Our Recommended Switch Games to Play on the Switch 2

 

The Nintendo Switch 2 is here and there are now plenty games for it, with more on their way. From Mario Kart World, to Donkey Kong Bananza, and even the surprise Kirby Air Riders, the library is ever expanding. However, the Nintendo Switch 2 is also backwards compatible with the original Nintendo Switch, and today we wanted to share some of our recommended Switch games and series that you shouldn't miss out on! 

Maybe you didn't have a Switch at the time, or you wanted to wait for the Switch 2, but either way, there are a lot of great games out there already that you should try out!

 

So with that in mind, I sat down with the rest of the Netto's Game Room team, and these are the games we came up with. We plan to keep adding more recommendations to this list as time goes on, so don't forget to check back! And now that the Switch 2 is here, we'll be adding our recommended Switch 2 exclusives as well.

Xenoblade Chronicles Series

Xenoblade is a well beloved Action RPG series from Monolith Soft that originally released their first game on the Wii 2010. Typically they all have massive explorable worlds with tons of secrets to find, engaging stories and character, and MMO style action combat that requires you to be more strategic and time certain attacks. Games from this series can last you easily from 70-100 hours depending on how much you want to complete them, and while the length may sound daunting to some, in my own experience they have all been fun and engaging hours.

Since the original release the series has grown, gotten sequels, and had some really great Definitive Editions that improved on the originals in every aspect. Thanks to this the entire series is now available on Switch and Switch 2, making it even easier to get into.

"Which one should I start with?"

In my humble opinion, I would recommend starting with the very first one, aka, Xenoblade Chronicles Definitive Edition, and then play them in chronological order.

"Can I play them out of order?"

Yes you can, since all of the games do in fact have their own story and cast; HOWEVER, They all tie to each other in more ways than one. In particular if you play Xenoblade Chronicles 3 first you will understand the main story fine, but some characters and events won't hit as hard, or be something you might not fully understand unless you played Xenoblade 1 and 2 first. If you really want to know how deeply they are connected you can check out Ben's Article on it (warning though it does contain spoilers so read at your own risk).

Additionally the entire series is now receiving Nintendo Switch 2 versions with additional content, making it the perfect time to jump in and see what the games are all about.

The Legend of Zelda

"Wait isn't Breath of the Wild and Tears of the Kingdom getting a physical Switch 2 port?"

Indeed they are, but Nintendo decided that they will cost as much as a whole new game on the console. . . What you can do instead is buy the original release cheaper, either new or second hand, and then get the Switch 2 upgrade later for roughly $10. Of course there is the chance that the the Switch 2 release of Breath of the Wild will include the expansion DLC, but as of writing this article it hasn't been fully clarified yet by Nintendo.

Of course these are not the only Zelda games you might want to consider playing on the Switch 2. Echoes of Wisdom was released last year, and was a pretty nice breath of fresh air for the franchise. Instead of playing as Link the game puts you in the shoes of Zelda through the whole adventure, and it introduced a lot of new fun mechanics that only she can do (I was in particular a big fan of minion summoning). Then we also have the Link's Awakening remake which was a fun nostalgic call back to the original Game Boy game with a unique aesthetic art style that Echoes followed up on.

Hyrule Warriors was first released on the Wii U, and later got an updated 3DS release. It then received a definitive edition on the Switch which includes ALL DLC, and, honestly in my opinion, is a really fun action hack and slash game with tons of content to play through. It can be taken on solo or even with a friend in couch co-op!

Hyrule Warriors Age of Calamity was the follow up game directly tied to the story of Breath of the Wild, and also will be receiving a sequel for the Switch 2. However, Age of Calamity may have been a good game at its core, but its performance was rather lacking sadly. It suffered a lot from frame rate issues, so unless Nintendo also gives it a upgrade, I wouldn't fully recommend it in its current state. (Hopefully they will consider it!)

Last, but not least, Cadence of Hyrule was a unique Rhythm action take on both Zelda and Crypt of the Necrodancer, and made by the same indie studio! It even supports co-op play with a friend, and was both a fun and intense adventure. Highly recommended by me personally.

Super Mario

There are several Mario titles from the previous generation that can be enjoyed (Mario Kart 8 in particular as it is quite a bit different from the newly released Mario Kart World), but I wanted to mention a few today that in my humble opinion are particularly worth considering.

Super Mario Odyssey was an impressive and really fun 3D collect a thon platformer with deep movement mechanics that were easy to learn but hard to master. It's already confirmed that the game is getting an upgrade on Switch 2, so if you missed out on it the first time, now would be a perfect chance to dive into it; especially since Odyssey received a free Switch 2 patch.

Super Mario Wonder has a distinctively lovely cartoon aesthetic going for it, and was one the best platformers released in 2023. It supported an interesting take on online play where you could see the ghosts of other players attempting the level at the same time as yourself. It was also a surprisingly challenging Mario game in general, and never got stale with its level designs or themes. It also allowed Daisy to be playable for the first time in a mainline Mario game!

