Nearly a year on from the launch of the Nintendo Switch 2‘s frantic launch period and months of stock shortages, it’s now easier than ever to get your hands on Nintendo’s shiny new console, and there’s a whole lot more to play, too. The handheld hybrid is starting to build up a growing library of exclusives, upgraded ports and third-party titles that make full use of its sharper visuals, faster loading times and boosted performance.
While Mario Kart World was the only first-party exclusive launch title made just for the Nintendo Switch 2, games like Donkey Kong Bananza, Super Mario Party Jamboree TV and Pokemon Pokopia have since joined the line-up, giving players plenty of reasons to keep picking up their Joy-Cons.
And there’s plenty more still to come. Huge third-party titles such as 007 First Light, Lego Batman: Legacy of the Dark Knight and The Duskbloods are all on the way. I’m constantly reviewing Nintendo Switch 2 games here at The Independent and have pulled together a list of the ones that everyone needs to play, with more being added as they launch.
The best Nintendo Switch 2 games of 2026 are:
- Best overall – ‘The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild – Switch 2 Edition: £52.95, Amazon.co.uk
- Best platformer – ‘Super Mario Galaxy + Super Mario Galaxy 2’: £49.95, Amazon.co.uk
- Best Donkey Kong game – ’Donkey Kong Bananza’: £49.95, Amazon.co.uk
- Best narrative game – ’Final Fantasy Tactics: The Ivalice Chronicles’: £49.99, Amazon.co.uk
- Best cosy game – ‘Pokemon Pokopia: £58.99, Amazon.co.uk
Read more: We’ve reviewed the best handheld games consoles
How I tested
I’ve spent several hours playing each of the featured titles. My picks are based not just on how good the games are, but how well they run on the Nintendo Switch 2. That means looking at frame rate, loading times, graphical upgrades and overall performance, especially for games that have been ported or updated for the new console.
I also factored in any new features or content that enhance the experience specifically on Switch 2, such as cross-save support, QR code sharing or Joy-Con functionality. Where games haven’t changed much, I focused on whether they still feel good to play today, and whether this is the best version of the game to play in 2026.
Read more: These are the best games for the original Nintendo Switch console
The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild – Switch 2 Edition
Best: Overall
Release date: 5 June 2025
Publisher: Nintendo
Developer: Nintendo
Age rating: 12+
Why we love it
- Class leading open world
- Fantastic exploration and story
- Superb gameplay
Take note
- Full game is pricey for eight-year-old game
It might be strange to see a nine-year-old game at the very top of this list of the best Nintendo Switch 2 games, but The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild stands the test of time, especially with the Switch 2 Edition. The improvements delivered make the upgrade feel like how the game was always meant to be enjoyed.
It now runs at 4K in docked mode and 1080p in handheld at a very stable 60fps. Gone are the stuttering and frame rate issues in dense sections, and the game now runs smoothly across the board.
Loading times have been drastically reduced, there’s a second save option so players can carry over a previous save and start the game again, and there’s also the Zelda Notes companion app, which has useful features such as navigation. The Switch 2 Edition of Breath of the Wild truly is the definitive way to play one of the greatest games ever made.
Buy now £52.95, Amazon.co.uk
Super Mario Galaxy + Super Mario Galaxy 2
Best: Platformer
Release date: 2 October 2025
Publisher: Nintendo
Developer: Nintendo
Age rating: 7+
Why we love it
- Brilliant excuse to revisit two of the best platformers ever made
- Fantastic level design
- Superb gravity physics
This might be a big statement, but Super Mario Galaxy + Super Mario Galaxy 2 is arguably peak Mario. Full stop.
Two of not just the greatest Mario games, but the very best 3D platformers of all time, were re-released for the Nintendo Switch 2 to celebrate Mario’s 40th anniversary and the Super Mario Galaxy movie. If you missed them on the Nintendo Wii, these two games are essential for anyone with a Nintendo Switch 2.
The level design across both games is second to none with the way the game plays around with gravity in particular a true marvel. The story in the first game is very strong, while the second focuses more particularly on gameplay. Both are absolute must plays, either if you’re experiencing them for the first time or have already played through them previously.
