Top 11 Nintendo Switch 2 Games We Played in 2025
▼ Summary
– The Nintendo Switch 2 console launched in June 2025, introducing new games and enhanced versions of original Switch titles.
– The article recommends 11 must-buy games for the Switch 2, including new entries like *Mario Kart World* and *Donkey Kong Bananza*.
– Several major third-party games, such as *Cyberpunk 2077* and *Divinity: Original Sin 2*, received enhanced, playable ports for the new console.
– Many original Switch games, including *Breath of the Wild* and *Splatoon 3*, received free or paid visual and performance upgrades for the Switch 2.
– The console’s improved hardware allows for better graphics, higher frame rates, and features like a 120Hz screen and PC-like mouse controls for some games.
The year 2025 proved to be a landmark period for video games, highlighted by the arrival of Nintendo’s powerful new console. Since its June launch, the platform has welcomed an impressive mix of exclusive titles and enhanced versions of beloved games. From the high-octane thrills of Mario Kart World to the deep role-playing of Divinity: Original Sin 2, the library offers something for every player. If you’re picking up the hardware, these eleven standout experiences are essential additions to your collection.
Even when included in the premium console bundle, Mario Kart World earns its recommendation. It captures that classic Nintendo magic of instant, accessible fun. This iteration expands the franchise with a host of new racers, introduces a sprawling open-world adventure mode, and features brilliantly designed tracks that interconnect in clever ways.
Fans who adored the original Hollow Knight on Switch will find the sequel, Silksong, is a perfect match for the new hardware. The side-scrolling exploration and combat shine, with the console’s smooth display making the game’s beautiful, fluid animation a genuine joy to behold.
Before achieving monumental success with Baldur’s Gate 3, Larian Studios crafted the acclaimed Divinity series. While a reboot is on the horizon, Divinity: Original Sin 2 remains a masterclass in RPG design and is the closest experience to BG3 currently available on the platform. A complimentary visual upgrade for the new console sharpens the graphics and eliminates performance hiccups, making this deep adventure better than ever.
The creative minds behind Super Mario Odyssey have unleashed their imaginative energy on Donkey Kong Bananza. It matches that title’s ambition in world design, granting DK a wild array of transformative abilities. The key difference is a delightful emphasis on destruction, letting players smash through environments with powerful punches or burrow underground to navigate obstacles.
The arrival of Cyberpunk 2077: Ultimate Edition as a launch title speaks volumes about the console’s capabilities. This fusion of first-person shooting and role-playing runs impressively, especially when using the updated controller’s precision mode for a more PC-like feel. This package includes the stellar Phantom Liberty expansion, which adds Idris Elba and hours of gripping new content.
A new chapter in a legendary series, the latest Metroid Prime game delivers a long-awaited return for bounty hunter Samus Aran. It presents a stunning visual showcase on the new hardware, but the real thrill is stepping back into her powered suit. New equipment like the Vi-O-La motorcycle helps traverse vast desert regions linking major areas. While some may find the narrative lacks the original’s spark, the core exploration and action are absolutely worth the journey.
Splatoon 3 was already a blast on the original Switch, but a free enhancement patch unlocks its full potential. Drastically improved load times and sharper visuals make both the inventive single-player campaign and the chaotic online multiplayer feel fresher and more vibrant than ever.
Nintendo’s new system has a wonderful way of revitalizing classics. The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild has never been better than in this updated edition. Available as a low-cost upgrade for owners or a standalone purchase, it benefits from smoother performance, near-instant loading, enhanced graphics, and a handy companion app feature, making the iconic Hyrule exploration feel new again.
Rockstar’s epic western arrived late on the original Switch, but a free update makes Red Dead Redemption a revelation on the new console. Leveraging the increased power for better visuals and stability is just the start; the addition of a precision aiming mode transforms the gameplay, making it more responsive and enjoyable.
For those who have yet to embark on its journey, No Man’s Sky offers a uniquely vast experience. Its procedurally generated universe promises a different adventure for every player, and years of substantial, free updates have crafted a rich universe for peaceful exploration or ambitious empire-building. Existing owners receive the comprehensive visual and performance upgrade for the new console at no extra cost.
As the sole free-to-play entry on this list, Fortnite is an undeniable force not to be overlooked. The cultural phenomenon runs phenomenally well on the new hardware, feeling like a generational leap from the old version. The ever-expanding roster of cross-over characters, from anime icons to music stars, ensures there’s always a new and entertaining way to join the battle.
(Source: The Verge)