Luigi's Mansion 3 is a solid followup to the first two titles, and offers full co-op support through the main game. Players can work together to solve puzzles and suck up ghosts, and work their way through challenge stages once the main story is over. It isn't particularly hard, but it is still a lot of fun.

Other Non-Switch Exclusive Mario games worth checking out include: The outstanding RPG Paper Mario: The Thousand Year Door, and Super Mario 3D World. Both titles were released on previous platforms, but are at their best on Nintendo Switch.

Platinum Games

The Bayonetta series is a high octane action game reminiscent of the Devil May Cry series, which isn't a big surprise since it was directed by Hideki Kamiya (known for directing Okami, Devil May Cry, Viewtiful Joe, Resident Evil 2). Originally the series started out as a multiplatform release, but due to SEGA and Microsoft not being impressed by the sales at the time (which was still around 2 million when combined with PS3/Xbox 360 sale), SEGA decided to not invest on a sequel, and the series was left to presumably become a one off for Platinum Games.

Then Nintendo stepped in.

With the release of the Wii U, Nintendo decided to pick up the torch, and invested in both the series and Platinum Games to produce a sequels and other exclusive games for the Wii U (Star Fox Zero, Wonderful 101), and later on the Nintendo Switch (Astral Chain).

The whole Bayonetta franchise is now available on the Switch, and are some of the most action packed games the console has to offer. Even so, rather than simply recommending Bayonetta, Bayonetta 2, and Bayonetta 3, I wanted to talk a bit about a rather underrated entry in the series that really deserves more love.

Bayonetta Origins: Cereza and the Lost Demon is a prequel to the entire franchise, and had a pretty deep story and great gameplay to go along with it. Unlike the other games in the series, Origins took a more adventure game, with light puzzle solving, approach where you controlled two characters at the same time. It still had combat still, but it wasn't the main focus like in the previous titles.

The game sadly didn't get that much coverage during the month of its release, due to various reasons, but if I had to speculate, it was most likely due to the fact that it got released only a few months after Bayonetta 3, and that is was a huge departure gameplay wise from the previous entries. That being said, everyone who I have talked to about it say the same thing: it's one of the best games on the Switch! and seriously underrated, definitely one of the games of the year! It deserves a lot more recognition!

I am a sucker for underrated or hidden gem games, so it felt wrong not to mention it here even.

 

The Wonderful 101 is an action game (I know I've said this a lot, but that is Platinum Games in a nutshell!) where you control a huge amount of heroes to take on Alien invaders that are set out to conquer earth! (It is kind of similar to Pikmin.) The game is also available on PS4 and Steam, but I wanted to mention it since it was originally a Wii U exclusive from back in the day, and still worth playing.

There are a few more titles like Astral Chain and of course the Nier Automata port, but for the sake of this list I wanted to focus more on the underrated titles from Platinum Games.

Pokemon

The Switch does for sure host a lot of Pokemon games, but if I am gonna be honest; I have a hard time recommending most of them personally, even if they are games that sold rather well and are beloved by many. They just suffer from so much technical, performance, design and effort issues that it makes me miss the older days of the franchise. Back when it felt like Game Freak cared more, and was actually given enough time to develop games. I also have a hard time seeing how the upgrade for Scarlet and Violet that got announced alongside the other upgrades can fix those games, when they are from a fundamental design point a bit. . . Lacking. . . Hopefully at least the upgrade fixes a lot of the lag and crashes the game suffers from to this day.

I do have better expectations from Legends Z-A though!

(Update: Pokemon Scarlet and Violet have both received a free Switch 2 patch that not only increase framerate, but increase the number of pokemon allowed on screen at once, and greatly improves the visuals. This is a major improvement over what was previously seen when playing on a classic Switch.)

That being said, there is one game that didn't have any of these issues, and ironically it is a spin off sequel to a N64 classic. Yes readers, I am talking about New Pokemon Snap!

The game was developed by Bandai Namco, and is a first-person on rail shooter photography game. The whole point of the game is to take the best pictures of any Pokemon you can see on the screen, and maybe mess with them by throwing some fruit, or using other gadgets to get a reaction out of them. Or maybe even get them to do a funny pose for you! It is an incredibly simple but fun game, and it is one of the best looking Pokemon games in general. It has a lot charm, and a lot of love was put into the different Pokemon animations that give them so much life. When playing the game you do feel like you're on a safari tour through different environments in the world of Pokemon, and I love that.

On another note, fellow Netto's Game Room writer Ben did enjoy Pokemon Sword, Shield, Scarlet, and Violet for what they were, and was even crazy enough to 100% complete the National Pokedex in every title released to date. He even put everything into Pokemon Home to prepare for the future.

Does he recommend them? Well, he said "it really depends if you enjoy the core gameplay, and collecting aspect of the series. Sword and Shield were a refreshing trimmed down experience, while the open world in Scarlet and Violet could be improved on even further in future entries."

He does recommend Legends Arceus, as "it was a fun spinoff take on the series," and reminded him of "the days when Pokemon games would try something new and just have fun with it."

