Best Nintendo Switch 2 Games (2026)

TL;DR

Top pick: The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom - Switch 2 Edition (~$79) -- tied for the highest-rated Switch 2 game (Metacritic 95) with 60fps gameplay and Zelda Notes features.
Best exclusive: Donkey Kong Bananza (~$69) -- highest-rated Switch 2-only game (Metacritic 91), IGN 10/10 masterpiece.
Best value: Hollow Knight: Silksong (~$20) -- one of the greatest Metroidvanias ever (Metacritic 91) and the cheapest game on this list.

The Switch 2's first year has delivered a remarkable library spanning enhanced Zelda, Hades II (now also 95), new exclusives like Pokemon Pokopia (89), and ambitious third-party ports like Cyberpunk 2077. [src1, src2]

The Nintendo Switch 2, which launched June 5, 2025, has built one of the most impressive first-year libraries of any Nintendo console. The platform's Metacritic rankings are led by enhanced Switch 2 Editions of existing classics -- Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom at 95 and Breath of the Wild at 94 -- both running at 60fps with HDR support. Hades II has since climbed to 95, tying Tears of the Kingdom for the highest Metascore on the platform. But the true system sellers are the exclusives: Donkey Kong Bananza (Metacritic 91) earned IGN's first 10/10 for a platformer since Super Mario Odyssey, while Pokemon Pokopia (89) became the highest-rated Pokemon game in the franchise's 30-year history. [src1, src5]

Sales data confirms the platform's momentum. Mario Kart World leads with 14.7 million copies sold, followed by Donkey Kong Bananza at 4.52 million and Pokemon Legends: Z-A at 3.94 million. Pokemon Pokopia, released March 2026, has already surpassed 4 million units. The console itself has sold briskly enough that Nintendo is being pressured to raise the $450 price point, as reports indicate it is sold at a loss. [src4, src3]

The 2026 release slate has largely delivered. Yoshi and the Mysterious Book arrived May 21 to a solid-but-unspectacular Metacritic 80, and Velan Studios' Star Fox remake landed June 25 at 82 -- the second-highest-rated entry in the series behind only Star Fox 64 itself (88). Splatoon Raiders, the franchise's first single-player Switch 2 exclusive, is dated July 23. Fire Emblem: Fortune's Weave, Elden Ring Tarnished Edition, and The Duskbloods from FromSoftware remain confirmed for 2026. The Switch 2 is also fully backward compatible with most of the 15,000+ original Switch library. [src3, src8]

Best Overall: Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom - Switch 2 Edition (~$79) -- Check price

Tied with Hades II for the highest-rated game on the Switch 2 at Metacritic 95, and the highest-rated Nintendo title on the platform. The Switch 2 Edition runs at a smooth 60fps with enhanced resolution, HDR support, and faster load times -- a transformative upgrade over the original Switch version's performance. The addition of Zelda Notes provides voice-assisted navigation to find shrines and Koroks, voice memories of Princess Zelda and additional characters, and shareable Autobuild blueprints. The open-world structure, creative building mechanics, and sheer scale of Hyrule make it the defining Switch 2 experience. [src1, src2]

Best Switch 2 Exclusive: Donkey Kong Bananza (~$69) -- Check price

The highest-rated Switch 2 exclusive with a Metacritic score of 91, surpassing Donkey Kong 64 as the highest-rated game in the franchise's history. IGN awarded it 10/10, calling it a "masterpiece." Critics called it a brilliant successor to Super Mario Odyssey, noting that building the Switch 2's first 3D platformer around Donkey Kong instead of Mario proved to be the best decision Nintendo could have made. DK's satisfying, expressive movement and powerful Bananza Transformations create a groundbreaking adventure. 99% of OpenCritic reviewers recommended it. [src5, src2]

Best Roguelike: Hades II (~$50) -- Check price

Supergiant Games' acclaimed sequel launched on Switch 2 on September 25, 2025, and its Switch 2 Metascore has since climbed to 95 -- tying Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom for the highest-rated game on the platform, and the highest-rated non-Nintendo title on Switch 2. As Melinoe, you battle the Titan of Time with deeper combat, new biomes, and refined mechanics. Combat is faster, deeper, and more varied than the original, with distinct tactical choices that reward dozens of runs. The dedicated Nintendo Switch 2 Edition runs at ~$50 and offers hundreds of hours of roguelike replayability. The portable format suits its run-based structure perfectly. [src1, src2]

