Best Nintendo Switch Arcade Games of 2026

James Ryan Avatar
James Ryan
Last Updated: Jan 10, 2026

* We independently evaluate all recommended products and services. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation.

Nintendo Switch Arcade Games are a great way to bring the classic arcade experience to your home. With a variety of games available, including classics like Pac-Man and Galaga, as well as newer titles like Street Fighter II and NBA Jam, there's something for everyone. The compact, portable design of the Nintendo Switch makes it perfect for gaming on the go, and the Joy-Con controllers allow for multiplayer fun with friends and family. Whether you're a die-hard retro gaming fan or just looking for some casual fun, Nintendo Switch Arcade Games are a great choice.

At a Glance: Our Top Picks

Game Mill Fast & Furious Arcade Switch Cover #TOP 1
Game Mill Fast & Furious Arcade Switch
ftb score rating icon 9.8
Big Buck Hunter Arcade (Nintendo Switch) Cover #TOP 2
Big Buck Hunter Arcade (Nintendo Switch)
ftb score rating icon 9.7
PM Studios Terminator 2D Switch Cover #TOP 3
PM Studios Terminator 2D Switch
ftb score rating icon 9.5

Top 4 Nintendo Switch Arcade Games

#TOP 1

Game Mill Fast & Furious Arcade Switch

GMML66150SWI
Game Mill Fast & Furious Arcade Switch Cover
Fast & Furious: Arcade Edition - Nintendo Switch

Game Mill Fast & Furious offers an exciting arcade racing experience on the Nintendo Switch, perfectly capturing the thrill of high-speed driving. You’ll enjoy racing in famous supercars, where sharp turns and nitro boosts add to the excitement and challenge. The game brings the classic arcade racing feel right to your console, so you can enjoy fast-paced action anytime. Plus, you can customize your car’s colors, letting you personalize your ride and stand out on the track. This makes the game fun and engaging for anyone who loves stylish, adrenaline-pumping racing.

What We Like
Fun gameplay
Good graphics
Great for kids
Appeals to racing fans
What We Don't Like
Limited tracks and cars
Excitement fades quickly
#TOP 2

Big Buck Hunter Arcade (Nintendo Switch)

BBU-SWI
Big Buck Hunter Arcade (Nintendo Switch) Cover
Big Buck Hunter Arcade (Nintendo Switch)

Get ready for an exciting hunting experience with the Maximum Games Hunting Game for Nintendo Switch. As the No.1 Arcade Hunting Game, you and a friend can enjoy the 2-player arcade shooter mode. Encounter dangerous animals for extra points as you navigate through 33 challenging levels. Collect over 100 Badges & Achievements to show off your skills. With additional levels in the New Switch version, you'll have even more content to explore. Compete with others on the Online Leaderboards to see who's the ultimate hunter!

What We Like
Fun for families
Great graphics
Lots of levels
Quick pick-up gameplay
Enjoyable two-player mode
What We Don't Like
No motion controls
Incompatible with gun accessory
#TOP 3

PM Studios Terminator 2D Switch

0644197951617
PM Studios Terminator 2D Switch Cover
Terminator 2D: NO FATE Day One Edition - Nintendo Switch

PM Studios Terminator 2D lets you dive into a classic arcade game inspired by the Terminator universe. You'll enjoy authentic gameplay, music, and visuals that bring iconic scenes and new stories to life, making your experience both nostalgic and fresh. Playing as Sarah, John, or the T-800, you get to shoot, sneak, and escape threats like the T-1000, adding excitement and challenge as you lead missions in the Future War. The detailed 2D artwork and cinematic soundtrack enhance the immersion, while multiple game modes give you variety and replay value, so you can find the style that suits you best.

What We Like
Fast-paced action gameplay
Gorgeous pixel art style
Branching storylines and endings
Faithful tribute to Terminator
Valuable Day One Edition extras
What We Don't Like
Physical extras not essential
#TOP 4

Deep Silver Monster Jam Showdown Switch

PLAO1144352SWI
Deep Silver Monster Jam Showdown Switch Cover
Monster Jam Showdown - Nintendo Switch

Deep Silver Monster Jam Switch offers an exciting off-road arcade racing experience that's easy to jump into, making it perfect for both Monster Jam fans and arcade racing players. You can showcase your freestyle skills by pulling off impressive tricks in competitions, adding a fun and creative challenge. The game features famous Monster Jam trucks like Grave Digger and Toro Loco, letting you drive the most iconic vehicles from the real events. Plus, you get to race across three unique outdoor environments, giving you a chance to enjoy thrilling races outside the stadiums in wild, untamed settings.