Buy now £49.95, Amazon.co.uk
The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom – Switch 2 Edition
Best: Open-world game
Release date: 5 June 2025
Publisher: Nintendo
Developer: Nintendo
Age rating: 12+
Why we love it
- Class leading open world
- Brilliant visuals
- Superb characters and story
Take note
- Breath of the Wild slightly edges it
The Switch 2 Edition upgrades to The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom are similar to those of Breath of the Wild. It runs at 4K in docked mode and 1080p in handheld at a very stable 60fps.
In addition to the other improvements, such as reduced loading times, a second save option and the Zelda Notes app, included in the app for Tears of the Kingdom specifically, Blueprints made with Ultrahand can be sent to the app and converted into QR codes for other players to use.
Tears of the Kingdom is still a brilliant game and looks as good as it ever has on the Switch 2. For those who haven't played the game or want to dive back in, like with Breath of the Wild, this is the definitive experience.
Buy now £64.95, Amazon.co.uk
Cyberpunk 2077: Ultimate Edition
Best: Action RPG
Release date: 5 June 2025
Publisher: CD Projekt Red
Developer: CD Projekt Red
Age rating: 18+
Why we love it
- Fantastic open-world RPG
- Brilliant story and great characters
- Best way to play handheld
Take note
- Some performance issues in Phantom Liberty
Cyberpunk 2077 is brilliant. It has a huge open world, a great story, superb characters, and it’s packed with side missions. However, I’m most impressed with how this game has been adapted for the Switch 2.
Cyberpunk 2077 has been hailed as a “miracle port” by tech experts, and it’s easy to see why. The game runs at 1080p at 30fps consistently in quality mode across both docked and handheld, with performance mode reaching 1080p at 40fps when docked and 720p at 40fps handheld.
There is a little bit of stuttering and performance issues in the Phantom Liberty expansion, but nothing too outrageous. Car and NPC density in the open world has been reduced, but it doesn’t affect the game too much.
The Switch 2 version includes cross-save, so it’s easy to pick up previous saves from other consoles, and the game looks great. The Switch 2 is the perfect way to enjoy this game on the go.
Buy now £49, Amazon.co.uk
Donkey Kong Bananza
Best: Donkey Kong game
Release date: 17 July 2025
Publisher: Nintendo
Developer: Nintendo
Age rating: 7+
Why we love it
- Brilliantly goofy story
- Fantastic world design
- Addictive gameplay
Take note
- Poor camera in tighter areas
Donkey Kong Bananza is a great 3D platformer: its story is delightfully goofy, its world design is fantastic, and its gameplay is incredibly addictive.
You can smash almost anything – and we mean pretty much anything – in this world, with rewards waiting to be found everywhere. The game actively encourages you to keep breaking things apart to uncover collectible bananas, coins and hidden areas.
In terms of the game itself, there’s little to fault. That said, a quick word of warning – the camera can struggle to keep up in tighter spaces and might cause a touch of motion sickness. It’s a small shame, given how much the game pushes you to barrel through the environment and often places you in these confined areas.
Buy now £49.95, Amazon.co.uk
Pokemon Pokopia
Best: Cosy game
Release date: 5 March 2026
Publisher: Nintendo
Developers: Game Freak & Omega Force
Age rating: 3+
Why we love it
- Great cosy gameplay loop
- All Pokemon have character
- Lots of creative freedom
Take note
- Waiting for timers to finish can be irritating
Pokemon Pokopia is a fantastic cosy game. Online, it’s been described as a cross between Animal Crossing and Minecraft with Pokemon in it and that’s pretty much spot on.
The main character is a Ditto who has transformed into a human in this relaxing life simulation game. Ditto creates, crafts and builds all sorts of different environments, buildings and materials for other Pokemon that inhabit the island which players are tasked with helping. There’s also a lot of creative freedom as players can curate their island just how they want it.
It’s a brilliant, family friendly game that players can just curl up with and enjoy. Some of the waiting around for materials and buildings to finish is a mild annoyance but isn’t enough to drastically take away from a game you can easily lose track of time playing through.
Buy now £56.99, Amazon.co.uk
Final Fantasy Tactics: The Ivalice Chronicles – Switch 2 Edition
Best: Turn-based RPG
Release date: 30 September 2025
Publisher: Square Enix
Developer: Square Enix
Age rating: 12+
Why we love it
- Fantastic political story
- Engaging turn-based combat
- Brilliant remake
Take note
- Some voice acting could be stronger
Who said turn-based RPGs are dead? Square Enix has done a brilliant job with Final Fantasy Tactics: The Ivalice Chronicles, a faithful yet ground-up remake of the classic 1997 PS1 game.
