For the past eight years, the Nintendo Switch has dominated the gaming landscape. With over 143 million units sold globally, it has blended beloved franchises with a portable design that resonates with players of all ages. Even with the Switch 2 now on the market, many gamers haven’t upgraded yet, and the original console still offers a wealth of incredible titles. Moreover, backwards compatibility ensures that the best Switch games will remain relevant as players transition to the newer hardware. This list curates the must-play experiences on Nintendo’s original hybrid console, factoring in recent releases and lasting appeal.
The Evolution of Zelda: From Breath of the Wild to Tears of the Kingdom
The Legend of Zelda series redefined itself with Breath of the Wild in 2017, introducing an expansive open world that encouraged player freedom. But in 2023, Tears of the Kingdom took that foundation even further, making its predecessor feel outdated. The game’s Ultrahand mechanic, allowing players to construct vehicles and contraptions, went viral for a reason. It’s rare to find such unrestrained creativity in a mainstream RPG.
Despite reusing the map from Breath of the Wild, Tears of the Kingdom remixes the terrain with floating islands and an underground realm, creating a sense of verticality and exploration. While mastering the new powers can be challenging, the payoff is total freedom in a vast, immersive world.
Release Date: May 12, 2023
Genre: Open-world sandbox adventure with survival elements
Developer: Nintendo
Switch 2 Features: Paid upgrade pack to improve graphical fidelity and integrate Zelda Notes.
Pokémon Legends: Z-A : Reinventing the Pocket Monster Formula
Game Freak’s Pokémon Legends: Z-A, released in October 2025, breathes new life into the franchise. Set in Lumiose City, the game tasks players with unraveling the mysteries of Mega Evolution while preventing rogue transformations from tearing the city apart.
The biggest change is the shift to real-time combat. Instead of turn-based battles, players now engage in dynamic arena fights, commanding Pokémon from multiple angles. Even veteran trainers will find new strategies to master.
The game also features robust post-game content, including ranked battles and a simplified Shiny hunting system. The upcoming Mega Dimension DLC promises even more challenges with Pokémon exceeding the usual level cap.
Release Date: Oct. 16, 2025
Genre: Open-world real-time monster battler
Developer: Game Freak
Switch 2 Features: Improved performance, smoother frame rate, and better resolution.
Hollow Knight: Silksong : A Brutally Beautiful Metroidvania Sequel
Team Cherry’s Hollow Knight: Silksong, released in September 2025, delivers a refined Metroidvania experience. Players take control of Hornet, venturing into the dangerous realm of Pharloom to dispel a mysterious curse. The game doubles down on the challenging combat and platforming of its predecessor, offering a visually stunning yet unforgiving experience.
The game reclaims its spot as a gold standard for platforming games, with fluid 2D movement and punishing boss fights that will test even veteran players. The atmosphere remains hauntingly beautiful, blending charm with a sense of dread.
Release Date: Sept. 4, 2025
Genre: 2D platforming hack-and-slash Metroidvania
Developer: Team Cherry
Super Mario Galaxy + Super Mario Galaxy 2 : Timeless Classics Reimagined
Nintendo’s collection of Super Mario Galaxy and Super Mario Galaxy 2 provides a fresh take on two of the most innovative 3D platformers ever made. The spacefaring adventures retain their thrilling gameplay and unique power-ups, holding up remarkably well nearly two decades after their original release.
The remasters update the visuals for modern platforms, and the Switch Joy-Cons support both motion controls and touchscreen functionality, ensuring accessibility for all players. The collection also includes exclusive lore tidbits, making it the most comprehensive version of these beloved games.
Release Date: Oct. 2, 2025
Genre: 3D Mario platformer and space adventure
Developer: Nintendo
Switch 2 Features: Supports 4k resolution for both games.
Cuphead : Hand-Drawn Charm and Brutal Difficulty
Studio MDHR’s Cuphead (2017) stands out for its hand-drawn animation style and unforgiving gameplay. Inspired by 1930s cartoons, the game presents a series of challenging boss battles that demand precision and skill. The story is a playful take on classic tropes, with the titular character making a deal with the devil to save his soul.
The difficulty is high, but the game also offers co-op mode for those who prefer to tackle the challenges with a friend. The Delicious Last Course DLC expands the story with new bosses and a playable character, Chalice.
Release Date: Sept. 29, 2017
Genre: High-difficulty 2D run-and-gun platformer
Developer: Studio MDHR
Hades : Roguelike Perfection
Supergiant Games’ Hades (2020) seamlessly blends roguelike action with a compelling narrative. Players take on the role of Zagreus, son of Hades, as he fights his way through the Underworld to reach his mortal mother. The game’s top-down hack-and-slash combat is visceral and rewarding, with each weapon offering a unique playstyle.
The roguelike loop is perfectly tuned, and the game’s characters, including the Greek gods, are well-developed and engaging. Supergiant Games’ 2025 sequel, Hades II, expands on this formula, offering even more depth and replayability.
Release Date: Sept. 17, 2020
Genre: Top-down hack-and-slash roguelike adventure
Developer: Supergiant Games
Mario Kart 8 Deluxe : The Ultimate Party Game
Mario Kart 8 Deluxe remains a staple for casual and competitive gamers alike. With 48 tracks (expanded to 96 with DLC), the game offers endless replayability. Accessibility options, such as smart steering, ensure that even newcomers can enjoy the racing action.
The game’s timeless appeal lies in its simple yet addictive gameplay, making it the perfect party game for players of all skill levels.
Release Date: April 28, 2017
Genre: High-octane party game
Developer: Nintendo
Super Smash Bros. Ultimate : The Definitive Crossover Fighter
Super Smash Bros. Ultimate boasts a staggering roster of 86 fighters from gaming’s most iconic franchises. The game’s chaotic, yet strategic, gameplay has made it a cornerstone of competitive gaming. Its appeal lies in the sheer diversity of characters, each bringing unique playstyles and special moves to the arena.
The game remains a must-play for any Nintendo fan and a testament to the console’s enduring legacy.
Conclusion:
The Nintendo Switch continues to thrive even as its successor emerges, thanks to a library of high-quality games. From groundbreaking adventures like Tears of the Kingdom to timeless classics like Mario Kart 8 Deluxe, these titles ensure that the original Switch remains a must-own console for years to come. Whether you’re a newcomer or a veteran gamer, there’s something for everyone in this curated list.
