey, though, as the Hades characters comment on your failures and help you to build up the skills you need. It's a masterclass in combining narrative and game design that just happens to play like a dream. Utterly essential, and that's not even mentioning the outstanding sequel, Hades 2.
Check prices: Nintendo Switch
20. Mario Kart 8 Deluxe
At nearly 40 million copies sold (for Mario Kart 8 Deluxe alone, not including the Wii U version), there's a very good chance that if you own a Switch, you already own this masterpiece. Nintendo never drops the ball when it comes to their flagship racing franchise, but 8 especially hit it out of the park.
The Switch version takes the gravity-defying antics and adds a substantial battle mode, includes all the DLC, such as new tracks and new racers (Link, Isabelle, Inklings, and more), and couples it all with the ease of use the Nintendo Switch offers. Daz Skubich gave the game 9/10 in our Mario Kart 8 Deluxe + Booster Course review, calling it "the ultimate way to experience Nintendo's classic kart racer on the Switch."
The Booster Pass also brings back some classic Mario Kart characters and tracks that weren't included originally. Don't get us wrong, we obviously love Mario Kart World as well, but there's just something about taking Link to the racetrack against Isabelle and some Inklings.
Check prices: Nintendo Switch
21. Super Smash Bros. Ultimate
Now the best-selling fighting game of all time, this game crosses over just about every major gaming franchise in history, from Pac-Man to Sora from Kingdom Hearts. Each character plays very differently, and the whole game feels like a tribute to the video game medium as a whole.
In our Super Smash Bros. Ultimate review, Dave Irwin gave the game a well-deserved 9/10, highlighting that "despite [the combat's] simplicity, there's a lot of nuance." It's easy to understand but tough to master, and with over 80 characters, you'll never run out of moves to learn.
Smash Bros works so well because anyone can pick it up and either just have a giggle while throwing items around as Steve from Minecraft and Bowser, or you can play skillfully online and truly have your abilities tested. Our Super Smash Bros. Ultimate tier list might help make it a little easier for you to pick out a new character to main.
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22. The Legend Of Zelda: Breath of the Wild
Launching the same day as the Nintendo Switch itself, this genre-defining adventure changed the series and video games forever. A vast, stunning world to explore is matched by incredibly deep mechanics, delivering the most satisfying toolbox in video games to date. Simply finding weapons and exploring, while playing with Link's many new abilities, is more fun than almost any other video game.
BotW also manages to elevate the series in other ways, introducing voice acting for the first time, bringing a true sense of grandiosity to its story. Adam Randall called the game "a turning point for the Zelda series" in our Zelda: Breath of the Wild review, and though Tears of the Kingdom may be the newest entry, we think this game is a must-play before heading into the sequel.
Characters like Urbosa and Daruk are fantastic, and while we don't get to interact with them directly, BotW is filled with interesting characters intertwined with their stories. Honestly, the Zelda series has never been better, and there's an argument that video games haven't either. If you're feeling a little lost, our guide to all of the Zelda games in order can help you work out if this is the best starting point for you.
Check prices: Nintendo Switch
23. Balatro
The concept behind Balatro is relatively simple, but the execution is what makes it one of the most engaging Switch games. The aim is to build poker hands, with up to five joker cards adding to or multiplying your score. The score targets go up quickly, though, so it's on you to build big combos and keep hitting the target.
This one is all about luck and calculations. Can you make the next score? Should you swap this joker for that one? Is that the best hand you can play? These are all the sorts of questions that fly through your head when playing a round of Balatro. And trust us, it's enough to keep you up at night. If you still need convincing, Connor Christie gave the game 9/10 in our Balatro review, calling it "an indie hit for the ages."
This game can look a little daunting to get into, but it's one of the best card games available today and has that essential 'just one more round' vibe to it that keeps you coming back hour after hour.
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24. Pokémon: Let's Go, Pikachu! and Let's Go, Eevee!
Let's Go, Pikachu! and Eevee! allow you to revisit Kanto with one of the titular Pokémon as your partner on this epic adventure. You can expect to catch 'em all, trade with friends to complete your collection, and take part in battles with trainers across the map. Oh, and the best part is, you can choose any 'mon from the Kanto dex to follow you on your journey and even ride some.
This game is the perfect entry point into the series for young fans, but also offers a little nostalgia kick for us older folks to enjoy. In our retrospective Pokémon: Let's Go, Eevee! review, Holly Alice praises the game for its "refreshed graphics", "no frame drops", and "nice new style", giving it an 8/10.
Team Rocket also makes an appearance in Let's Go, so you need to build a strong team in order to thwart Jessie, James, and Meowth's plans. Our favorite part of the game is the multiplayer aspect, where you can bring a friend along with you in couch co-op to explore, battle, and fill out your Pokédex.
Check prices: Nintendo Switch
There you have it, our refined selection of the best Nintendo Switch games. While you're here, why not check out what you might be missing out on mobile with our guide to the best mobile games, or see what the competitor handhelds have to offer in our list of the best handheld gaming consoles?
If we missed any of your favorite games, don't hesitate to call us out on the official Pocket Tactics Discord and keep up to date with all of the biggest new Switch games thanks to our guide.
