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The short answer
The best Switch 2 games right now are Mario Kart World, Donkey Kong Bananza and Pokémon Pokopia, followed by Metroid Prime 4: Beyond, Kirby Air Riders and Fire Emblem: Fortune’s Weave. In addition, the holiday brings a rebuilt Ocarina of Time on November 5 and Monster Hunter Wilds on December 4.
- Best overall: Mario Kart World ($79.99), the console’s top seller at 15.39 million copies.
- Best single-player adventure: Donkey Kong Bananza ($69.99).
- Best for families: Nintendo Switch Sports Resort ($49.99, out October 22, 2026) and Kirby Air Riders ($69.99).
- Best new release: Fire Emblem: Fortune’s Weave ($69.99, September 17, 2026).
- Biggest upcoming games: Metroid Ravenous (January 28, 2027), Final Fantasy VII Revelation (April 8, 2027) and Pokémon Winds and Waves (2027).
15.39M
Mario Kart World copies sold
$499.99
Switch 2 console price (US)
$79.99
Top first-party game MSRP
Jan 28
Metroid Ravenous launch (2027)
In this article
The Nintendo Switch 2, Nintendo’s hybrid console that plays on a TV or as a handheld, launched on June 5, 2025. Sixteen months later, its library finally has depth. So, if you just unboxed one, or you plan to give one this holiday, the real question is which games deserve your money first.
This guide ranks the best Switch 2 games available today, explains the difference between true Switch 2 exclusives and upgraded Switch 2 Editions, and lists every upcoming game with an official date. Also, every price below is the US digital MSRP (manufacturer’s suggested retail price) shown on Nintendo’s own store, and we checked each one in October 2026.
What Are the Best Switch 2 Games Right Now?
The best Switch 2 games right now are Mario Kart World, Donkey Kong Bananza and Pokémon Pokopia. Notably, those three are also the system’s best-selling exclusives, according to Nintendo’s sales data through June 30, 2026.
Beyond that top tier, the right pick depends on how you play. For example, solo players should look at Metroid Prime 4: Beyond and Fire Emblem: Fortune’s Weave, while groups get more out of Kirby Air Riders, Mario Tennis Fever and the new Nintendo Switch Sports Resort. The table below compares our picks at a glance.
| Game | Genre | Players (one system / online) | US digital MSRP | Release date |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mario Kart World | Racing | 1-4 / 2-24 | $79.99 | June 5, 2025 |
| Donkey Kong Bananza | 3D platformer | 1-2 / 2 (via GameShare) | $69.99 | July 17, 2025 |
| Pokémon Pokopia | Life sim, building | 1 / 1-4 | $69.99 | March 5, 2026 |
| Metroid Prime 4: Beyond (Switch 2 Edition) | First-person action | 1 / None | $69.99 | December 4, 2025 |
| Kirby Air Riders | Racing, party | 1-4 / 1-16 | $69.99 | November 20, 2025 |
| Fire Emblem: Fortune’s Weave | Tactical RPG | 1 / None | $69.99 | September 17, 2026 |
| Pokémon Legends: Z-A (Switch 2 Edition) | Action RPG | 1 / 2-4 | $69.99 | October 16, 2025 |
| Star Fox | Shooter | 1-4 / 1-8 | $49.99 | June 25, 2026 |
| Animal Crossing: New Horizons (Switch 2 Edition) | Life sim | 1-4 / 1-12 | $64.99 | January 15, 2026 |
| Mario Tennis Fever | Sports, party | 1-4 / 1-4 | $69.99 | February 12, 2026 |
Meanwhile, if you already own a PlayStation 5 or Xbox, the Switch 2 earns its place almost entirely through Nintendo’s own games. Our PS5 Pro vs Xbox Series X comparison covers the other side of that decision.
The 10 Best Switch 2 Games, Ranked
Our ranking weighs how much each game shows off the new hardware, how long it lasts and how many people can enjoy it. Because sales tell you what other owners actually play, we also note Nintendo’s official unit counts where they exist.
1. Mario Kart World: Best Switch 2 game overall
Mario Kart World is the one game nearly every Switch 2 owner should have. It turns the series into a connected open world, supports up to 24 racers online, and still works as a couch game for four. Plus, a free September 2026 update added classic courses and new routes.
