The Nintendo Switch might be approaching the end of its run, but in 2025, it’s still delivering some of the best gaming experiences on the market. Whether you’re chasing sprawling adventures, cozy life sims, or competitive multiplayer, the console’s lineup has only gotten stronger with time.
With so many titles available, narrowing down your next play can feel overwhelming. To make it easier, here’s a definitive guide to the top 10 Nintendo Switch games to play in 2025, a mix of groundbreaking releases and enduring classics that still shine this year.
1. The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom
Few games have the staying power of Tears of the Kingdom. Building on Breath of the Wild, it added new abilities that turned creativity into gameplay. Whether you’re crafting wild contraptions, diving into sky islands, or uncovering mysteries underground, there’s always something new to discover. Two years later, it’s still a must-play adventure that feels endless.
2. Super Mario Bros. Wonder
Nintendo shook up the 2D Mario formula with this imaginative, colorful entry. The Wonder Flower transforms levels in surprising ways—pipes come alive, perspectives flip, and rules bend. The result is a platformer that feels as magical as it is polished. Its joyful design and easy-to-grasp co-op make it perfect for both solo players and families.
3. Metroid Prime Remastered
This remaster is more than nostalgia—it’s a showcase of how to modernize a classic. With stunning visuals and refined controls, Metroid Prime feels timeless. The quiet atmosphere, clever world design, and sense of isolation remain gripping. For anyone who missed it on GameCube, the Switch version is the definitive way to experience it.
4. Super Smash Bros. Ultimate
With an unmatched roster of fighters, Smash Ultimate continues to dominate both casual hangouts and competitive tournaments. It’s the ultimate celebration of gaming history wrapped in a finely tuned fighter. Whether you’re button-mashing with friends or practicing combos for ranked matches, the fun hasn’t faded one bit in 2025.
5. Mario Kart 8 Deluxe (Booster Course Pass)
No Switch library is complete without Mario Kart. With all the Booster Course tracks released, the game now offers a staggering 96 courses. It’s endlessly replayable, accessible for newcomers, and chaotic enough to keep veterans hooked. As the most complete version of the series, it’s still the go-to party racer.
6. Splatoon 3
Nintendo’s colorful twist on competitive shooters continues to evolve. With its fast-paced ink battles, creative weapons, and community-driven events, Splatoon 3 offers something unique in the crowded shooter genre. Its cooperative Salmon Run mode is also one of the most addictive team experiences on the console.
7. Pikmin 4
Charming yet strategic, Pikmin 4 is the most approachable entry in the series. New mechanics like night expeditions and Glow Pikmin add depth, while the core gameplay remains delightfully puzzling. It’s the kind of game you can enjoy at your own pace—perfect for short, relaxed sessions in between heavier adventures.
8. Animal Crossing: New Horizons
What started as a 2020 phenomenon has aged into a modern classic. New Horizons continues to provide comfort through island building, seasonal events, and community sharing. Even years later, it’s one of the best escapes the Switch has to offer. Few games capture the joy of everyday play quite like this one.
9. Fire Emblem Engage
Bright, colorful, and strategic, Fire Emblem Engage refines the series’ tactical gameplay. The Emblem Rings mechanic adds variety and nostalgia, letting you call on iconic heroes from the franchise’s past. With branching storylines and deep replay value, it remains one of the strongest RPGs on the system.
10. Hades II
The original Hades set the bar high, and its sequel meets the challenge. With fast-paced roguelike combat, new weapons, and expanded mythology, Hades II is already shaping up as a modern indie masterpiece. Its endless replayability makes it one of the most exciting Switch titles to enjoy in 2025.
Upcoming Switch Games to Watch in 2025
The year isn’t just about established hits—there are promising titles on the horizon:
- Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds brings new twists to kart racing.
- Professor Layton and the New World of Steam promises brain-teasing puzzles and narrative charm.
- Hollow Knight: Silksong, still highly anticipated, could finally land this year.
Tips for Curating Your 2025 Game Library
- Mix short and long experiences: Pair epic RPGs with lighter platformers or sims.
- Upgrade storage: A larger microSD card will save you from constant file juggling files.
- Invest in a Pro Controller: It enhances precision in action games and reduces Joy-Con drift headaches.
- Balance moods: Have both “comfort games” like Animal Crossing and challenge-driven titles like Hades II ready, depending on your energy.
Final Words
The Switch’s magic lies in its versatility. In 2025, it remains a console that can transport you to sprawling fantasy worlds, provide cozy daily routines, or spark chaotic fun with friends. These top 10 Nintendo Switch games represent the best of that spectrum, proving the console’s strength isn’t fading—it’s maturing into a timeless library.
Whether you’re new to the system or a longtime fan, this list is your guide to the games that truly matter this year.