The 10 Best Nintendo Switch 2 Games of 2025

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2025 was a landmark year for the Nintendo Switch, marked by the release of the Switch 2, several critically acclaimed games, and the exciting prospect of even more exclusive titles. The ability to play games on a portable console is a unique experience, and the Nintendo Switch and Switch 2 have consistently delivered on that front. While both consoles offer versatile gameplay options, their portability remains their most distinguishing characteristic.

In 2025, the Nintendo Switch and Switch 2 gained many new games, but 10 truly shined. These games aren’t just high-quality; they also take full advantage of the Switch 2’s capabilities. Developers like Square Enix, Game Freak, and Supergiant Games all released excellent titles this year, proving the console can consistently deliver memorable gaming experiences. Here are the 10 best Nintendo Switch 2 games of 2025, listed in alphabetical order.

Ball x Pit

Check Out Ball x Pit on OpenCritic

Ball x Pit is shaping up to be one of the best games on the Nintendo Switch 2 in 2025 thanks to its surprisingly addictive gameplay. While the basic idea is simple, the game quickly becomes incredibly engaging and hard to stop playing. It’s easy to learn, but offers a surprising amount of depth that will keep players coming back for more. Ball x Pit is perfect for the Switch 2 because it’s ideal for quick play sessions – though you might find it hard to put down once you start!

  • Fast, arcade-style combat built around bouncing and chaining magical balls
  • Roguelike progression that carries over between runs
  • Ball fusion and upgrades that reward experimentation
  • A hub area that expands over time and unlocks new options
  • Short runs that make it easy to play in quick bursts

Donkey Kong Bananza

Read Game Rant’s Review of Donkey Kong Bananza

Donkey Kong Bananza is already being hailed as one of the best Nintendo Switch 2 games of 2025. It’s a game that does exactly what it sets out to do, and does it incredibly well. Since launching, it’s become a top-rated title, even winning Best Family Game at The Game Awards. With its fun destruction, creative levels, engaging exploration, and charming style, Donkey Kong Bananza is hard to resist and is quickly becoming a standout game for the Nintendo Switch 2.

  • 3D platforming built around momentum, movement, and destruction
  • Environments that can be broken apart and reshaped through play
  • Dense levels that reward exploration and curiosity
  • A strong sense of weight and physicality in Donkey Kong’s controls
  • Optional challenges and collectibles that extend replay value

Final Fantasy Tactics – The Ivalice Chronicles

Read Game Rant’s Review of Final Fantasy Tactics – The Ivalice Chronicles

Released in 2025, Final Fantasy Tactics: The Ivalice Chronicles was a hit remake because it delivered the version of the beloved original game fans had been hoping for. Critics praised how it kept everything special about the first game while fixing its flaws with better graphics, a more accurate translation, and helpful modern features. The original Final Fantasy Tactics is considered a landmark tactical RPG, and this remake both honors and revitalizes it, making it enjoyable for both longtime fans and new players. It’s also a great fit for the Nintendo Switch 2, as the console’s standby mode automatically pauses the game, even during battles.

  • Updated visuals that stay faithful to the original style
  • Revised script and localization for clearer storytelling
  • Full voice acting for key story scenes
  • Quality-of-life improvements to menus and combat flow
  • Classic job-based tactical combat is unchanged at its core

Hades 2

Check Out Hades 2 on OpenCritic

Supergiant Games’ Hades 2 feels perfectly suited for the Nintendo Switch 2 in 2025. It’s easy to pick up and play, the combat is excellent whether you’re using it handheld or docked, and there’s plenty of content to justify the cost. Like the original Hades, this sequel is designed to be replayed again and again, with enough different character builds, story developments, and upgrades to make each attempt feel fresh. Plus, the Switch’s quick sleep-and-resume feature is a huge benefit, as runs can be long, and it’s great to be able to pause and continue playing on the go without losing progress.

  • Fast, responsive combat that plays well handheld or docked
  • Short, repeatable runs that suit portable play
  • A wide range of builds that encourage experimentation
  • Story and character moments that unfold naturally over time
  • Strong art and music that carry the series’ identity forward

Hollow Knight: Silksong

Check Out Hollow Knight: Silksong on OpenCritic

As a gamer, 2025 was incredible, and it all came down to finally getting our hands on Hollow Knight: Silksong! We’d been waiting for this game for about seven years – seriously, it felt like forever! After seeing the announcement trailer six years ago, it became a running joke that it might never actually come out. But this year, it finally happened, and honestly, the Nintendo Switch 2 is the perfect system to play it on. The combat is so fast and fluid, moving around feels amazing, and the world is just as captivating as the first game. There are so many new challenges and areas to discover, it’s seriously addictive – I can’t put it down!

