As the Nintendo Switch nears the end of its remarkable run, choosing the best games for the hybrid console is no easy task. Over the years, it’s become home to landmark entries in beloved franchises like The Legend of Zelda and Mario, as well as a flood of indie gems and impressive third-party ports. In 2025, with the Switch 2 on the horizon, now is the perfect time to revisit the titles that defined a generation of portable-console gaming.
The original Switch remains a powerhouse of memorable experiences, and most of its library will carry forward to the Switch 2, many with performance upgrades and bonus content. Whether you’re a long-time fan looking to round out your collection or a new adopter preparing for the future, this curated list highlights the absolute best the Nintendo Switch has to offer—organized alphabetically and chosen for their quality, variety, and lasting impact.
Cuphead
Studio MDHR’s Cuphead is a visual marvel—an impeccably animated tribute to 1930s cartoons with jazzy sound design and a devilishly difficult run-and-gun gameplay loop. Every frame is hand-drawn, every boss fight a chaotic spectacle. It plays beautifully on the Switch, in both handheld and docked modes, and shines even brighter with the addition of The Delicious Last Course expansion. A timeless challenge wrapped in unforgettable style.
Divinity: Original Sin 2 – Definitive Edition
It’s a small miracle that a sprawling CRPG like Divinity: Original Sin 2 runs as well as it does on the Switch. Larian Studios’ genre-defining title offers a deep turn-based combat system, rich worldbuilding, and countless role-playing possibilities. While it doesn’t quite match the visual fidelity of its PC counterpart, the ability to experience this epic fantasy adventure on the go makes the Switch version a triumph in its own right.
Dragon Quest III HD-2D Remake
One of the most influential RPGs of all time gets a stunning overhaul in this HD-2D remake. Dragon Quest III retains the heart of its classic gameplay, but revitalizes the experience with modern enhancements and a gorgeous pixel-art-meets-3D style. It’s a perfect entry point for new players and a loving tribute for longtime fans—a masterclass in how to modernize a legend without losing what made it special.
Fire Emblem: Three Houses
Three Houses reimagines the Fire Emblem formula with an ambitious blend of tactical RPG combat and life simulation. You take on the role of a professor guiding one of three student factions through war and political intrigue. Its branching narrative paths, meaningful choices, and dynamic relationships make each playthrough feel distinct. With sharp writing and deep strategy, Three Houses is not only one of the best Switch games, but a defining moment for the Fire Emblem series.
Kirby and the Forgotten Land
Kirby’s first fully 3D adventure is a series high point. Forgotten Land reinvents the pink puffball’s platforming roots with a sense of wonder and polish usually reserved for Mario titles. From clever level design to the delightful Mouthful Mode mechanic, this game is bursting with charm. Cooperative play, creative Copy abilities, and inventive side challenges make it a joy for players of all ages. It’s Kirby like you’ve never seen him before.
The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom
Nintendo followed up the groundbreaking Breath of the Wild with a sequel that somehow manages to feel even more ambitious. Tears of the Kingdom expands on its predecessor’s open-world design by adding sky islands, underground caverns, and an intuitive crafting system. It refines what worked and elevates what didn’t, delivering a massive, imaginative adventure that sets a new standard for sandbox storytelling. This is Zelda at its boldest—and most brilliant.
Looking Ahead
As the Switch 2 prepares for launch, now is the ideal time to dive into these unforgettable games—or replay them with fresh enhancements on the new hardware. Whether you’re after emotional storytelling, intricate strategy, or fast-paced platforming, these titles prove why the Nintendo Switch remains one of the best consoles of its era.
Let me know if you’d like this adapted into a buyer’s guide format or tailored for a different audience—such as casual gamers, families, or hardcore RPG fans.