- Genre: Racing, party
- Players: 1-4 on one system, 2-8 local wireless, 2-24 online
- MSRP: $79.99 digital
- Sold: 15.39 million units through June 30, 2026
- Buy: Check Mario Kart World on Amazon
2. Donkey Kong Bananza: Best 3D platformer
Donkey Kong Bananza is Nintendo’s big 3D adventure for the system, built around smashing through free-roaming levels. Even better, a second player can join on the same console or, through GameShare, on a second Switch 2.
- Genre: Action, adventure, platformer
- Players: 1-2
- MSRP: $69.99 digital
- Sold: 4.78 million units through June 30, 2026
- Buy: Check Donkey Kong Bananza on Amazon
3. Pokémon Pokopia: Best cozy game
Pokémon Pokopia casts you as a Ditto rebuilding a withered world with Pokémon friends. In other words, it is a relaxed crafting and life sim rather than a battle RPG, which makes it a strong pick for younger players and Animal Crossing fans.
- Genre: Simulation, building
- Players: 1 on one system, 2-4 local wireless, 1-4 online
- MSRP: $69.99 digital
- Sold: 3.68 million units through June 30, 2026 (outside Japan, where Nintendo publishes it)
- Buy: Check Pokémon Pokopia on Amazon
4. Metroid Prime 4: Beyond: Best solo action game
Metroid Prime 4: Beyond brings Samus back in a first-person action adventure full of exploration and puzzle-solving. Since it is a strictly single-player game, it suits anyone who wants a long, focused campaign.
- Genre: First-person action-adventure
- Players: 1
- MSRP: $69.99 digital (Switch 2 Edition)
- Released: December 4, 2025
- Buy: Check Metroid Prime 4: Beyond on Amazon
5. Kirby Air Riders: Best party racer after Mario Kart
Kirby Air Riders delivers fast vehicular action that works as well for a living-room crowd as it does online. Therefore, it is the best second racing game for families who already own Mario Kart World.
- Genre: Racing, party, action
- Players: 1-4 on one system, 2-8 local wireless, 1-16 online
- MSRP: $69.99 digital
- Sold: 1.90 million units through June 30, 2026
- Buy: Check Kirby Air Riders on Amazon
6. Fire Emblem: Fortune’s Weave: Best new strategy game
Fire Emblem: Fortune’s Weave is the newest entry in Nintendo’s tactical RPG series, with turn-based combat built for the Switch 2. Since it arrived on September 17, 2026, it is also the freshest big exclusive on this list.
- Genre: Role-playing, strategy
- Players: 1
- MSRP: $69.99 digital
- Released: September 17, 2026
7. Pokémon Legends: Z-A: Best Pokémon RPG
Pokémon Legends: Z-A is an action RPG that also runs on the original Switch, but the Switch 2 Edition is the version to buy on new hardware. It supports 2-4 players over local wireless or online.
- Genre: Action RPG
- Players: 1 on one system, 2-4 local or online
- MSRP: $69.99 digital (Switch 2 Edition)
- Sold: 3.99 million Switch 2 Edition units through June 30, 2026
- Buy: Check Pokémon Legends: Z-A on Amazon
8. Star Fox: Best value pick
Star Fox is a full reimagining of the space shooter at a lower $49.99 price. Moreover, a free September 2026 update added a local split-screen battle mode for up to four players.
- Genre: Shooter, action-adventure
- Players: 1-4 on one system, 1-8 online
- MSRP: $49.99 digital
- Released: June 25, 2026
9. Animal Crossing: New Horizons, Switch 2 Edition: Best for long-term play
Animal Crossing: New Horizons is still the game many players return to every day. The Switch 2 Edition adds support for up to 12 players online, although every player needs that edition for the 12-player mode.
- Genre: Life simulation
- Players: 1-4 on one system, 1-8 local wireless, 1-12 online
- MSRP: $64.99 digital (Switch 2 Edition)
- Released: January 15, 2026
10. Mario Tennis Fever: Best sports game for groups
Mario Tennis Fever brings over-the-top tennis to the Switch 2 with four-player support on one console. As a result, it fills the gap between Mario Kart nights and more serious sports games.
