Best Nintendo Switch 2 Games of 2026

"As someone who's been gaming for decades, I can confidently say that Donkey Kong Bananza is the most entertaining and addictive platformer I've ever played. The freedom to smash nearly anything and uncover hidden paths is exhilarating, and it feels like a blend of the best of Mario, Zelda, and DK Country. The visuals and sound are fantastic, and the unique abilities DK gains make exploration incredibly satisfying. Even with the occasional performance dip when checking the map, it's easily my Game of the Year."

"I picked up Donkey Kong Bananza for my Switch 2, and it's been an absolute joy from start to finish! The Bananza mechanic and the creative, colorful levels keep me hooked, and I love the 4K visuals and lightning-fast load times. Whether playing solo or with a friend, this game delivers nonstop fun and is a must-have for any DK fan."

"From the moment I started playing, I was drawn in by the game's vibrant visuals, catchy music, and hilarious cutscenes. The mix of platforming, puzzles, and bonus challenges is incredibly fun, and the intuitive controls make it easy to jump in for anyone. Unlockable costumes and side quests add tons of replay value—I ended up playing for hours without realizing it. If you're unsure, just go for it—this is pure gaming joy."

"I bought this as a gift for my granddaughter for Christmas, and it turned out to be great entertainment for both adults and kids. Everyone had a fantastic time with it! I’d recommend it to anyone who wants to get children moving and focused, rather than glued to the TV."

"Just Dance 2026 is an absolute blast that gets everyone up and moving—ideal for both parties and solo dance sessions. The song list is fresh and fun, and gameplay on the Switch is smooth. It's such a fun way to stay active while sharing a lot of laughs. Honestly, I can’t stop dancing!"

"My only gripe is that I thought I was buying the actual game cartridge, but it turned out to be a digital download code instead. While most of my games are downloads, I would have preferred a physical copy. The song selection is still excellent and fits all ages, though."

"This sequel truly surprised me—the amount of customization, slick visuals, and smooth gameplay make it a standout experience. Whether I’m playing solo or with friends, there’s always something new to enjoy, especially with the addictive online City Trial mode. It’s an easy recommendation for both party nights and single-player fun."

"For me, this is the most entertaining kart racer of the year. There’s just so much to unlock, plus a story mode and multiple ways to play. I’ve had a better time here than with Mario Kart World or Sonic Crossworlds—there’s just more to keep me hooked."

"This game just feels like pure joy—smooth controls, gorgeous worlds, and loads of replay value. Whether I’m racing competitively or just chilling in co-op, it’s always a blast. If you own a Switch 2, it’s a must-have."

"This game is a blast from start to finish. The blend of classic and modern Sonic levels is seamless, and the new Shadow missions add excellent replay value. On the Switch 2, performance is stellar—fast load times, steady frame rate, and vibrant visuals even in handheld mode. It hits that nostalgic Sonic vibe but still feels fresh. Definitely a must-have for fans and platformer lovers."

"I grabbed Sonic X Shadow Generations on the Switch 2 mostly for the nostalgia, but was surprised by how well it holds up. The remastered campaign looks and plays great, with smooth performance and sharper visuals than ever. The Shadow content really stands out—it’s got a darker tone and gives Shadow the spotlight, though it’s a bit short. Overall, it’s a fun, flashy package, perfect for both newcomers and longtime fans. Solid 4 stars."

"As someone who grew up with the originals, I think this is the best Sonic game I’ve played. The rebooted levels look amazing and the game was exactly as described. Arrived a little late, but that didn’t bother me at all."

"As someone who’s loved the Mario Party series for years, I think Super Mario Party Jamboree is the most energetic and content-packed entry yet. The Jamboree TV feature keeps things fresh with rotating events and challenges, while the improved online play and lively visuals make every session a blast with friends."

"My family and I are big Mario fans, and we all had a fantastic time playing together. This game is truly perfect for families looking for fun and laughter!"

"Even as a parent, I find this game surprisingly enjoyable and accessible. It’s easy for everyone to join in and have fun, regardless of age."

"As someone who loves adventure games, I was amazed by how fun and immersive Star Wars Outlaws is, even for those new to the franchise. The game blends elements of open-world missions, autonomy in character development, and tactical stealth, making every session exciting. The mix of GTA-like story mode and Batman-style gameplay really impressed me, and I find myself enjoying it more each time I play."

"I picked up the Gold Edition for Switch 2 and was pleasantly surprised by the fresh perspective of playing as a scoundrel in the Star Wars universe. The storytelling and voice acting feel truly cinematic, and the smooth performance and engaging environments make exploration a blast. While combat can sometimes repeat and there are a few slow side quests, the overall experience is bold, immersive, and absolutely worth it for Star Wars fans."

"This port is a fantastic addition to the Switch 2 lineup. The game runs great, reminds me of a blend between Witcher and Assassin’s Creed, but set in Star Wars. The lack of lightsabers offers a unique take on the galaxy, and the performance and gameplay quality exceeded my expectations."

"Having recently replayed the earlier Prime games, I can confidently say that Metroid Prime 4 faithfully captures what fans love about the series. The gameplay sticks to the classic formula—exploring, acquiring new upgrades, and unlocking new areas. The graphics are outstanding in 4K, and Samus has never looked or played better. While the desert section was a bit tedious for me, the motorcycle controls made it enjoyable enough. The NPC interactions actually enhanced the story rather than detracting from it. Overall, it's a fantastic return to form and my second favorite in the Prime lineup."

"I finished the game and, while I don't think it's quite as good as the first Prime, it's still a solid entry for Metroid fans. The visuals are impressive, and I experienced no bugs or frame rate drops. Boss battles are a real highlight, and the game is easy for beginners to jump into. The negative chatter about NPCs and the desert feels overblown—the open area has fun things to do, and the NPC dialogue is unobtrusive. It's worth playing if you like Metroid, even if it's not a perfect 10."

"For me, this Zelda entry brought back all the nostalgic joy I felt as a kid, but now I get to share it with my son. We’ve been playing for hours every day and still have so much left to explore—the sheer content is amazing."

"I think this game totally exceeded my expectations. The world is huge, the freedom is incredible, and every play session is its own adventure. While it’s more complex than some games, it’s actually a great way to bond with kids and figure things out together."

"On the Switch 2, the visual upgrades really stand out. However, I do wish there were more substantial improvements for the extra price, but the performance boost is still noticeable and welcome."

"As a lifelong Zelda fan, I was blown away by how immersive and action-packed the story is in Hyrule Warriors: Age of Imprisonment. The visuals and performance on Switch 2 are incredible, and every character feels unique and fun to play. The game is packed with content, and I love the mix of big battles and emotional moments. This is a must-own for any fan of the series."

"I'm not usually one for musou-style games, but this one really surprised me. The gameplay is smooth and the combat is much improved over previous entries. Even if you’re not a die-hard Warriors fan, there’s enough here for Zelda enthusiasts to enjoy, and the story is a big step up from Age of Calamity."

"I was hooked from launch day. Each character’s play style is unique and engaging, and the story really drew me in. The game runs beautifully, and I keep coming back for more side missions and upgrades. Highly recommended for anyone who loves action and Zelda lore!"