The 15 best games to play on Nintendo Switch in 2026 | games

AAlthough the Nintendo Switch 2 has been out for several months, not everyone has jumped on the new device and there is still plenty to enjoy on the original console in 2026 (and beyond). From timeless Mario adventures to sweet shooters to deep RPG missions, here are 15 games no Switch owner should live without.

Animal Crossing: New Horizons

The cozy life simulator is back with new characters, relaxing activities and countless talents to decorate your virtual paradise. Create a dream island and then invite friends over for tea.

Why we love it: “Animal Crossing is everything I’ve longed for: cute, soothing, sociable and creative.” Read the full review.

eviction!

The headmistress of an upscale public school is thrown out a window and scholarship student Verity Amersham is framed for the crime in this sweet adventure. Playing as the unfortunate prime suspect, you can interrogate witnesses, search for clues, and build a case, all while keeping in mind the school’s strict schedule.

Why we love it: “Verity’s story is deeply satisfying, as she transitions from worn-out victim to master manipulator.” Read the full review.

Fire Emblem: Three Houses

Lead feisty cadets of war onto the battlefield in Intelligent Systems’ exciting, complex and beloved tactical role-playing adventure.

Why we love it: “With poignant and silly twists and turns, but always interesting, this heartwarming high school soap opera is one to spend the summer with.” Read the full review.

Hades II

The second part of the fantastic legendary action game of 2020 introduces us to the new main character Melinoe, a sorceress who must defeat the God of Time and his retinue of exciting and chaotic main characters. As before, death takes you back to the beginning, but you are always resurrected and starting over, lessons learned and experience gained.

Why we love it: “[Jen] Zee’s new character illustrations are likely to inspire more art and a powerfully thirsty imagination. And Greg Kasavin’s brilliant screenplay is smarter, wiser and more engaging than ever. Read the full review.

Hollow Knight: Silk Song

One of the biggest hits of 2025, this sequel to the platforming adventure drags insect princess Hornet into the haunted world of Pharloom where relentless enemies and incredibly challenging puzzles await her. It’s difficult and nightmarishly compelling, up there with the greatest Metroidvania titles of all time.

Why we love it: “I’m fascinated by Silksong. I spent 15 hours working on it in three days, and it made my thumbs hurt.” Read more here.

Kirby and the Forgotten Land

Nintendo’s beloved pink blob has a 3D adventure in the cutest post-apocalyptic world ever. Exotic new abilities and a decent co-op mode add to the game’s appeal.

Why we love it: “It has an amazing cinematic flair, and many of the levels are broken up by impressive, impressive set pieces. The rousing orchestral soundtrack also helps elevate this fantastic hero’s outing.” Read the full review.

The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild

Link returns to a radically reimagined Hyrule in order to save Zelda from the unruly tyrant Ganon. A highly ingenious open-world adventure experience full of enchanting ideas. Its sequel, Kingdom Tears, is also a great follow-up.

Why we love it: “A game that combines the best parts of the series’ long history with the best parts of the rest of the gaming world, and produces something greater than the sum of its parts.” Read the full review.

Mario Kart 8 Deluxe

The greatest cartoon racing game in history, beautifully updated to include 48 tracks and a wide range of drivers. The great multiplayer gameplay makes it a mandatory purchase for Switch owners.

Why we love it: “Mario Kart is a way to have fun with all your friends and family, regardless of their individual skills, and Mario Kart 8 Deluxe is the best and most versatile version of that yet.” Read the full review.

Metroid Prime Remastered

Arguably one of the greatest sci-fi first-person shooters of all time, Metroid Prime was a huge hit on the GameCube in 2002 before getting a fantastic remaster on the Switch. Series heroine Samus Aran finds herself on the poisoned planet Tallon IV, where she explores its inhabited biomes and battles hideous alien creatures. Inspired by Ridley Scott’s Alien, it’s tense, complex and often terrifying – things we rarely expect from a Nintendo title.

Why we love it: “Sometimes, you play a game from decades ago and think this might be better now. Metroid Prime Remastered is one of those games.” Read more here.

Pokemon Legends: Arceus

A complete reinvention of the classic Pokémon adventure, with a more challenging capture system and a truly explorable open world environment. One for Pokémon veterans who are tired of the same old formula – newcomers should choose Pokémon Sword and Shield instead.

Why we love it: “This ambitious reboot sets Pokémon on an exciting new path, finally regaining a lost sense of adventure…that exhilarating sense of excitement is back.” Read the full review.

Splatoon 3

Another round of scattered multiplayer mayhem for people who like the idea of ​​online shooters but can’t handle the weapons, gore, and glorification of military hardware.

Why we love it: “Splatoon 3 doesn’t offer anything different, it offers more: more fashions, more modes, and more ways to spend time in its chaotic, chaotic world, alone or together. It’s a pleasure to be back.” Read the full review.

Stardew Valley

A beautiful homage to the Harvest Moon series, where you farm, explore, and socialize to your heart’s content. The most comfortable games.

Why we love it: “Part farming simulator, part role-playing adventure, Stardew Valley was the indie surprise of the year, offering charm, wit and a beautiful small world.”

Super Mario Odyssey

When the predator Bowser kidnaps Princess Peach once again, Mario takes his sentient hat across the galaxy, from the deserts to the big city, to track her down – with absolutely hilarious results.

Why we love it: “It’s a truly exhilarating, darkly creative game that revels in the pleasures of action and surreal humor.” Read the full review.

Super Smash Bros. Ultimate

Nintendo’s funky multiplayer game returns with a variety of fighters from Pac-Man to Solid Snake. A basic competitive game that has been at the heart of countless rivalries between housemates.

Why we love it: “The obvious love for video games permeates everything, and references to their colorful history are everywhere, from popular, world-famous series to esoteric games you thought no one remembered.” Read the full review.

Tetris 99

The legendary falling puzzle game returns in a way in a multiplayer battle royale showdown – and once you get over how weird it is, you’ll find you can’t stop playing.

Why we love it: “I’m pathetically unable to stop playing it – twice, while writing these words, I’ve had to stop and play another round. Like all Battle Royale games, your whole sweet taste of almost succeeding leaves you hungry for more.” Read more here.