TheNintendo Switchhad one of the longest life cycles of any console and over the years it saw many incredible titles launch for the system. As it now steps aside for the Nintendo Switch 2, it’s the perfect time to take a look at what games earn the recognition of being must-plays. Especially since Nintendo is offering not only backwards compatibility to play these Switch 1 games on the Switch 2, but in many cases, there are updates to make these games run even better on the new hardware.
Whether you are playing on the original Switch or Switch OLED, or areupgrading to a Nintendo Switch 2, there are many incredible games with high review scores that every Nintendo fan should have in their libraries. Of course, there are the traditionalSuper MarioandLegend of Zeldatitles, but even beyond them,there have been some incredible gaming experiences over the past seven years. So, before they become harder to find, here’s a list of the biggest and best that every fan should have.
InScreenRant’s review ofSuper Mario Bros. Wonder, the game was given an incredible score of 9 out of 10 stars while being called “Mario’s most magical adventure.” The game takesall the familiar joys ofSuper Mariogames and then adds a heaping spoonful of chaos. The whimsical changes that can happen to the world and characters make it hard not to just grin the entire time you play.
Mario Wondercan be played solo or in cooperative multiplayer, although it does not have online multiplayer support outside of placing standees and shadow forms. For the Nintendo Switch 2, the game has a free update that enhances the visuals and performance of the game on that console.
TheSplatoonseries took the idea of a first-person shooter competitive game and made it into a family-friendly format. All three games in the series haveMetacriticscores in the 80s, with each game coming in a little better than the last. Whether competing online with strangers or playing with friends, theink-filled shooter is creative and just plain fun to experience. It’s a wonderful one to have on hand for impromptu game nights, or just when you need a little pick-me-up.
An upcoming spin-off of theSplatoonseries,Splatoon Raiders, will be releasedexclusively for the Switch 2, although no release date has been announced.
Kirby’s 3D platformer takes players on a wild ride, saving the kidnapped Waddle Dees and defeating the ferocious Beast Pack. Receiving aMetacriticscore of 85, it has bright and colorful graphics and a wonderful soundtrack to match. Whether this is the firstKirbygame someone has experienced, or the 13th, it iseasy to learn but still provides plenty of challengeto keep players occupied.
On July 18, 2025,Kirby and the Forgotten Landis getting a special Switch 2 edition which will not only feature enhanced performance and graphics but will also include a new story campaign calledStar-Crossed World.
Of course, with the launch of the Nintendo Switch 2 there came the newest entry in this series,Mario Kart World.However,Mario Kart 8 Deluxestill stands tall by having anincredible selection of tracks and being one of the most belovedMario Kartgames ever. This game was with the Nintendo Switch throughout the entirety of its life cycle, with the Deluxe version of the game launching a month after the system did.
Though many fans of the series may be gravitating toMario Kart World, owningMario Kart 8 Deluxefor the Nintendo Switch is a smart move. It is always an entertaining game to pull out, and fully deserving of a spot on the shelf, whether physical or virtual.
Super Smash Bros. Ultimatefeatures an incredibly large choice of characters, stages, and even many gameplay modes. The variety of games and franchises represented by having their characters in the game makes it engaging and unique with a familiar fighter for everyone. The gamecontinues to have esports competitions around the globe and many local game stores, schools, and libraries offerSmash Bros. nightswithUltimateas the featured game.
Super Smash Bros. Ultimateis easily one of the biggest and most popular games to have been released on the Nintendo Switch and one that belongs in every collection.
The originalPaper Mario: The Thousand-Year Doorwas released for the Nintendo GameCube back in 2004 and became an instant classic that has been talked about fondly ever since.In 2024, Nintendo revamped the game for the Nintendo Switch with better graphics, soundtrack, and many quality-of-life gameplay improvementsto make the experience even better.
Based on the history of the game over the last twenty years, it is a safe bet thatPaper Mario: TTYDwill continue to bean oft-mentioned and favorite game that many others get compared to.
Pokémon Legends: Arceusintroduceda new gameplay style toPokémongames that feels more open world as players travel back in time and seek to catch every Pokémon. This also introduced side quests to the franchise and offers more flexibility with story progression.
With the anticipated release of the nextPokémon Legendsgame,Z-A, on the horizon,this is a perfect time to grabArceusand give it a try if you haven’t already. With no new Switch 2 improvements, players on the original Switch aren’t missing out on anything, and this groundbreaking game is a must-have for any collection.
Super Mario Odysseyhas become one of Mario’s most iconic 3D platformers for its open-world design across multiple worlds. Allowing Mario to take control of a dinosaur or other creatures with the help of Cappy adds a fun bit of creativity and a memorable experience.
Whether Nintendo ever makes aMario Odyssey 2or not, this title isone that will top many charts for favoriteSuper Marioexperiences. Given the popularity of the game, it is likely that a sequel will appear on the Switch 2 at some point, although nothing has been announced.
Animal Crossing: New Horizonscame at a time when people needed it the most in 2020, and evenhelped introduce many to the joys of cozy gaming. It was responsible for many of the sales of the Nintendo Switch console during that time, and even five years later, there are numerous players who log in to check on their island friends daily. It features such relaxing slow-life gameplay that it is a perfect retreat from the stress of real life.
Though this is a game that the majority of Nintendo Switch owners already have in their collection, it is absolutely deserving of that place. For anyone who hasn’t experienced the Island Getaway Program yet,Animal Crossing: New Horizonsis waiting.
When it comes toZeldagames,Breath of the Wildbroke new groundand pushed all the familiar ideas of what aZeldagame should be to new levels. The open-world experience offers greater freedom to explore and solve puzzles in different ways. The combat and crafting mechanics are well-designed, and the entire world is one that you may get yourself lost in, in a good way. Then, when you’re done with that, you can continue inTears of the Kingdomfor an even larger story.
As is the case with each of the games listed above,The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wildhas earned itself a place in gaming history. As such, it deserves a spot in the collection of anyone who owns aNintendo Switchor Switch 2.