Best Value / Best Indie: Hollow Knight: Silksong (~$20) -- Check price

After years of anticipation, Team Cherry delivered one of the greatest 2D Metroidvania platformers of all time. Silksong earned a 91 on Metacritic for Switch 2, solidifying it as the second-highest-rated game of 2025. As Hornet, you explore a vast haunted kingdom ruled by silk and song, discovering new powers and battling vast hordes of bugs and beasts. The game's impressive design, scope, and tight controls make it ideal for handheld play. [src1, src2]

Best Cozy Game: Pokemon Pokopia (~$69) -- Check price

The highest-rated Pokemon game in the franchise's 30-year history at Metacritic 89. Released March 5, 2026 as a Switch 2 exclusive, Pokopia is a life-simulation spin-off where you play as a Ditto transformed into a human-like form, building environments and attracting Pokemon. TechRadar gave it a perfect five stars, and it has already sold over 4 million copies. Multiple outlets called it the franchise's best spin-off ever and one of the strongest cozy life sims of recent years. [src6, src7]

Best Horror: Resident Evil Requiem (~$62) -- Check price

Capcom's latest Resident Evil debuted February 27, 2026 and has settled at a Metacritic 90 on Switch 2 -- now 2026's highest-rated new release on the platform, narrowly ahead of Pokemon Pokopia (89). The best-reviewed mainline Resident Evil in over 20 years, it mixes first-person survival horror with third-person action between two protagonists. The Switch 2 version is a technical achievement, demonstrating the console's power with detailed environments and smooth performance. The Amazon Exclusive Edition has also come down from its $69.99 list to ~$62, making it the cheapest the game has been. A must-play for horror fans. [src1, src7]

Best Multiplayer: Mario Kart World (~$80) -- Check price

The Switch 2's flagship launch title and best-selling game with 14.7 million copies sold. Mario Kart World reinvents the franchise with open-world racing, new mechanics like wall riding and rail grinding, and the Knockout Tour mode. Metacritic 86 with critical praise for its polish and multiplayer depth, though some reviewers felt the open-world structure was not fully necessary. At $80, it is the most expensive first-party Nintendo title, but its multiplayer value is unmatched on the platform. [src4, src2]

Best Story-Driven RPG: Deltarune (~$25) -- Check price

Toby Fox's follow-up to Undertale launched chapters 1-4 on Switch 2 on June 5, 2025. Metacritic 86 with a user score of 9.0 (universal acclaim). Nintendo Insider gave it 100/100, calling it "complex and heart-wrenchingly earnest." The turn-based RPG features a layered story with unique game mechanics, deep characters, and signature humor. At ~$25, it is an exceptional value for 30+ hours of content, with chapters 5-7 still to come. [src1, src2]

Best Open-World Port: Cyberpunk 2077: Ultimate Edition (~$58) -- Check price

One of the most technically impressive third-party titles on Switch 2, demonstrating what the hardware can handle. The Ultimate Edition includes the base game and the Phantom Liberty expansion on a single 64GB game card -- the only third-party Switch 2 title with all data on the cart. Running a game of this scope and visual fidelity on a handheld console is a meaningful achievement, and it supports optional mouse controls for enhanced precision. [src2, src3]

Best for New Players: Zelda: Breath of the Wild - Switch 2 Edition (~$69) -- Check price

The third-highest-rated game on the platform at Metacritic 94, and the better entry point for anyone new to modern Zelda. Breath of the Wild is a cleaner, more focused open world than its sequel -- no Ultrahand building, no sky islands or Depths to juggle -- so it teaches the systems Tears of the Kingdom later expands on. The Switch 2 Edition adds 60fps, HDR, faster loading, and Zelda Notes support. Play this first, then Tears of the Kingdom. [src1, src2]

Best for Kids and Families: Yoshi and the Mysterious Book (~$60) -- Check price

Released May 21, 2026, Yoshi's Switch 2 debut is a charming, forgiving 2D side-scroller built around a book-world conceit, with generous checkpointing and a low difficulty floor that suits younger players and co-op with a non-gamer partner. At Metacritic 80 it is the lowest-rated pick on this list -- reviewers praised its inventiveness and personality but found the relaxed structure rarely develops its best ideas into real challenge. Buy it for the audience, not for the score. [src1]

Head-to-Head Comparisons

Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom vs Donkey Kong Bananza

Two of the platform's highest-rated games serve fundamentally different audiences. Tears of the Kingdom (95) is a massive open-world adventure offering 100+ hours of exploration, building, and puzzle-solving. Donkey Kong Bananza (91) is a focused 3D platformer built around tight movement and creative level design. TotK is an enhanced re-release; Bananza is a ground-up Switch 2 exclusive. [src1, src5]

Pick Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom if: you want a massive, systemic open-world adventure with 100+ hours of content.
Pick Donkey Kong Bananza if: you want a tightly designed 3D platformer that is built exclusively for Switch 2 hardware.

Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom vs Zelda: Breath of the Wild (Switch 2 Editions)

The two Zelda Switch 2 Editions are separated by one Metacritic point (95 vs 94) and about $10 (~$79 vs ~$69), so the choice is about order, not quality. Breath of the Wild is the cleaner, more focused open world and the better first Zelda; Tears of the Kingdom is the larger, more systemic game, adding Ultrahand building, the sky islands, and the Depths on top of the same Hyrule. Both gain 60fps, HDR, faster loads, and Zelda Notes on Switch 2. Playing TotK first spoils BotW's map and blunts its sense of discovery. [src1, src2]

Pick Breath of the Wild - Switch 2 Edition if: this is your first modern Zelda, you want the tighter experience, or you want to save ~$10.
Pick Tears of the Kingdom - Switch 2 Edition if: you have played BotW already, or you want the bigger, more creative sandbox and only intend to buy one.

Mario Kart World vs Donkey Kong Bananza

Both are Switch 2 exclusives from Nintendo EPD, but Mario Kart World (86) is a multiplayer-focused racing game while Donkey Kong Bananza (91) is a single-player/co-op platformer. Mario Kart World has sold over three times as many copies (14.7M vs 4.52M), but Bananza is significantly higher-rated by critics. Mario Kart World is the more social experience; Bananza is the better-crafted game. [src4, src5]

Pick Mario Kart World if: you play primarily with friends and family or want the definitive Switch 2 multiplayer game.
Pick Donkey Kong Bananza if: you prioritize single-player quality, tight platforming, and critical acclaim.

Hades II vs Hollow Knight: Silksong

Both are indie sequels to beloved originals that delivered on sky-high expectations. Hades II (95, now tied for the highest score on the platform) is a fast-paced roguelike designed for short runs and gradual progression, while Silksong (91) is a sprawling Metroidvania built for extended exploration sessions. Hades II suits portable play better with its run-based structure; Silksong rewards longer, more focused sessions. [src1, src2]

Pick Hades II if: you want fast action in short sessions with roguelike replayability and Greek mythology.
Pick Hollow Knight: Silksong if: you want deep exploration, challenging combat, and a massive interconnected world.

Pokemon Pokopia vs Deltarune

Both appeal to fans of beloved franchises but offer completely different experiences. Pokopia (89) is a cozy life sim focused on building and attracting Pokemon, while Deltarune (86) is a narrative-driven RPG with turn-based combat and deep storytelling. Pokopia is relaxing and open-ended; Deltarune is structured and emotionally intense. [src6, src1]

Pick Pokemon Pokopia if: you want a relaxing, creative game with Pokemon and no combat pressure.
Pick Deltarune if: you want a story-driven RPG with humor, heart, and challenging encounters.

Decision Logic

If user wants the single best Switch 2 game regardless of genre

→ Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom - Switch 2 Edition (~$79). Tied for the highest Metacritic score on Switch 2 (95), transformative 60fps upgrade, and 100+ hours of content. Hades II (~$50) now matches it at 95 and is the better pick if the user prefers short sessions over open-world exploration. [src1]

If user wants only games built exclusively for Switch 2

→ Donkey Kong Bananza (91), Pokemon Pokopia (89), Mario Kart World (86), Yoshi and the Mysterious Book (80), and Kirby Air Riders. These are the major Switch 2-only exclusives. Bananza is the highest-rated. [src5, src6]

If user just got a Switch 2 and wants to start

→ Mario Kart World (comes bundled with many consoles), then Donkey Kong Bananza, then Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom - Switch 2 Edition. These three showcase what Switch 2 can do. [src2]

If budget is under $30 per game

→ Hollow Knight: Silksong (~$20) and Deltarune (~$25). Both are critically acclaimed, offer dozens of hours, and are among the highest-rated games on the platform. Hades II is the next step up (~$50) for roguelike fans. [src1]

