🎮Best Nintendo Switch 2 Games Ranked

The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild▲ Rising

Redefined open-world design on Switch and will gain frame-rate and resolution boosts on Switch 2. Its physics sandbox and 2017 Game of the Year win still set the benchmark. Players keep finding new ways to break the world.

Metascore: 97/10Sales: 32 MYear: 2017Multiplayer: —Genre: Action-Adventure

added by IJRin 11 rankingsThe Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild

Super Smash Bros. Ultimate▲ Rising

The definitive crossover fighter amassed every prior character plus newcomers, creating endless debate over balance patches. Its 2018 launch and ongoing DLC kept it the Switch's premier party game. Switch 2 online will revive tournament scenes.

Metascore: 93/10Sales: 35 MYear: 2018Multiplayer: ✓Genre: Fighting

added by IJRin 7 rankingsSuper Smash Bros. Ultimate

Mario Kart 8 Deluxe▲ Rising

The best-selling Switch title refined battle modes and added every prior track, becoming the default multiplayer pick. Its 2017 release still leads family gatherings. Switch 2 smart features could enhance split-screen further.

Metascore: 92/10Sales: 60 MYear: 2017Multiplayer: ✓Genre: Racing

added by IJRin 9 rankingsMario Kart 8 Deluxe

Animal Crossing: New Horizons▲ Rising

Became a pandemic-era phenomenon with island customization that millions still tend daily. The 2020 launch spike proved its social staying power ahead of Switch 2. Terraforming tools remain unmatched in cozy genre.

Metascore: 90/10Sales: 45 MYear: 2020Multiplayer: ✓Genre: Life Sim

added by IJRin 6 rankingsAnimal Crossing: New Horizons

Splatoon 3

Refined the ink-shooter formula with stronger single-player campaign and frequent Splatfests. Its 2022 release kept the competitive scene active. Switch 2 could bring higher-resolution ink effects.

Metascore: 83/10Sales: 10 MYear: 2022Multiplayer: ✓Genre: Shooter

added by IJRin 2 rankingsSplatoon 3

Bayonetta 3▲ Rising

Pushed the action spectacle with multiverse chaos and new summons that divided fans yet delivered set pieces. Its 2022 release closed the Switch trilogy. Switch 2 will run it at steadier frames.

Metascore: 80/10Sales: 1 MYear: 2022Multiplayer: —Genre: Action

added by IJRin 2 rankingsBayonetta 3

Super Mario Odyssey

Nintendo's most inventive 3D Mario in years brought capture mechanics and globe-trotting levels. Its post-game content and co-op mode keep it relevant for Switch 2 play sessions. Still the gold standard for platforming polish.

Metascore: 97/10Sales: 27 MYear: 2017Multiplayer: ✓Genre: Platformer

added by IJRin 10 rankingsSuper Mario Odyssey

The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom▲ Rising

Expanded Breath of the Wild's map with Ultrahand building that became a viral creativity engine. Its 2023 launch proved the formula could evolve dramatically. Switch 2 will run the physics simulation smoother.

Metascore: 96/10Sales: 20 MYear: 2023Multiplayer: —Genre: Action-Adventure

added by IJRin 8 rankingsThe Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom

Dead Cells▲ Rising

Merged metroidvania exploration with roguelike runs into a fluid action loop that earned awards. Its 2018 Switch port thrived on portability. Switch 2 will improve its fast-paced combat clarity.

Metascore: 89/10Sales: 1 MYear: 2018Multiplayer: —Genre: Action Roguelike

added by IJRin 8 rankingsDead Cells

Kirby and the Forgotten Land

Brought 3D exploration and copy abilities to Kirby's first major console outing in years. Its 2022 release offered accessible fun with hidden depth. Switch 2 will enhance its colorful worlds.

Metascore: 85/10Sales: 7 MYear: 2022Multiplayer: ✓Genre: Platformer

added by IJRin 2 rankingsKirby and the Forgotten Land

Celeste

Delivered precise platforming with an emotional story that resonated far beyond its niche. Its 2018 Switch release added assist modes without compromising challenge. Switch 2 will highlight its clean pixel work.

Metascore: 94/10Sales: 1 MYear: 2018Multiplayer: —Genre: Platformer

added by IJRin 15 rankingsCeleste

Xenoblade Chronicles 3▲ Rising

Delivered an epic story across vast landscapes with class-based combat that rewarded experimentation. Its 2022 release continued the series' narrative ambition. Switch 2 will improve draw distances.

Metascore: 89/10Sales: 2 MYear: 2022Multiplayer: —Genre: Action RPG

added by IJRXenoblade Chronicles 3

Pokémon Legends: Arceus

Shifted the series toward open-zone catching and action combat, previewing future Pokémon directions. Its 2022 release sold well despite rough edges that Switch 2 power could smooth. The formula change sparked lasting debate.

