The Nintendo Switch has accumulated one of the greatest game libraries in console history over its lifetime — spanning Nintendo’s own legendary first-party franchises, outstanding third-party exclusives, and a thriving indie scene that made the Switch the definitive home for smaller creative titles. This guide ranks the best Nintendo Switch games of all time across every genre: the greatest must-have Switch exclusives, the best first-party Nintendo games, the best third-party AAA titles, the top Switch tier list, and the essential games every Switch owner should play before the console generation ends.
For the best free Nintendo Switch games — including Fortnite, Warframe, and Pokemon Unite — see our guide to the best free Nintendo Switch games 2026 — every free-to-play title worth downloading.
Top 25 Nintendo Switch Games of All Time — Ultimate Tier List
| Tier | Rank | Game | Why It’s Essential |
| S | 1 | The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom | Greatest open-world game ever made; expands BotW in every direction |
| S | 2 | The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild | Redefined open-world gaming; still a masterpiece in 2026 |
| S | 3 | Super Mario Odyssey | Greatest 3D platformer ever made; 999 Moons; Cappy mechanic |
| S | 4 | Hollow Knight | Greatest Metroidvania ever made; 60+ hrs; $15 |
| S | 5 | Hades | Greatest roguelike ever made; narrative + combat perfection |
| S | 6 | Super Mario Bros. Wonder | Best 2D Mario in 30 years; Wonder Flowers reinvent every level |
| A | 7 | Xenoblade Chronicles 3 | Deepest RPG on Switch; 100+ hrs; stunning world |
| A | 8 | Metroid Dread | Best Metroid in 20 years; tight and terrifying |
| A | 9 | Mario Kart 8 Deluxe | Best-selling Switch game; 96 courses; timeless multiplayer |
| A | 10 | Celeste | Precision platformer masterclass; accessibility + difficulty done right |
| A | 11 | Stardew Valley | Most hours played on Switch; cozy farming infinity |
| A | 12 | Fire Emblem: Three Houses | Greatest tactical RPG of the decade; 4 routes; 150+ hrs |
| A | 13 | Super Smash Bros. Ultimate | Greatest fighting game roster ever; definitive Switch party game |
| A | 14 | Pokemon Legends: Arceus | Most innovative Pokemon ever; best gameplay loop in the series |
| A | 15 | Balatro | 2024 indie phenomenon; impossibly addictive poker roguelike |
| B | 16 | Animal Crossing: New Horizons | Pandemic-era phenomenon; life sim perfection; 100M+ players |
| B | 17 | Splatoon 3 | Best online shooter on Switch; Salmon Run co-op; regular updates |
| B | 18 | Octopath Traveler II | Beautiful HD-2D RPG; 8 interlocking stories; 80+ hrs |
| B | 19 | Dead Cells | Best roguelite Metroidvania; fluid combat; great DLC |
| B | 20 | Monster Hunter Rise | Best Monster Hunter for newcomers; seamless Switch performance |
| B | 21 | Kirby and the Forgotten Land | Best Kirby game ever; accessible 3D platformer done right |
| B | 22 | It Takes Two | Best co-op game ever made; Friend’s Pass; GOTY 2021 |
| B | 23 | Cuphead | Iconic art; brutal bosses; best run-and-gun on Switch |
| B | 24 | Outer Wilds | Most profound adventure game on Switch; pure discovery |
| B | 25 | Super Mario 3D World + Bowser’s Fury | Two great games; Bowser’s Fury is stunning; best co-op Mario |
Best Nintendo Switch Exclusive Games — First-Party Nintendo
Nintendo Switch exclusives — games only available on Switch — represent the strongest argument for owning the platform. These titles cannot be played anywhere else:
| Game | Genre | Notes |
| Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom | Open World Adventure | Switch exclusive; no PC/PS5 version |
| Zelda: Breath of the Wild | Open World Adventure | Switch exclusive (also Wii U) |
| Super Mario Odyssey | 3D Platformer | Switch exclusive |
