Best Nintendo Switch 2 games you can play today

One of the first things that stands out when looking at the best Nintendo Switch 2 games is their balance. It’s not just a list of first-party Nintendo games. The Switch 2 also has surprisingly great third-party ports and excellent indie breakouts. This is, honestly, one of the biggest reasons for the Switch 2’s success. It allows Nintendo fans to experience some of the best games they missed out on while still giving them immediate access to the very best from the world of the indies and Nintendo. As we quickly approach year 2 of the Switch 2, let’s recap the eight best games available for Nintendo Switch 2.

Note: these games are ranked in no particular order. 

Mario Kart World

So here’s the thing about Mario Kart World: it’s not as good as its predecessor. Having said that, it’s still a perfectly acceptable and enjoyable Mario Kart game.

The open world is indeed a bit of a disappointment. Additionally, it takes some getting used to when it comes to traversing between courses compared to the more “traditional” method of Mario Kart races. Despite this, Mario Kart World is still an enjoyable game.

The roster is a real standout, with an excellent mix of fan-favorites and deep cuts from Mario’s history. The reason we’re still playing, however, is Knockout Tour, the game’s Battle Royale-esque mode. It’s an absolute blast.

Cyberpunk 2077

Many thought that Mario Kart World would be the “must-have” game alongside the Nintendo Switch 2’s launch. In reality, the answer was, apparently, a port of a game from five years ago.1

Cyberpunk 2077 has received substantial updates over the years from developer CD Projekt Red, including its 2.0 launch alongside the Phantom Liberty expansion. The result is a fully realized version of what Cyberpunk was supposed to be all along.

After missing out on the Nintendo Switch, Cyberpunk 2077 is finally here on Nintendo’s newest console. The wait was well worth it.

Donkey Kong Bananza

Image Credit: Nintendo.

The return of Donkey Kong results in not only one of the best Nintendo Switch 2 games of the year. It’s also one of the year’s best in general.

Donkey Kong Bananza represents the natural evolution of the 3D platformer genre following the success of Super Mario Odyssey. The result is an unforgettable experience that succeeds in every aspect: gameplay, worldbuilding, and even storytelling.

The Donkey Kong franchise is no stranger to the world of 3D platforming; Donkey Kong 64 is a great, albeit bloated, game. Bananza refines the formula to deliver one of the very best games of 2025.

Hollow Knight: Silksong

Image Credit: Team Cherry.

It was a long time coming, but in the eyes of many, Silksong was well worth the wait.

On the surface, Silksong is more of the same, but it’s not like that’s a bad thing. Silksong is the perfect example of how a sequel can deliver a bigger and better gameplay experience while keeping true to what made the original great.

It’s harder, yes, but Hornet controls differently from the original’s protagonist, making players better equipped to handle the challenges that await. 

Ironically, it’s not the only Switch 2 indie game that accomplished this feat.

Hades 2

Image Credit: Supergiant Games

You know, I guess that it’s okay to deliver more of the same when you’re delivering a flawless gameplay experience.

Like Silksong, Hades 2 doesn’t stray too far from the original formula that made its predecessor great, instead focusing on expanding its scope while polishing the gameplay to an immaculate shine.

As much as I love Hades, there are some awkward pacing issues at times that make certain parts of the gameplay loop a bit of a downer. That’s not the case in Hades 2; it’s excellently paced from start to finish, even if the original ending is a letdown.

Kirby Air Riders

Image Credit: Nintendo.

Never in my wildest years did I expect Kirby Air Riders to rank among the best Nintendo Switch 2 games of 2025.

That’s not to say I’m a doubter of the franchise; I’m a staunch defender of the original GameCube game. The issue, though, is that Kirby Air Ride is, admittedly, a divisize game. Kirby Air Riders instead embraces its “party game first” roots to deliver a chaotic, over-the-top, and non-stop fun game.

City Trial remains a blast, but I was really blown away by how much fun the traditional racing “Air Ride” mode is. Add in an impressive amount of collectibles, and you have a game that’s still keeping us busy today.

Yakuza 0: Director’s Cut

Image Credit: Sega

The Yakuza franchise has rightfully gotten its flowers more and more as of late, which makes the timing of Yakuza 0: Director’s Cut more timely.

Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio and Sega have done well with re-releasing the original games, leading into the anticipated release of Yakuza Kiwami 3 this February. It all starts here, though, with one of the best stories in the franchise, as well as a bevy of side content that supplements a gripping story from start to finish.

The Yakuza franchise is one of the very best in gaming, and being able to experience it from the very beginning allows you to better appreciate it.

Metroid Prime 4: Beyond

Image Credit: Nintendo.

Look, is Metroid Prime 4 a bad Metroid Prime game? Yes. However, at the end of the day, a bad Metroid Prime game is still a good game overall.

Beyond is certainly a disappointment, and its troubled development cycle becomes obvious the more you play it. Still, there’s plenty to admire here. It proves that the Metroid Prime gameplay loop can still hold up today, even as the developers messed with the formula, and its boss battles remain a highlight.

I sincerely hope that the “average” reception of Metroid Prime 4 doesn’t prevent us from seeing a sequel. It’s certainly one of the best Nintendo Switch 2 games you can play today, even if it didn’t live up to its potential.