Metascore: 83/10Sales: 15 MYear: 2022Multiplayer: —Genre: Action RPG

added by IJRin 3 rankingsPokémon Legends: Arceus

Metroid Dread

Revived 2D Metroid with precise EMMI tension and fluid movement that fans praised as a series peak. Its 2021 surprise launch delivered tight challenge. Switch 2 will highlight its crisp visuals.

Metascore: 88/10Sales: 3 MYear: 2021Multiplayer: —Genre: Action Platformer

added by IJRin 3 rankingsMetroid Dread

Hades▼ Falling

Brought polished roguelike storytelling to Switch with tight combat and voice acting that earned universal praise. Its 2020 port thrived on handheld. Switch 2 will boost its already crisp visuals.

Metascore: 93/10Sales: 1 MYear: 2020Multiplayer: —Genre: Action Roguelike

added by IJRin 13 rankingsHades

Fire Emblem: Three Houses▼ Falling

Blended deep tactics combat with rich academy life and branching stories that sparked years of discussion. Its 2019 release expanded the series audience. Switch 2 will ease long load times.

Metascore: 89/10Sales: 4 MYear: 2019Multiplayer: —Genre: Strategy RPG

added by IJRin 3 rankingsFire Emblem: Three Houses

Mario + Rabbids: Sparks of Hope

Evolved the tactical formula with free movement and hero abilities that broadened appeal. Its 2022 release showed Ubisoft's Nintendo partnership strength. Switch 2 will smooth exploration.

Metascore: 82/10Sales: 3 MYear: 2022Multiplayer: —Genre: Strategy RPG

added by IJR

Cuphead

Delivered hand-drawn boss rushes with precise run-and-gun action that stood out on Switch. Its 2018 port brought the co-op focus to handheld. Switch 2 will keep its animation crisp.

Metascore: 86/10Sales: 1 MYear: 2018Multiplayer: ✓Genre: Run and Gun

added by IJRin 10 rankingsCuphead

Stardew Valley

The farming sim port became a Switch staple with endless updates and co-op that kept players returning. Its 2017 release proved indie staying power. Switch 2 will handle larger farms smoothly.

Metascore: 89/10Sales: 30 MYear: 2017Multiplayer: ✓Genre: Life Sim

added by IJRin 12 rankingsStardew Valley

Hollow Knight

Crafted a vast interconnected world with challenging combat and secrets that rewarded thorough exploration. Its 2018 Switch release became an indie benchmark. Switch 2 will sharpen its moody visuals.

Metascore: 90/10Sales: 3 MYear: 2018Multiplayer: —Genre: Metroidvania

added by IJRin 15 rankingsHollow Knight

Super Mario Bros. Wonder

Brought fresh Wonder effects and co-op to 2D Mario, refreshing the formula after years of remakes. Its 2023 release earned high praise for creativity. Switch 2 will run it at higher frame rates.

Metascore: 92/10Sales: 13 MYear: 2023Multiplayer: ✓Genre: Platformer

added by IJRin 2 rankingsSuper Mario Bros. Wonder

Slay the Spire▼ Falling

Defined the roguelike deck-builder genre with perfect balance and endless runs that hooked Switch players. Its 2019 port thrived on the go. Switch 2 will keep its clean UI.

Metascore: 89/10Sales: 1 MYear: 2019Multiplayer: —Genre: Card Roguelike

added by IJRin 8 rankingsSlay the Spire

Pokémon Scarlet and Violet▼ Falling

Introduced open-world Pokémon with co-op elements that sold massively despite launch bugs. Its 2022 release shifted the series structure. Switch 2 patches could fix stability.

Metascore: 72/10Sales: 25 MYear: 2022Multiplayer: ✓Genre: RPG

added by IJRin 2 rankingsPokémon Scarlet and Violet

Ori and the Will of the Wisps▼ Falling

Combined stunning visuals with Metroidvania exploration and emotional storytelling. Its 2020 Switch release showed the console's indie strength. Switch 2 will boost its particle effects.

Metascore: 88/10Sales: 1 MYear: 2020Multiplayer: —Genre: Metroidvania

added by IJRin 6 rankingsOri and the Will of the Wisps

Into the Breach

Offered tight turn-based tactics with perfect information and short campaigns ideal for portable play. Its 2018 Switch release earned strategy awards. Switch 2 will run its clean grid smoothly.

Metascore: 90/10Sales: 1 MYear: 2018Multiplayer: —Genre: Strategy

added by IJRin 2 rankingsInto the Breach