Nintendo Switch 2’s library is building momentum. While major staples such as a new Zelda or 3D Mario platformer have yet to arrive, Nintendo and its publishing partners have delivered a varied selection of upgraded classics, ambitious new releases and excellent third-party ports.
Highlights include the inventive co-op action of Splatoon Raiders, upgraded versions of earlier Switch favourites, Nintendo 64 remakes and major releases from Square Enix and Capcom. The console also supports the complete Switch library through backward compatibility, making the wider catalogue worth exploring.
This selection was updated on 15 September 2026 to add Splatoon Raiders, Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth, Big Walk and Orbitals. For advice on choosing hardware for your games room, see our arcade machine buying guide or browse the latest arcade machines.
How these Switch 2 games were chosen
Every game below earns its place through quality, but variety matters too. The list covers large role-playing adventures, family-friendly multiplayer, horror, platforming, co-operative exploration and smaller experimental releases. Whether you have an afternoon or an entire season to invest, there should be something here to suit your play style.
1. Splatoon Raiders
What initially appears to be a modest co-operative spin-off grows into Nintendo’s first full-scale looter shooter. Splatoon Raiders combines colourful action with role-playing depth, escalating equipment and a demanding endgame. Its campaign starts as a straightforward level-based adventure before becoming a lengthy war of attrition, with the toughest challenges waiting after the main story.
2. Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth
Square Enix has brought its remake project to Switch 2 at remarkable speed: Final Fantasy 7 Remake arrived in January, Rebirth followed in June, and Revelation is scheduled to launch on Nintendo’s console day-and-date in April next year. Rebirth is especially impressive because it adapts an enormous PlayStation 5 adventure. Its wealth of activities and side quests can feel overwhelming, but the result is a lavish, charismatic journey.
3. Big Walk
Australian developer House House, the studio behind Untitled Goose Game, takes co-operative play in an unusual direction with Big Walk. Its physics-driven format encourages playful chaos, but the game also offers mystery, carefully crafted environments and thoughtful puzzles. Friends and family can explore its wilderness together while looking for new ways to cause trouble.
4. Orbitals
Orbitals is a two-player adventure built around inventive co-operative platforming. Shapefarm was founded by a veteran of Hazelight, and the connection shows in the game’s constant stream of shared challenges. The uncomplicated structure is supported by clever design and striking 1980s anime-inspired visuals, making it a strong choice for regular co-op partners.
5. Super Mario Bros. Wonder + Meetup at Bellabel Park
This Switch 2 Edition expands Super Mario Bros. Wonder with new characters, bosses, badge modifiers, a power-up, collectible flowers and emojis, plus remixed challenge stages. The added multiplayer activities are particularly useful for families and local groups looking for an alternative to Mario Kart, although much of the extra material is optional.
The original platform game remains the main attraction. It is a surreal, inventive 2D Mario adventure and arguably Nintendo’s finest entry in the format since Super Mario World in 1991. On Switch 2, it also benefits from a native 4K presentation.
6. Resident Evil Requiem
Capcom’s Switch 2 version of Resident Evil Requiem launched alongside the PlayStation 5, Windows PC and Xbox Series X editions, delivering a largely uncompromised version of the blockbuster horror game. Grace’s sections focus on tense survival horror, while Leon Kennedy’s chapters embrace the bloody action associated with Resident Evil 4.
The two protagonists create a sharp shift in tone, but both sides of the campaign work. Grace brings harsh, frightening survival gameplay; Leon brings extravagant zombie-slaying spectacle.
7. Animal Crossing: New Horizons
The Switch 2 Edition gives Nintendo’s hugely popular island life simulator a substantial return visit. New hotel and slumber islands join bulk crafting, playable classic consoles, Zelda and Lego collaborations, and other quality-of-life improvements.
Exclusive features include mouse control, while faster loading and reduced pop-in provide the most practical benefits. Players who spent hundreds of hours with Animal Crossing: New Horizons during lockdown may feel some familiarity, but dedicated island builders have plenty of reasons to return.
8. Cyberpunk 2077
Cyberpunk 2077 is well suited to Switch 2 because Night City rewards slow, personal exploration. Beneath its deliberately abrasive futuristic setting is a thoughtful story about finding meaning under pressure and the dangers of unchecked corporate power. The strongest writing often appears in its side quests and character stories.
The base game runs well with clear resolution, although performance in Phantom Liberty is less consistent. Motion controls make first-person aiming more comfortable, and Joy-Con 2 mouse controls offer extra precision in tabletop or docked play.
9. Deltarune
Toby Fox’s spiritual successor to Undertale places greater emphasis on character moments, unusual ideas and emotional variety than on a conventional heroic narrative. Kris travels through Dark Worlds shaped by real-world concerns such as public-image obsession and refusing to face grief or loss.
The battle system is the standout feature. Players guide a small heart through enemy projectiles while choosing how to approach each encounter, with story events often changing the rules. A walking stick, a quiz hosted by a narcissistic television personality and other narrative details can all become part of the combat design.
10. Donkey Kong Bananza
Nintendo waited six weeks after launch to release what many players consider Switch 2’s first essential game. Donkey Kong Bananza is also notable as the first in-house Donkey Kong title from Nintendo in 20 years, taking the place many expected a new 3D Mario adventure to fill.
Its platforming follows Nintendo’s usual standards, but the play style is distinct from Mario’s precision. Donkey Kong smashes through environments with satisfying force, turning destruction into the central pleasure. The early stages are approachable, while the adventure builds towards a spectacular finale.
Worthwhile Switch upgrades
Switch 2 owners should not overlook games that are not full Switch 2 Editions but have received meaningful free updates. The console’s backward compatibility also means the original Switch catalogue remains available, considerably widening the choice of games.
For more gaming-room inspiration, explore RETROCADE’s arcade blog, consider a space-saving bartop arcade, or look at arcade parts for a custom build or repair.
Leave a Reply