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After many years of waiting, we finally got our hands on the Nintendo Switch 2, and we’ve been playing its launch lineup and previous games nonstop. Even if some first-party hits are not here yet, the titles that arrived with the console’s long-awaited release have been fantastic and perfect to showcase the capabilities of this new handheld platform. If you’re still on the fence about which game you should buy first or want to know how a specific title performs on this console, here’s a list, in no particular order, of the most fun Nintendo Switch 2 games we’ve played since it launched.
1. Mario Kart World
Let’s start with the first-party title that came with the console and the next Mario Kart entry we were all waiting for: Mario Kart World. In short, it is perfect. I never thought I’d see such gorgeous visuals accompanied by smooth framerate on a Nintendo console, but here we are. Yet, technical things aside, this Mario Kart game is the best in the franchise, even if it doesn’t have a 200cc mode yet. The open-world portions are amazing and make way for some laid-back gameplay that is always welcome. However, the Knock-out Tour is one of the best additions to the series and one that takes you from one stage to another in no time.
2. The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom (Nintendo Switch 2 Upgrade)
The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom was already a technical marvel for the Nintendo Switch, but it definetely shines as one of the best game upgrades for the Nintendo Switch 2. While the gameplay doesn’t change that much, it is great to see the enhanced resolution and framerates for one of Hyrule’s most memorable adventures. The addition of the Zelda Notes app is also great, but I still think the highlight is the plethora of visual improvements that came with the upgrade.
3. Cyberpunk 2077: Ultimate Edition
When I learned Cyberpunk 2077 and its expansion would come to the Nintendo Switch 2 on day one, I was really skeptical. We all know Cyberpunk 2077 is a graphically demanding game that even some top-notch PCs have a hard time running. Fortunately, the Nintendo Switch 2 delivers on the technical aspect and provides players with one of this decade’s most memorable story-driven RPGs. Even if it doesn’t reach the 60 FPS mark, it is still a pretty solid entry for Nintendo’s new console, and even at 30 FPS on Quality Mode or 40 FPS on Performance Mode, it is a highly enjoyable experience.
4. Yakuza 0: Director’s Cut
This is yet another game I thought wouldn’t run that great on the Nintendo Switch 2, but it is actually one of the best right now. For starters, it hits 60 FPS docked and in handheld mode. This is quite surprising for the console, as there are only minor hiccups pertaining to object pop-in. Other than that, it is fantastic regarding the technical matters. In terms of new features, it has a co-op or solo horde-like mode, and the Director’s Cut brings brand-new cutscenes that add new things to the story. All those things aside, this is one of the best Like a Dragon/Yakuza games ever made, and a welcome addition to the Nintendo Switch 2 lineup.
5. Sonic x Shadow Generations
Sonic x Shadow Generations is already a banger of a game, especially thanks to the new Shadow story and stages. However, it is even better now on the Nintendo Switch 2. It is important to note that Sonic Generations has been out for quite some time, so that one hits 60 FPS at all times. Yet, Shadow Generations, the new addition, features two graphical modes, with Quality going for 30 FPS and Performance hitting 60 FPS. The latter is way better as it embraces the smoothness and speed of the edgy hedgehog, but it is great to have the option to pick between the two.
6. Nobunaga’s Ambition: Awakening Complete Edition
When it comes to strategy games made by Koei Tecmo, Nobunaga’s Ambition: Awakening is one of the standouts. This edition brings all the base game features, downloadable content, and even six new scenarios for players to try. However, one of the best things about Nobunaga’s Ambition: Awakening on the Nintendo Switch 2 is the ability to swap between Joy-Cons and the new Mouse mode. The latter is the absolute best way to play it and one that makes the management parts of this intricate strategy game flow way smoother. On the Switch 2, you won’t find a better use of the tech and the portable nature. Never has becoming a feudal warlord been so convenient.
7. Puyo Puyo Tetris 2S
Many might think that Puyo Puyo Tetris 2S is a simple game, but in truth, it is pure mayhem that can also be enjoyed co-op. We will say that the co-op portion of this game is way better and makes the combination of classic Tetris with the added mechanics much more fun. Regarding performance, it runs great. It hits 60 FPS without issues. We only recommend this one if you have other friends to play with because that’s when the game truly shines.
