The best Nintendo Switch games in 2025

There are many games for Nintendo Switch. Almost certainly too many for any one person to ever play. In fact, there are so many Switch games available to purchase right now that the internet can't decide how many there actually are. While a number just north of 4,500 (I told you it was a lot) seems to be a number that many agree with, others think there are actually more than 5,000 games on the console. Considering how difficult it can be to navigate the Nintendo eShop, I'm not surprised there isn't a definitive answer regarding the total.

Browsing the eShop can also make it difficult to find something you might like to play. That's a real shame because you don't need me to tell you that there are some amazing games waiting to be played on the Switch. Some of the best in Nintendo's long and storied history. The console isn't the third best-selling system of all time for no reason. While I can't help you play 5,000 Switch games, I've selected some of the best ones available right now. There are options for everyone below, and keep checking back as this guide will be updated regularly throughout 2025 and beyond as great new Switch games are released and older ones come back into vogue.

The best games for Nintendo Switch

You'll find that I'm a huge Sonic fan, but even I can admit that for a long time, Sonic games weren't very good. It feels like we've turned a corner in that regard, and there's no better example than Sonic x Shadow Generations. Not necessarily because of the remastered half of the Sonic game, which is great, but because of the new half of Shadow Generations. The Shadow content in this game is the best Sonic platformer you will ever find. A compelling story, great to play and perfect for those who need more Shadow after his cinematic debut in Sonic the Hedgehog 3.

From the creators of Gris, so you always knew it would be good, Neva was one of the best games of 2024. You and your faithful companion Neva must traverse a fantasy world consumed by dark forces in search of a new home that isn't tormented from the darkness. You will be amazed by its beauty, you will be involved in its struggle and, above all, you will almost certainly be forced to hold back tears by its story. When you think of Switch you think of cheerful and colorful platformers. Neva is a welcome reminder that there are great games on the system that run much deeper.

After the huge success of Tears of the Kingdom, I wasn't expecting anything from the Zelda studio until Switch 2's release day, at the earliest. Less than 18 months later, The Legend Of Zelda: Echoes Of Wisdom was released. Those accustomed to the 3D Zelda formula may have been disappointed by Echoes Of Wisdom at first glance, and if that's you, please reconsider. Top-down isn't a new look for Zelda, and this new game in the series shows that its creators haven't forgotten its roots. What makes it a great Zelda game is different from the last two, it can take up 30 hours of your time if you don't like extras, or you can live in its world for three times longer if you like time-consuming Zelda games your life. .

Tchia was one of my favorite games of 2023, and now the New Caledonian-inspired adventure game has arrived on Nintendo Switch. Tchia's visual style and story really make it feel like it was made for the Switch, so I'm very happy to see it finally coming to the platform. I also don't think it was given enough attention when it launched last year, so I'm doing my part here to get as many players playing it as possible. Try it, for 30 dollars it's a real bargain.

Paper Mario is a spinoff series that doesn't get enough love, and The Thousand-Year Door releases at a time when it doesn't have many other Switch versions to compete with, let alone the fact that there are more than 140 of them . million Switch consoles in circulation, hopefully that can change. Whether you played the original or not, this remake is absolutely worth your time. It's a fantastic adventure unlike anything you'll ever encounter in a regular Mario game, and while most Mario games are great, that's not a bad thing. A fantastic mix of iconic characters and others never encountered before in what is an adventure that should be a must-see for every single Mario fan.

When news broke that Dunkey was planning to release his own video games, many probably laughed or rolled their eyes. Fair play to them as the YouTuber has given us an absolute hit right from the start. Animal Well, developed by one person, Billy Basso, is a fantastic metroidvania that captivates and challenges you at every step. Despite there being almost no guidance, exploring the pit where the game takes place as a small shapeless mass is enthralling and will eat up hours of your time without you even realizing it. Even better, the moments when something clicks and you figure out what to do next are like no other. Not to mention, it's the perfect game to play in short bursts whenever you have your Switch handy.

Frequently asked questions

Which games on Nintendo Switch are free?

There are many free games on Nintendo Switch. Fortnite, Rocket League and F-Zero 99 are among them. There are also NES, SNES, and Game Boy libraries available for NSO subscribers, as well as GBA, N64, and Sega Genesis games to play if you have the expansion pack.

Why are Switch games so expensive?

You may have noticed that some of the games above are quite expensive. Big Switch sellers tend to keep selling over the years. Unlike games on most other platforms, sales of major Nintendo titles never slow down. This means games like Mario Kart 8 Deluxe and Tears of the Kingdom will remain at full price for years.