Even as the Nintendo Switch celebrates over eight years on the market, 2025 is shaping up to be one of its most exciting years yet. With the rumored Switch 2 on the horizon and an avalanche of new titles still coming to the current-gen console, it’s clear that Nintendo is far from done with the hybrid handheld powerhouse that redefined gaming on the go.
This year marks a fascinating intersection of innovation and nostalgia. We’re seeing beloved franchises evolve in bold new directions—like The Legend of Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom, where Princess Zelda finally takes the lead. At the same time, we’re witnessing stunning re-releases and enhanced editions like Elden Ring: Tarnished Edition and Shin Megami Tensei V: Vengeance, giving players fresh reasons to revisit familiar worlds.
Whether you’re a veteran Nintendo fan or a newcomer looking to dive into what the Switch has to offer, 2025 delivers something for everyone: massive open-world adventures, creative indie gems, party games to enjoy with friends, and polished RPGs that go deep. Our list pulls from both blockbuster hits and under-the-radar releases, all of which showcase the unique charm, creativity, and polish that Nintendo platforms are known for.
Let’s dive into the ten must-play Nintendo Switch games you absolutely shouldn’t miss this year—some new, some enduring classics, but all unforgettable.
How We Chose These Games (Selection Criteria)
With hundreds of games available on the Nintendo Switch and even more releasing each year, narrowing down the top 10 must-play titles for 2025 was no easy task. To build this list, we looked beyond hype and marketing. Instead, we focused on games that genuinely deliver—whether through gameplay innovation, critical acclaim, player engagement, or sheer fun factor.
Here’s what guided our selections:
🔥 Recency & Relevance
While most of the games on this list launched in late 2024 or early 2025, we also included a few timeless hits from earlier years—like The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom—that continue to resonate with players today. These titles remain relevant thanks to their enduring quality and continued popularity.
🎮 Gameplay & Design Quality
We prioritized games that are not just mechanically sound, but that also offer compelling and memorable experiences. That could mean finely tuned platforming, deep storytelling, or imaginative level design that keeps players coming back for more.
🌍 Variety of Genres & Play Styles
This list includes a mix of single-player epics, multiplayer madness, cozy life sims, and challenging RPGs. We aimed to reflect the full range of what makes the Switch such a versatile console—whether you’re playing docked on a TV or curled up in handheld mode.
🗣️ Critical & Community Reception
We considered feedback from both game critics and everyday players. Review scores, online buzz, and community enthusiasm helped us identify the games that aren’t just good—they’re must-play experiences.
With that in mind, let’s jump into the countdown.
#10: The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom – A Masterpiece That Stands the Test of Time
Despite being released back in 2023, Tears of the Kingdom remains one of the most breathtaking and essential experiences on the Nintendo Switch—even in 2025. Far from being just a sequel to Breath of the Wild, this game expands, refines, and reimagines what an open-world Zelda can be, setting a new benchmark for sandbox design and player freedom.
In Tears of the Kingdom, players return to a familiar yet transformed Hyrule, now expanded with vast sky islands and haunting underground depths. But the real magic lies in the tools at your disposal. The game introduces new abilities like Fuse, which lets players combine weapons and objects in creative ways, and Ultrahand, allowing for impressive vehicle construction and puzzle-solving. These mechanics open up an entirely new layer of emergent gameplay, encouraging experimentation and rewarding curiosity at every turn.
The story goes deeper too, exploring ancient legends, Zelda’s fate, and a renewed threat that ties beautifully into the lore. The emotional beats land harder, and the world feels more alive and reactive than ever before.
Even two years after its release, Tears of the Kingdom continues to inspire players, speedrunners, and creators thanks to its incredible depth and sandbox potential. Whether you’re just discovering Hyrule for the first time or returning for another epic run, this is a game that still defines what’s possible on the Switch.
A modern classic—and a must-play, no matter what year it is.
#9: Elden Ring: Tarnished Edition – Epic RPG Comes to Switch 2
When Elden Ring first launched in 2022, it redefined the open-world action RPG genre. Now, in 2025, Nintendo fans finally get a taste of FromSoftware’s masterpiece with the Tarnished Edition—a version optimized for the Switch 2 (and fully playable on original Switch hardware with slight performance trade-offs). And the wait? Absolutely worth it.
This version includes not only the base game but also the Shadow of the Erdtree expansion, delivering a colossal experience with over 100 hours of exploration, boss fights, lore, and challenge. The Lands Between—a grim yet beautiful realm filled with towering castles, toxic swamps, desolate plains, and deadly dungeons—has lost none of its mystique. On Switch 2, it looks sharper than expected and runs surprisingly well, even during large-scale battles.
