10 games you should play if you get a Nintendo Switch 2
The Nintendo Switch 2 finally launched in June 2025. While initially selling out, the console has sold over 10 million units in the four months since its release, and the number of people who have already acquired it in Japan is gradually increasing. For those who have already acquired the console, we've compiled a list of recommended titles from gaming media.
The Best Nintendo Switch And Switch 2 Exclusives Of 2025 - GameSpot
https://www.gamespot.com/gallery/the-best-nintendo-switch-and-switch-2-exclusives-of-2025/2900-7323/
The Top 10 Nintendo Switch 2 Games - Game Informer
https://gameinformer.com/2025/12/05/the-top-10-nintendo-switch-2-games
◆1: Metroid Prime 4 Beyond
Metroid Prime 4 Beyond is a game for the Nintendo Switch that was released on December 4, 2025. There is also a Nintendo Switch 2 Edition, which features improved resolution and frame rate for the Nintendo Switch 2 and shorter loading times. If you own the Nintendo Switch version of the game, you can play the Nintendo Switch 2 Edition by purchasing an upgrade pass for 1,000 yen (tax included).
GameSpot said, 'Metroid Prime 4 Beyond is a beautiful exploration adventure game that explains why this series is special and why fans have been waiting for it since it was first announced nearly 10 years ago.' 'More characters than previous games appear, but it also skillfully depicts moments of somber, lonely exploration, like getting lost in the vast depths of Byrus (the planet where the game is set). And thanks to a variety of control options, combat is sharper than ever. The release of Metroid Prime 4 Beyond has been long awaited, but it was worth the wait for Metroid fans.'
Game Informer wrote, 'Metroid Prime 4 Beyond has been a long time coming, but the experience far exceeded expectations. While it doesn't fundamentally overturn the series' successes since the original Metroid Prime, it delivers everything you've been looking for in a Metroid Prime game. Longtime fans and newcomers alike will enjoy this classic exploration action game with an alien atmosphere.'
Metroid Prime 4 Beyond Nintendo Switch 2 Edition Introduction Video - YouTube
◆2: Mario Kart World
'Mario Kart World' is an exclusive software released on June 5, 2025, at the same time as the Nintendo Switch 2.
GameSpot commented, 'Mario Kart World is a fantastic sequel with playful additions, fantastic new modes, and a completely reimagined approach to track design.' 'The new mode, Survival, makes the most of the open world, elevating the race into a tense marathon.' 'Some characters have been revamped with cartoon character settings and a wide variety of costumes, including quirky characters like cows . And the highlight of the new game, Rainbow Road, captivates with its overwhelming scale and diversity.' GameSpot also noted that the only drawback of 'Mario Kart World' is that 'it cannot fully recapture the high level of perfection thatMario Kart 8 Deluxe has built up over the years.'
Game Informer praised the game, saying, 'If you own a Nintendo console, Mario Kart is probably a must-have. Thankfully, the Nintendo Switch 2 got a Mario Kart game worthy of its launch day. Mario Kart World is fun to play alone or with friends, and the open world provides a fun change of pace when you want to run around alone. It also features Rainbow Road, the best in the series, and is sure to be a game that will be loved for years to come.'
Mario Kart World [Nintendo Direct | Nintendo Switch 2] - YouTube
◆3: HADES II
HADES II is the sequel to the award-winning roguelike dungeon adventure HADES , and is available for Nintendo Switch 2, Steam, Nintendo Switch, and Mac.
GameSpot said, 'HADES II can be played on a variety of platforms, but honestly, it's best suited to the easily portable Nintendo Switch 2. A large part of the reason for this is the roguelike nature of HADES II. Portable game consoles like the Nintendo Switch 2 are suitable for short periods of play, making it the perfect choice for playing on your commute or on the go.' He pointed out the compatibility of roguelike games like HADES II with portable game consoles like the Nintendo Switch 2. Of course, in addition to its compatibility with the Nintendo Switch 2, 'the stylish visuals, spectacular music, attractive and well-acted characters, and immersive gameplay make HADES II a must-play game.'
Game Informer wrote, 'HADES II builds on the success of its predecessor while improving on every aspect, delivering a new adventure with a new protagonist with all-new abilities and motivations. It's incredibly fun to play, looks beautiful, and sounds great.'
Hades II Nintendo Switch 2 Edition [Nintendo Direct 2025.9.12] - YouTube
◆4: Donkey Kong Bananza
'Donkey Kong Bananza' is a 3D action game exclusively for the Nintendo Switch 2 that was released on July 17, 2025, and a trial version is also available.
GameSpot commented, 'Donkey Kong Country: Bananza is a dramatic new release that's also explosively fun.' 'Donkey Kong Country: Bananza transforms the 2D platforming fun that's the hallmark of the Donkey Kong series into a massive 3D adventure. The player's primary way of interacting with the world is through destruction. Destroying layer after layer and finding twisty solutions to the game's various challenges is endlessly entertaining.'
