Switch 2 launched in June 2025 and, although a young console in the scheme of things, it's built up a sizeable software library, mixing some choice exclusives with a host of 'Nintendo Switch 2 Editions', which include optimised, improved versions of some of the greatest video games ever made.
But what are the best games for Nintendo Switch 2 available? Which Switch 2 games are must-haves? What should you play first?
We've compiled this ranked list of the very best Switch 2 games. It will, of course, change in the coming years, with plenty of top-quality games coming soon that'll be jostling for a place - and inevitably pushing some of these out of the top 50.
However, it seemed the cost of that smoothness was graphical fidelity at almost every turn. Not to mention the bizarre implementation, or lack thereof, of motion controls and unwieldy mouse options on Switch 2. Post-launch patches have addressed some issues, but it's still not quite as 'definitive' as its title suggests.
Thankfully, though, this entry in the Tomb Raider mythos remains one of the very best, and clever visual design means that your trip through Yamatai is far from ugly, as long as you don’t inspect too closely. Crystal Dynamics’ reinvention of Lara Croft just might be the best entry in this decades-old franchise, and for the asking price, you’re getting a thrilling action romp that’ll keep you hooked until the credits.
As you might expect, this native Nintendo Switch 2 Edition comfortably fixes the graphical and performance problems of Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds on Switch 1. The resolution and frame bumps to 1440p and 60fps make this feel like a new game in certain respects, as the whimsical art style and madcap action now pop in a way that the choppy frame rate and blurry resolution couldn’t do justice.
Sega clearly did more than just a simple up-res job, too, with many textures having been replaced with more detailed variants, and more environmental details that help to liven up the area around the main road.
A free upgrade would have been nice, but $10 feels like a reasonable price to pay for such a notable leap over the older version, and we'd suggest picking it up, if only to experience what a great kart racer not made by Nintendo can be like.
Outside of the technical ups and downs of its transition to Switch 2, Assassin's Creed Shadows remains a thoroughly enjoyable refresh for the series. Taking its most captivating open world to date and offering two distinct playstyles, it goes a long way toward appeasing current franchise fans while nurturing a new generation of assassins, presenting a huge, intricately crafted depiction of feudal Japan and giving you enjoyable dual protagonists to usher you through it.
Shadows isn't a perfect port, then, but it’s still a colossal achievement and one of the best-looking games on Nintendo’s console.
Bravely Default: Flying Fairy HD Remaster is a solid update of one of Square’s finest modern turn-based RPGs. Its combination of a flexible job system, dynamic combat, and unexpectedly interesting story makes for an adventure that no fans of the JRPG genre will want to miss out on, especially any such fans that enjoyed Team Asano’s more recent work on the Octopath Traveler duology.
That in mind, there isn’t really anything new in this remaster that justifies the price of a double dip—if you already put a lot of time into this one on the 3DS back in the day, we’d caution you to first consider just how badly you want to spend your money on what ultimately amounts to little more than a nice visual bump.
All the same, Bravely Default was and still is a great RPG; if you haven’t had the chance to give this one a shot yet, this port is a great way to see what the fuss is about.
30fps in portable mode is a disappointment, and with no mouse mode or touchscreen support, this is a fairly bare-bones upgrade.
However, the handheld 30fps here is the smooth-feeling sort, and it's also not the type of game that critically needs to be at 60fps. In docked mode, it does now hit 60, and thanks to a resolution bump to 1080p, it looks way clearer on-screen whilst benefitting from some lighting and shadow touch-ups. With far shorter load times, as well, these are meaningful quality-of-life upgrades for players who've grown accustomed to long waits and blurry visuals on Switch 1.
Minor gripes aside, then, this is a prettier, crisper, and better way to play an all-timer.
The Touryst: Deluxe gives us Shin'en's excellent 2019 adventure, plus a new island, fun new minigames and missions, and a new arcade game that's worth the price of entry alone.
With snazzy Switch 2 graphical effects and super smooth performance, it's perfect if you've yet to play it. And with a reduced price point for seasoned travellers — returning players are presented with a 75% discount on the eShop — this is a return trip that's very hard to knock.
