Play These Top Nintendo Switch 2 Games First If You Got One For Christmas

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If you received a Nintendo Switch 2 this Christmas, you’re one of the lucky few! Nintendo’s newest console, released in June 2025, has quickly become incredibly popular thanks to its amazing exclusive games, improved versions of popular titles, and some fantastic surprise indie games.

With so many games becoming available, it’s hard to know what to play first. Should you start with the biggest games made by the console’s creator, replay older favorites that have been updated, or try out the popular games from other companies that are showing off the console’s improved capabilities?

Overwhelmed by all the game options? This guide is here to help! TopMob has created a list of the best Nintendo Switch 2 games, so you can quickly find something great to play on your new console. These are the games you won’t want to miss, whether you’re a longtime Nintendo player or just joining the fun.

Must-Play Games On The Nintendo Switch 2

Mario Kart World

Let’s start with Mario Kart World, the likely star game for the new Nintendo Switch 2. Nintendo has completely reimagined the series, creating a huge open world to race and explore. It’s packed with hidden secrets, tough challenges, and tons of brand-new tracks to find.

The changes don’t end there! Mario Kart World features a new race mode called Knockout Tour. Players race across a large map, hitting checkpoints along the way, and after each one, the four slowest racers are eliminated. Whether you’re playing with friends on the same console, competing online, or racing against the computer, Mario Kart World feels like an instant classic and a game every new Switch 2 owner should have.

Donkey Kong Bananza

Forget everything you know about platforming on the Nintendo Switch – Donkey Kong Bananza is here! Created by the same team that made Super Mario Odyssey, this game offers an incredible 3D platforming experience. Explore beautiful, connected worlds filled with hidden secrets, smart puzzles, and levels designed to keep you discovering new things even after you’ve completed the main story.

Okay, so playing as DK is totally different from Mario. Forget skillful jumps and precise movements – DK is all about pure, unadulterated power! I’m smashing through everything in my path, ripping up the levels, and using his incredible strength to climb, launch myself around, and even ride rocks across these huge, complex worlds. Honestly, it’s super fast-paced, really loud, and just feels amazing to play. It’s a blast!

Pokémon Legends: Z-A

No discussion of Nintendo is complete without mentioning Pokémon, and the latest game is a must-have for anyone getting a Switch 2. Pokémon Legends: Z-A is different from past games because the whole story takes place in Lumiose City. Instead of vast open areas, you’ll explore a detailed, changing city with lots of hidden secrets and opportunities to climb and discover.

The biggest highlight is the return of Mega Evolutions, which are now even more exciting and powerful. Transforming Pokémon into their Mega Forms makes battles incredibly dynamic and strategic, giving players a new way to enjoy their favorite creatures. This is a fantastic update to the Kalos region and could be one of the defining games for the new Nintendo Switch 2 console.

The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom

While not initially released for the Nintendo Switch 2, The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom feels perfectly suited for the upgraded system thanks to a recent update. This update significantly improves performance, delivering a smooth 60 frames per second, and enhances the graphics to a crisp 4K resolution when played on a TV. As a result, Link’s newest journey looks and plays better than ever before.

If you haven’t played any of the recent Zelda games on Switch, it’s best to begin with Breath of the Wild to understand the story. However, if you’re looking for the most polished and expansive Zelda game, Tears of the Kingdom is the ultimate choice, delivering the biggest and most imaginative adventure on the Switch.

Hades 2

Hades 2 isn’t just for the Switch 2, but it’s a perfect fit for playing on the go. You play as Melinoë, the Princess of the Underworld, on a quest to defeat Chronos, the Titan of Time. The game takes everything players enjoyed about the first Hades – fast-paced combat, beautiful art, and clever storytelling – and expands on it with a more mature story and a fresh take on mythology.

Melinoë’s unique combination of magic and close-quarters fighting makes each playthrough of Hades 2 quick, adaptable, and incredibly fun, especially with the addition of new weapons, more powerful god blessings, and a wider range of characters to meet. It’s a fantastic game to pick up for a quick session or a longer play, and it truly shines on the Switch 2, making it one of the console’s most rewarding games.

Cyberpunk 2077

Even though Cyberpunk 2077 has been out for a while, playing it on the new Nintendo Switch 2 feels completely fresh. The game has been significantly improved since it first came out, with lots of additions and refinements. Bringing this best version to a portable console is fantastic news for players who enjoy immersive, story-rich games they can play anywhere.

Cyberpunk 2077 feels fantastic on the go. The game’s detailed city, engaging storylines, and fast-paced fights work surprisingly well on a handheld console, making even short play sessions feel rewarding. Being able to experience a top-tier RPG like this anytime, anywhere makes it a standout title for the Switch 2 – and a real showcase of what the console can do.

Hollow Knight: Silksong

Hollow Knight: Silksong is a long-awaited game, and it definitely lives up to the hype on the Nintendo Switch 2. Continuing the story, you play as Hornet, venturing through the impressive and dangerous kingdom of Pharloom. The game improves on the original with quicker movement, more polished combat, and a beautifully detailed world that’s a joy to explore.

Although not exclusive to the Switch 2, Silksong feels perfectly suited for the system. The console’s quick response time enhances the game’s precise platforming, making every move feel fluid and satisfying. With its interconnected areas and secret challenges, Silksong is ideal for both short bursts of play and extended adventures, constantly rewarding exploration. If you’re a fan of Metroidvania games, this is a must-have title and a highlight for the Switch 2.

Metroid Prime 4: Beyond

Let’s talk about Metroidvania games, and specifically, the highly anticipated Metroid Prime 4: Beyond. This game is a major title for the new Nintendo Switch 2, bringing Samus Aran back to the Prime series after a long wait. Retro Studios has successfully updated the classic Metroid formula, keeping the immersive exploration fans love while adding more refined combat, deeper storytelling through the game’s environments, and stunning visuals – making it one of the most beautiful games in the series.

While not exclusive to the new Switch 2, the upgraded hardware significantly improves the gameplay experience. Everything feels more immersive – from exploring alien buildings and dangerous landscapes to fighting huge monsters – and this is especially noticeable when playing in handheld mode, where the detailed graphics and atmospheric lighting really stand out. Metroid Prime 4: Beyond is a fantastic continuation of Samus’ story and a must-have game for any Switch 2 owner.

Here’s a list of some must-play games for anyone who received a Nintendo Switch 2 this Christmas. Let us know if we left out your favorites – share your suggestions on the TopMob Discord!

Want to know about more games coming to the Nintendo Switch 2? Keep an eye out for the release dates of Fallout 4 and Pokémon Pokopia!

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2025-12-25 17:20