Game Informer wrote, 'Donkey Kong: Bananza is the biggest and most epic adventure Donkey Kong has ever experienced. Diving deep into the world is rewarding, and the ability to destroy almost anything is never boring. Donkey Kong: Bananza has that indescribable secret flavor that Nintendo is so good at, and just playing the game is a fun experience. The ending is the climax of the whole game, so we highly recommend playing it to the end.'
Donkey Kong Bananza introduction video - YouTube
◆5: The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom Nintendo Switch 2 Edition
The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom was released for the Nintendo Switch in May 2023, but there is also a Nintendo Switch 2 Edition available for the Nintendo Switch 2 with improved resolution, frame rate, and shorter loading times. If you own the original version of The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom, you can play the Nintendo Switch 2 Edition by purchasing an upgrade pass for 1,000 yen (tax included). However, Nintendo Switch Online + add-on pack subscribers can play the Nintendo Switch 2 Edition at no additional cost.
Game Informer said, 'The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom is a masterpiece, as is its predecessor, The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild. The open world is vast and fascinating, and it's no wonder you'll be immersed in the adventure. If you've never played the Nintendo Switch version and want to play Nintendo's masterpiece, you can't go wrong with either The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild or The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom Nintendo Switch 2 Edition. If you had to choose between the two, I'd give The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom the nod, as it allows you to take advantage of Ultra Hand's creativity.'
In addition, 'The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom' has also been reviewed by GIGAZINE.
'The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom' - an adventure not only on the land of Hyrule but also in the sky and underground on the Nintendo Switch - offers 'fun to create' and 'freedom far beyond the previous work' - GIGAZINE
The side-scrolling action game 'Hollow Knight: Silksong' is a sequel to Hollow Knight, which was released in September 2025, and is available on Steam, GOG, Humble Store, PlayStation, Xbox, and Nintendo Switch.
Game Informer writes, 'Hollow Knight: Silksong is the product of talented developers deciding that their planned downcoded content was worth releasing as a larger, more complete game, and they've taken the time to make it happen. You'll discover an incredibly challenging, yet undeniably rewarding, secret-filled adventure. The Nintendo Switch 2 version is particularly impressive, featuring high frame rates and the portability of the Nintendo Switch 2.''
Hollow Knight: Silksong - Release Trailer - YouTube
◆7: Final Fantasy Tactics - Ivalice Chronicles
'Final Fantasy Tactics - Ivalice Chronicles' is a tactical RPG that can be played not only on Nintendo Switch 2, but also on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, and Steam.
Game Informer wrote, 'Final Fantasy Tactics has always been a great game, and is often cited as the best spin-off in the franchise. This remake (or remaster) proves that the original's ingenious design has stood the test of time. And while the new features added are modest, they're well worth it. This isn't the first time Final Fantasy Tactics has appeared on a handheld console, but we're pleased to see this classic updated for Nintendo's platform.'
Introducing the battle system of 'Final Fantasy Tactics - Ivalice Chronicles' - YouTube
◆8: Pokémon LEGENDS ZA
'Pokémon LEGENDS ZA,' released in October 2025, is the latest Pokémon game in the series and is available for the Nintendo Switch and Nintendo Switch 2 at the time of writing.
Game Informer commented, 'There's a reason Pokémon is literally the most successful intellectual property of all time. Pokémon Scarlet Violet delivers a closer to the traditional Pokémon experience while also running great on the Nintendo Switch 2. Pokémon LEGENDS ZA successfully incorporates more action elements and freedom into the traditional turn-based Pokémon experience.'
[Official] 'Pokémon LEGENDS ZA' Final Trailer - YouTube
◆9: Ball x Pit
Ball x Pit is part of a rapidly growing genre of games called 'VanSaba' that takes inspiration from Vampire Survivors . It's a modern take on the breakout genre and is available on Steam, PlayStation, Xbox, and Nintendo Switch.
Game Informer commented, 'A common complaint among Ball x Pit players is frustration. The game itself isn't tedious or unfair, but it's just that it's very difficult to stop playing.' 'It has an incredibly replayable and engaging system, and the loop element of building a city between plays also adds to the game's appeal.'
BALL x PIT [Indie World 2025.8.7] - YouTube
◆10: Kirby Air Rider
Kirby Air Rider is the sequel to Kirby Air Ride, released for the Nintendo GameCube in 2003, and is the first in 22 years. It is directed by Masahiro Sakurai , known as the creator of Kirby of the Stars and Super Smash Bros. This game is for the Nintendo Switch 2 and cannot be played on other platforms.
Game Informer describes Kirby Air Riders as 'a game packed with the action, chaos, and charm that's characteristic of Sakurai's captivating style, bringing the style and feel of fighting games to a different genre.'
Kirby Air Rider Introduction Video - YouTube
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in Game, Posted by logu_ii