15 Best Nintendo Switch Games You Can’t Miss in 2025

Nintendo Switch has transformed into a gaming powerhouse that has sold an astounding 143 million units since its 2017 debut. The console’s game library in 2025 represents a rich source of gaming excellence.

“Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom” earned countless awards, while “Mario Kart 8 Deluxe” shattered records with 63 million copies sold. The Switch’s library continues to expand impressively. Recent releases like “Super Mario Bros. Wonder” and “Princess Peach: Showtime” redefine the limits of creativity. The platform now hosts some of the best multiplatform games released over the last several years.

These 15 essential Switch games demonstrate the console’s incredible range and entertainment potential. Every game deserves space in your collection, regardless of whether you just bought your Switch or have enjoyed it for years.

The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom

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The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom ranks among the best games for Nintendo switch. This new installment builds on its predecessor with creative freedom and innovative mechanics.

TOTK Key Features and Gameplay Mechanics

The game brings four revolutionary abilities that change the way players interact with the world. Ultrahand lets players build vehicles by combining objects, Fuse helps customize weapons, Ascend opens up vertical exploration through ceilings, and Recall gives players control over time. These abilities blend naturally with one another and create countless ways to solve puzzles while exploring Hyrule.

Building and Creation System Deep Dive

The Ultrahand ability forms the heart of the building system. Players can build vehicles with Zonai devices and save their work through the Autobuild feature, which makes the construction process much smoother. The system lets players build anything from basic cars to advanced flying machines. Players can add fans, rockets, and steering mechanisms to their creations.

Combat and Exploration Overview

The combat system mixes traditional sword fighting with creative weapon combinations. Players can improve their weapons’ damage and durability by combining them with different materials. The game world spreads across three distinct layers: sky islands for aerial adventures, the surface world, and the Depths – a dark underground realm filled with unique dangers.

DLC and Updates in 2025

Nintendo has made it clear they have no plans for DLC content in 2025. The game will receive merchandise updates, with new Tears of the Kingdom Link and Zelda figmas coming in 2025. The development team feels they’ve achieved everything possible within the game’s world.

Super Mario Bros. Wonder

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Super Mario Bros. Wonder stands out as one of the must play switch games of 2025. This game brings fresh gameplay mechanics that give a new spin to the classic platforming experience.

Wonder Effects and Transformations

Wonder Flowers serve as the game’s signature feature that changes gameplay through special transformations. Players who activate these effects can watch pipes turn into moving platforms. They might become spike balls or witness Piranha Plants break into musical performances. The game also adds wavy visual elements to screen corners and features dancing coins that move in sync with the music.

Multiplayer Features

Players can enjoy local multiplayer with up to four friends on a single Nintendo Switch system. The game also offers private online rooms that welcome up to 12 friends, though only four can play each course simultaneously. “Live Shadows” make the experience unique by showing semi-transparent versions of other online players, which creates an engaging shared experience.

Level Design Highlights

Each level demonstrates careful craftsmanship with complete parallax scrolling and multiple independent layers. Players will discover a world map that blends fixed paths with open areas. Some regions work as mini-dungeons. The game’s badge system includes 24 unique badges divided into three categories: Action, Boost, and Expert. New power-ups make exploration exciting, especially with the Elephant Fruit and Drill Mushroom that let players interact with environments in creative ways.

Super Mario Party Jamboree

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Super Mario Party Jamboree stands out as a best game on switch that raises the party game experience with its massive collection of 112 minigames – the largest in the series’ history.

New Mini-game Collection Overview

The game features seven distinct game boards, including five new additions and two reimagined classics: Western Land and Mario’s Rainbow Castle. Players can customize their gaming experience by adjusting motion controls for specific minigames. Unique modes add variety to the gameplay with Rhythm Kitchen’s cooking challenges, Toad’s Item Factory’s puzzle solving, and Paratroopa Flight School’s aerial adventures.

Online Multiplayer Experience

The game’s resilient online features make it truly special. Players can compete in Koopathlon mode with up to 20 participants racing through minigames, while Bowser Kaboom Squad allows 8 players to team up cooperatively. Players have the option to create private rooms with passcodes or join worldwide matches. Nintendo Switch Online mobile app supports voice chat integration.

