Best Nintendo Switch Games in 2026: Top 25 Must-Play Titles
The Nintendo Switch remains one of the most beloved consoles ever made, with a game library that rivals any platform in history. Whether you're playing on the original Switch, Switch Lite, Switch OLED, or the new Switch 2 (which is fully backward compatible), these are the 25 best Nintendo Switch games you can play right now (see also Metacritic Switch rankings and Nintendo Life).
Top 10 Best Nintendo Switch Games
1. The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom (2023) — 96/100
The sequel to Breath of the Wild somehow exceeds expectations. The Ultrahand building system adds infinite creativity to an already masterful open world. Hundreds of hours of exploration, puzzles, and combat. The best Switch game ever made.
2. Super Mario Odyssey (2017) — 97/100
Nine years after release and still a masterpiece. Mario's globe-trotting adventure is pure joy — the hat-throwing capture mechanic creates endless surprises. Every kingdom is a playground of creativity.
3. The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild (2017) — 97/100
The game that redefined open-world design. Breath of the Wild's physics-based exploration and total player freedom remain influential. A must-play that holds up perfectly in 2026.
4. Super Smash Bros. Ultimate (2018) — 93/100
The definitive platform fighter with 89 characters, 100+ stages, and a massive single-player mode. Still the go-to party game for Switch owners.
5. Metroid Dread (2021) — 88/100
Samus returns in the best 2D Metroid ever made. Tight controls, terrifying EMMI encounters, and brilliant level design. A showcase for the Metroidvania genre.
6. Animal Crossing: New Horizons (2020) — 90/100
The game that got millions through lockdown. Building your island, decorating your home, and living a peaceful virtual life. Years of free updates made it even better.
7. Splatoon 3 (2022) — 83/100
Nintendo's multiplayer shooter franchise hits its stride. Fresh maps, new weapons, and the best single-player campaign in the series. A vibrant online community.
8. Fire Emblem: Three Houses (2019) — 89/100
The best tactical RPG on Switch. Choose your house, train your students, and navigate a branching story with real consequences. Enormous replay value.
9. Mario Kart 8 Deluxe (2017) — 92/100
Still the king of kart racers. With the Booster Course Pass adding 48 new tracks (96 total), Mario Kart 8 Deluxe has more content than ever.
10. Pokemon Legends: Arceus (2022) — 83/100
The Pokemon game fans waited decades for. Open-world catching, real-time combat, and a fresh take on the formula. A glimpse of Pokemon's future.
#11-25: More Must-Play Switch Games
| Rank | Game | Year | Score | Genre |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 11 | Hades | 2020 | 93 | Roguelike |
| 12 | Celeste | 2018 | 92 | Platformer |
| 13 | Hollow Knight | 2018 | 90 | Metroidvania |
| 14 | Luigi's Mansion 3 | 2019 | 86 | Action-Adventure |
| 15 | Xenoblade Chronicles 3 | 2022 | 89 | RPG |
| 16 | Pikmin 4 | 2023 | 87 | Strategy |
| 17 | Mario + Rabbids Sparks of Hope | 2022 | 86 | Tactical RPG |
| 18 | Bayonetta 3 | 2022 | 86 | Action |
| 19 | Stardew Valley | 2017 | 89 | Farming Sim |
| 20 | Disco Elysium: The Final Cut | 2021 | 89 | RPG |
| 21 | Monster Hunter Rise | 2021 | 88 | Action RPG |
| 22 | Kirby and the Forgotten Land | 2022 | 85 | Platformer |
| 23 | Ori and the Will of the Wisps | 2020 | 93 | Metroidvania |
| 24 | Astral Chain | 2019 | 87 | Action |
| 25 | Donkey Kong Country: Tropical Freeze | 2018 | 86 | Platformer |
Best Switch Games by Genre
Best Switch Platformers
- Super Mario Odyssey
- Celeste
- Donkey Kong Country: Tropical Freeze
- Kirby and the Forgotten Land
Best Switch RPGs
- Xenoblade Chronicles 3
- Fire Emblem: Three Houses
- Pokemon Legends: Arceus
- Dragon Quest XI S
Best Switch Multiplayer Games
- Super Smash Bros. Ultimate
- Mario Kart 8 Deluxe
- Splatoon 3
- Mario Party Superstars
Best Switch Indie Games
- Hades
- Celeste
- Hollow Knight
- Stardew Valley
Related: Best Cheap Nintendo Switch Games — hidden gems under $20
Best Switch Games for Kids
- Kirby and the Forgotten Land
- Animal Crossing: New Horizons
- Mario Kart 8 Deluxe
- Pikmin 4
Related: Best Educational Games for Kids — learning games on PS5 and Switch
Switch 2 Backward Compatibility
All 25 games on this list are playable on the Nintendo Switch 2 thanks to full backward compatibility. Many will also run better on Switch 2 with improved frame rates and load times.
Related: Nintendo Switch 2 Games: Complete List — every confirmed Switch 2 title
🎮 Explore Switch games at Webnetic — Discover more titles in our Nintendo Switch collection or check our release calendar for what's coming next.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best Nintendo Switch game of all time?
The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom and Super Mario Odyssey are tied at the top, both with 96-97 Metacritic scores. Tears of the Kingdom offers more content and innovation, while Odyssey is the tighter, more polished experience.
What Switch games should I buy first?
For a new Switch owner, start with: Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom (adventure), Mario Kart 8 Deluxe (multiplayer), and Hades (indie roguelike). These three cover the Switch's strengths.
Is the Nintendo Switch still worth buying in 2026?
With the Switch 2 available, the original Switch is now available at a lower price and has a massive library of 4,000+ games. It's excellent value, especially for casual gamers and kids. However, if you can afford it, the Switch 2 is the better long-term investment.
What are the best free Switch games?
Fortnite, Apex Legends, Pokemon Unite, and Rocket League are the best free-to-play options on Nintendo Switch.
How many games does the Nintendo Switch have?
The Nintendo Switch library includes over 4,000 games on the Nintendo eShop as of 2026, making it one of the largest game libraries on any console.
Last updated: April 2026.
