The Nintendo Switch 2 already has one of the strongest launch windows in recent memory, with several of the best Nintendo Switch 2 games available right now. Whether you just picked up the console or you’re deep into your second run of The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom, there’s a wide mix of genres to dive into. This list isn’t about what’s new or upgraded. If it runs on Nintendo Switch 2 and it’s worth playing, it made the cut. That includes open-world adventures, fast-paced fighters, slow-burn RPGs, and even a few ports that work surprisingly well in handheld mode.
Thanks to upgraded hardware like 4K support, faster load times, HDR visuals, and performance up to 120FPS, some games feel completely transformed. Each section below breaks down one game and what makes it stand out on Nintendo Switch 2. Whether you’re upgrading or starting fresh, you’ll find quick, focused summaries that explain what each game delivers.
Kirby Air Riders
Kirby Air Riders brings back a simple idea from the Nintendo GameCube era that still works: pick a machine, jump into a match, and see how far you can push your skills. The modes feel familiar, but the pace is quicker now, and each machine has its own personality. Some drift easily, others hit harder, and learning the differences becomes part of the fun. It stays light and accessible, even when matches get a bit chaotic.
City Trial remains the standout mode. You roam a large map, grab upgrades, and keep an eye out for events that shake things up before the final challenge. It has that “just one more round” pull, especially when you start piecing together a build that feels right. Top Ride keeps things tight and fast, with small courses that turn into quick bursts of action. Both modes move smoothly on Nintendo Switch 2, and switching machines or maps never slows the momentum.
It’s the kind of game you dip into whenever you want something quick and upbeat. Races are short, controls stay easy to pick up, and every session feels a little different depending on the machine you choose. If you like light, fast games with enough variety to keep you coming back, Kirby Air Riders is an easy fit for Nintendo Switch 2.
Hades II Nintendo Switch 2 Edition
Hades II builds on what made the first game so addictive, but this time you play as Melinoë, the sister of Zagreus. She brings a different style of magic and movement, and learning how she plays with each weapon gives the game a fresh feel. Fights move quickly, with plenty of chances to dodge, strike, and adjust as new enemies push you to react on the fly. Each weapon still has its own personality, so you naturally fall into favourites as you experiment.
Between runs, you spend time talking to familiar faces and new allies, unlocking tools that shape how the next attempt unfolds. There is always something new to try, whether it’s a change to Melinoë’s magic, a new weapon path, or a set of boons that shifts how you approach each encounter. The loop stays tight, and even short sessions feel worthwhile because small progress stacks up over time.
It’s a game that works whether you’re here for story beats, quick action, or long stretches of repeated attempts. If you enjoyed the first Hades or you like action games built around steady progression, Hades II Nintendo Switch 2 Edition is an easy recommendation.
Split Fiction
Split Fiction builds its whole experience around shifting timelines, and the structure fits well on Nintendo Switch 2. You move between different eras, follow scenes that change based on earlier decisions, and watch how each character’s path overlaps with the others. The pacing stays steady, and the story opens up in a way that encourages you to keep comparing what changed and why.
Most of the moment-to-moment play involves exploring rooms, checking objects, and making choices that shape the next scene. The controls stay simple, so the focus stays on the story instead of complex mechanics. Each chapter adds another layer to the mystery, and the layout makes it easy to revisit earlier moments or test alternate routes without feeling lost or slowed down. Touch input in handheld mode works well for selecting dialogue or examining details.
It’s the kind of game you sit with at your own pace. You can replay scenes, follow new paths, or stick to the main storyline without running into long breaks or heavy systems. If you enjoy narrative games that reward close attention and small discoveries, Split Fiction fits comfortably on Nintendo Switch 2 and feels like a natural pick for anyone who likes a good story to dig into.
Pokémon Legends: Z-A Nintendo Switch 2 Edition
Pokémon Legends: Z-A Nintendo Switch 2 Edition brings the focus back to Lumiose City, giving you a dense, urban setting built around exploration and discovery. You travel through different districts, check familiar locations from new angles, and see how the city shifts as you move through the story. Battles take place right in the overworld, and catching Pokémon still happens quickly as you move through each area. The layout encourages wandering and finding side paths that lead to small surprises.
