What are your top 10 Switch games?

Even after 7 years with the Switch, my top two games still feel special every time I think about them. Breath of the Wild and TOTK took me to the same place, yet each first play-through felt entirely new and almost magical.

I’ve played all the Mario games, and while Mario Odyssey gives me some of my warmest fond memories, I still think Mario 3D World is the best multiplayer Mario for me and my GF, mostly because its solid gameplay keeps things mixed up without relying on Wonder gimmicks, even though Wonder is still great for anyone. 

People often ask for strict numbering, but I always explain that every title shines for different reasons, and sometimes a so-called better game depends on mood, not rules.

Outside of Mario and Zelda, I spent time with Golf Story and Hollow Knight. I actually liked it better than Dread and the relaxing Stardew Valley. Among great RPGs, Star Ocean 2nd Story R was one I truly enjoyed from start to finish, reminding me why I still love exploring lots of RPGs.

In my Notable mentions, I always include Enter the Gungeon, because “getting good” at it became one of my proudest gaming accomplishments; I thought it wasn’t for me, I wasn’t any good, but I kept coming back and kept getting better. On the lighter side, nights with Mario Kart 8 Deluxe (especially after the expansion), Super Smash Bros, and Mario Party Jamboree were unforgettable. 

And of course, Ghost Trick Phantom Detective remains a perfect game that everyone should play at least once. It’s not very long, and while I don’t need to play it again, it stays in my mind much like Inside, which I also suggest playing once.

Pokémon Scarlet & Violet

When I first tried Pokémon Scarlet and Violet, I could tell the game had a novel speech even back in 2022, but the technical issues made it hard to love. After Nintendo released the Switch 2, the new hardware and sharp updates totally transformed how I felt while playing, and it frankly elevates the whole experience in a way the earliest version never could.

Even though this heading wasn’t originally made up for the Switch 2, it now deserves a place on any list of must-play Switch games because the modifier makes it feel like an antithetical game entirely. For me, it’s the best model of how a Switch title can change when based on 2 generations.

The Legend of Zelda

For me, Tears of the Kingdom still feels like a masterpiece, especially when compared to the game that came earlier, Breath of the Wild. Its open world is so vast that every small minute turns into an adventure, and with Nintendo pushing this new generation forward, it continues to stand among the best experiences on the system.

On the Switch 2, the upgraded versions of these two titles display just how much the hardware can enhance creativity, but the way Ultrahand expands what you can build adds a level of creativity I didn’t expect. This is the impression that made me realize how far the series has come.

Mario Kart World

On any Nintendo console, having Mario Kart feels natural, and the latest entry on Switch 2 explains why. The Mario world blends fast racing with fun abilities that make every moment exciting to play, and the little touches in its open world kept me coming back whenever I just wanted to drive around without a score.

The new design of Rainbow Road might be my favourite in the series, and the game has already given me memories that I know will last for years. Even the small distractions scattered throughout the world make the whole experience feel fresh every time.

Donkey Kong Bananza

What surprised me most about Donkey Kong in Bananza was how big the adventure felt, especially as they moved through a world packed with wild ideas that only Nintendo could make work. The ability to destroy almost anything around you adds a fun chaos that kept me playing far longer than I planned, and the whole game feels like one of those rare games that gets better the more you explore.

The experience builds naturally until players reach a conclusion that serves as a true highlight, and I still remember how energized I felt when it hit. It’s easily one of the Switch titles that proves how much magic is left in this series.

Hollow Knight: Silksong

What impressed me most about Hollow Knight’s sequel, Silksong, is how the developer turned what was once planned as DLC into a full game that clearly needed more time to grow. When it finally arrived in September, the mix of challenging combat and rewarding exploration made every step of the adventure feel meaningful, especially with so many hidden secrets tucked away.

On the Switch 2, the version with smoother frame rates and added portability made me appreciate how naturally the world fits on the Switch. It feels like the kind of sequel that justifies every extra month we waited.