It tells a fantastic, deep, politically charged story with engaging and thought provoking turn-based combat. The plot is much easier to follow this time around and it has loads of key quality of life improvements to bring a brilliant yet classic game in line with more modern expectations.
The Switch 2 Edition features improved visuals and performance over the original Switch version. To note, players can buy a physical original Nintendo Switch edition of the game but the Switch 2 upgrade is digital only. Players that purchase the physical edition can get the upgrade at a discount.
Buy now £49.99, Nintendo.com
Hollow Knight: Silksong – Switch 2 Edition
Best: Indie title and 2D platformer
Release date: 4 September 2025
Publisher: Team Cherry
Developer: Team Cherry
Age rating: 7+
Why we love it
- Easy to pick up, hard to master
- Stunning setting
- One of the best soundtracks in gaming
Take note
- Difficulty might put some people off
One of the most anticipated games of 2025 did not disappoint. Hollow Knight: Silksong is a 2D indie platformer that puts you in control of Hornet as she journeys through the kingdom of Pharloom, climbing toward its peak to uncover why she was captured and what lies behind the curse that hangs over the land.
It’s easy to pick up but difficult to master. You’ll die more times than you can count, yet each failure teaches you something new and pushes you to adapt. Some sections demand near-perfect precision, but overcoming them feels immensely satisfying.
Pharloom itself is breathtaking, filled with atmosphere and detail, and the soundtrack is one of the most hauntingly beautiful you’ll hear in any game. The difficulty may put some players off, but for those willing to persevere, Silksong is a truly special experience.
Buy now £16.75, Nintendo.com
Final Fantasy VII Remake Intergrade
Best: Switch 2 port
Release date: 22 January 2026
Publisher: Square Enix
Developer: Square Enix
Age rating: 16+
Why we love it
- Best Switch 2 port
- Best looking Switch 2 game
- Fantastic remake
Take note
- Some side quests can feel stale
Although Final Fantasy VII Remake Intergrade is below Cyberpunk 2077 in this list, taking Switch 2 port features solely into account and not the overall package, this is the best Switch 2 port. It’s also probably the best looking game on the console too.
Some games that are much smaller in scope are nowhere this level of polished for Switch 2. Square Enix has obviously taken a lot of due care and attention to make this as good as it can be instead of rushing something out that's not been optimised properly.
It has all the latest updates too, like streamlined progression options, a photo mode, a fast forward option to speed up cutscenes and a head start mode which basically acts like a God mode, allowing players to start with levelled up characters and gear. The game might be six-years-old but it’s still so much fun to play through in 2026.
Buy now £39.99, Amazon.co.uk
Super Mario Party Jamboree - Switch 2 Edition + Jamboree TV
Best: Party game
Release date: 24 July 2025
Publisher: Nintendo
Developer: Nintendo
Age rating: 7+
Why we love it
- Best party game
- Utilises new Switch 2 features
- Countless hours of fun to be had
Take note
- Navigation can be confusing
If you’re after a party game to play with friends or family, look no further than the snappily titled Super Mario Party Jamboree – Switch 2 Edition + Jamboree TV. The original Switch release was fantastic, and the addition of mouse, camera and microphone-controlled minigames takes it a step further.
There’s the classic Mario Party Jamboree mode for those who want the original experience, but if you’re after a standard Mario Party session that makes use of the Switch 2’s new features, you’ll find it in Jamboree TV. This version introduces fresh modes that play out like a chaotic game show, complete with on-screen antics and audience energy.
It can be a little confusing to figure out where everything is at first, but once you do, you’ll have a brilliant time. The new minigames and features make an already great party game even better, and a proper crowd-pleaser on the Switch 2.
Buy now £52.95, Amazon.co.uk
Animal Crossing: New Horizons – Switch 2 Edition
Best: Low-stress game
Release date: 15 January 2026
Publisher: Nintendo
Developer: Nintendo
Age rating: 3+
Why we love it
- Incredible cosy game
- Lots of player freedom
- Satisfying gameplay loop
Take note
- Quite underwhelming Switch 2 upgrades
This seemingly came out of nowhere and while the Switch 2 Edition of Animal Crossing: New Horizons is the best way to play the game, some of the upgrades are a little underwhelming. The new Slumber Islands feature could have gone so much further and couch co-op has pretty much been ignored at this point.