If user wants games that showcase Switch 2 hardware

→ Cyberpunk 2077: Ultimate Edition demonstrates raw technical power. Donkey Kong Bananza shows what Nintendo EPD can do with exclusive hardware access. Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom - Switch 2 Edition at 60fps shows the enhancement difference over original Switch. [src2]

If user is new to Zelda and wants to start with one game

→ Zelda: Breath of the Wild - Switch 2 Edition (~$69). At Metacritic 94 it is the third-highest-rated game on the platform and a cleaner, more focused open world than Tears of the Kingdom -- it teaches the systems TotK later expands on. Play it before TotK, not after. [src1, src2]

If buying for a child or a mixed-skill household

→ Yoshi and the Mysterious Book (~$60) for a forgiving 2D platformer, or Mario Kart World (~$80) for couch multiplayer. Yoshi's Metacritic 80 is the lowest here, but its low difficulty floor and co-op suit young or casual players better than the higher-rated picks. [src1]

Default recommendation

→ Donkey Kong Bananza (~$69). Safest pick when preferences are unknown -- highest-rated Switch 2 exclusive (91), broad appeal, excellent platforming, and reasonable price. If user dislikes platformers, recommend Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom - Switch 2 Edition instead. [src5]

• Scores have re-settled as review counts matured: Several Metascores moved between June and July 2026 as later reviews landed -- Hades II climbed to 95 (tying Zelda: TotK for the platform's top score), Donkey Kong Bananza to 91, and Breath of the Wild - Switch 2 Edition to 94, while Resident Evil Requiem eased to 90. Requiem now edges Pokemon Pokopia (89) as 2026's highest-rated new release, reversing the ranking reported in March. [src1, src6, src7]
• Pricing divergence: Starting May 2026, Nintendo prices digital versions $10 cheaper than physical ($60 vs $70 for standard titles). Mario Kart World at $80 physical remains the most expensive first-party title. Third-party Switch 2 titles are now discounting -- Resident Evil Requiem has fallen from $69.99 to ~$62 and Cyberpunk 2077: Ultimate Edition to ~$58. [src2]
• Enhanced editions drive re-purchases: Switch 2 Editions of Zelda: TotK, BotW, and other first-party titles with 60fps and additional features are driving significant re-purchase behavior. Both Zelda Switch 2 Editions now sit in the platform's top three by Metascore. [src2, src1]
• Ambitious third-party ports: Cyberpunk 2077, Resident Evil Requiem, and Final Fantasy VII Remake Intergrade (89) prove the Switch 2 can run current-gen multiplatform titles, a major shift from the original Switch's limited third-party support. [src3, src1]
• Indies punch above their weight: Beyond Silksong and Hades II, the twin-stick shooter Sektori arrived on Switch 2 in May 2026 and holds a 94 Metascore on the platform -- fourth-highest overall -- though from a small sample of 8 critic reviews and with no physical/Amazon release. [src9, src1]
• Second-year lineup is delivering: Star Fox's remake shipped June 25 at Metacritic 82 (second-best in series history behind Star Fox 64's 88). Splatoon Raiders lands July 23, with Fire Emblem: Fortune's Weave, Elden Ring Tarnished Edition, and The Duskbloods from FromSoftware still confirmed for 2026. [src8, src3]

• Prices are approximate US street prices as of July 2026. Nintendo's pricing policy means digital versions are $10 cheaper than physical for first-party titles. Third-party pricing varies by publisher and is now discounting below list.
• Metacritic scores reflect critic consensus at time of verification and continue to move: between the June and July 2026 checks, Hades II gained two points, Donkey Kong Bananza and Breath of the Wild gained one each, and Resident Evil Requiem lost one. Some scores are for the game overall (not Switch 2-specific) when the Switch 2 version has fewer than seven reviews.
• Sektori (Metascore 94 on Switch 2) is omitted from the table because it has no physical or Amazon release and its score rests on only 8 critic reviews. Buy it on the Nintendo eShop if a high-skill twin-stick shooter appeals.
• "Switch 2 Edition" titles (Zelda: TotK, Zelda: BotW) are enhanced re-releases of original Switch games. If you already own the original, you may need to purchase the Switch 2 Edition separately for the enhancements.
• The Switch 2 is backward compatible with most original Switch games, but some titles have compatibility issues. Check nintendo.com/us/gaming-systems/switch-2/transfer-guide/compatible-games/ before assuming older games will work.
• Several highly anticipated titles (Elden Ring Tarnished Edition, The Duskbloods, Fire Emblem: Fortune's Weave) are excluded from this ranking because they have not yet been released.