Party Mode Features

The traditional party mode brings innovative elements through Jamboree Buddies – CPU-controlled allies that offer special benefits like double coins or dual star purchases. Pro Rules enhance the gameplay by reducing luck-based elements for a more strategic experience. Each board creates unique challenges, from Western Land’s train rides to Goomba Lagoon’s tide-affected islands. The game accommodates up to four players locally, with both offline and online play options available in different modes.

Metroid Prime Remastered

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Metroid Prime Remastered stands out as a masterful reimagining of the classic first-person adventure. This exceptional remake has earned its spot among the best nintendo switch games through its technical excellence.

Visual and Performance Upgrades

The remaster delivers outstanding visual quality with rebuilt assets and advanced lighting systems. The game runs at 900p when docked and 600p in handheld mode, while maintaining a steady 60 frames per second. The improved graphics showcase crisp textures, volumetric lighting, and lifelike water effects that stretch the Switch hardware’s capabilities.

Control Schemes and Accessibility

Players can choose from four different control options:

• Dual Stick: Modern first-person shooter controls with adjustable sensitivity
• Pointer: Motion-based aiming using Joy-Con gyroscopes
• Classic: Original GameCube-style controls
• Hybrid: A mix of traditional controls and motion aiming

These options come with extensive settings to adjust camera sensitivity, lock-on priorities, and spring ball controls.

Combat and Exploration

The combat system combines shooting mechanics with smart visor switching and weapon choices. The lock-on system lets players target enemies with precision while moving freely. Combat and environmental puzzles work together naturally through different beam types and visors that uncover hidden paths and enemy weak points. Players who explore thoroughly will find power-ups and optional weapon upgrades that boost their combat abilities.

Pokemon Legends: Z-A

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Pokemon Legends: Z-A joins the lineup of best nintendo switch games in 2025. This new title brings a fresh take on the beloved franchise with revolutionary urban development themes and improved battle mechanics.

New Features and Mechanics

The game comes with an expanded crafting system and new recipes that focus on creating Mega Stones for Pokemon evolution. Players can craft several items such as Pokeballs, potions, and throwable objects. The return of Linking Cord mechanic removes the need to trade for evolving certain Pokemon. Players who explore every corner of Lumiose City will find rewards through missions and requests.

Battle System Changes

The combat system brings unique mechanics:

• Action Speed sets the turn order in battles
• Strong Style deals more damage but slows down speed
• Agile Style lets you attack faster with reduced power
• Mega Evolution changes battle turn order

Story and Setting Overview

Lumiose City serves as the sole backdrop for this adventure’s narrative, which centers on an ambitious urban renewal plan. The story shows how the metropolis changes into a place where humans and Pokemon live together peacefully. This game differs from its predecessor by taking place in a bustling city that provides numerous opportunities to meet other trainers.

Online Trading and Battles

Trainer battles take center stage more than wild encounters, marking a clear change from the previous title. The battle system keeps its strategic depth while adapting to city life naturally. The city’s various districts offer unique battlegrounds where players can participate in strategic combat with their own challenges and opportunities.

Fire Emblem: Echoes of Wisdom

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Fire Emblem: Echoes of Wisdom stands out as one of the best switch games 2025. The game offers a sophisticated tactical role-playing experience built on the series’ beloved foundations.

Strategic Gameplay Elements

The game’s tactical depth comes alive through its turn-based combat system where players lead armies across expansive battle maps. Units earn experience points in combat and unlock powerful Combat Arts unique to their weapons. Players can guide their forces through a world map filled with story-driven locations and optional areas, which creates an exciting mix of strategic planning and adventure.

Character Relationships

The Support System breathes life into character development as units fighting close to each other form stronger bonds. These bonds show up through battlefield conversations that enhance both gameplay and story depth. Players need to think about unit positions carefully to get the most from these relationships while keeping their tactical edge.

Battle System Innovations

The combat system brings fresh features to the table. Each unit wields a single weapon that reveals special abilities through regular use. The class system provides many options – from long-range archers to close combat specialists. Mila’s Turnwheel lets players rewind turns, which makes tactical experiments possible without frustrating restarts. The game skillfully blends classic Fire Emblem elements with new features that appeal to veterans and newcomers alike.