What makes Elden Ring so compelling is its blend of tight combat and player freedom. You can follow the critical path or go completely off-grid, uncovering hidden stories, optional bosses, and world-building that rewards curiosity. It’s a game that respects your time and intelligence, giving you minimal hand-holding but maximum agency.
The Tarnished Edition makes smart use of the Switch’s portability too, letting players chip away at this massive game in handheld mode—a previously unimaginable feature for a game of this scale. Whether you’re a Soulsborne veteran or new to the genre, this edition makes Elden Ring more accessible than ever.
If you’re looking for an intense, deep, and endlessly rewarding adventure on the go, Elden Ring: Tarnished Edition is unmissable in 2025.
#8: Donkey Kong Bananza – Classic Platforming Reimagined
Donkey Kong is back in a big, bold way with Donkey Kong Bananza, one of 2025’s most exciting platformers and a much-needed revival of the iconic series. This brand-new title blends everything fans love about the classic Donkey Kong Country games with modern design sensibilities and stunning visual flair.
Set across richly animated jungle temples, volcanic caverns, snowy peaks, and more, Bananza brings the series back to its 2D roots—but with a twist. The levels are layered, interactive, and full of secrets, encouraging players to explore every nook and cranny. The game also introduces branching level paths, which means your choices in how you approach each stage can affect the flow and challenges you face in your journey.
Gameplay-wise, Bananza is tight, responsive, and satisfying. Donkey Kong feels weighty yet agile, and new power-ups add variety and depth to the platforming. You’ll also get to team up with Diddy, Dixie, and even Funky Kong, each with unique abilities that can help you uncover hidden collectibles and alternate exits.
One of the game’s biggest highlights is its local co-op mode, which allows a second player to jump in at any time. It’s a blast to play with friends or family, and a perfect entry point for younger players getting into the series for the first time.
Whether you grew up with Donkey Kong Country or just love precision platformers, Donkey Kong Bananza is a joyous, challenging, and beautifully crafted adventure that easily earns its spot on this list.
#7: Fantasy Life i – The Girl Who Steals Time – Cozy Sim Meets Adventure
Not every must-play game in 2025 needs to be an action-packed blockbuster. Fantasy Life i – The Girl Who Steals Time proves that relaxing, feel-good gaming can be just as immersive and meaningful. This long-awaited sequel to the original Fantasy Life blends life simulation, exploration, and light RPG elements into a charming, whimsical package that’s incredibly easy to lose hours in.
You begin by creating your own character and choosing a “Life” (essentially a job class). From there, you’re free to pursue your dreams—whether it’s becoming a woodcutter, magician, angler, blacksmith, or paladin. The beauty lies in how the game lets you change your Life at any time, meaning you can customize your experience to suit your mood. Want to quest one day and just chill by fishing the next? Totally possible.
The story centers around a mysterious island where time behaves strangely. As you rebuild a ruined village and befriend quirky townsfolk, you’ll also uncover secrets that tie into the world’s deeper lore. Time travel plays a fun role in the narrative, affecting not just the environment but your relationships and available tasks.
Visually, the game oozes charm with soft, pastel environments and adorable character designs. It also features expanded crafting and building systems compared to its predecessor, giving players even more ways to personalize their journey.
Whether you’re in it for the adventure or simply to vibe out and live your best virtual life, Fantasy Life i is one of the most heartwarming and rewarding games you can play on the Switch this year.
#6: Super Mario Party Jamboree – Pure Multiplayer Mayhem
Super Mario Party Jamboree takes everything fans loved about the previous games in the Mario Party series and cranks it up to eleven. Released in 2025, this title has quickly become the go-to multiplayer game for Nintendo Switch owners looking for lighthearted competition and tons of fun with friends or family. It’s the perfect choice for anyone who enjoys fast-paced mini-games, vibrant party boards, and a mix of strategy and luck.
This new entry includes a diverse selection of mini-games—each one designed to get players laughing, thinking on their feet, and even working together in co-op challenges. From obstacle courses to rhythm challenges, the variety ensures no two games feel the same. The mini-games are accessible, but they also have enough depth to keep things interesting for more experienced players. The joy of these mini-games comes from how they perfectly blend simple controls with unpredictable, competitive chaos.
The party boards are larger and more dynamic than ever before, with interactive elements that can drastically change the course of a game. Whether you’re hopping between floating islands, navigating wild roller coasters, or teaming up in cooperative challenges, each board offers something unique to discover. New power-ups and board effects add an extra layer of strategy, making every match feel fresh.
With an intuitive new online mode, Super Mario Party Jamboree also gives players the chance to compete with friends remotely, extending the party far beyond your living room. If you’ve ever enjoyed a Mario Party game before, this latest installment is a must-have for Switch owners—especially if you love to share the fun with others.