Having said that, there’s a lot more to do with the introduction of the new hotel. And, of course, it has everything from the original release with an improved resolution and with the game being so strong to begin with, this is a welcome upgrade.
The Switch 2 Edition of Animal Crossing: New Horizons is the definitive way to play the game - even if some of the content upgrades could have been better.
Buy now £49.99, Amazon.co.uk
Pokemon Legends: Z-A – Switch 2 Edition
Best: Traditional Pokemon game
Release date: 16 October 2025
Publisher: Nintendo
Developer: Game Freak
Age rating: 7+
Why we love it
- Best Pokemon game on Switch 2
- Brilliant new battle system
- Journeys unique to individual players
Take note
- Not the best looking game out there
There’s nothing quite like starting up a new Pokemon game, choosing your starter and setting off on a grand adventure, catching ’em all, training your squad and battling your way to become the very best (like no one ever was). That familiar thrill is here in full force with Pokemon Legends: Z-A Switch 2 Edition.
This time around, there’s a new active battle system, and the game takes place entirely within Lumiose City – the heart of the Kalos region first introduced in Pokémon X & Y. Don’t be put off by the single setting, though. Lumiose feels expansive, detailed and packed with things to see and do.
Visually, it’s not quite as polished as you might expect from a Switch 2 release, and the absence of voice acting stands out in places. Still, Z-A is fantastic fun, offering plenty to keep Pokemon fans hooked long after the credits roll.
Buy now £51.99, Amazon.co.uk
Dragon Quest I + II HD-2D Remake
Best: HD-2D remake
Release date: 30 October 2025
Publisher: Square Enix
Developer: ARTDINK & Square Enix (Team Asano)
Age rating: 12+
Why we love it
- Two classic games remade for modern audiences
- Brilliant quality of life improvements
- Has that soul lost in so many modern games
Take note
- Story can lead you to lean on imagination
Dragon Quest I & II HD-2D Remake fantastically recaptures the magic of the originals while offering quality of life improvements you'd expect from a more modern title. The two games are classic JRPGs (Japanese role-playing games) and their charm has been brought to modern audiences.
Developers wanted to keep everything that made them special while bringing them up-to-date in line with modern expectations using Square Enix's renowned HD 2D style and that has been done fantastically. Quality of life improvements including improved UI (user interface), the ability to mark objectives and speed up battles.
There are some elements of the story that leave it upon you to fill in the blanks but Dragon Quest I & II HD-2D Remake is a fantastic package with the secret ingredient that feels as though it's lacking in so many modern games – and that's soul.
Buy now £49.95, Amazon.co.uk
Mario Kart World
Best: Kart racing game
Release date: 5 June 2025
Publisher: Nintendo
Developer: Nintendo
Age rating: 3+
Why we love it
- Sprawling scale and beautiful vistas
- Mario Kart has never felt more alive
- Chaotic 24-player matches are really fun
- Loads of new mechanics to master
Take note
- Some might hate the open-world and intermissions between tracks
Mario Kart World is the biggest, most ambitious reinvention of Nintendo’s biggest racing series ever. Built to showcase the power of the Switch 2, it trades the menu-based track lists of old for a connected world you can actually drive through. Each cup feels like a road trip, with courses now stitched together by sweeping motorways, bustling cities and themed landscapes. Free Roam mode lets you explore these spaces at your own pace, uncovering secrets, shortcuts and minigame-style missions, while Knockout Tour delivers 24-player chaos that’s easily one of the most exciting online additions since the series began.
The game looks incredible, with dynamic weather, day-night transitions and a huge character lineup that includes everything from the Moo Moo Meadows Cow to Wiggler. Tracks are stuffed with visual detail and clever design, from the vertical grind rails of Great ? Block Ruins to the shipwreck of Wario’s Galleon. Each Grand Prix feels colossal, and there’s a refreshing sense of momentum as you barrel through one world into the next, like you’re in a racing Super Mario Bros. game.
That said, the new open-world format isn’t for everyone. In Grand Prix mode, you’re often forced to drive lengthy stretches between tracks, and once you finally reach them, you’re usually only given a single lap before being moved along again. The intermission driving can feel slow, and the truncated courses don’t always leave enough room to master the shortcuts.