Fire Emblem

When speaking to the other writers, one series they loved was none other than Fire Emblem. The Switch is home to five titles within the series, but two of them are non-conventional, and one of them isn't fully Fire Emblem.

Fire Emblem: Three Houses was a massive release in the series, as it is technically three games in one. The game sees our main character becoming a new teacher at a school, and choosing which house they want to be in charge of. Each house contains its own storyline and missions to complete, and there is plenty of reasons to keep coming back for multiple playthroughs. It is also the first Fire Emblem to contain a more developed life sim section, with an entire school to explore and activities to partake in to improve your team. While the game might not check all of the boxes for longtime fans, it was still a solid entry, and easily a must have on the original Switch.

The second main Fire Emblem title was Fire Emblem: Engage. This one took the core of Three Houses, improved on the gameplay, focused on a single linear story, and brought in past Fire Emblem characters using a new mechanic that allows characters to fuse with past heroes. While fans would get more out of the returning characters, the game is still stand alone, and can be enjoyed by newcomers as well. It was a more refined experience at its core, but its being different from Three Houses means not everyone will like it as much. And that is okay!

Moving past the two main games, the first Fire Emblem game to release on the Switch was Fire Emblem Warriors. Like Hyrule Warriors, the game was an action spin off developed by the Dynasty Warriors team, and featured many fan favorite characters. It too featured a couch co-op mode, and had an all new original story. Fire Emblem: Three Hopes on the other hand, like Age of Calamity, was based upon another game in the series, and served as a new story in the series. In this case, Three Hopes is a follow up to Three Houses, and once again splits down different paths depending on the house that is chosen. 

Both titles are great for Warriors fans, with plenty of content to work through, and could serve as a good entry point for Fire Emblem fans who have never touched a Warriors title before.

Finally, while it isn't technically a full Fire Emblem game, Tokyo Mirage Sessions #FE also exists, and is actually a Shin Megami Tensei title. It uses Fire Emblem characters within its story, and incorporates Fire Emblem mechanics into the battle system and gameplay, and was originally released on the Wii U. The game was developed by the same team that went on to do Soul Hackers 2 in a similar style, so fans of that game might enjoy this one also; although Tokyo Mirage Sessions is a much more developed game compared to Soul Hackers 2.

Kirby

And we can't forget Kirby! The Switch is home to multiple Kirby games, one of which is even better on the Switch 2.

 

Kirby's Dream Buffet, Kirby Fighters 2, and Super Kirby Clash are all fun side games within the Kirby series, and are great fun with friends. For more traditional Kirby however, Kirby's Return to Dream Land Deluxe is an enhanced version of the Wii classic that brought the series back as a 3D sidescroller. It is the game that the canceled Kirby GameCube title eventually became, with some of the original ideas also being brought over into Kirby Star Allies, the second 3D Kirby sidescroller available on the Switch. Both games are great fun and must have for Kirby fans, but for this list we are going to focus on something else.

Kirby and the Forgotten Land is the first full 3D adventure title (an idea that was also explored for the canceled GameCube game) that sees Kirby and Bandana Waddle Dee being through into a strange new world that seems like the remains of Earth. They then set out on an adventure to save the captured Waddle Dees that went with them, and eventually take on a strange new foe. During the course of the game, saving Waddle Dee helps build up Waddle Dee town, where Kirby can not only partake in side activities, but also upgrade existing power ups as well. It is a great game for both newcomers and long time fans alike, with a co-op mode to play through with friends. 

 

Forgotten Land is also receiving a Switch 2 expansion upgrade that includes the new Star-Crossed World story, making the Switch 2 release the best way to experience the game. It is paid DLC, but players can always purchase the upgrade later on; it isn't required to enjoy the base game on the Switch 2.

 

Also subscribers to Switch Online and + Expansion Pack have more Kirby games to play, which includes Kirby and the Amazing Mirror; a game that can be played local co-op if you have more than one Switch (or a Switch and a Switch 2)!

Metroid

Metroid is one of Nintendo's classic series that revolutionized gaming. Not only did it feature a female protagonist that initially shocked the world, but the open-ended nature of its game world would eventually help define the Metroidvania genre. Sadly the Metroid series has been pretty quiet as of late, but the Nintendo Switch did receive two titles, while also having access to the classics.

Metroid Prime Remastered is an enhanced version of the Nintendo GameCube classic Metroid Prime. This game took the classic Metroid gameplay, applied it to a full 3D world, and switched the perspective to first person. It included a unique scanning function as its collectible system, and offered plenty of unique upgrades for players to find and make use of. There is a reason this game was beloved by many back during the GCN days, and Prime Remastered is the best way to experience it to date. It even offers modern control options, and motion control for those who enjoyed the Wii release!

Looking past Prime, the Switch is the console that finally saw the release of Metroid 5, aka, Metroid Dread. This is a game that had been teased around 2005, but went silent soon after. Future Metroid titles would make reference to Dread, but it wasn't until 2021 that the game would become a reality. 