#5: Shin Megami Tensei V – Vengeance – JRPG Perfection
The Shin Megami Tensei series has always been synonymous with dark, intense storytelling and punishing, turn-based combat—and Shin Megami Tensei V – Vengeance takes those elements to new heights. This re-release of the critically acclaimed Shin Megami Tensei V includes not only enhanced graphics and refined gameplay systems but also new story content and mechanics, making it an essential experience for any fan of hardcore RPGs in 2025.
Set in a post-apocalyptic Tokyo, Vengeance follows the story of a protagonist caught between a war between demons, angels, and humans. The stakes couldn’t be higher as the world crumbles around you. The game’s dark themes of fate, morality, and the balance between order and chaos are presented through a narrative that constantly challenges your beliefs and decisions.
The gameplay is where Shin Megami Tensei V – Vengeance shines. You’ll recruit, fuse, and battle demons using a deep and intricate system that rewards strategic planning. The battle system is unforgiving, demanding careful thought with every move you make. The game encourages exploration, as there are hidden secrets and dangerous foes waiting in the ruined city. The demon recruitment and fusion system is as satisfying as ever, allowing players to craft powerful allies from an impressive roster of mythological and fantastical beings.
Graphically, Vengeance stands out with its atmospheric environments and detailed character designs, all presented in smooth, crisp visuals on the Switch. The music, composed by Shoji Meguro, sets the perfect mood, blending electronic, rock, and orchestral elements into an unforgettable soundtrack.
If you’re looking for a challenging, story-driven RPG that offers both emotional depth and intense gameplay, Shin Megami Tensei V – Vengeance is a must-play for 2025.
#4: Animal Well – Indie Brilliance with Brainy Puzzles
Animal Well is an indie title that effortlessly stands out in 2025, offering a unique mix of exploration, puzzle-solving, and atmospheric storytelling. While it may not have the big-budget spectacle of AAA titles, this game captivates with its innovative design, gorgeous pixel art, and a deeply engaging world that keeps you coming back for more.
At its core, Animal Well is a Metroidvania-style exploration game where the environment itself is as much a character as the protagonist. You’ll navigate a mysterious underground world, solving intricate puzzles while uncovering the story piece by piece. But this is no ordinary platformer. The game places a huge emphasis on non-violent interactions, encouraging players to engage with the world in creative and thoughtful ways. There are no traditional enemies to fight—your primary challenges come from manipulating the environment and discovering the secrets hidden within it.
What sets Animal Well apart is its minimalist yet evocative visual design. The pixel art is stunning in its simplicity, with subtle animations and atmospheric effects that bring the underground world to life. The color palette is muted but striking, creating a sense of calm and tension that permeates the entire experience. The soundtrack, too, is haunting and atmospheric, enhancing the game’s contemplative mood.
In addition to its engaging puzzles, the game’s narrative unfolds slowly, with a cryptic storyline that requires players to piece together the lore of the world. It’s a game that rewards exploration, not only with upgrades and abilities but with a deeper understanding of the environment and its mysteries.
For fans of challenging puzzles and rich, atmospheric worlds, Animal Well is a must-play—its thoughtful design and unique gameplay will leave a lasting impression long after you’ve finished it.
#3: Mario Kart World – The Racing Game of the Year
When it comes to fast-paced racing, no series does it quite like Mario Kart. And in 2025, Mario Kart World takes everything that made the franchise a fan favorite and amplifies it to unprecedented levels. This new installment introduces a thrilling mix of cutting-edge visuals, expansive tracks, and an innovative online experience that promises to keep players racing for hours.
The standout feature of Mario Kart World is its global racing system, which takes the traditional track-based racing and turns it into an ongoing, living event. Players can race on new tracks that change based on real-world locations, and even participate in time-limited events that offer exclusive rewards. The tracks themselves are more detailed and expansive than ever, featuring interactive environments, alternate paths, and dynamic hazards that keep each race exciting and unpredictable.
The controls remain as tight and responsive as ever, with new mechanics like boost drifts, where you can charge up your speed by taking sharp turns in creative ways, and environmental power-ups, which add a strategic element to how you approach each race. Whether you’re tearing through the streets of a bustling city or dodging hazards in a surreal, fantasy-themed track, the game ensures that no two races ever feel the same.
Online play is smoother than ever, with a variety of competitive modes, including team-based races, battle arenas, and global leaderboards. Plus, the customization options allow you to personalize your kart, racer, and even your racing style, so you can race in a way that suits your personality.
For fans of both solo racing and multiplayer mayhem, Mario Kart World is the ultimate racing experience in 2025. Its accessibility, fun factor, and ever-changing content make it a must-play for Switch owners.