Pikmin 4

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Pikmin 4 continues to lead the best nintendo switch games lineup with its innovative features and gameplay mechanics that lift the strategic adventure to new heights.

New Pikmin Types and Abilities

The game adds two exciting Pikmin types: Ice Pikmin and Glow Pikmin. Ice Pikmin can freeze water bodies and enemies, which opens up new ways to explore the world. Glow Pikmin shine during Night Expeditions and stay safe from various hazards. They can also team up to create powerful light-based attacks called Glowmob.

Story Campaign Highlights

This campaign is the biggest adventure we’ve seen in the franchise’s history. Players can find 239 treasures throughout their experience – more than all previous Pikmin games combined. The story takes place in a variety of environments with Oatchi, your loyal companion dog who swims, jumps, and acts as a second commander.

Multiplayer Features

Dandori Battles let two players compete against each other or team up to face CPU opponents. Players can tweak difficulty settings and unlock new stages as they progress through Story Mode. A second player can join the co-op Story Mode using the Pebble Pitcher, which makes shared gameplay more fun.

Dungeon Exploration

The cave system runs at one-sixth the normal time speed, so players can explore without rushing. Each cave brings its own challenges and needs specific Pikmin types to overcome obstacles. Maps become available when entering new sublevels and show the layout and possible treasure spots. Players can use the rewind feature to restart sublevels without penalties, making the game challenging yet fair for everyone.

Mario Kart 8 Deluxe

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Mario Kart 8 Deluxe remains the Nintendo Switch’s best-selling game with 63 million copies sold. The game continues to grow with major updates that make racing even more exciting.

Latest DLC Tracks

The Booster Course Pass has revolutionized racing by adding 48 remastered tracks in six waves. Players can now speed through famous courses like GBA Sunset Wilds and Wii Rainbow Road. New additions to the lineup include:

• Rome Avanti and Madrid Drive from Tour
• Classic favorites like DK Mountain and Bowser Castle 3
• The brand-new Piranha Plant Cove

Online Racing Experience

The multiplayer system lets 12 racers compete at once. The game’s Room ID system allows players to join races with specific codes without being friends. Players now get better warnings about incoming Red Shells and Spiny Shells during matches.

New Features in 2025

Recent updates have brought major technical improvements to the game. The recovery time after spinouts now changes based on your driver and vehicle setup. Players can customize which power-ups appear in different race modes with the Custom Items feature. The improved ghost data system now supports 32 downloadable ghosts.

Splatoon 3

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Splatoon 3 has become one of the top nintendo switch games with an amazing 11.96 million copies sold. The game keeps players engaged through regular updates and deep competitive gameplay.

Latest Seasonal Updates

The game runs on a well-laid-out seasonal system with four unique periods: Fresh (Spring), Sizzle (Summer), Drizzle (Autumn), and Chill (Winter). Regular updates will end in 2025, but seasonal events like Splatoween, Frosty Fest, Spring Fest, and Summer Nights will continue. Players can expect weapon tweaks as needed, plus Big Run and Monthly Challenges.

Weapon Balance Changes

The November 2024 update (version 9.2.0) brought major weapon improvements. The Splattershot series got a 3% speed boost, while the Luna Blaster now has a 6% bigger explosion radius. The Booyah Bomb received better charging abilities when teams work together.

Competitive Scene Overview

The competitive scene features four key roles: slayer, support, skirmish, and anchor. Players take positions in three strategic areas – frontline, midline, and backline – based on their weapon expertise. Leagues like LUTI have multiple divisions that help players of different skill levels. Success comes from regular practice that combines scrimmages and league battles.

Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door

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Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door, released in May 2024, is a must have switch game that brings beloved RPG mechanics to a new generation of players.

Remake Improvements

The Switch version comes with major visual upgrades including redone graphics, animations, and music. The fast travel system got an overhaul with numbered warp pipes in a centralized room to make navigation easier. This remake adds two exclusive features: an Art Gallery with concept artwork and a Sound Gallery that includes both original and remastered soundtracks.