Buy now £59.95, Amazon.co.uk
Split Fiction
Best: Narrative game
Release date: 5 June 2025
Publisher: EA
Developer: Hazelight Studios
Age rating: 16+
Why we love it
- Fantastic story
- Brilliant co-op gameplay
- One of the best endings to a modern game
Take note
- Individual Joy-Cons cannot be used
- Graphics could be sharper
Split Fiction is a fantastic co-op game set in two very different worlds of fantasy and sci-fi. It tells the story of two unpublished writers, Mio and Zoe.
They’re different in pretty much every way, but both have been invited to try out an early test of a machine where their stories can be simulated and lived within. As it turns out, the company is actually using the writers to steal their brilliant ideas, and players have to play through their stories to survive.
The Switch 2 version of this is not the best platform to play it on, however. I found that the graphics look a little rough around the edges. A glaring miss from the developers is that individual Joy-Cons cannot be used, which seems like a bit of an own goal given this is a game that can only be played in co-op. But Split Fiction is still brilliant in its own right, and if this is the only way players can play it, it’s still very much worth it.
Buy now £28.45, Amazon.co.uk
Metroid Prime 4: Beyond – Switch 2 Edition
Best: Series revival
Release date: 4 December 2025
Publisher: Nintendo
Developer: Retro Studios
Age rating: 12+
Why we love it
- Great visuals and art
- Strong action
- Feels like a Metroid Prime game
Take note
- Lifeless open world sections
- Uneven characters
Metroid Prime 4: Beyond is a good game - but when you look back on just how good previous Metroid Prime games were, Beyond falls a little short. The Switch 2 Edition has mouse controls and improved performance, frame rates and load times. It’s arguably the best optimised Switch 2 release so far too.
The first-person shooter levels are actually really good, the game looks spectacular on Switch 2 and the sound that accompanies you throughout is strong. However its open world desert sections are lifeless and include tedious activities that have you waiting until the action truly kicks off again.
Some characters are well-developed, whereas others are a little uneven and there is perhaps a bit too much handholding. But Metroid Prime 4: Beyond is still a fun game to play through on the whole and a worthwhile addition if you’re thinking of playing it.
Buy now £37.98, Amazon.co.uk
The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim Anniversary Edition
Best: Classic port
Release date: 9 December 2025
Publisher: Bethesda
Developer: Bethesda
Age rating: 18+
Why we love it
- Classic game on a new platform
- Performance mode added
- Much better visuals and loading times
Take note
- Showing its age
- Still has some bugs
It’s been around 14-and-a-half years since The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim first released but it remains the most recent mainline entry in Bethesda’s iconic action role-playing game series. Skyrim has had a number of releases and ports with the Switch 2 version in December being the latest.
A recent patch has included a much requested performance mode and the game looks and plays well on the Switch 2. That’s probably to be expected though, especially as the game itself does show its age a bit even with those quality of life features.
Nevertheless, Skyrim is still one of the best RPGs of all time. If you’re looking to play it on the go then the Switch 2 release is arguably the best way to do it.
Buy now £52.99, Amazon.co.uk
Resident Evil Requiem
Best: Horror game
Release date: 27 February 2026
Publisher: Capcom
Developer: Capcom
Age rating: 18+
Why we love it
- Great Resident Evil game
- Engaging mix of horror and action
- Strong dual protagonists
Take note
- Switch 2 port could be better
- Some uneven performance
I was a bit conflicted about Resident Evil Requiem on the Nintendo Switch 2. That’s because the game itself is absolutely fantastic, but the Switch 2 release could be a bit stronger.
On the whole, character models and details are nowhere near as detailed as other platforms. Performance can vary quite wildly depending on what’s happening on screen too, with frequent fluctuations in frame rates.
However Resident Evil Requiem is a superb mainline entry and a perfect way for Capcom to celebrate 30 years of the iconic survival horror series. It tells a truly engaging story and all of the benefits the dual protagonists bring are an absolute triumph.
Buy now £58.97, Amazon.co.uk
Assassin's Creed Shadows
Best: Assassin's Creed game
Release date: 2 December 2025
Publisher: Ubisoft
Developer: Ubisoft
Age rating: 18+
Why we love it
- Great looking game
- Engaging open world
- Good Switch 2 port
Take note
- Player choices could be more meaningful
- One character is more fun to play than the other
Assassin’s Creed Shadows’ setting of feudal Japan is a true standout, leading to one of the best looking locations in gaming, with lots of fun things to do and find, which Ubisoft manages to encourage players to do well. The gameplay is great and never grows tiresome, especially with the ability to switch between characters Naoe and Yasuke at will later on, even if the story isn't as good as it could be and character models could have a bit more life in them.
