Top 12 Must-Play Switch 2 Games in 2025
▼ Summary
– Nintendo’s Switch 2 launched with a strong lineup, including a new Mario Kart and ports of modern classics like Cyberpunk 2077 and Street Fighter 6.
– The Switch 2 offers backward compatibility with most original Switch games, along with free updates enhancing some titles for the new console.
– Polygon’s recommendations for the best Switch 2 games focus on quality, variety, and personal staff picks to suit different player preferences.
– Standout games include Kunitsu-Gami: Path of the Goddess for its unique blend of strategy and folklore, and Deltarune for its inventive storytelling and battle system.
– Free upgrades for select Switch games, like The Legend of Zelda: Link’s Awakening and Super Mario 3D World, significantly improve performance on the Switch 2.
The Nintendo Switch 2 has arrived, bringing with it a fresh lineup of games that showcase the console’s capabilities while offering something for every type of player. Whether you’re into high-speed racing, deep RPGs, or innovative co-op experiences, the Switch 2 delivers a mix of new titles and enhanced classics that make the most of its hardware. From beloved franchises to unexpected gems, here are the standout games worth playing on Nintendo’s latest system.
Arcade Archives 2: Ridge Racer
Namco’s 1993 arcade classic makes a triumphant return, proving that timeless gameplay never goes out of style. This stripped-down racer focuses on pure speed, precision drifting, and tight competition against AI opponents. While it lacks the bells and whistles of modern racing games, its simplicity is its strength, delivering an authentic arcade experience that feels just as exhilarating today. The crisp visuals and smooth performance on Switch 2 make it a must-play for racing purists.
Cyberpunk 2077
Night City has never looked better on the go. CD Projekt Red’s ambitious RPG shines on the Switch 2, offering a surprisingly stable handheld experience despite its demanding open world. The gripping narrative, layered side quests, and deep customization options remain intact, while motion controls and enhanced Joy-Con functionality make combat more intuitive. While the Phantom Liberty expansion struggles with performance, the base game runs smoothly, making it an excellent way to experience this sprawling dystopian adventure.
Deltarune
Toby Fox’s follow-up to Undertale expands on its predecessor’s charm with even more creativity and emotional depth. The battle system blends turn-based strategy with bullet-hell mechanics, keeping encounters fresh and engaging. Each chapter introduces new characters and themes, weaving a story that’s both whimsical and thought-provoking. Though it lacks the mainstream hype of bigger releases, Deltarune stands out as one of the most inventive RPGs available on the Switch 2.
Fantasy Life i: The Girl Who Steals Time
Level-5’s life-sim RPG is a delightful mix of exploration, crafting, and combat. With over a dozen customizable jobs, from blacksmithing to cooking, there’s always something new to master. The cozy, colorful world invites players to take their time, making it perfect for relaxed gaming sessions. If you’ve been craving a game with the charm of Animal Crossing but deeper gameplay mechanics, this is an easy recommendation.
Fast Fusion
This high-octane racer takes inspiration from F-Zero but carves its own identity with a unique boost system. Collecting coins mid-race to refill your speed meter adds a layer of strategy, forcing players to balance risk and reward. The gravity-defying tracks and vibrant visuals look stunning on the Switch 2, making Fast Fusion a must-try for fans of futuristic racing.
Kunitsu-Gami: Path of the Goddess
Capcom’s blend of strategy and Japanese folklore is unlike anything else on the market. By day, you prepare defenses; by night, you fend off supernatural invaders in intense tower-defense battles. The unpredictable enemy behavior keeps every playthrough fresh, while the striking art style immerses players in its eerie world. A hidden gem that deserves more attention.
The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild & Tears of the Kingdom
Nintendo’s masterpieces feel brand-new on the Switch 2, with smoother performance and sharper visuals. Whether you’re revisiting Hyrule or exploring it for the first time, both games offer unparalleled freedom and discovery. Breath of the Wild remains a landmark in open-world design, while Tears of the Kingdom builds on it with even more creativity and depth. Essential experiences, no matter which you choose.
Nintendo’s latest entry in the beloved franchise shakes things up with an open-world structure while keeping the core racing as polished as ever. The expanded tracks, creative vehicle customization, and lively multiplayer make it a joy to play with friends. Though some purists may miss the traditional circuit-based races, Mario Kart World proves that innovation can coexist with nostalgia.
No Man’s Sky
Hello Games’ space epic finally gets the performance it deserves on Switch 2. The vast universe, base-building mechanics, and frequent content updates make it endlessly replayable. Whether you’re exploring alien planets or managing a settlement, there’s always something new to discover. A massive improvement over the original Switch version.
Split Fiction
Hazelight Studios delivers another fantastic co-op adventure, perfect for playing with a partner. The inventive puzzles and seamless split-screen gameplay make it a standout, even if the story falls short. The Switch 2’s portability enhances the experience, letting you dive in anywhere.
Street Fighter 6
Capcom’s fighting game masterpiece is just as thrilling on the go. The deep combat system, extensive tutorials, and diverse roster ensure that both newcomers and veterans will find something to love. While Joy-Con controls aren’t ideal for competitive play, the Pro Controller fixes that issue.
Survival Kids
A family-friendly take on survival games, Survival Kids simplifies the genre without sacrificing fun. The cooperative gameplay and charming visuals make it ideal for younger players or casual sessions. With GameShare support, it’s easy to team up with friends.
Best Free Switch 2 Upgrades
Several Switch games have received free enhancements for the new console, including:
- Arms – Now in 4K/60fps, this quirky fighter feels brand-new.
- Clubhouse Games – A perfect party game with improved multiplayer.
- The Legend of Zelda: Link’s Awakening & Echoes of Wisdom – Smoother performance enhances these charming adventures.
- Super Mario 3D World + Bowser’s Fury – The open-world expansion shines at 60fps.
Whether you’re diving into new experiences or revisiting classics, the Switch 2 has something for everyone. These games highlight the console’s versatility, proving that great gameplay transcends hardware generations.
(Source: Polygon)
