Top 2025 Nintendo Switch & Switch 2 Exclusives

The arrival of a new Nintendo console always makes for a significant year in gaming, and 2025 marked the launch of the highly anticipated Nintendo Switch 2. While Nintendo has explored diverse hardware concepts in the past, the Switch 2 represents a more evolutionary step, a testament to the enduring success of the original hybrid formula. This list highlights the standout exclusive titles for the Nintendo ecosystem released in 2025, considering games playable on both the original Switch and its successor. The selections are defined as games you cannot currently play on PlayStation, Xbox, or other non-PC platforms. The result is a compelling mix of first-party Nintendo brilliance and exceptional third-party partnerships.

Metroid Prime 4: Beyond finally arrived after a long and storied development cycle, and it was worth the wait. This first-person adventure masterfully continues the story of bounty hunter Samus Aran, delivering a breathtaking blend of atmospheric exploration, intense combat, and intricate puzzle-solving. The game leverages the enhanced hardware of the Switch 2 for stunning visual fidelity and smoother performance, while also providing a perfectly solid experience on the original Switch. Its compelling narrative and refined gameplay mechanics solidify it as an instant classic and a must-own for any fan of the series or the genre.

The Legend of Zelda: Echoes of the Ancients offers a bold new direction for the beloved franchise. Rather than another massive open-world adventure, this title focuses on a more intimate, story-driven experience set within a sprawling, interconnected dungeon complex. Players control a new protagonist uncovering lost secrets of Hyrule’s past, utilizing a fresh set of abilities that encourage creative environmental interaction. Its tighter scope allows for meticulously designed challenges and a deeply engaging plot, proving that Nintendo can innovate within the Zelda universe without simply replicating the Breath of the Wild blueprint.

From the creators of Xenoblade Chronicles, Monolith Soft’s new IP, Aeterna, is a tactical role-playing game of remarkable depth and scale. Featuring a vast world to explore, a complex job system, and strategic, large-scale battles, the game offers hundreds of hours of content. Its rich lore and memorable characters are complemented by a stunning artistic direction that pushes the capabilities of the Switch 2, making every new environment a visual treat. This is a deep, satisfying experience for RPG enthusiasts looking for their next lengthy obsession.

Mario vs. Donkey Kong: Mayhem Machine revitalizes the puzzle-platformer series with incredible ingenuity. The game introduces a new “Gadget Workshop” mechanic where players can build and modify simple machines to navigate diabolical levels, adding a wonderful layer of physics-based problem-solving. It’s packed with clever stages, charming presentation, and a surprising amount of content, including a robust level editor for sharing creations online. This title exemplifies Nintendo’s unparalleled skill at making sophisticated gameplay concepts feel accessible and endlessly fun for players of all ages.

Rounding out the list is a phenomenal sequel from an independent studio: Hollow Knight: Silksong. Officially released on Nintendo platforms in 2025, this long-awaited follow-up expands the beautiful, haunting world of Hallownest with a new protagonist, Hornet. The game features all the meticulous world-building, challenging combat, and melancholic atmosphere that made the original a masterpiece, while introducing new silk-based abilities, a completely new kingdom to explore, and even more intricate boss designs. It’s a crowning achievement in indie development and a perfect fit for the portable Nintendo experience.

(Source: GameSpot)