What We Like
Kid-friendly gameplay
Fun monster truck action
Multiple game modes
Adjustable difficulty settings
Easy setup and play
What We Don't Like
Minor track bugs
Controls tricky for youngest kids
Buying Guide Image

Sorting Out the Nintendo Switch Arcade Games to Bring Fun to Life

Introduction to Nintendo Switch Arcade Games

The Nintendo Switch has quickly become one of the most popular gaming consoles on the market, thanks to its versatility and portability. One of the standout features of the Switch is its vast library of arcade games, which offer a fun and exciting gaming experience for players of all ages. But with so many arcade games to choose from, it can be overwhelming to decide which ones to play. In this article, we'll provide some tips and guidelines for choosing the best arcade games for your Nintendo Switch.

Consider Your Gaming Preferences

The first step in choosing the right arcade games for your Nintendo Switch is to consider your personal gaming preferences. Are you a fan of fast-paced action games, or do you prefer more laid-back puzzle games? Do you enjoy playing solo, or do you prefer multiplayer games? Answering these questions can help you narrow down your options and find arcade games that will suit your tastes.

For example, if you're a fan of high-energy action games, you might want to check out popular titles like "Super Mario Bros. U Deluxe" or "Donkey Kong Country: Tropical Freeze." These games offer fast-paced gameplay and exciting challenges that will keep you on the edge of your seat. On the other hand, if you prefer more laid-back games, you might enjoy titles like "Animal Crossing: New Horizons" or "The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild," which offer more relaxed gameplay and allow you to explore beautiful, open-world environments at your own pace.

Read Reviews and Watch Gameplay Videos

Another helpful tip for choosing the right arcade games for your Nintendo Switch is to read reviews and watch gameplay videos. This will give you a better idea of what the game is like and whether it's something that you'll enjoy.

For example, if you're interested in a particular arcade game, you can search for it on a gaming website or forum and read reviews from other players. These reviews will provide valuable insights into the game's mechanics, graphics, and overall quality. You can also check out gameplay videos on YouTube, which will give you a better sense of what the game is like and whether it's something that you'll enjoy.

Try Out the Demo Version

Many arcade games for the Nintendo Switch offer a demo version that you can try out before you decide to purchase the full game. This is a great way to get a feel for the game and see if it's something that you'll enjoy.

For example, if you're interested in a particular arcade game, you can search for it on the Nintendo eShop and download the demo version. This will allow you to play a limited version of the game and see if it's something that you'll enjoy. If you like the demo, you can then decide to purchase the full game.

Conclusion

Choosing the right arcade games for your Nintendo Switch can be challenging, but it's also a lot of fun. By considering your gaming preferences, reading reviews and watching gameplay videos, and trying out demo versions, you can find arcade games that will provide hours of entertainment and enjoyment.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Does Nintendo Switch have an arcade game?

Yes, Nintendo Switch offers an arcade game called Party Arcade. It's a family-friendly party game set in a virtual arcade. With 13 addictive games, players can collect tickets, unlock different equipment skins, and compete against family and friends at home or online.

2. What classic arcade games are available on Nintendo Switch?

Nintendo Switch offers several classic arcade games, such as Pac-Man, Donkey Kong, Streets of Rage series, Golden Axe series, Frogger, Big Buck Hunter, Rygar, and Double Dragon. These iconic games provide nostalgic gameplay experiences for fans of the arcade era.

3. Does Switch play Gameboy?

Yes, Nintendo Switch can play Game Boy Advance games, but you will need a Nintendo Switch Online membership. While you don't need an active membership to download the software from the eShop, you will require an active membership to play Game Boy Advance games on your Switch.

4. How do I access classic games on Switch?

To access classic games on Nintendo Switch, follow these steps: 1. Open the Nintendo eShop on your console. 2. Select a user with an active Nintendo Switch Online membership. 3. Scroll down and choose Nintendo Switch Online. 4. In the 'Special Offers' section, select the classic game library you want to download. 5. Select 'Free Download' twice to start the download process.

5. What free games are on Capcom Arcade Stadium?

Capcom Arcade Stadium offers a mix of free-to-download and stand-alone purchase games. The free-to-download games include 1943 - The Battle of Midway. The stand-alone purchase games include Ghosts 'n Goblins. Additionally, Pack 1: Dawn of the Arcade ('84 - '88) includes Vulgus, Pirate Ship Higemaru, 1942, Commando, Section Z, and Tatakai no Banka.

Editor's Notes

During our nintendo switch arcade game research, we found 16 nintendo switch arcade game products and shortlisted 4 quality products. We collected and analyzed 12,874 customer reviews through our big data system to write the nintendo switch arcade games list. We found that most customers choose nintendo switch arcade games with an average price of $29.08.

The nintendo switch arcade games are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of nintendo switch arcade games, including Game Mill, Maximum Games, PM Studios, Deep Silver. The seller of top 1 product has received honest feedback from 1,266 consumers with an average rating of 4.8.

Written by
James Ryan Avatar

James Ryan is a young writer with a degree in journalism. He’s well-versed in topics such as literature, video games, and gaming devices. In his free time, he enjoys editing, playing games, exercising and photography.