As a sequel to Metroid Fusion, the game builds upon mechanics originally introduced in Fusion, and sees Samus running from a mechanical threat throughout the story. The game retains the side scrolling nature of the original series, but features 3D graphics and new mechanics which were first introduced in the Metroid II remake Samus Returns. Of course, despite the chase and "stealth" sections of the game, Dread is still the open-ended Metroid fans know and love, with exploration and challenging boss battles still being a huge focus. It truly is Metroid 5 in every way, and it is a must have for fans and newcomers alike.

Additionally those who subscribe to Switch Online can gain access to the rest of the main series. Metroid Zero Mission, Metroid II, Super Metroid, and Metroid Fusion are all here! Just note that some titles require the + Expansion Pack.

Finally, Metroid Prime 4: Beyond is now available on Nintendo Switch as well, with a Switch 2 version for those who want to take full advantage of the Switch 2's hardware. The game is a bit different than past Metroid Prime titles, with the addition of an open-world desert hub area, and a more linear structure similar to Hunters and Prime 3, but it is worth looking into if you find it sounds interesting.

Animal Crossing: New Horizons

We already have a very extensive review covering nearly every aspect of the game, but Animal Crossing: New Horizons is at its best on the Switch 2, and will become even better in January of 2026. The game is the latest entry in the long running life simulation series, and it allows players to not only create and live on their own custom island paradise, but also spend time with friends online. With local co-op play, families can work together to create their dream island, and enjoy living out their virtual lives.

With the 3.0 update players can work together to manage a hotel by creating custom rooms for visitors, create additional custom islands within a dream world, and enjoy a wide range of new features. Additionally, players can also pay a small fee to upgrade to the Nintendo Switch 2 edition of the game, making full use of the new hardware. Although Animal Crossing: New Horizons launched in 2020, it has never been a better time to jump in. 

Tomodachi Life: Living the Dream

Those who want something a little different out of their life simulation game can take a look at the Nintendo Switch title Tomodachi Life: Living the Dream. This is a game that has no filter or censor, allowing fans to get as creative as they like, and offers a large amount of customization tools.

In the game, players can create their own Mii characters, edit their personality, and give them clothing, objects to use or play with, and even pets. These same types of objects can be user created, opening up nearly endless possibilities, or taken from the pool of already included content. In addition to this, the island itself can also be customized in its entirety, with tools for custom patterns, objects, and even housing. Thanks to this, every player's island will be completely unique, and is something one can easily spend hundreds of hours working on if your creativity allows for it.

Mixed with all of the crazy events and Nintendo's signature style of humor, Tomodachi Life: Living the Dream is an entertaining game to say the least, and it runs even better on Nintendo Switch 2. You can read our review to learn even more!

 

Dragon Quest

When it comes to more RPGs, the Switch is home to a lot of great titles, but one legendary series stands out; Dragon Quest.

Those who are interested in finding out why the series is so beloved, have quite a few options to try out on the Nintendo Switch, and they are even better when playing on the Nintendo Switch 2! 

Dragon Quest XI S: Echoes of an Elusive Age – Definitive Edition is, as the title implies, the definitive version of Dragon Quest XI. Not only does it include the full original game, but it also allows players to play through the entire story as a 16-bit RPG inspired by the original titles. The game as a whole offers over 100 hours of content for those who want to see everything it has to offer, and is packed full of secrets to discover.

Along with XI, Dragon Quest I & II HD-2D Remake and Dragon Quest III HD-2D Remake are also available, and are complete reimaginings of the first three titles in the series. Those looking for something different however can also look into Dragon Quest Builders and Dragon Quest Builders 2, which feature a mixture of action RPG gameplay and voxel town and world building. These titles are created by the same team that would go on to develop Pokémon Pokopia on the Nintendo Switch 2.

Additionally, the monster taming RPG Dragon Quest Monsters: The Dark Prince is also a Nintendo Switch console exclusive, which performs better when playing on a Switch 2. We also have the action RPG Infinity Strash: DRAGON QUEST The Adventure of Dai, and the spin-off title Dragon Quest Treasures, which features Erik from Dragon Quest XI.

Overall Switch players have plenty of Dragon Quest titles to choose from, each with their own style. 

Rune Factory: Guardians of Azuma

The Rune Factory series is a truly unique one. As a spin-off from Story of Seasons (previously known as Harvest Moon), it expertly blends cozy farming simulation gameplay with social life and dungeon crawling RPG mechanics in a fantasy world.

In Rune Factory, farm animals are replaced by monster variants that you can tame, and Guardians of Azuma itself adds a city-building aspect on top of the farming. This makes it a perfect game for those who want to unwind and relax in a fantastical setting, but it also offers enough difficulty options and grinding opportunities to satisfy die-hard RPG fans. The type of experience you would like is completely up to the player, and the game offers countless hours of content on all fronts.

While some of the more recent Rune Factory titles have had their fair share of issues, Guardians of Azuma is a major step forward for the series and a must-have title on the Nintendo Switch 2. 