Combat System Overview

The battle system features theatrical elements through an audience mechanic that watches fights unfold. Players earn Star Power through successful action commands, and the crowd size grows every 10 levels. The combat mechanics include:

• Timed button presses for stronger attacks
• Superguard defensive moves that counter enemy strikes
• Stylish moves that boost audience involvement
• Badge combinations for customized abilities

Story and Character Expressions

Mario’s quest to collect seven Crystal Stars takes place in the mysterious town of Rogueport. The story spans eight chapters in unique locations like Glitzville, a floating city famous for its fighting arena. This remake keeps the characters’ authenticity and restores elements from the original Japanese script, particularly in Vivian’s portrayal as a transgender character. The story ends with a confrontation against the Shadow Queen, who tries to use Princess Peach as a vessel for resurrection.

Monster Hunter Rise

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Monster Hunter Rise’s Sunbreak expansion ranks among the best nintendo switch games and makes hunting more exciting with Master Rank quests and innovative gameplay elements.

Sunbreak Expansion Content

This massive expansion brings players to Elgado, a new hub town, and introduces the breathtaking Citadel map with castle ruins nestled in wooded mountain ranges. Players can explore reimagined locations such as the Jungle map from second-generation games. The game now has 17 new monsters to hunt and features four brand-new creatures, including Malzeno, the flagship Elder Dragon.

Weapon Types and Playstyles

Players can choose from 14 distinct weapon types that provide unique combat experiences. The arsenal has:

• Dual Blades and Light Bowgun for quick strikes
• Great Sword and Hammer for powerful impacts
• Charge Blade and Insect Glaive for technical mastery

Each weapon comes with additional Silkbind moves and Switch Skill Swap capabilities that let players switch between two different skill sets during hunts.

Multiplayer Hunt Experience

The game’s multiplayer system excels through focused, cooperative gameplay. Up to four players can join hunts, and mission difficulty adjusts based on the number of participants. Players can team up with NPCs in Follower Collab Quests for unique hunting experiences. Hunters can coordinate monster takedowns and boost mounted attack damage using the Marionette Spider and Ruby Wirebug mechanics.

Persona 5 Royal

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Persona 5 Royal stands out as a top nintendo switch games contender with its innovative battle mechanics and rich storytelling that delivers an exceptional mix of style and substance.

Switch-Exclusive Features

This Nintendo Switch version delivers steady performance with exclusive benefits. The port now has all previously released DLC content. Players can access bonus challenge battles, dozens of costumes, and additional Personas at no extra cost. The game performs smoothly whether docked or handheld and keeps its signature visual style intact.

Story and Character Development

Players follow the Phantom Thieves’ adventures as they work to change corrupt hearts in modern-day Tokyo. Character relationships grow deeper through the Confidant system that provides gameplay benefits beyond friendship. These connections help players unlock perks that improve various gameplay mechanics in both real-life situations and the Metaverse.

Combat and Social Links

The battle system adds strategic depth with several mechanics:

• Technical damage triggers against ailment-afflicted enemies and offers five ranks of increasing damage boosts
• Baton Pass enables chain attacks between party members where each pass increases damage output
• Showtime Attacks become available throughout the story and enable powerful paired character moves

The game’s innovative “One More” system gives extra turns when players exploit enemy weaknesses. Players can trigger All-out Attacks that deal massive damage to all opponents after successful strikes. Social activities like billiards and darts help players improve their Technical Rank and Baton Pass abilities, creating a natural connection between social interactions and battle skills.

Xenoblade Chronicles 3

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Xenoblade Chronicles 3 stands out as a remarkable switch game with its exceptional gameplay mechanics, intricate battle system and character development.

Combat System Depth

The game features a live battle system where characters automatically perform basic attacks near enemies. The combat system revolves around special moves called Arts that include:

• Standard Arts that charge during battle
• Talent Arts specific to each class
• Fusion Arts combining multiple abilities
• Chain Attacks for coordinated team strikes

The combat introduces “canceling” mechanics that boost damage output and fill various combat gages when players time their Arts well.

Story and World Building

The narrative unfolds in Aionios, a war-torn world where two opposing factions, Keves and Agnes, clash. The game explores themes of hope and revolution through its diverse cast of characters. The world’s design connects naturally across regions and offers stunning vistas from ancient battlegrounds to repurposed war machines.