- Genre: Sports, party
- Players: 1-4 on one system, 2-4 local wireless, 1-4 online
- MSRP: $69.99 digital
- Released: February 12, 2026
Which other Switch 2 games are worth a look?
A few more games just missed our top 10, yet each one is worth considering:
- The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom, Switch 2 Edition ($79.99): the open-world Zelda with Switch 2 upgrades.
- Hyrule Warriors: Age of Imprisonment ($69.99, November 6, 2025): a 1-2 player action game set in the Zelda universe.
- Splatoon Raiders ($49.99, July 23, 2026): a solo-focused Splatoon spin-off with 2-4 player co-op.
- Yoshi and the Mysterious Book ($59.99 digital, May 21, 2026): a gentle single-player platformer.
- Drag x Drive ($19.99): a budget 3-on-3 basketball game built around motion controls, with up to 12 players online.
Switch 2 Exclusives vs Switch 2 Editions: What Is the Difference?
A Switch 2 exclusive only runs on the Switch 2, while a Switch 2 Edition is an original Switch game bundled with an upgrade pack that adds Switch 2 features. According to Nintendo, those upgrade packs can add visual improvements, new features or extra modes, and those extras only work on Switch 2.
The distinction matters because it changes what you pay. If you already own the Switch 1 version of a game, you can usually buy just the upgrade pack instead of the full Switch 2 Edition. Also, Nintendo says some upgrade packs come at no extra cost with a Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack membership, its premium online subscription.
| Switch 2 exclusives (Switch 2 only) | Switch 2 Editions (Switch 1 game plus upgrade) |
|---|---|
| Mario Kart World | Metroid Prime 4: Beyond |
| Donkey Kong Bananza | Pokémon Legends: Z-A |
| Pokémon Pokopia | The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom |
| Kirby Air Riders | Animal Crossing: New Horizons |
| Fire Emblem: Fortune’s Weave | Super Mario Party Jamboree (+ Jamboree TV) |
| Star Fox | Pikmin 4 (+ Dandori Academy, November 12, 2026) |
| Mario Tennis Fever | Xenoblade Chronicles 3 (December 3, 2026) |
Do Switch 1 games work on Switch 2?
Yes, mostly. Nintendo says the Switch 2 plays compatible physical and digital Switch games; however, it also warns that some Switch games may not be supported or fully compatible. For that reason, check the Switch 2 transfer guide and its compatibility list before you count on an older favorite.
Do Switch 2 games work on the original Switch?
No. Exclusives such as Mario Kart World and Donkey Kong Bananza require Switch 2 hardware. Likewise, the extra features in a Switch 2 Edition only work on Switch 2, even though the base game still runs on an original Switch.
Pro tip. Some older games got free upgrades instead of paid ones. For instance, Super Mario Galaxy + Super Mario Galaxy 2 ($69.99) is a Switch game that gets 4K resolution on Switch 2 through a free update, according to Nintendo.
What Are the Best Switch 2 Games for Families and Multiplayer?
The best Switch 2 games for families and multiplayer are Mario Kart World, Nintendo Switch Sports Resort, Kirby Air Riders and Super Mario Party Jamboree. Each one supports four players on a single console, so the whole family can play at once.
Better still, GameShare lets one copy of some games reach friends on other systems. For example, Nintendo says Donkey Kong Bananza supports GameShare, and the upcoming Hyrule Warriors: Age of Calamity – Definitive Edition will too, with only one person needing to own the game.
| Game | Best for | Local players (one system) | Online players | US digital MSRP |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mario Kart World | All ages, game nights | 1-4 | 2-24 | $79.99 |
| Nintendo Switch Sports Resort | Motion-control sports | 1-4 | 2-16 | $49.99 |
| Super Mario Party Jamboree, Switch 2 Edition | Board-game parties | 1-4 | 1-20 | $79.99 |
| Kirby Air Riders | Younger racers | 1-4 | 1-16 | $69.99 |
| Mario Tennis Fever | Competitive families | 1-4 | 1-4 | $69.99 |
| Donkey Kong Bananza | Parent and child co-op | 1-2 | 2 (GameShare) | $69.99 |
| Pokémon Pokopia | Cozy co-op building | 1 | 1-4 | $69.99 |
What are the best Switch 2 games for kids?