For a more in-depth look at Rune Factory: Guardians of Azuma and its features, you can head over to our full detailed review.

Resident Evil

Those looking for classic horror will be happy to know that the vast majority of Resident Evil can be played on the Nintendo Switch, with some titles being exclusive to the Nintendo Switch 2. When it comes to these games everyone will have their favorites, with some of them having a bit more of a negative reputation. Either way, it is a series worth looking into!

Resident Evil Origins is a collection of both Resident Evil 0 and Resident Evil Remake. They feature enhanced graphics, a new modern control setting, and an easy mode for those who struggle with then classic experience. Together they both make up the beginning of the Resident Evil timeline, though Resident Evil Remake is the true first entry in the series.

Resident Evil 4 is widely regarded as one of the greatest games of all time, and has seen countless rereleases over the years. Following Resident Evil 2's protagonist Leon, the game features a full 3D camera, with third person shooter style gameplay. It was a title that was revolutionary for its time, and still holds up very well to this day.

Resident Evil 5 doubled down on 4's new gameplay style, while also putting a much more action heavy spin on it. Featuring a co-op mode, the game is designed with teamwork in mind, and offers a level select option that allows players to build up their arsenal of weapons and customize them. It was a departure from what made Resident Evil great, but that doesn't mean there isn't fun to be had here.

Resident Evil 6 is often seen as the black sheep in the series, with a much heavier focus on action and cinematic. Once again co-op multiplayer is at the core of this experience, with multiple sets of characters to play as, each with a slightly different take on the Resident Evil formula. While the title has greatly improved from its original release, it is a very different title compared to the rest of the series. We'll still include it on this list, but be aware of what you are getting into.

Resident Evil Revelations was originally a Nintendo 3DS exclusive, and puts series protagonist Jill in a completely new setting, a cruise ship in the middle of the ocean. Blending classic horror survival gameplay, with third person gameplay similar to Resident Evil 4, it was the first title to return to the series' roots, while also paving the way for the enhanced control scheme that would be used in Resident Evil 6, and all future titles. Until Revelations, titles required characters to be locked into place as they took aim to shoot, but now they play similar to a standard first person shooter, with a much wider range of movement being available. Along with this change the game also introduced the RPG shooter "Raid Mode" which would be greatly expanded upon in its sequel. You can learn more about it here.

Resident Evil Revelations 2 was a follow-up to Revelations, but this time it put the focus on Resident Evil 2's Claire and Resident Evil 1's Barry. This title was originally released as episodes over time, and introduced stealth mechanics to the series. The game was also built with co-op in mind, with both protagonists teaming up with their own partner character, and it greatly improved upon the original title's Raid Mode. With more customization and characters, and returning stages from past titles, it is a mode with enough content to carry the game on its own, giving players a reason to come back even years later.

Along with these entries, Resident Evil 2, Resident Evil 3, Resident Evil 7: Biohazard and Resident Evil Village are available as Cloud titles on the Nintendo Switch. While the games themselves have their own pros and cons, how well they play on the Cloud will be determined by your own connection. You can learn more about each of them from our reviews found here: Resident Evil 2, Resident Evil 3, Resident Evil 7: Biohazard, Resident Evil Village.

On the Nintendo Switch 2 side of things, Resident Evil 7: Biohazard and Resident Evil Village are available as native versions. However the real star of the show of Switch 2 exclusives is Resident Evil Requiem. This is a must play for fans of the series, and it expertly blends both the classic horror survival gameplay with Resident Evil 4's style as the title switches back and forth between its two protagonists. You can learn more about it from our review.

Trails in the Sky 1st Chapter (Trails Series)

The Trails series is an adventure unlike any other. Originally released in 2004, Trails in the Sky First Chapter was a turn-based RPG that served as the foundation for the next 20 years and beyond. It introduced us to a brand new, unique world where the advancement of strange new technology has caused multiple revolutions to happen simultaneously, and where political tensions are still high after the outbreak of a mysterious war. 

The game itself put players in the shoes of a young girl named Estelle as she attempts to navigate these uncertain times and truly see the world for herself. This adventure eventually leads her to places she never imagined and ultimately forces her to face a harsh reality. But this is only the beginning.

Unlike most JRPG series, every Trails title is a part of a connected story, and the world is populated with hundreds of named characters. These characters go about their lives, and their dialogue constantly updates with each passing story scene. By actively exploring the world and speaking to each character, hundreds of side stories unfold alongside the main plot, helping the players come to understand the world better. 

Mix in the fact that the main cast also contains dozens upon dozens of characters, and that they have countless connections across the entire world, and the end result is one of the deepest stories in JRPG history, with a world that truly feels alive due to the organic nature of how it is handled.

As for Trails in the Sky 1st Chapter, the game is a full 3D faithful remake of the original, featuring a modern battle system that mixes action with turn-based combat, nearly full voice acting, animated cutscenes, and countless smaller details that only further reinforce both the world and character development. It is something truly special and is the definitive starting point for anyone interested in Trails.