Do not underestimate how impressive it is that Ubisoft has got a game of the scale of Assassin's Creed Shadows running like this on Nintendo Switch 2. It's quite simply remarkable and the seamless cross progression system should be massively praised.
Ubisoft seemingly knows that if you've got a PS5, Xbox Series X/S or a PC then that's the ideal way to play. But if you want to take Assassin's Creed Shadows on the go with you, this dedicated Switch 2 port is the best way to do so.
Buy now £49.99, Amazon.co.uk
Cronos: The New Dawn
Best: Challenging game
Publisher: Bloober Team
Developer: Bloober Team
Age rating: 16+
Why we love it
- Good challenge
- Incredible atmosphere
- Superb sound
Take note
- Movement can feel sluggish
- Not particularly groundbreaking
Cronos: The New Dawn is a decent survival horror game with action elements. It’s quite challenging with some big difficulty spikes but it’s fun to overcome the missions.
The game does have a unique identity and it’s clear to see the Polish influences that have been included. Every single enemy encounter is strategic and you have to master your inventory and surroundings to have any chance of progressing.
It has a lot of comparisons to Dead Space with some elements of Resident Evil and those comparisons are true to an extent, but it doesn’t quite hit the heights those series have reached. There isn’t anything particularly groundbreaking about Cronos: The New Dawn but it’s a good, challenging game and it’s interesting to see how the story plays out.
Buy now £41.54, Amazon.co.uk
Mario Tennis Fever
Best: Sports game
Release date: 12 February 2026
Publisher: Nintendo
Developer: Camelot Software Planning
Age rating: 7+
Why we love it
- Good core gameplay
- Fever Racket system is a blast
- Consistent performance
Take note
- Story mode could be much stronger
- Visuals don't feel next-gen
If you played and loved Mario Power Tennis on Nintendo GameCube, then Mario Tennis Fever will hit that nostalgia beat. Its tight, arcade gameplay feels refined from that classic title with a great roster of playable characters.
The Fever Racket system is really fun even if this feels as though it has more of an element of luck than skill. This is definitely focused on being a multiplayer game, either through couch co-op or online, as the single-player Story Mode is basically a glorified tutorial.
The visuals aren’t exactly next-gen either, especially when you compare Mario Tennis Fever to something like Metroid Prime 4: Beyond. But Mario Tennis Fever is a fun game to pick up and play with friends and family.
Buy now £54.93, Amazon.co.uk
Drag x Drive
Best: Mouse-control game
Release date: 14 August 2025
Publisher: Nintendo
Developer: Nintendo EPD
Age rating: 3+
Why we love it
- Really fun gameplay
- Innovative utilization of the mouse controls
- Good minigames
Take note
- Lack of engaging longer term content
- Visuals could be much better
Drag x Drive is a fun Switch 2 game but it could have gone so much further. Being a wheelchair basketball game, it really shows off the mouse controls superbly and is the game that offers the best experience with them.
However, there isn’t really any longevity to it beyond thinking ‘that’s pretty cool’. Game modes could be much more in-depth and there could be a lot more content to keep players engaged.
Having said that, in terms of the gameplay itself, what’s on offer is fun and it’s great hopping into games, either online or locally. But after a few games there doesn’t feel like much reason to carry on playing - unless players really get into it and click with the game’s mechanics.
Buy now £16.99, Amazon.co.uk
Star Wars Outlaws Gold Edition
Best: Star Wars game
Release date: 4 September 2025
Publisher: Ubisoft
Developer: Ubisoft
Age rating: 12+
Why we love it
- Refreshing story
- Exploration is fun
- Good gameplay on the whole
Take note
- Immersion breaking visual and performance issues on Switch 2
- AI behavior can be erratic
This is a case of Star Wars Outlaws being a much better game than a three star rating, but it’s the Switch 2 port specifically that gets that score here. Star Wars Outlaws is an open-world action adventure game which has a refreshing personal story that doesn’t rely on saving the world, fun exploration and good gameplay, despite some instances of erratic AI behaviour.
