It’s been just over a year since the Nintendo Switch 2 launched, with Nintendo’s latest console gradually building up a decent library of titles. As with many Nintendo platforms, the standouts for the console so far are first-party titles, and that remains the case for the Switch 2. This isn’t to say that there aren’t good third-party games for the console, but they’re mostly ports of titles that debuted years ago. With that in mind, we’re highlighting the best Nintendo Switch 2 titles, many of which are exclusive to the console.
For the purposes of this list, we’re going to stick with games that were released specifically with the Switch 2 in mind. Games that received ports or upgrades on the Switch 2 are not included on this list, while games released alongside the original Switch over the past year are. After all, it’s hard to compete with established classics like “The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild” and “The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt” all over again.
These are the five best Nintendo Switch 2 games so far in release order, each worth considering adding to your game library.
Donkey Kong Bananza
Despite being the video game property that helped Nintendo gain traction worldwide in the ’80s, Donkey Kong had fallen by the wayside for over a decade. The series’ last mainline title for years was 2014’s “Donkey Kong Country: Tropical Freeze,” a classic side-scrolling title. Fortunately, the series came back in a big way with “Donkey Kong Bananza,” which launched in July 2025 the month after the Switch 2. Donkey Kong teams up with Pauline as he digs through and punches his way across Igot Isle to battle the fiendish VoidCo.
“Donkey Kong Bananza” is one of the best video games of 2025, regardless of platform it was released for. As hard as it is to believe, the game is the first fully 3D platformer in the series since “Donkey Kong 64,” and it’s considerably less tedious to play. This comes from incredibly intuitive digging and climbing mechanics, along with a clear catharsis from tearing through environments and enemies alike. Switch 2 has completely revamped several dormant Nintendo properties, and “Donkey Kong Bananza” started this trend for the console.
Pokémon Pokopia
Nintendo has excelled at creating social sim titles worth sinking countless hours into, most notably with its “Animal Crossing” series. One game that took those community-building sensibilities and meshed them seamlessly with Pokémon was 2026’s “Pokémon Pokopia.” The game takes place in a post-apocalyptic setting, in a region abandoned by humanity and Pokémon after a cataclysm. The player controls a Ditto making the area habitable for Pokémon again, repopulating the region with various Pokémon based on their preferred biomes.
The idea of using Pokémon as the basis for a social sim experience is so genius, it’s a wonder Nintendo hadn’t tried it before, at least at this level. “Pokémon Pokopia” fills that void, maintaining the exploration and relationship-building dynamic with Pokémon in an ambitious environment. The game also boasts an online multiplayer mode, letting up to four players explore and build up worlds together. One of the best multiplayer games of 2026 so far, “Pokémon Pokopia” provides a fresh way to experience one of Nintendo’s most iconic franchises.
Star Fox (2026)
For years, we wondered if we’d ever see another “Star Fox” game, especially after the lackluster response to “Star Fox Zero” on the Wii U in 2016. A decade later, we finally got our wish with “Star Fox” on the Switch 2, itself a remake of “Star Fox 64” built from the ground up. The campaign is a retelling of Fox McCloud leading his mercenary squadron to repel the villainous Andross from conquering the Lylat System. This involves branching paths if certain objectives are completed, adding depth to the single-player experience and encouraging replayability.
The 2026 “Star Fox” is one of the best looking games for the Switch 2 so far and easily the most visually impressive title in the series. The voice acting doesn’t live up to the original Nintendo 64 version, so I’ve admittedly been playing the game in Japanese to keep it from being distracting. What elevates the title beyond its technical performance is how feature-rich it is, with a list of challenges in each level and a revamped multiplayer mode, including online functionality. A fantastic rebirth for one of Nintendo’s long-dormant properties, the Switch 2 “Star Fox” does its source material justice.
Splatoon Raiders
With “Splatoon 3” exceeding all expectations on the Nintendo Switch after its debut in 2022, a follow-up was an inevitability. This finally came to pass this past July on the Switch 2 with “Splatoon Raiders,” giving the console its own colorful entry in the franchise. A spin-off from the main series, the game is primarily a single-player experience, retaining the third-person shooter action with a more narrative-driven campaign. The game has the main characters set out to recover treasure and settle Splatville’s debts, stumbling into an adventure to save the world.
“Splatoon Raiders” proves that there is plenty of creative flexibility in what the “Splatoon” franchise can be. The game keeps the delightfully chaotic third-person action that the series is known for, but in a way that makes it all seem exciting and new again. This comes from a wide breadth in what the game offers, with over 100 weapons and gadgets to choose from as players explore this world. While we’re still waiting for a full sequel to “Splatoon 3,” “Splatoon Raiders” more than helps fans tide over the interim time.
Fire Emblem: Fortune’s Weave
Though it’s been a steady presence on Nintendo platforms since 1990, “Fire Emblem” is one of the more underrated first-party franchises for the company. The tactical RPG released a bold new title for the Switch 2 this year with “Fire Emblem: Fortune’s Weave,” mixing up gameplay styles. The game features five protagonists, four of which with their own extensive story campaigns to delve into. Gameplay-wise, the grid-based turn-based battles between opposing units makes a return, but is joined with traditional RPG combat like in classic “Final Fantasy” titles.
“Fire Emblem” also works when it boasts a truly epic scope and “Fortune’s Weave” certainly qualifies on that score. The best title in the series in years, at the very least since “Three Houses,” the game is an ambitious joy to play. The mix in gameplay styles work well together while the story is among the most sweeping that the franchise has offered fans yet. If you’re looking for a great jumping-on point to the series, “Fire Emblem: Fortune’s Weave” is a blast for longtime fans and newcomers alike.
