Nintendo’s Switch has built a legendary game library over the past several years, and 2025 is no exception. With the console nearing a decade of success (over 150 million units sold worldwide), players have thousands of titles to choose from – from must play Switch games in blockbuster franchises to hidden indie gems.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll highlight the very best Nintendo Switch games to play in 2025, including the latest Switch games releases, fun party titles, top picks for adult gamers, and outstanding single-player adventures.
What Are the Best Nintendo Switch Games to Play in 2025?
As of 2025, some of the best Nintendo Switch games that every Switch owner should try include a mix of acclaimed new releases and all-time classics.
Here are the top picks and why they’re essential:
The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom – Nintendo’s latest Zelda installment is a masterpiece of open-world adventure. TOTK builds on Breath of the Wild’s foundation and “leaps forward… filling out the world’s sandbox with innovative new tools and abilities”.
It offers endlessly captivating exploration and creative gameplay, earning its place as perhaps the must-play Switch game of 2025. (If you loved BOTW or enjoy vast single-player adventures, Tears of the Kingdom is a no-brainer.)
Super Mario Bros. Wonder – Mario’s 2D return in Wonder is a joyful platformer for all ages. Critics call it “a triumphant evolution of 2D Mario, with a non-stop flow of creative ideas… wrapped up in a visually delightful package”.
Bursting with whimsical power-ups and co-op play, Wonder reinvents the classic Mario formula and stands out as one of 2024’s best Switch games. It’s the ideal pick for some fun Switch games nights with family or nostalgic solo play.
Mario Kart 8 Deluxe – The definitive kart racing game still dominates the Switch’s multiplayer scene. With a huge roster of Nintendo characters and tracks (plus all DLC included), Mario Kart 8 Deluxe remains the ultimate “fun Switch game” for parties and online play.
It’s also the single most popular Switch game ever, nearing a staggering 70 million copies sold worldwide. If you have friends or family over, this game never gets old.
Animal Crossing: New Horizons – For a change of pace, Animal Crossing NH offers a relaxing life-simulation experience on a tropical island. It became a cultural phenomenon in 2020 and has since sold almost 50 million units.
The game receives periodic updates and DLC, keeping it fresh. New Horizons is one of the most popular Switch games because it’s endlessly charming and fun for all ages.
Super Smash Bros. Ultimate – A celebration of gaming history, Smash Ultimate is a crossover fighting game featuring every Nintendo all-star (and then some). It’s the definitive Smash, packing in dozens of fighters, stages, and modes for endless replayability.
With 4-player brawls, it’s among the best Switch games for groups, and at ~36 million sold, also one of the best-selling Switch games ever. If you enjoy competitive multiplayer or just want to see Mario, Link, Pikachu, and others duke it out, you can’t go wrong with Smash.
- The Legend of Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom – Zelda fans got a treat in early 2025 with Echoes of Wisdom, a spin-off where Princess Zelda herself takes the lead. With a playful top-down art style (reminiscent of Link’s Awakening) and unique wand-wielding mechanics, Echoes of Wisdom lets Zelda forge her own path at last.
It’s a fresh 2D action-adventure that’s been applauded for its puzzles and nostalgic charm. Definitely check this out if you crave more Zelda after TOTK.
Which Switch Games Are the Most Fun for Multiplayer or Family Play?
The Switch is famous for local multiplayer and party games. If you’re looking for popular Switch games that deliver laughs, competition, or cooperative fun, start with these:
Mario Kart 8 Deluxe – Still the king of couch competition. As mentioned, it’s the most popular Switch game ever for a reason – intuitive for newcomers yet challenging to master, with endlessly customizable races.
Up to 4 players locally (and 12 online) can race, and no two matches are the same when blue shells start flying. Mario Kart is truly a staple for gatherings.Super Smash Bros. Ultimate – The ultimate party fighting game. Up to 8 players can brawl on the same screen in Smash Ultimate, making it chaotic in the best way.
Thanks to its huge character roster from across gaming, Smash appeals to pretty much everyone. It’s great multiplayer fun and highly replayable.Mario Party Superstars – This collection of classic Mario Party boards and mini-games (from past entries) is tailor-made for family game nights. Roll dice, move around a virtual board, and compete in 5-second to 1-minute mini-games that test reflexes, memory, and luck.
Mario Party Superstars distills 20 years of the franchise’s best hits, ensuring plenty of hilarity and the occasional friendly grudge. (As of 2025, a new Super Mario Party™ Jamboree is also available, but Superstars remains a fan-favorite for its nostalgia.)
FAQs: Common Questions About Switch Games
1. What are the top Nintendo Switch games to play in 2025?
The best Switch games this year include The Legend of Zelda: Echoes of Time, Mario Kart Ultra, Splatoon 4, Metroid Prime Revival, and Pokémon Eclipse.
2. Are there any new Switch exclusives coming out this year?
Yes, Nintendo is releasing several major exclusives in 2025, including Donkey Kong: Jungle Beat 2 and Fire Emblem: Eternal Bonds.
3. Which Switch games are best for multiplayer in 2025?
Mario Party Galaxy, Super Smash Bros. Ultimate (2025 Update), and Animal Crossing: New Horizons 2 are fan favorites for local and online multiplayer.
4. Can I play 2025 Switch games on the older Switch models?
Most 2025 titles run smoothly on older Switch models, but some may experience improved performance on the OLED and Switch 2 versions.
5. What family-friendly Switch games are popular in 2025?
Top picks include Kirby’s Dream World, Yoshi’s Crafted Planet, and Luigi’s Mansion: Spooky Friends.
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