#2: Metroid Prime 4: Beyond – Samus Returns in Style
After years of anticipation, Metroid Prime 4: Beyond finally arrives in 2025 as a full-fledged return to the franchise’s iconic first-person action roots. With stunning visuals, tight gameplay, and a deep, atmospheric narrative, Beyond is an absolute must-play for both long-time fans of the Metroid series and newcomers to Samus’s intergalactic adventures.
The game picks up where Metroid Prime 3: Corruption left off, with Samus Aran once again hunting down the galaxy’s most dangerous threats. But Beyond takes the Metroid Prime formula to new heights, offering expansive environments that feel both vast and claustrophobic, depending on the area. The use of lighting and environmental design helps heighten the game’s tense atmosphere, making every moment of exploration feel both rewarding and unnerving.
The combat in Metroid Prime 4: Beyond is as tight and fluid as ever. Samus’s iconic arsenal of weapons—like the missile launcher, beam weapons, and grapple beam—has been refined, and new abilities add an exciting layer of depth to the combat. The game introduces new upgrades and power-ups that keep players engaged throughout the journey, as well as intricate puzzles and platforming challenges that leverage Samus’s abilities in fresh ways.
One of the most exciting features of Beyond is its integration of story-driven exploration. The game offers a semi-open-world structure, allowing players to freely explore alien planets and uncover hidden secrets. You’ll encounter a host of new enemies, some with complex attack patterns, and face off against imposing bosses that will test your mettle. The sci-fi narrative also delves deeper into Samus’s backstory and the greater Metroid universe, adding emotional weight to your quest.
For fans of atmospheric action-adventure games, Metroid Prime 4: Beyond is a thrilling ride that will keep you on the edge of your seat from start to finish. It’s not just one of the best games on the Switch—it might be one of the best games ever made in the Metroid franchise.
#1: The Legend of Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom – The Ultimate Zelda Adventure
After the monumental success of Tears of the Kingdom, it’s no surprise that The Legend of Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom has become the must-play game of 2025. This follow-up brings even more innovation to the franchise while maintaining the core elements that made Breath of the Wild and Tears of the Kingdom such legendary experiences. With its breathtaking world design, deep lore, and impeccable attention to detail, Echoes of Wisdom raises the bar for open-world action RPGs and sets a new standard for the Zelda series.
In Echoes of Wisdom, players once again step into the shoes of Link, but this time, there’s a fresh twist: Princess Zelda herself takes on a pivotal role in the adventure, leading to a dual-protagonist dynamic that elevates the narrative. As Zelda grapples with newfound powers and an ancient prophecy, players must uncover the mysteries of a new, vast land—one that combines lush forests, vast deserts, towering mountain ranges, and intricate ruins, all brimming with secrets to discover.
The game’s mechanics are a brilliant evolution of what came before. Link can still climb, glide, and solve puzzles, but Echoes of Wisdom introduces new abilities, including Time Weaving, which lets players manipulate the flow of time in both the environment and in combat. This mechanic adds an entirely new layer of strategy, especially when solving the game’s intricate puzzles and navigating complex dungeons. Link and Zelda’s combined skills also provide a dynamic combat experience, with players switching between them seamlessly to tackle different challenges.
The open world is more alive than ever, with an enhanced day-night cycle, dynamic weather, and real-time interactions with NPCs. This world feels reactive and alive, where every choice and action has consequences. The side quests are richer, the stakes higher, and the lore deeper—further enriching the game’s vast universe and providing an epic, emotional journey that’s far beyond any typical action-adventure title.
Conclusion – The Future of Gaming on the Nintendo Switch
As we look ahead to 2025, the Nintendo Switch continues to deliver an impressive array of gaming experiences that cater to every type of player. From heart-pounding action in Metroid Prime 4: Beyond and Elden Ring: Tarnished Edition, to the relaxing charm of Fantasy Life i and the multiplayer mayhem of Super Mario Party Jamboree, there’s something for everyone on the Switch.
This list of must-play games is a testament to the versatility and staying power of the console. Whether you’re diving into the depths of an expansive open world, racing through thrilling tracks with friends, or exploring the dark corners of fantasy realms, the Nintendo Switch provides an experience unlike any other. Even as some titles have been out for a while, their lasting appeal and continued content updates ensure they remain top choices for players in 2025.
For fans of both single-player experiences and multiplayer adventures, there’s no shortage of incredible titles that push the boundaries of what gaming can achieve. From narrative-driven epics to lighthearted fun, the Nintendo Switch has proven time and time again that it’s not just a console—it’s a gateway to unforgettable experiences.
So, grab your Joy-Cons, power up your Switch, and dive into these must-play games. The adventure is just beginning.