You’ll spend a lot of time observing how different Pokémon behave in each district, and the structure gives every area its own mood. Some spots feel calm and open, while others stay busy with activity. Switching between catching, battling, and exploring happens naturally, and the flow keeps things moving without long breaks or heavy menus. New forms and returning species give you plenty to track down as you fill out the Pokédex.
It’s a more relaxed style of Pokémon adventure, and it works well if you like exploring at your own pace. You can follow the main story, drift toward side objectives, or focus on building your Pokédex without feeling rushed. If you enjoyed Pokémon Legends: Arceus or you like open-ended adventures with room to explore, Pokémon Legends: Z-A Nintendo Switch 2 Edition fits nicely into the growing Nintendo Switch 2 library.
Hyrule Warriors: Age of Imprisonment
Hyrule Warriors: Age of Imprisonment builds on the style of past Warriors games, but this time the story leans heavily into Zelda’s timeline. You fight across large maps, clear out groups of enemies, and watch key story beats play out between battles. Each chapter highlights different eras and characters, which helps the action feel varied as you move from one mission to the next.
Most battles involve switching between characters like Link, Zelda, Impa, and others tied to the era you’re exploring. Each one plays differently, so you pick up new moves as you experiment with their weapons and magic. Missions shift as you capture outposts, defend allies, or deal with new threats that appear mid-battle. Short breaks between fights give you a chance to upgrade weapons or check side objectives without slowing down the pace.
It’s a game that works well whether you want a quick mission or a longer play session. The structure makes it easy to jump back in and keep the story moving, and the mix of characters adds enough variety to keep things interesting. If you enjoy fast action set inside Zelda’s world, Hyrule Warriors: Age of Imprisonment is a solid pick for Nintendo Switch 2.
Dragon Quest I & II HD-2D Remake
Dragon Quest I & II HD-2D Remake brings two classic adventures into a modern format using Square Enix’s HD-2D style. The mix of pixel art, lighting, and depth gives each town, dungeon, and field a refreshed look while still keeping the charm of the originals. Each game follows its own journey, giving you two full stories to work through with their own pacing, characters, and memorable moments.
Most of your time goes into exploring the world, talking to NPCs, and battling monsters in turn-based encounters. The updated visuals help make locations easier to read, and the sound design adds weight to spells and attacks without changing the feel. Both games keep their straightforward structure, which makes it easy to pick up where you left off, grind a little, or push ahead to the next dungeon. Fans of the original versions will recognize the layout instantly, while newcomers get a cleaner and more accessible entry point.
It’s the kind of remake that respects what made the originals work. You get the charm, the sense of progress, and the steady climb in strength as you collect gear and take on stronger enemies. If you enjoy classic RPGs or you’re curious about the early days of the series, Dragon Quest I & II HD-2D Remake fits well on Nintendo Switch 2 and offers two full adventures to dig into.
Donkey Kong Bananza
Donkey Kong Bananza marks a major return for Nintendo’s iconic gorilla, and it’s his first full 3D adventure in decades. You’re digging underground, smashing terrain, and exploring layered environments with Pauline at your side. Her banter adds personality and makes the journey feel livelier.
Collecting Banandium Gems unlocks new skills like double jumps, stronger punches, and faster rolls. These upgrades keep gameplay evolving and make each layer feel different. Transformation forms such as Ostrich and Zebra Bananza add variety, giving you new ways to solve puzzles and explore.
Co-op lets a second person join in as Pauline, offering support abilities and puzzle help. Donkey Kong Bananza feels fast and fun. It’s a fresh take that makes DK’s return worth the wait.
Madden NFL 26
Madden NFL 26 brings EA Sports’ football franchise back to Nintendo consoles on the Nintendo Switch 2. The annual series has seen steady improvements in presentation, with more realistic player models, better crowd detail, and smoother on-field animations. The Nintendo Switch 2’s stronger hardware means this version isn’t a stripped-down side project. You’re getting the same core game that releases on other platforms.