And more! Although Trails in the Sky 1st Chapter is the beginning, it isn't the end! Fans wanting more can keep going, as quite a few titles are available on the Switch and Switch 2. You can learn more about that in our previously shared article. You can also read our Trails in the Sky 1st Chapter review for a much deeper dive.

Sonic the Hedgehog

The Switch and Switch 2 are home to multiple Sonic the Hedgehog titles, and each offers a completely different experience.

Sonic X Shadow Generations is an updated version of Sonic Generations, which was originally released as a celebration of the series' history. It featured both Modern and Classic Sonic as playable characters, and contained two versions of each included stage. From the humble beginnings of Green Hill, to the iconic City Escape, the game did an outstanding job capturing everything that made Sonic fun, and was ultimately one of the greatest Sonic titles to ever be released. Sonic X Shadow Generations is the very same game, except with improvements for modern hardware, and includes a Shadow side to the game as well.

Shadow Generations, though shorter than the main Sonic Generations side, is a great action platformer that not only makes use of Shadow's abilities, but introduces new powers to further change things up. Each stage has a cinematic feel, with smooth animations and action set pieces that stand out compared to Sonic Generations, and its story is one that is sure to pull at the heart strings of every fan playing it. It is a game that could've stood on its own, and is more than enough reason to revisit Generations. Sonic fans with a Switch 2 shouldn't pass this one up, and it is also the perfect opportunity for newcomers to jump in as well.

The another game available on Switch 2 is none other than Sonic Racing CrossWorlds. This high-speed arcade racer not only features characters from the Sonic the Hedgehog series but also from other SEGA titles and even series such as SpongeBob SquarePants. The game offers a unique experience compared to Mario Kart World, providing pure adrenaline-inducing chaos. A must have for racing fans.

 

For fans looking for more Sonic content however, Sonic Frontiers is available as both a Nintendo Switch title and as a Switch 2 exclusive edition. Those looking for a more classic 2D side scrolling experience though, can look into either Sonic Mania, Sonic Superstars, and Sonic Origins Plus. While Sonic Origins Plus includes classic titles like Sonic the Hedgehog, Sonic the Hedgehog 2, Sonic 3 & Knuckles and Sonic CD, Sonic Mania is a newer entry created using the classic style, while Sonic Superstars is a 2.5D entry featuring the classic character design.

The Yakuza Series

The Yakuza series is an interesting one, to say the least, and new fans can start their journey into this criminal underworld right here on the Nintendo Switch 2!

Beginning with Yakuza 0 (Yakuza 0: Director's Cut is Switch 2 Exclusive), the story follows a man named Kazuma Kiryu after he is banned from the Yakuza for a murder he did not commit. Being thrown out onto the streets, he begins investigating what truly happened while also attempting to make a new life for himself. This unfortunate series of events sends him down an emotional tale that will never be forgotten—and it is only half of the story.

The Yakuza series is known for its gripping narrative, wacky side stories, and addictive mini-games. Yakuza 0 is the perfect starting point for newcomers, with Yakuza Kiwami and Kiwami 2 following after. (Kiwami 2 is also Switch 2 Exclusive.) This is a series everyone should at least give a chance; once you make it past the introduction, you will be stuck in for the long haul. It is truly something special.

Shin Megami Tensei and Persona

RPG fans have so many great titles to choose from on the Nintendo Switch, and our next set of recommendations are from the long running Shin Megami Tensei series, and its spin-off series including Persona, and the previously mentioned Tokyo Mirage Sessions.

On the mainline Shin Megami Tensei side, the Switch is home to Shin Megami Tensei V: Vengeance and the PlayStation 2 classic Shin Megami Tensei III: Nocturne. While the original version of V did release as a Switch exclusive, the greatly expanded Vengeance version completely replaces it. The game features a slightly different take on the classic formula, with dungeons being replaced with larger open ended areas, and enemies that appear physically on the map and in some cases chase you. Meanwhile Nocturne is much heavier on its puzzles and dungeon exploration, and contains multiple endings. Players can either take a run at the standard story and encounter Raidou as well, or purchase the DLC to replace him with Dante from Capcom's Devil May Cry.

You can learn more about Shin Megami Tensei V: Vengeance from our review. 

For those looking for action over turn-based combat, RAIDOU Remastered: The Mystery of the Soulless Army is also available on the Switch. This title puts players into the role of detective Raidou Kuzunoha as he investigates the supernatural. It is also the chronological first entry in the Persona timeline, which is something we dive into further details here. For those wanting to learn more about RAIDOU Remastered, you can also check out our full review.

When looking at the Persona side of things, both Persona 3 Portable and Persona 4 Golden are available on the Nintendo Switch.

Persona 3 Portable was originally released on the PlayStation Portable, and is a handheld version of the original Persona 3. Due to its PSP roots however, the title replaces the overworld exploration with a map with key points to click on, and cutscenes are now shown in a visual novel like style. On the other hand the battle system has been revamped to include Persona 4 improvements, such as the option to directly control your party members, and an entirely new female protagonist option has been added. 

