Best Nintendo Switch Games (2026): Switch 1 and 2 Picks

The best Nintendo Switch games to own in 2026 are The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom for adventure, Mario Kart 8 Deluxe or Mario Kart World for racing, and Animal Crossing: New Horizons for relaxed play. If you own a Switch 2, add Donkey Kong Bananza and Mario Kart World; if you still play on the original Switch, almost every classic below runs on it.

Nintendo’s catalog is large, and many of the best games are years old but still sell at full price. This guide groups the picks by what you want to do, notes which console each game runs on, and gives file-size and player-count numbers so you can plan storage and multiplayer nights. Release details come from the publishers’ own product pages and Nintendo’s announcements; check the eShop or the game box for your exact edition.

Quick Comparison of the Top Picks

Best Overall: The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom

Tears of the Kingdom builds on Breath of the Wild with caves, sky islands and a building system that lets you craft vehicles and gadgets. A Switch 2 Edition exists with better performance on the newer console. It suits solo players who like exploration and puzzle-solving.

The trade-off is length: a full playthrough runs well over 100 hours, and the weapon durability system annoys some players. Expect a download size in the high teens of gigabytes for the standard release, so check storage if you use a small microSD card.

Best for Family Racing: Mario Kart 8 Deluxe

Mario Kart 8 Deluxe remains the easiest game to hand a guest, with auto-steering and smart-steering settings for younger players. It supports four local players on one screen and eight on local wireless with multiple consoles, plus a long list of tracks including paid expansion content from Nintendo.

Who it suits: households with mixed ages. Main trade-off: the game is several years old, so if you own a Switch 2 you may prefer Mario Kart World, which offers a connected open world and up to 24 online racers. Mario Kart World is a Switch 2 exclusive and is not available on the original Switch.

Best for Switch 2 Owners: Donkey Kong Bananza

Donkey Kong Bananza from Nintendo’s own team uses destructible terrain, so you can punch through walls and floors to find hidden items. It is a good showcase for what the Switch 2 hardware does, with a single-player campaign and a simpler helper mode for a second player.

Who it suits: players who enjoy 3D Mario-style collecting. The trade-off is that it requires a Switch 2, and the destructible world is more chaotic than a classic platformer.

Best for Couch Co-op: Super Mario Bros. Wonder

Super Mario Bros. Wonder is a side-scrolling platformer where up to four people can play at once. Wonder Flower moments change level rules in surprising ways, and the badge system lets less experienced players pick helper abilities.

It suits families and anyone who wants colorful, short sessions. The trade-off is that four-player screens can feel crowded on a small handheld display, so a TV is better for group play.

Best for Relaxing: Animal Crossing: New Horizons

New Horizons keeps a real-time clock, so seasons and events match the calendar. You build an island, craft furniture and invite villagers. Up to eight players can share one island, though only four can play on one console.

It suits players who like slow progress and decorating. The trade-off is that there is no ending, and you can get nowhere if you play only for short stretches.

Best for Party Nights: Super Smash Bros. Ultimate

Ultimate includes every fighter from the series’ history, with a roster over 80 characters. Local play supports up to eight players with controllers. The wide range of modes, including stage hazards, items and custom rules, makes it good for groups of mixed skill.

The trade-off is that online lag varies with connection quality, so serious competitive play favors wired connections.

Best for Pokemon Fans: Pokemon Legends: Z-A

Pokemon Legends: Z-A is set in Lumiose City and uses a real-time battle system rather than the classic turn-based style. It was released for both Switch and Switch 2, with enhancements on the newer console according to the publisher.

It suits long-time fans and newcomers who want a more action-forward Pokemon game. The trade-off is that the single city setting is smaller in scope than open-world entries.

Best Indie Picks: Hades and Stardew Valley

Hades, by Supergiant Games, is a roguelike where each run through the underworld teaches you something new, and the story advances with every attempt. Stardew Valley is a farming sim with crops, mining, fishing and relationships, and it supports up to four players on a farm.

Both run well on the original Switch and are good value. The trade-off is that each has a steep time sink if you like completing everything.

How to Choose Switch Games

Check which console you own

Switch 2 plays nearly all original Switch games, but Switch 2 exclusives such as Mario Kart World and Donkey Kong Bananza will not run on the original console. Original Switch owners should shop the older catalog, which is deep and often discounted.

Decide between physical and digital

Physical cartridges can be resold and lent out, and do not use up internal storage. Digital copies are convenient but tie the game to an account. Some Switch 2 titles use game-key cards, which store a download key rather than the full game, so check the box before buying.

Plan storage

Typical sizes are listed in the table below.

The original Switch has 32 GB (LCD) or 64 GB (OLED) of internal storage, so a microSD card is worth getting if you buy digitally.

Think about players

If you often play with children or guests, prefer games with easy controls and local co-op. Solo players should prioritize long single-player adventures.

Cost per hour

A worked example: a 100-hour game at a full retail price works out to well under a dollar per hour, while a 5-hour game at the same price costs several times more per hour. Open-ended games like Animal Crossing and Smash give the best long-term value.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Buying a Switch 2 exclusive without confirming you own a Switch 2.
• Overlooking online subscription needs: Nintendo Switch Online is required for most online play.
• Not checking the number of local players before a family game night.
• Choosing digital copies without enough microSD storage.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best Nintendo Switch game of all time?

Many critics rank Tears of the Kingdom, Breath of the Wild and Mario Kart 8 Deluxe at the top. The best choice depends on whether you prefer exploration, racing or party play.

Can the Switch 2 play original Switch games?

Yes. Switch 2 is backward compatible with nearly all Switch games, with some titles receiving upgrades. A few special accessories may not work.

What are the best Switch games for kids?

Super Mario Bros. Wonder, Mario Kart 8 Deluxe, Animal Crossing and Kirby titles are strong picks because they have easy controls and gentle difficulty settings.

Are Switch games worth buying used?

Used physical copies are generally fine and save money. Check that the cartridge is clean and, for Switch 2 key cards, that the key is not already redeemed.

Do I need Nintendo Switch Online?

You need a paid membership for most online multiplayer, such as Mario Kart online races. Single-player and local play do not require it.

Which Switch games are best for two players?

Super Mario Bros. Wonder, Mario Kart 8 Deluxe, Stardew Valley and Super Mario Party Jamboree all work well, and several support local co-op on one screen.