For kids, start with Mario Kart World, Kirby Air Riders, Pokémon Pokopia and Yoshi and the Mysterious Book. All four are easy to pick up, and none of them requires reading-heavy menus to have fun. Still, check each game’s ESRB rating on its store page before you buy for a younger child.
What is the best Switch 2 game for couples or two players?
Mario Kart World and Mario Tennis Fever are the strongest head-to-head picks, while Donkey Kong Bananza and Splatoon Raiders work best as co-op. Then, for a slower evening, Pokémon Pokopia and Animal Crossing let two people build together online.
If you are shopping for gifts, pair a game with an extra controller. Check Joy-Con 2 controllers on Amazon for four-player games, and see our gift guide for kids and teens for more ideas.
Upcoming Switch 2 Games: 2026 and 2027 Release Dates
The biggest upcoming Switch 2 games are The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time on November 5, 2026, Monster Hunter Wilds on December 4, and Metroid Ravenous on January 28, 2027. After that, 2027 brings Final Fantasy VII Revelation, Kirby and the World Beyond and Pokémon Winds and Waves.
Nintendo confirmed most of these dates in its September 9, 2026 Nintendo Direct recap. We list only official dates and windows below, so there are no rumored months here.
Upcoming Switch 2 games in 2026
| Game | Type | Release date | US digital MSRP |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nintendo Switch Sports Resort | Switch 2 exclusive | October 22, 2026 (out now) | $49.99 |
| The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time | Switch 2 exclusive | November 5, 2026 | $59.99 |
| Pikmin 4 – Switch 2 Edition + Dandori Academy | Switch 2 Edition | November 12, 2026 | Not listed yet |
| Xenoblade Chronicles 3 – Switch 2 Edition | Switch 2 Edition | December 3, 2026 | Not listed yet |
| Monster Hunter Wilds (Capcom) | Third-party port | December 4, 2026 | Check eShop |
| Professor Layton and the New World of Steam | Switch 2 and Switch | December 10, 2026 | Check eShop |
| 007 First Light | Third-party | 2026 | Not announced |
The Ocarina of Time release deserves a note. Nintendo describes it as a classic tale built from the ground up for Switch 2, with overhauled visuals, orchestral music and voice acting. In short, it is a full rebuild rather than a simple port.
Upcoming Switch 2 games in 2027
| Game | Type | Release date | US digital MSRP |
|---|---|---|---|
| Danganronpa 2×2 | Switch 2 and Switch | January 14, 2027 | Not announced |
| Metroid Ravenous | Switch 2 exclusive | January 28, 2027 | $59.99 |
| Tomb Raider: Legacy of Atlantis | Third-party | February 12, 2027 | Not announced |
| Romancing SaGa 3: Destinies United | Switch 2 and Switch | February 16, 2027 | Not announced |
| Hyrule Warriors: Age of Calamity – Definitive Edition | Switch 2 | February 25, 2027 | $59.99 |
| Eternal Anima | Switch 2 | March 4, 2027 | Not announced |
| Final Fantasy VII Revelation (Square Enix) | Third-party, Game-Key card | April 8, 2027 | Not announced |
| Persona 4 Revival | Switch 2 | May 20, 2027 | Not announced |
| Kirby and the World Beyond | Switch 2 exclusive | Spring 2027 | Not announced |
| Mega Man: Dual Override | Switch 2 and Switch | Spring 2027 | Not announced |
| Pokémon Winds and Pokémon Waves | Switch 2 | 2027 (no exact date) | Not announced |
Watch out. Pokémon Winds and Waves have only an official 2027 window. Any specific month you see online comes from leaks, not from The Pokémon Company or Nintendo.
What Is a Switch 2 Game-Key Card?
A Game-Key card is a physical Switch 2 cartridge that holds a key to download the game rather than the full game data. Nintendo explains that you insert the card, download the game over the internet, and then play with the card inserted, just like a regular game card.
There are a few practical rules worth knowing. First, you need an internet connection only for the first launch; after that, the game starts offline. Second, you still need enough free storage, and the required space appears on the box. Third, the card must stay in the console whenever you play. You can read the full details on Nintendo’s Game-Key card support page.
Which Switch 2 games are Game-Key cards?