Persona 4 Golden on the other hand is the improved version of the original Persona 4, and was previously released as a PlayStation Vita exclusive. This version of the game introduces a new main character, adds additional daily life activities, and features an entirely new story chapter near the end of the game. It replaced Persona 4 as the new "canon," and which leads into titles such as Persona 4 Arena Ultimax and Persona 4 Dancing All Night. While the fighting game Persona 4 Arena Ultimax is on the Switch, and contains a full visual novel story mode consisting of both Persona 4 Arena titles' stories, Dancing All Night sadly is not.

Donkey Kong Bananza (Switch 2 Exclusive)

When a new video game console first launches, there is typically at least one game that is seen as the "killer app." It is a title that encapsulates everything that makes the new piece of hardware special, and it sets the stage for the future. Although it wasn't a launch title, Donkey Kong Bananza is that title for the Nintendo Switch 2, and it is the definitive must-play title for fans of the platforming genre.

There is so much that can be said about Bananza, but the massive open-world sections of the game, with nearly complete destructive freedom, is something to behold. It took the core gameplay concepts of the Nintendo Switch's Super Mario Odyssey and proved that the Switch 2 could offer so much more.

Fun boss battles, unique abilities and transformations, and gameplay that can be both relaxing and challenging are all included. It also offers a multiplayer co-op option, making it a perfect game to play with friends and family. Not to mention the non-stop nostalgia factor that is sure to put a smile on the face of longtime fans.

To learn more about Donkey Kong Bananza, you can check out our full review.

Cyberpunk 2077 (Switch 2 Exclusive)

Cyberpunk 2077 is one of the few cases in gaming where a title truly redeemed itself. The original release was plagued by multiple bugs and glitches, unplayable ports on weaker platforms, and a multitude of smaller issues that, combined, dampened the overall experience. Since then, however, the game has received multiple updates: glitches have been fixed, tons of new free extra content has been added, the entire level-up and progression system was revamped, and a massive DLC expanded upon the base game and added an entirely new story.

This is the game Cyberpunk 2077 should have been from the start, and it is exactly this version that has been released on the Nintendo Switch 2.

The game itself is one players can easily get lost in for hours at a time. Night City is a massive, open-ended playground, packed full of stories to discover, missions to take on, and countless decisions to be made. 

While there is a main story path, the true plot of the game reveals itself when one takes the time to immerse themselves in the world. This means actively responding to text messages or going down a back alley to talk to a person you would have normally just ignored. These simple interactions go a long way, sometimes leading to multi-hour long missions that have unique outcomes based on your actions. Mix in the fact that your very own V (the protagonist of this story) can be fully customized with unique abilities, and no two playthroughs will ever be the same, nor will two players ever have the exact same experience. Before you know it, fifty hours have gone by, and you've still only just scratched the surface.

Bravely Default (Switch 2 Exclusive)

Bravely Default originally released on the Nintendo 3DS but has now been remastered in HD for the hypothetical Nintendo Switch 2. The game itself was initially intended to be a follow-up to Final Fantasy: The 4 Heroes of Light but was eventually developed into its own series. 

Although the title drops the iconic Final Fantasy monsters, it retains the classic world map, towns, dungeons, class system, and turn-based combat the series was known for in the old days. However, it is the use of the game's unique Brave and Default system in battle that helps it stand out, along with the many character class options which also allow players to mix and match abilities.

By using the Brave and Default mechanics, players can either pass on turns to gain extra ones later, or use those extra turns all at once. Rather than attacking a single time, one could potentially choose up to four attacks in one go, and watch as their party deals devastating hit after devastating hit. Of course, going negative means you'll lose a turn later, but sometimes the delay is worth it in the end. This system allows players to control the battlefield and take full advantage of their well-planned strategies.

Debuffing enemies, buffing yourself, and then watching the entire party unload with their best spells and special attacks is extremely satisfying and remains addictively fun from beginning to end. Mix in the fact that the story is written by none other than Naotaka Hayashi of the Science Adventure Series (Chaos;Head, Steins;Gate, Robotics;Notes, Chaos;Child, Anonymous;Code, etc...), and you have one unforgettable adventure. 

It was sadly locked to the 3DS previously, but the Switch 2 release has brought the game back to our modern day. Perfect for classic turn-based fans.

Mario Kart World (Switch 2 Exclusive)

The long-running Mario Kart series is one that has continued to reinvent itself with each new title. Beginning on the SNES using Mode 7 to achieve a 3D effect, the series eventually came to the Nintendo 64 for its first full 3D title. From there, Double Dash!! came to the GameCube and offered two-player co-op on the same kart with player swapping, and the series also went back to its roots on the Game Boy Advance—making the title the first handheld entry in the series.

Mario Kart DS was the first to introduce online play, Mario Kart Wii expanded on the feature and included motion controls, Mario Kart 7 embraced the 3D effect of the 3DS and included underwater and glider sections, and Mario Kart 8 added anti-gravity and wall riding.