Modes like Franchise, Ultimate Team, and Superstar are all included, giving you options whether you want long-term management, online competition, or a single-player career. Gameplay sees updated passing mechanics and smarter defensive AI, both of which make matches feel more strategic. Load times are faster than last-gen versions, letting you jump from menus to kick off with little waiting.
It’s not reinventing the series, but Madden NFL 26 marks a big step by finally treating Nintendo fans as part of the mainline release.
Star Wars Outlaws Gold Edition
Star Wars Outlaws Gold Edition brings the scoundrel life to Nintendo Switch 2 with a full adventure and extra content. You step into the role of Kay Vess, taking on high-risk missions, racing across planets on your speeder, and flying into seamless space battles against the Empire. Nix, your companion, helps distract enemies or trigger gadgets, giving you options whether you prefer stealth or blaster fights.
This edition includes the base game plus the Season Pass, featuring the Wild Card and A Pirate’s Fortune story packs, the Jabba’s Gambit mission, and exclusive bundles with gear and cosmetics. The Nintendo Switch 2 version also supports handheld play, motion controls, and touch options for menus and minigames.
It feels like a proper Star Wars adventure built around choice and consequence. Whether you’re sneaking, shooting, or chasing credits, Outlaws puts you right in the middle of it.
Kirby and the Forgotten Land
Kirby and the Forgotten Land was already one of the series’ best. And, this Nintendo Switch 2 Edition makes it even better. Kirby and the Forgotten Land – Nintendo Switch 2 Edition + Star-Crossed World sharpens visuals, smooths performance, and bundles in the new Star-Crossed World expansion. You’re getting the full original adventure plus 12 remixed levels, three new Mouthful Mode transformations, and a new storyline.
The expansion sends Kirby and Waddle Dee after shards called Starries, which change stages and keep exploration rewarding. New Mouthful Mode transformations like Spring, Gear, and Sign mix up platforming with creative challenges, while returning levels feel brand new with crystal effects and tougher enemy types.
Co-op carries over too, letting a second player join in for the entire campaign and expansion. With smoother gameplay, sharper detail, and plenty of new content, this edition feels like Kirby’s most complete adventure yet.
Super Mario Party Jamboree
Super Mario Party Jamboree was already loaded with boards and minigames. However, this new Nintendo Switch 2 Edition brings even more to the table. Super Mario Party Jamboree – Nintendo Switch 2 Edition + Jamboree TV adds 20 extra minigames, fresh rule sets, and bonus modes that use the system’s camera, mouse, and microphone. The mix keeps things lively, from quick-fire motion challenges to mouse-based teamwork games.
Boards and core gameplay remain familiar, with dice rolls, stars, and chaos defining every session. Frenzy mode is perfect for short late-night matches, while Tag Team changes strategy by letting you share coins and progress with a partner. Carnival Coaster stands out as a replayable side mode, blending pointer shooting with minigame breaks.
With over 120 minigames and new hardware tricks, Jamboree feels like one of the most complete Mario Party packages yet.
Mario Kart World
Mario Kart World delivers a proper follow-up with open maps, new tricks, and up to 24 racers online. Grand Prix events still anchor the experience, but now you’re driving between tracks instead of warping. Knockout Tour adds a tense elimination format that tests your skills under pressure. Free Roam lets you explore and practice tricks, even if some zones feel empty.
New gameplay systems like wall rides, charge jumps, and grind rails keep the racing fast and flexible. You can also unlock costumes by collecting food items, which adds a light progression loop. Performance holds strong in both handheld and docked modes, with 60FPS across races and only rare drops during busy online matches.
GameChat support brings in-camera reactions during races. It’s goofy, but it works. This is Mario Kart at its messiest, most modern, and honestly, most fun. If you want a fast, unpredictable racer that actually feels like a sequel, start here.
