The Nintendo Switch 2 has been out for quite some time now, and during that time we have already seen the release of multiple titles Nintendo fans will not want to miss out on! So to make things a bit easier, we've put our recommendations into a single list to help you find the next game to sink countless hours in.
After speaking with the other writers here at Netto's Game Room, we've come up with a list of what we consider to the best titles the Switch 2 currently has to offer.
Before we get started, don't forget to check out Our Recommended Switch Games to Play on the Switch 2 as well! There are a lot of great titles from the original Switch that are still worth playing on the Switch 2, and many of them have received Switch 2 updates as well.
Donkey Kong Bananza
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.
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.
Mario Kart World
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.
Hollow Knight: Silksong
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.
Unfortunately, it also will not be for everyone.
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Silksong is a challenging title that heavily emphasizes exploration, discovery, and pattern recognition during combat to create an addictive and exhilarating adventure that continuously keeps surprising and challenging you. It pushes players to learn its mechanics and master its bosses, and doing so is simply exhilarating.
There are countless ways to make the game easier, but this too is a learning curve that not everyone may be willing to commit to. Still, if you can push on through and take your time with the game, you will discover what many may consider to be one of the greatest games of all time. (It even turned someone like me, who didn't care for the original, into a fan.)
For more on Hollow Knight: Silksong, you can check out our full review.
Trails in the Sky 1st Chapter
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.
Cyberpunk 2077
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
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.
The Legend of Zelda
Currently, the Nintendo Switch 2 doesn't have an exclusive The Legend of Zelda title, but that doesn't mean there are no options available.
The Switch 2 versions of The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild and The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom are updated versions of the Nintendo Switch classics and are the best ways to experience both. Beyond featuring enhanced visuals and framerate, both titles include an extensive map and quest system via the Nintendo App, and contain additional story information thanks to the new Voice Memos feature. There are also other nice bonuses included with the app, which you can learn more about by reading our previous article. However, the games themselves still hold up to this day and would be more than worth playing through even without these enhancements.
In addition to these two games, The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker, the classic GameCube adventure, is also available as part of the Nintendo Classics GameCube offerings. It does require a Switch Online + Expansion Pack subscription to play, but the very same subscription grants access to a free Switch 2 upgrade for Breath of the Wild and Tears of the Kingdom. This is something Zelda fans might want to consider if they haven't already.
Kirby Kirby Kirby
While the original Nintendo Switch saw the release of multiple Kirby titles, the Switch 2 is set to receive even more in the future. Of course, Kirby's Return to Dream Land Deluxe is still playable here, along with a multitude of side games such as Kirby's Dream Buffet. Furthermore, thanks to Nintendo Classics, most of the original Kirby games can be accessed and played as well: Dream Land, Dream Land 2, Dream Land 3, Kirby Super Star, and Kirby 64—they are all here. However, the Switch 2 is the exclusive home to Kirby Air Riders and the Switch 2 edition of Kirby and the Forgotten Land + Star-Cross World.
Kirby and the Forgotten Land has been greatly expanded on the Switch 2 with a new set of levels, new challenges, and new abilities for Kirby to use. It also features enhanced visuals and framerate, making it the best possible way to experience the Switch original. It is a fun 3D platformer for all ages and includes co-op for those who would like to play with friends or family.
As for Kirby Air Riders, the title launches on November 20th, and the current previews have been very promising. We'll revise this article once the game has been released.
Persona 3 Reload
The Switch 2 has no shortage of great RPGs, and Persona 3 Reload is one that fans should not miss out on. The title is a faithful 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.
Sonic the Hedgehog
The Switch 2 is home to two outstanding Sonic the Hedgehog titles, and both offer 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 second 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.
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, 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. 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.
Hades II
Supergiant Games has delivered a sequel to their critically acclaimed action rogue-like, Hades, and it is as impressive, if not even more so, than the first game!
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.
This is one of the year's indie hits that you absolutely shouldn’t miss out on!
To learn more about the game, don't forget to read our full review.
And More
The Switch 2 library is already off to a great start, and there are plenty of more games to come! We'll continue updating this list as new releases arrive, but don't forget to read our original Recommended Switch Games to Play on the Switch 2. The list includes titles and series such as Pokemon, Kirby, and Metroid—all of which are titles available on Nintendo Switch, but play better on the Switch 2. Some have also received Switch 2 updates to make use of the stronger hardware.
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