For Mario Kart World, however, Nintendo would completely change things, opting for an open-world instead, and incorporating the pathways between areas into each stage's "standard" part of the race. This new open-world approach not only includes miles upon miles of open road to explore, but the world itself is entirely open, allowing racers to travel off-road and discover hidden secrets. 

There are also dozens of collectibles to obtain and missions to complete along the way, and a variety of new gameplay modes in addition to the standard Grand Prix and Versus Races. It is a title packed full of content, and sure to be a great addition to everyone's Switch 2 library.

The great thing is, Mario Kart World doesn't replace Mario Kart 8, which is also playable on the hypothetical Switch 2, as both games offer a different experience. This means both games can be played side-by-side, with players swapping between the two depending on how the mood strikes them.

You can check out our full review of Mario Kart World to learn more. 

Persona 3 Reload (Switch 2 Exclusive)

We already mentioned the Nintendo Switch Persona and Shin Megami Tensei titles, but the Switch 2 itself has no shortage of great RPGs, and Persona 3 Reload is one that fans should not miss out on. The title is a remake of the classic Persona 3 released on the PlayStation 2, and was the first entry within the series to incorporate life simulation elements, featuring a calendar system and relationship building which becomes a key part of your party's success.

While school life takes priority during the day, at night the team investigates the unknown period of time known as the Dark Hour, and the mysterious tower Tartarus that appears in place of the school building. To accomplish their goals and protect the town, the team summons the power of Persona to fight the monsters, and hopefully eventually put an end to the Dark Hour itself. Of course, things are not that simple, and when a rival Persona user group gets involved, the story takes an unexpected turn.

Featuring its own take on the Press Turn combat system, Persona 3 Reload is an addictive dungeon crawler with an outstanding cast of characters. Reload includes new activities and additional dialogue to break up the grind in the main dungeon, and provides additional context to the story thanks to the inclusion of new Social Link events between the main character and the male party members. While some fans may still prefer one of the original versions of the title, Reload is still a great choice for newcomers and fans alike. 

Star Fox (Switch 2 Exclusive)

Star Fox is a remake of the Nintendo 64 classic, Star Fox 64. The game has been reimagined from the ground up, while retaining the same iconic level design and gameplay fans know and love. With additional story cutscenes to further flesh out the story, and a new battle mode with online multiplayer, it is a greatly expanded experience. Of course some fans will always prefer the original, it doesn't change the fact that Star Fox is still a must play title for both fans and newcomers alike. Even with its handful of minor issues.

 

 

For those who would like to learn more about the game, you can check out our full detailed review. 

Indies

The Switch hosts a large library of Indie titles, and quite a few of them have a physical release! It would be too long of a list to go through all of them, so I'll just highlight a few I personally recommend.

CrossCode is a 2D action RPG that is inspired by retro titles such as Terranigma and Chrono Trigger. You take control of Lea as she wakes up logged into an MMO of the distant future with her memories hazy and unable to speak. She is then guided to explore the MMO world to rediscover her memories, but there is more to it than meets the eye. The game itself is a full single player action RPG with deep mechanics and movement, a skill tree system, gear for different playstyles, and an impressive memorable soundtrack. The story is very well written with great characters, and I honestly can't recommend it than enough.

Duck Game is a chaotically fun 2D party action game where 4 players take the control of a duck, and have to as quickly as possible kill each other with either the environment itself. (Or with any weapons you find laying around the battlefield!) The rounds are very fast paced, and the mechanics are deep enough to incentivize fun while trying to outplay the opponent. If you need a game to play with buddies that is cheap to get, then this is the game for you.

Celeste is an intensive platformer with a satisfying story and characters. The whole game is about helping Madeline climb up to the top of the mountain, while she battles her inner demons. It is a deeply satisfying game to learn, and has has a lot of secrets to find. It is a difficult game, sure, but that is the whole point of climbing the mountain, and it has a very generous checkpoint system, so you get to immediately try again if you fail at a challenge. 

 

Hollow Knight: Silksong is the long-awaited sequel to the critically acclaimed game Hollow Knight. When the original released, it took the gaming scene by storm, and with good reason. Silksong itself is a love letter not only to the metroidvania genre, but to gaming in general. The development team poured every ounce of their passion into creating this game, and the end result is an expertly crafted and unforgettable journey. You can learn more from our full review.

 

Hades II puts you in the role of Melinoë, the Daughter of Hades, as she fights back against Chronos, the Titan of Time, who has kidnapped her entire family. There is a lot of very well-written dialogue that is also well-voiced, perfectly setting up the stakes and all the intense action you will be doing as you fight your way down to Tartarus itself. If you want to know more, we wrote a review about it here.

Closing Thoughts

The original Nintendo Switch has a MASSIVE and diverse library of games, so I definitely missed games that could have been talked about here. Therefore, I want to ask you reader to give us your recommendations in the comment section of this article! Which games do you think are worth getting if you're a new Switch owner in general?