Character Progression

The class system serves as the life-blood of character development with three distinct roles: Attacker, Defender, and Healer. Characters can become skilled at different classes and unlock Master Arts and Skills that stay available even when switching roles. The progression system goes beyond level gains. Characters reach key milestones at levels 20, 30, 40, and 50 that unlock additional customization slots for gems and accessories. This flexibility creates diverse party compositions and adds strategic depth to combat encounters.

Hades

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Hades has revolutionized the roguelike genre and stands out as a remarkable switch game with its fresh take on death mechanics and storytelling.

Roguelike Elements

Death becomes a feature instead of punishment in this game. Players return to the House of Hades after each defeat and unlock permanent upgrades through the Mirror of Night. The game’s God Mode helps new players by increasing damage resistance 2% after each death without compromising the core experience.

Story and Character Interactions

The narrative comes alive through natural dialog that adapts to player’s actions and progress. Zagreus, the Prince of the Underworld, brings a perfect blend of cocky confidence and genuine heart to the story. Players can develop relationships with characters through the Nectar gift system. Characters like Megaera, Thanatos, and Dusa present romance options. Thousands of unique dialog interactions make each run feel fresh and meaningful.

Build Variety and Weapons

The combat system features six distinct weapons with unique playstyles:

• Stygius: The Stygian Blade for balanced combat
• Varatha: The Eternal Spear for versatile attacks
• Aegis: The Shield of Chaos for defense
• Coronacht: The Heart-Seeking Bow for ranged combat
• Malphon: The Twin Fists for close combat
• Exagryph: The Adamant Rail for firearm-based attacks

Players can boost each weapon through Daedalus hammer upgrades that change attack patterns and create new strategic possibilities. The game’s depth grows through the boon system, where Olympian gods grant abilities that combine into powerful builds.

Dragon Quest III HD-2D Remake

_{Image Source: Dragon Quest – Square Enix}

Dragon Quest III HD-2D Remake breathes new life into a beloved classic. The game’s stunning visual reimagining and thoughtful updates make it a must-play switch game.

Visual Overhaul Features

The game shows off its refined HD-2D style by combining 16-bit pixelated characters with beautifully rendered 3D backgrounds. The technical specs support 4K resolution on compatible systems, and players can choose between Performance and Graphics modes. The visual design creates a perfect balance of nostalgia and innovation. Its cheerful, bright environments and soft esthetics make it unique among other HD-2D titles.

Classic RPG Elements

The combat system keeps its turn-based roots but adds strategic depth. Players can control their character directly or set their party members’ behavior patterns, which changes their approach to combat. The job system really shines with its flexibility by offering:

• Character reclassing at level 20
• Retained abilities after class changes
• Stat adjustments for balanced progression

Quality of Life Improvements

The remake adds many player-friendly features that improve the experience. The autosave function kicks in after every battle, while players can still save manually at churches. Players can pick from three difficulty settings, including a more accessible “Dracky Quest” mode. The game also features battle speed controls, two camera modes, a toggleable mini-map, and an NPC conversation log that saves the last 30 interactions.

Comparison Table

Conclusion

Nintendo Switch’s 2025 lineup shows why gamers still love this console. The platform excels at both game design and technical performance. Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom and Super Mario Bros. Wonder prove Nintendo knows how to expand creative possibilities while staying true to fan-favorite franchises.

Nintendo breathes new life into classics with Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door and Dragon Quest III HD-2D remakes. These games introduce beloved experiences to a whole new generation of players. Pokemon Legends: Z-A and Fire Emblem: Echoes of Wisdom take their series in exciting new directions.

Players can enjoy multiplayer fun with Super Mario Party Jamboree and Splatoon 3. The console also delivers rich single-player adventures through Xenoblade Chronicles 3 and Monster Hunter Rise, which pack hundreds of hours of content.

These 15 games showcase Nintendo Switch’s finest offerings – carefully crafted experiences that blend state-of-the-art features with classic gameplay elements. Each release adds something special to the platform, making 2025 an outstanding year for Switch players.