The 11 greatest Nintendo Swap 2 video games we performed in 2025

2025 was an enormous 12 months for gaming, and that features gaming {hardware}. Nintendo launched its Switch 2 console in June, and since then, quite a few Swap 2 titles and noteworthy updates for authentic Swap video games have launched. These embrace brand-new Nintendo experiences like Mario Kart World and Donkey Kong Bananza, in addition to some belated however welcome third-party titles, together with Cyberpunk 2077 and Divinity: Unique Sin 2. Even classics like The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild acquired some new life on the upgraded console.

When you’re contemplating shopping for a console, otherwise you’re getting one for another person, there are 11 video games that we predict are a must-buy for any Swap 2 proprietor.

So what if Mario Kart World comes within the field with the $499 Swap 2 bundle? It’s nonetheless so easy to recommend as a result of few different video games match the briskness at which it simply helps you to get going and have enjoyable. The most recent entry in Nintendo’s top-selling racing franchise provides many new characters, an open-world single-player mode, distinctive interconnected programs, and much more.

The most effective methods to play the unique Hole Knight was on a Nintendo Swap, so it’s no shock that the Swap 2 is a good way to benefit from the long-awaited sequel, Silksong. The side-scrolling motion exploration sport seems to be incredible, and its beautiful animations are simpler to understand due to the console’s 120Hz refresh charge display screen.

Earlier than Larian Studios made Baldur’s Gate 3, it was greatest recognized for its Divinity sequence. The builders not too long ago introduced a reboot of the RPG franchise, however for now, the closest factor to BG3 that Swap 2 house owners can expertise proper now could be Divinity: Unique Sin 2, a incredible RPG that first launched in late 2017. It simply acquired a free Swap 2 replace that enhances visuals and reduces slowdown, and I extremely advocate enjoying it.

The workforce that developed Tremendous Mario Odyssey clearly had a ball with its most up-to-date sport, Donkey Kong Bananza. It’s simply as formidable when it comes to degree design, giving Donkey Kong a number of distinctive powers of transformation. Nevertheless it’s considerably extra damaging, letting him demolish every thing in sight along with his fists or punch via the bottom to get round obstacles.

Cyberpunk 2077: Final Version

You already know Nintendo did one thing proper with the Swap 2 when the graphics showcase Cyberpunk 2077 exhibits up as a launch sport. The primary-person-shooter-meets-RPG performs effectively on the system, particularly while you use the Pleasure-Con 2 in mouse mode, which makes it really feel a bit just like the PC model. This model of the sport consists of the superb Phantom Liberty DLC that provides much more motion, plus Idris Elba.

After practically a decade in improvement, the primary new Metroid Prime sport in practically 20 years is now obtainable for the Swap 2. It runs at wonderful 4K on the brand new {hardware} (or as much as 120 frames per second in 1080p), however past seems to be, it’s nice to be again in Samus Aran’s butt-kicking boots once more. This time, she’s acquired the Vi-O-La motorbike for getting across the desert terrain that connects the principle dungeons. The story and exploration may not have the same magic as the original Prime, however its greatest components are nonetheless price paying the worth of admission to expertise.

Splatoon 3 was already a enjoyable sport on the unique Swap, but it surely’s even higher with the free Switch 2 update. With quicker loading speeds and better-looking visuals, you owe it to your self to make a splashy mess in its enjoyable single-player marketing campaign and on-line multiplayer modes.

The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild

The discharge of the Swap 2 made outdated issues new once more. For instance, the unique Swap launch title The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild has by no means regarded or performed higher than it does within the new Switch 2 Edition, which prices $10 when you personal the Swap sport or $70 by itself (the improve is free when you have Swap On-line + Enlargement Pack). Quicker body charges, speedier loading instances, higher visuals, and a GPS-style cell app characteristic make this one really feel like a breath of contemporary air.

Rockstar Video games’ open-world Western was late to hit the original Switch, however the brand new (and free) Swap 2 replace makes it shine in some shocking methods. Not solely does it enhance the visuals and efficiency due to the brand new console’s extra highly effective specs, it provides a PC-like mouse mode to make it a lot simpler to goal (and extra enjoyable to play).

When you’ve by no means performed No Man’s Sky, can we change brains so I can expertise it once more for the primary time? The house exploration sport with an infinite universe (made attainable through procedural technology that makes every participant’s expertise distinctive) is one in every of gaming’s largest success tales lately. The builders pile on quite a few substantive updates annually, making this a wonderful sport to play, whether or not you wish to chill or have interaction in constructing an area empire. Oh, and the Swap 2 replace is free for individuals who personal the bottom sport.

Fortnite is the one sport on this listing that’s free to play, however that doesn’t make it one which it’s best to go up. Epic Video games’ battle royale-style shooter is a cultural juggernaut that features characters representing an enormous array of fandoms. The Switch 2 port makes it feel like an entirely different game than the unique Swap model. You’ll be able to drop in as a personality from Dragon Ball Z, lock and cargo as your favourite member of the family from The Simpsons, or assume the function of Sabrina Carpenter or Kim Kardashian, to call a number of the actually dozens of tie-ins which might be enjoyable to see in-game.