10 Greatest Nintendo Switch Games in 2026

Nintendo is currently in an interesting position. The Switch 2 is out, but the original Switch is still very popular with a large number of owners, meaning new games are still being made for it. This situation won’t continue indefinitely, but because the Switch 2 can play older games, it makes sense to continue releasing titles for the original Switch, particularly if those games don’t require the newer system’s extra power.

Because the Switch 2 will still support older games and is a new console, many of the best games you can play on it will actually be from the original Switch. This is great news for both new Switch owners and those who missed out on popular games the first time around – the original Switch still has an amazing library of games to enjoy in 2026.

Animal Crossing: New Horizons Came at the Perfect Time

COVID-19 became a significant global concern in early 2020, and the United States declared a national emergency by March. Coincidentally, Nintendo released Animal Crossing: New Horizons around the same time. While fans were excited for the new game – it was the first major installment since Animal Crossing: New Leaf in 2013 – nobody anticipated how popular and culturally relevant it would become.

Animal Crossing: New Horizons proved to be a hit with players beyond its established fanbase. Its ability to let players build and customize their own peaceful worlds offered a welcome escape during the pandemic, making it incredibly popular. The game is full of things to do, and it’s expected to be even more enjoyable for those with the new Switch 2 console.

The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild Changed Zelda Forever

The Zelda series is known for creating some of the most memorable role-playing game experiences. Traditionally, Zelda games guide players through a set path – completing one task unlocks the next. However, Breath of the Wild completely changed this approach.

Breath of the Wild gives players incredible freedom, focusing on adventure and discovery rather than a strict storyline. The vast game world is full of things to do – from completing shrines and defeating powerful creatures, to simply enjoying how the game feels to play. It’s consistently ranked among the very best games on the Nintendo Switch.

The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom Made an Amazing Game Even Better

This game shares many similarities with Breath of the Wild, featuring the same kind of gameplay and a familiar Hyrule setting. However, it also offers new and improved experiences that take it to the next level.

This version of Hyrule is different, with floating islands in the sky and expansive new underground areas to explore. Link has also learned new abilities that fundamentally change how the game is played. While Tears of the Kingdom doesn’t reinvent the wheel like Breath of the Wild did, it definitely builds upon that foundation and offers a fresh experience.

Luigi’s Mansion 3 Is a Beloved Comeback For a Classic 2000s Series

Despite being a well-liked series, Luigi’s Mansion hasn’t received many new games from Nintendo. The Switch version, Luigi’s Mansion 3, was only the third game ever made, following releases on the GameCube and 3DS. It was the first new Luigi’s Mansion game in six years, and the first for a home console since the original game. Thankfully, the wait was worth it, and the timing of its release on Halloween 2019 was perfect.

This game takes place in a spooky hotel instead of a large mansion. It builds upon what previous games in the series have done, with each floor of the hotel acting like its own unique area. The game also features new abilities and ways to play, and despite the Switch’s limitations, Luigi’s Mansion 3 is a visually stunning experience.

Mario Kart 8 Deluxe Continued To Refine Nintendo’s Racing Formula

The Wii U didn’t sell well, which is unfortunate because it actually had some really great games. A prime example is Mario Kart 8 – the enhanced Mario Kart 8 Deluxe is, by far, the most popular game on the Switch.

Every Nintendo console needs a Mario Kart game, and Mario Kart 8 Deluxe is the best one yet. It has all the elements of a fantastic Mario Kart experience: tons of tracks, a huge roster of characters, and plenty of unpredictable elements to keep races exciting, even if you’ve played the same course many times. While each Mario Kart game improves on the last, it’s difficult to imagine a future installment surpassing this one.

Metroid Prime Remastered Gave Fans What They Had Been Waiting For

As a huge Metroid fan, I was so excited when it finally returned after being absent during the N64 era! After the classic Game Boy, NES, and Super Metroid games, I wasn’t sure what to expect. When Metroid Prime came out on GameCube, it wasn’t just a jump to 3D graphics – it completely changed how you played! Instead of the side-scrolling action I loved, it became a first-person adventure. It had been eight years since Super Metroid on the SNES, and even though it was a big change, critics and fans like me instantly loved it. It was a fantastic risk that really paid off!

Although the original GameCube graphics don’t look as impressive today, Metroid Prime‘s gameplay is still fantastic. That’s why the remastered version for Switch is such a great addition to the console – it updates the visuals and brings this classic Nintendo experience to a new audience.

Pokémon Legends: Arceus Was a Much-Needed Win for the Franchise

The Pokémon series remains incredibly popular, but recent games on the Switch have faced criticism. Players have often pointed to outdated graphics and performance problems like lag as key issues. Some also feel that the newer Pokémon regions aren’t as creative or interesting as older ones, often feeling like simple, linear paths.

The game represents a fresh take on the classic Pokémon formula, building on what players already love while also introducing exciting changes. While it retains the core elements of catching and battling Pokémon, it offers a new structure and approach that feels both familiar and innovative, and fans have responded very positively to this new direction.

Super Mario Bros. Wonder Reinvigorated 2D Mario in a Major Way

Classic 2D Mario games are almost always a good choice. Nintendo created the original formula, and the series has consistently delivered enjoyable experiences ever since. However, the New Super Mario Bros. games started to feel repetitive, relying too much on the same look and gameplay with each new release.

This game felt like a fresh start for 2D Mario, retaining everything that made the classic games great while also introducing some important improvements. The graphics received a gentle update, and the new Wonder Effects and power-ups add a lot of fun and exciting new ways to play.

3D Platformers Hit an Apex With Super Mario Odyssey

For a long time, the Super Mario Galaxy games on the Wii seemed unbeatable. They were groundbreaking with their space setting, incredibly well-designed gameplay, and huge, expansive worlds. However, Super Mario Odyssey has since taken the crown as the best 3D Mario game.

This game feels like a spiritual successor to Super Mario 64, offering players lots of different goals to achieve. However, it takes things much further with a huge number of expansive objectives. The ability to ‘capture’ enemies adds fresh gameplay without feeling too strange or disconnected. It’s a remarkably ambitious title, reaching incredible levels of creativity and delivering truly unique gameplay.

Super Smash Bros. Ultimate Is Fighting Perfection

Like Mario Kart, a Smash Bros. game is essential for any Nintendo console. While Smash fans debate which game is the best, Super Smash Bros. Ultimate is widely considered the definitive Smash experience.

Including all downloadable content, the game features characters from throughout the Nintendo world and even beyond. It’s enjoyable whether you prefer playing alone or competing with others, and it’s a gorgeous celebration of Nintendo’s legacy. Plus, it’s packed with more content than most fighting games.

2026-04-21 00:57