The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom
The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom was already one of the biggest games on Nintendo Switch. The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom – Nintendo Switch 2 Edition finally runs the way it was meant to. The upgrade brings smoother performance, improved resolution, and faster load times across the board. The game now holds a steady 60FPS. Whether you’re diving from the sky, using Ascend, or fast travelling, everything moves faster and looks cleaner. Even complex areas like the Depths now run without a hitch.
There’s no new in-game content, but the added save slot is a nice touch. If you skipped it before due to performance issues, this version fixes that. The Zelda Notes app is still phone-based and optional. It adds features like QR code sharing for Autobuild and stat tracking, but none of that changes the core experience. The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom runs better than ever on Nintendo Switch 2. It’s smoother, sharper, and more enjoyable from the start.
The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild
The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild helped define the original Nintendo Switch. The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild – Nintendo Switch 2 Edition feels smoother, sharper, and closer to what many imagined in 2017. This version brings a full 60FPS, faster load times, HDR support, and improved resolution both docked and handheld. Combat feels more responsive, climbing and gliding transitions are smoother, and even areas like Korok Forest now run without slowdown. There’s also a second save slot, so you can start fresh without touching your original file.
The Zelda Notes companion app adds extras like audio logs, navigation tools, and stat tracking. These features are helpful if you’re chasing 100% completion, but they’re optional and require a second screen. Nothing’s changed inside the game itself. There are no new quests, items, or cutscenes. This is the original game with technical upgrades that remove a lot of the friction and let it shine on modern hardware. If you missed it the first time, this is the best way to play. If you’re coming back for another run, the smoother performance makes it an easy recommendation.
Cyberpunk 2077 Ultimate Edition
Cyberpunk 2077 Ultimate Edition is one of those ports that makes you do a double take. Yes, it’s the full game. Yes, it includes the Phantom Liberty expansion. And yes, it runs surprisingly well on Nintendo Switch 2. You can choose between two modes: 30FPS with sharper graphics or 40FPS for smoother action if your display supports it. In handheld mode, the VRR screen helps keep things fluid. It’s not perfect. Some stutters pop up when driving fast or loading new areas, but nothing that ruins the experience.
New control options take advantage of the hardware. Gyro aiming makes aiming feel smoother and easier to adjust. You can fine-tune the settings or turn it off entirely. The Joy-Con 2 controllers also support mouse-style input and motion gestures, though not all of it feels necessary. If you prefer something simpler, standard controls still work great, especially with the Nintendo Switch 2 Pro Controller.
This version also supports cross-progression, so you can continue your save across systems. Between that and the performance, Cyberpunk 2077: Ultimate Edition on Nintendo Switch 2 feels like a fully realized version of the game you can take with you.
Street Fighter 6: Years 1–2 Fighters Edition
Street Fighter 6 finally lands on a Nintendo system, and the Nintendo Switch 2 version delivers the full package. Street Fighter 6 Years 1-2 Fighters Edition includes the base game, both seasons of DLC fighters, and all major modes. Whether you’re in it for ranked matches, local battles, or solo progression, it’s all here. The performance is mostly smooth. Fights run at 60FPS, and docked play looks close to other platforms. World Tour mode runs at 30FPS, unlike the rest of the game.
Exclusive modes like Gyro Battle and Calorie Contest use motion controls for a more active experience. They’re fun to try but feel like novelty extras rather than core features. What matters more is how solid the fighting feels, even with the Joy-Con 2 controllers. And if you want more precise input, the Nintendo Switch 2 Pro Controller is the way to go. Street Fighter 6 on Nintendo Switch 2 may not be perfect. But it’s a complete, portable version of one of the best fighters out there.
The best Nintendo Switch 2 games so far
Whether you’re exploring open worlds, mastering stealth kills, or managing your own farm, these games show what the Nintendo Switch 2 can do. Each one uses the hardware differently. Some improve speed and clarity. Others make handheld play smoother or include new control options and bonus content.
No matter your genre preferences, there is something here that plays better, loads faster, or feels more refined. The Nintendo Switch 2 is already building a strong library, and these are the games worth starting with.