But the Switch 2 version doesn’t quite hold up to current-gen standards – both visually and in performance. In-game cinematics are disrupted by what look like jump cuts, while frame rate dips are noticeable in busier areas.
Having said that, it's not unplayable in the slightest. If it's the only way players can play and want to check it out, there is fun to be had. But the performance problems make it much easier to recommend Star Wars Outlaws on other platforms.
Buy now £49.99, Amazon.co.uk
Survival Kids
Best: Kids game
Release date: 5 June 2025
Publisher: Konami
Developer: Konami
Age rating: 3+
Why we love it
- Accessible and easy to pick up
- Easy breezy
Take note
- Quite simplistic
- Overly repetitive
- Older kids may get bored
Built around short, repeatable island missions, Survival Kids is a charming co-op survival-lite game that’s easy to pick up and surprisingly moreish. You play as a group of kids stranded on a tropical island, gathering resources, solving simple puzzles and rebuilding your raft to escape – only for a giant turtle (sorry, whurtle) to shipwreck you all over again. It’s accessible and designed with younger players in mind.
Each island is bright and breezy, with vibrant (though questionable) graphics, a playful soundtrack and just enough variety to keep the game from feeling stale. You gather wood, cook food, craft bridges or ropes, and figure out the best way to move bulky items from one end of the island to the other. Mistakes aren’t really a thing here, and the structure encourages replaying levels to earn all six stars through both speed and exploration. With local two-player support and GameShare options to boot, it’s not a difficult game for a co-op, and it’s fairly relaxing.
That said, the kids do kind of talk like they just walked out of a CBeebies cartoon, and the rinse-and-repeat format starts to wear thin after a few islands, especially in solo play. The stamina system slows things down without adding much challenge, and the need to re-collect tools and blueprints each time feels like artificial padding. It’s clearly designed with younger players in mind, and the pacing and repetition might test older kids’ patience. Still, if you’re looking for something low-pressure and easy, Survival Kids is cute and accessible.
Buy now £44.99, Nintendo.com
Nintendo Switch 2 Welcome Tour
Best: Tutorial
Release date: 5 June 2025
Publisher: Nintendo
Developer: Nintendo
Age rating: 3+
Why we love it
- The Super Mario Bros. demo is nice
Take note
- Boring
- Dull graphics
- Should've been free
Nintendo Switch 2 Welcome Tour is basically an interactive showcase of the console’s hardware and accessories, with themed zones based on the Joy-Cons, Pro controller and motherboard. You run around collecting stamps, trying minigames and completing tech demos that highlight features like the HD rumble and mouse support. The standout is a 4K version of Super Mario Bros. World 1-1, which looks stunning and plays like a love letter to Nintendo’s legacy.
That said, much of the experience is, frankly, boring. The stamp rally gets repetitive fast, the quizzes are dull and some medals are locked behind accessories you might not own (unless you enter cheat codes, which only unlock partial rewards). The visuals are flat, and it feels more like a digital manual than a true game. For something that costs the best part of a tenner, it’s a tough sell. It’s not essential, and it probably should’ve been a free demo like Astro’s Playroom or Wii Sports (both significantly more fun than Welcome Tour).
Buy now £7.99, Nintendo.com
What are the best Nintendo Switch 2 games?
Around nine months after launch, the Nintendo Switch 2 has continued adding great games to its library. The line-up still leans heavily on enhanced ports and upgraded re-releases, but there’s now a healthy mix of new titles and updated favourites that show off what the console can do. Breath of the Wild and Tears of the Kingdom both benefit from smoother 60fps performance, Cyberpunk 2077 continues to impress as a technical achievement and Donkey Kong Bananza remains the standout new first-party exclusive.
Outside of that, Pokemon Pokopia, Super Mario Party Jamboree TV and Animal Crossing have helped build out the line-up, giving players a few more reasons to game on their new console. There’s still plenty of room for more big releases, like 007 First Light and The Duskbloods, but what’s here already feels like a strong foundation.
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The Independent employs knowledgeable reviewers to test the latest products, to bring you impartial, honest reviews and recommendations. Jake Brigstock is The Independent’s gaming correspondent. He has spent countless hours putting a full spectrum of consoles and games through their paces. Jake’s experience and critical eye mean he is well-placed to bring you his takes on Nintendo Switch 2 titles.
For more, you can read our round-up of the best OG Nintendo Switch games
