The Best Nintendo Switch 2 Games So Far: 2025’s Must-Plays
Nintendo’s done it again. The Switch 2 is here and it’s not just a mild upgrade, it’s a true leap. 4K visuals, improved Joy-Cons, and backward compatibility mean longtime fans and fresh faces alike are diving into an ecosystem that’s more alive than ever. But what’s a powerful console without the right games to flex its muscle? From open-world kart racing to 3D Donkey Kong magic, the new Switch generation is already shaping up to be one of the most playful and inventive lineups Nintendo has ever offered. Here are the titles that are defining the Switch 2 era so far.
Donkey Kong Bananza: A 3D Platforming Revival
This is the one grabbing headlines and hearts. Donkey Kong Bananza revives the charm of 3D platforming with a surprisingly deep system of exploration, destructible environments, and companion play. The visuals? Smooth as silk at 60 FPS. The co-op? An addictive mix of clever puzzles and action beats. Pauline is back as a playable character, and the new underground biomes feel like DK meets Metroid Prime. This one sets a new bar for Nintendo polish.
Mario Kart World: Finally, a True Open Road
Picture sprawling open-world cities, free-roam karting, and 24-player online races with seamless transitions into battle arenas. This is karting evolved. You still get the core charm of chaotic item throwing and drift boosts, but with the added spice of exploration, side missions, and collectible hunts. It’s Mario Kart meets GTA Online, and somehow it works brilliantly.
Fast Fusion: Speed in 4K
Every console needs its jaw-dropping racer, and Fast Fusion is Switch 2’s answer to F-Zero’s long absence. With HDR support and up to 4K resolution, it’s the slickest visual showcase on the console yet. Think anti-gravity tracks, customizable fusion mechanics (two vehicles become one), and online leaderboards that actually feel competitive. It’s intense, precise, and fast, like, really fast.
The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom (Enhanced)
Nintendo didn’t wait long to bring its modern classic to the next-gen crowd. Tears of the Kingdom gets an enhanced port with improved textures, lighting, and performance. The improvements are subtle but meaningful. And for newcomers who missed it on Switch 1, this version is the definitive way to experience Link’s most ambitious journey.
Metroid Prime 4: Beyond
Samus is back and better than ever. Metroid Prime 4: Beyond picks up the pace with a new psychic powers mechanic and a sharper focus on narrative. First-person exploration feels fluid, and the environments are some of the richest Nintendo has ever rendered. It’s dark, dense, and demanding and that’s exactly how fans like it.
Hades II
Supergiant Games doesn’t miss. Hades II lands with all the mythological drama and silky-smooth gameplay you’d expect, this time starring Melinoë and digging deeper into the underworld’s lore. Switch 2 gives it the horsepower to maintain 60 FPS in even the most chaotic encounters. Roguelike fans, rejoice.
Drag x Drive: Innovation on Wheels
Nintendo’s wild card of the season is also its most experimental. Drag x Drive is a wheelchair-based battle racing game that pushes the Joy-Con’s motion control potential to strange and compelling places. It’s not for everyone, there’s a learning curve and it can be physically demanding, but for those who dive in, it offers something completely fresh.
On the Horizon: What’s Next?
FromSoftware is bringing The Duskbloods to Switch 2, promising a portable Soulsborne experience. New entries in the Kirby and Splatoon franchises are also confirmed, and rumors swirl about a new 2D Mario. Throw in upcoming ports of Persona 3 Reload, Octopath Traveler 0, and even Final Fantasy Tactics, and it’s clear the Switch 2 catalog is just getting started.
Final Thoughts: A New Golden Era?
The Switch 2 isn’t about photorealism or sheer power. It’s about creative freedom, handheld flexibility, and joyful experimentation. From open-world karting to genre-bending indie gems, Nintendo’s lineup blends nostalgia with next-gen polish. If these early titles are any indication, 2025 is going to be a landmark year for portable gaming.