Mostly larger third-party releases. For example, Nintendo Life reports that Final Fantasy VII Revelation will ship as a Game-Key card with a roughly 130GB download. So, before you buy a physical copy, check the box for the Game-Key card label and the storage figure.
Watch out. The Switch 2 has 256GB of internal storage, and Nintendo says a portion is reserved for the system. Also, the memory card slot only accepts microSD Express cards (up to 2TB) for games, not ordinary microSD cards. If you plan to buy big Game-Key card or digital games, check microSD Express cards on Amazon first.
Are Digital Switch 2 Games Cheaper Than Physical?
Yes, for new Nintendo-published Switch 2 exclusives in the US. Starting in May 2026, Nintendo began giving digital versions a lower MSRP than physical ones, beginning with Yoshi and the Mysterious Book at $59.99 digital versus $69.99 physical.
However, the change does not cover everything. Nintendo said the price of physical games is not going up, and the policy applies only to new games it publishes itself. Meanwhile, older first-party games and third-party titles follow their own pricing, and retailers still set the shelf price. As a result, a physical copy on sale can still beat the digital MSRP.
How much does the Switch 2 cost now?
The Switch 2 costs $499.99 in the US after Nintendo’s $50 increase took effect on September 1, 2026, as Shacknews and Game Informer reported. In addition, Nintendo sells a Mario Kart World bundle for $549.99 and a Nintendo Switch Sports Resort bundle for $529.99, and both include a three-month Nintendo Switch Online membership, according to the official Switch 2 page.
If you have not bought the console yet, a bundle is usually the cheaper route into the best Switch 2 games. Check the Switch 2 Mario Kart World bundle on Amazon or check Nintendo Switch Sports Resort on Amazon.
Our verdict
Start with Mario Kart World, because it is the best Switch 2 game for nearly everyone and the easiest one to share. Then add Donkey Kong Bananza if you want a big solo adventure, or Pokémon Pokopia if you prefer something calm.
After that, follow your taste: Metroid Prime 4 and Fire Emblem for solo players, Kirby Air Riders and Switch Sports Resort for families. Finally, keep November 5 free for Ocarina of Time, and watch January 28, 2027 for Metroid Ravenous.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best Switch 2 game right now?
Mario Kart World is the best Switch 2 game right now for most players. It supports four players on one console and up to 24 online, and it is the system’s top seller with 15.39 million copies through June 30, 2026, according to Nintendo. For a solo adventure, Donkey Kong Bananza is the next pick.
How many Switch 2 exclusive games are there?
Nintendo does not publish an official count, and the number grows every month. Key exclusives include Mario Kart World, Donkey Kong Bananza, Pokémon Pokopia, Kirby Air Riders, Fire Emblem: Fortune’s Weave, Star Fox, Mario Tennis Fever and Nintendo Switch Sports Resort. Ocarina of Time follows on November 5, 2026, and Metroid Ravenous on January 28, 2027.
Can you play Switch 2 games on a Switch 1?
No. Switch 2 exclusives such as Mario Kart World require Switch 2 hardware. A Switch 2 Edition is different: it contains the original Switch game plus an upgrade pack, so the base game runs on a Switch 1, but the upgraded features only work on Switch 2, according to Nintendo support.
What is a Game-Key card on Switch 2?
A Game-Key card is a cartridge that acts as a key to download the full game instead of storing it. You need internet access for the first launch and enough free storage, and the card must stay in the console whenever you play. After the first launch, the game can start offline, Nintendo says.
What Switch 2 games are coming out in 2027?
Confirmed 2027 Switch 2 games include Metroid Ravenous on January 28, Hyrule Warriors: Age of Calamity Definitive Edition on February 25, Final Fantasy VII Revelation on April 8 and Persona 4 Revival on May 20. In addition, Kirby and the World Beyond is due in spring 2027, while Pokémon Winds and Waves have only a 2027 window.
Are Switch 2 games cheaper digital?
Yes, for new Nintendo-published Switch 2 exclusives in the US since May 2026. For example, Yoshi and the Mysterious Book lists at $59.99 digital and $69.99 physical. However, the policy does not cover older or third-party games, and retailers set their own prices, so a physical sale can still be cheaper.