Hades II

What stood out to me immediately in Hades II was how, with confidence, it earned that 10/10 from Game Informer, a review score and distinction that felt merited the moment I started performing.

 As a follow-up to Hades, the developer Supergiant spread out every original game mechanically with new elements that turn the whole adventure into something well-fixed, particularly with a protagonist like Melinoë, whose abilities and motivations make every run feel antithetical.

While playing, I kept asking how the game not only looks beautiful but also sounds even better, and that extra polish is what makes it feel clear for the Switch era. It’s one of the strongest rogue-likes on the system today.

Final Fantasy Tactics – The Ivalice Chronicles

Jumping back into Tactics on Nintendo’s platform reminded me why the franchise has been cited for years as one of the best in strategy gaming. This new version feels like a conscientious blend of remake, remaster, and something completely fresh, even if the definition between them gets a bit muddy.

The original’s design still holds strong, and the way the devs sparingly used additions actually proves how ingenious the core game still is.

During my first time testing the portable build, I felt genuinely grateful that even the old port roots, like PSP, Game Boy Advance, and other follow-ups, were included in spirit.

The atmosphere stays classic, the strategy layers feel worthwhile, and every fight reminds me why Final Fantasy spin-offs like this one remain so fantastic and good. The team delivered an updated experience that respects what came before.

Pokémon Legends: Z-A

It’s still surprising how multiple Pokémon games can feature on any list of favorite Nintendo titles, but there’s a clear reason for it. The world of Legends: Z-A infuses fresh action and real freedom into a franchise that has historically leaned on a turn-based series style.

What impressed me this time was how deeply the experience respects the traditional feel found in Scarlet & Violet, while also pushing toward something bolder. As the most successful intellectual property in gaming, Pokémon continues to evolve, and this entry shows why its appeal remains contained yet universal.

Even after spending hours with it, I kept thinking about how the property stays grounded while still experimenting. Legends: Z-A proves why the franchise thrives—each new idea feels natural, and each world builds on what came before, making it one of the standout Switch releases of the year.

Ball x Pit

What struck me as common among Ball x Pit players is the familiar refrain of frustration, not because the game is annoying or unfair, but because it’s so hard to stop playing. 

As a member of a burgeoning genre of games inspired by Vampire Survivors, it mixes a modern rhythm with a classic arcade pulse. Its Breakout roots show through the bouncing balls that eliminate enemies as you progress upward, making every run feel fresh and personal. 

I found it incredibly replayable and engaging, especially with the upgrade system tied to the loop of building out a town between runs, which kept me returning night after night.

Kirby Air Riders

I still think playing Kirby games back in 2003, so seeing Kirby Air Riders return as a sequel in 2025 felt surreal. The racing game keeps its one-button mechanics, which may seem odd, but they’re amazingly compelling, particularly on Nintendo’s current console.

Knowing it comes from Masahiro Sakurai explains the mix of action, chaos, and charm that helps define his style. It carries hints of Super Smash Bros. and even the energy of a fighting genre, though delivered in a completely different way.

As someone who grew up on GameCube classics, this one feels both cult and classic in the best possible sense, with a deeply engaging flow that makes it feel like the native successor we never got on Switch 2.

Game Title	Developer	Genre	Platform	Status
Pokémon Scarlet & Violet	Nintendo	RPG	Nintendo Switch	Released
The Legend of Zelda	Nintendo	Action-Adventure	Various Nintendo consoles	Franchise
Mario Kart World	Nintendo	Racing	N/A	Not a real game
Donkey Kong Bananza	Nintendo	N/A	N/A	Not a real game
Hollow Knight: Silksong	Team Cherry	Metroidvania	Multiple platforms	In development
Hades II	Supergiant Games	Roguelike	PC, consoles	Early Access
Final Fantasy Tactics – The Ivalice Chronicles	Square Enix	RPG	N/A	Not a real game
Pokémon Legends: Z-A	Nintendo	RPG	Nintendo Switch	Announced
Ball x Pit	N/A	N/A	N/A	Not a real game
Kirby Air Riders	Nintendo	N/A	N/A	Not a real game