  • Fast, precise combat built around Hornet’s movement
  • A large world packed with secrets and tough encounters
  • A sharper focus on speed and agility compared to the original
  • Hand-drawn art and moody atmosphere throughout
  • A long, challenging adventure that rewards patience and exploration

Kirby Air Riders

Check Out Kirby Air Riders on OpenCritic

Often compared to Super Smash Bros. but for kart racing, Kirby Air Riders delivers the same fun, unpredictable, and chaotic racing experience that Kirby Air Ride first brought to the GameCube in 2003. Reviving the Kirby Air Ride name in 2025 was exciting, but the sequel really shines because it’s so easy to pick up and play. While mastering the game takes practice, it’s most enjoyable when played casually with loved ones. Kirby Air Riders isn’t just a standard kart racer; it blends racing with wacky items, special abilities, and quick matches that feel delightfully chaotic.

  • A long-awaited follow-up to Kirby Air Ride
  • Simple racing controls that are easy to jump into
  • Chaotic modes that mix racing and light combat
  • Local and online multiplayer support
  • Bright, playful presentation that fits Kirby perfectly

Mario Kart World

Read Game Rant’s Review of Mario Kart World

As a huge Mario Kart fan, I was blown away by Mario Kart World when it came out in 2025! It totally changed things up. Instead of just racing on separate tracks, the game connected everything into one big open world. You can still race on the classic tracks, but now they’re all linked together in the new Free Roam and Knockout Tour modes. Plus, there’s a ton of characters to choose from, each with different costumes, and the ability to just drive around and explore. Honestly, it’s the most unique Mario Kart game yet, and definitely one of my favorites on the Nintendo Switch 2!

  • Connected world that links races together
  • Free Roam for driving around outside of races
  • Up to 24 racers in a single match
  • Traditional modes like Grand Prix alongside newer modes
  • Big roster with unlockables like costumes

Octopath Traveler 0

Read Game Rant’s Review of Octopath Traveler 0

This year saw the release of Octopath Traveler 0 on several platforms, including the Nintendo Switch 2, delivering a fantastic JRPG experience. The game focuses heavily on story, even more so than previous installments, but new features like improved usability, a custom main character, and town-building add a lot to the experience. As a prequel to the first two Octopath Traveler games, it fits seamlessly into the series, and its traditional gameplay is ideal for playing on handheld consoles such as the Nintendo Switch and Switch 2.

  • Turn-based combat built around job classes and weaknesses
  • A larger party that opens up more strategy
  • A town-building element that ties into progression
  • A custom lead character instead of separate starting paths
  • The series’ familiar HD-2D visual style

Pokemon Legends: Z-A

Read Game Rant’s Review of Pokemon Legends: Z-A

Despite being a bit smaller in scope than the previous game, Pokemon Legends: Z-A proved to be a success. Switching from the large open world of ancient Hisui to the city of Lumiose was a risk that paid off. The game brought back Mega Evolutions and introduced new, fast-paced real-time battles, along with a stronger focus on storytelling. Although some players have criticized the graphics and environments, the innovative battle system and smooth performance make it one of the best games expected on the Nintendo Switch 2 in 2025.

  • Real-time battles instead of traditional turn-based combat
  • A fully explorable version of Lumiose City
  • Mega Evolutions returning as a core mechanic
  • Short missions that fit quick play sessions
  • A more story-driven take on the Pokemon formula

Split Fiction

Read Game Rant’s Review of Split Fiction

Many gamers are already aware of Split Fiction, a highly-rated co-op game from 2025. What makes it special is its focus on teamwork and its constant stream of fresh ideas. Split Fiction keeps things interesting with a diverse mix of puzzles, platforming challenges, and unexpected gameplay elements, making it a standout title of the year.

  • Built entirely around two-player co-op
  • Constantly changing gameplay ideas and scenarios
  • Split-screen design that keeps both players involved
  • A mix of puzzles, platforming, and light combat
  • Easy to jump into short sessions or longer playthroughs

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2025-12-16 17:08