8. Rune Factory: Guardians of Azuma
Rune Factory 4 was a terrific entry in the series, and while Rune Factory 5 innovated in some areas, it felt flat in others. Guardians of Azuma is the combination of the two, but also one of the best games to play on the Nintendo Switch. For starters, it combines RPG mechanics with farming-sim systems to create an excellent mix that caters to casual and hardcore players. Yet, the reason why we love Guardians of Azuma so much is because it is one of those games that feel perfect on the Nintendo Switch 2, especially in handheld mode. Graphically speaking, everything looks great and manages to almost hit 60 FPS at all times. It has a few hiccups, but it is a clear improvement over Nintendo’s previous console and one of the best launch games so far.
9. Kunitsu-gami: Path of the Goddess
Kunitsu-gami: Path of the Goddess was one of Capcom’s sleeper hits of the last year. It combined so many gameplay mechanics and genres in the most cohesive way to deliver a memorable experience tied with an amazing narrative and an engaging gameplay loop. Now, it landed on the Nintendo Switch 2, and it feels great to play, albeit with a few limitations. For starters, the framerate is locked to 40, and it lacks a few graphical options we saw on PC. Still, it is an excellent game to try both docked and undocked, and even plays great with the new Mouse controls.
10. Street Fighter 6 – Official Years 1-2 Edition
We never thought we’d see a proper fighting game during the Nintendo Switch 2 launch, but we’re glad Street Fighter 6 was the one that made it to the lineup. The important parts, which are the fights, run perfectly at 60 FPS. This is certainly great for Nintendo fans who’ve been waiting for something that isn’t Super Smash Bros. However, if you want to go on the World Tour mode, you’ll be stuck at 30 frames, which might not be great for some. Yet, if all you want is to bust some cool combos and fight nonstop, Street Fighter 6 runs surprisingly well on this new console.
11. Hitman: World of Assassination – Signature Edition
Hitman: World of Assassination has been one of the best entries in the legendary Agent 47 franchise as well as one of the best stealth games of the past generations. So far, we’ve seen it in every platform there is, and the Nintendo Switch 2 is the next to open its doors to the deadliest bald assassin out there. Those who want a steady 60 FPS gameplay will be disappointed, as it fluctuates between 40 and 60, with the average being 48. However, that’s a pretty good framerate, especially since the Nintendo Switch 2 version doesn’t sacrifice any visual details for a better framerate. It is a trade-off for sure, but since it isn’t such an action-oriented game, the FPS marks it hits are perfect for every mission you’ll play.
12. Nintendo GameCube Classics
As you know, Nintendo is starting to roll out a few GameCube Classics, with The Legend of Zelda: Wind Waker, F-Zero, and Soulcalibur II being the first. As expected, they run great, yet they aren’t just simple ports. They come with new graphical features for the Nintendo Switch 2, such as different screen options, suspend points for Wind Waker, but most importantly, the ability to jump to online matches in Soulcalibur II.
13. Xenoblade Chronicles X
One of the biggest surprises of this year was the launch of Xenoblade Chronicles X on the Nintendo Switch. Against all odds, it managed to provide a smooth experience on the last console. The open world looked great, and despite its scale, it never felt bumpy. However, the Nintendo Switch 2, while lacking a proper upgrade, provides better resolution, especially in its handheld mode, and while it still hits 30 FPS, the performance around the map is much better, which is definetely an unofficial upgrade for this classic.
14. Fire Emblem Engage
Out of curiosity, we wanted to try Fire Emblem Engage on the Nintendo Switch 2, even if there isn’t an upgrade for this game. To our surprise, there are a few differences, yet nothing mind-blowing. For starters, loading times are faster. Not by a lot, but getting into one of your matches a few seconds earlier always helps. However, textures look a bit sharper, removing some of the rough edges you could see in some characters’ outfits and hair. It is unclear if this will get an official patch out there, but it is nice to see that some things work better on the Nintendo Switch 2.
15. Pokémon Scarlet & Violet
Last, but certainly not least, Pokémon Scarlet & Violet. These games were quite controversial at launch because they seemed to be pushing the Nintendo Switch to dangerous levels. The game had several frame drop issues, textures looked faded and washed out; it didn’t feel right. However, the recent updates for the Nintendo Switch 2 brought many necessary improvements. Things like resolution, level of detail, and textures have all been fixed. Places that looked flat or had bad pop-in no longer look as such. But the most important part, and I can hear the sighs of relief of every Pokémon fan out there, is that the game runs at a steady 60 FPS at all times. Yes, there might be a few stutters, but nothing compared to launch day on the Nintendo Switch.