| Super Mario Bros. Wonder | 2D Platformer | Switch exclusive |
| Metroid Dread | Metroidvania | Switch exclusive |
| Fire Emblem: Three Houses | Tactical RPG | Switch exclusive |
| Xenoblade Chronicles 3 | Open World RPG | Switch exclusive |
| Splatoon 3 | Online Shooter | Switch exclusive |
| Pokemon Legends: Arceus | Action Adventure | Switch exclusive |
| Animal Crossing: New Horizons | Life Sim | Switch exclusive |
| Kirby and the Forgotten Land | 3D Platformer | Switch exclusive |
| Luigi’s Mansion 3 | Action Adventure | Switch exclusive |
Best Third-Party AAA Games on Nintendo Switch
Beyond Nintendo’s own titles, the Switch has received excellent third-party AAA ports and exclusives:
- The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt — Complete Edition: The full Witcher 3 experience including both DLC expansions on a handheld device — a technical achievement and one of the greatest RPGs ever made
- Skyrim: Still the most-ported game in history; the Switch version holds up well and the portability factor makes revisiting it compelling
- DOOM (2016) and DOOM Eternal: Id Software’s modern DOOM reboots run remarkably well on Switch — best performance of any Switch port in a demanding technical title
- Persona 5 Royal: The definitive JRPG of the last decade came to Switch in 2022 and is essential for any RPG fan
- Monster Hunter Rise: Capcom’s flagship monster-hunting RPG launched on Switch first and is optimized better for it than almost any third-party Switch game
- Octopath Traveler I and II: Square Enix’s HD-2D RPGs are best experienced on Switch — the portable format suits the game’s episodic structure perfectly
- NieR: Automata: The acclaimed action RPG from Platinum Games and Square Enix came to Switch in 2022 in a complete edition including all DLC
Must-Have Nintendo Switch Games — Starter Pack
If you are new to Switch and building your library, these are the non-negotiable first purchases across different genres:
| Genre | Must-Have Switch Game |
| Open World Adventure | Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom (then Breath of the Wild) |
| 3D Platformer | Super Mario Odyssey |
| 2D Platformer | Super Mario Bros. Wonder |
| Indie / Metroidvania | Hollow Knight ($15 — exceptional value) |
| Roguelike | Hades |
| Multiplayer / Party | Mario Kart 8 Deluxe |
| Co-op | It Takes Two (Friend’s Pass — one copy for two) |
| RPG | Fire Emblem: Three Houses or Persona 5 Royal |
| Cozy | Stardew Valley or Animal Crossing: New Horizons |
| Free | Fortnite or Warframe — no cost |
Nintendo Switch Games Tier List — By Genre
S-Tier Switch Games (Greatest of All Time)
- Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom — open world perfection
- Zelda: Breath of the Wild — redefined the genre
- Super Mario Odyssey — greatest 3D platformer
- Hollow Knight — greatest Metroidvania
- Hades — greatest roguelike
- Super Mario Bros. Wonder — best 2D Mario in decades
A-Tier Switch Games (Essential Purchases)
- Xenoblade Chronicles 3, Metroid Dread, Mario Kart 8 Deluxe, Celeste, Stardew Valley, Fire Emblem: Three Houses, Super Smash Bros. Ultimate, Pokemon Legends: Arceus, Balatro
B-Tier Switch Games (Highly Recommended)
- Animal Crossing: New Horizons, Splatoon 3, Octopath Traveler II, Dead Cells, Monster Hunter Rise, Kirby Forgotten Land, It Takes Two, Cuphead, Outer Wilds, 3D World + Bowser’s Fury
C-Tier — Good But Not Essential
- Pokemon Scarlet/Violet (technical issues drag it down), New Super Mario Bros. U Deluxe (safe but unremarkable), Bayonetta 3, Luigi’s Mansion 3, Mario + Rabbids Sparks of Hope
Greatest Nintendo Games of All Time — Beyond Switch
In the broader context of all Nintendo games ever made, the Switch’s top titles compete with the greatest games Nintendo has produced across all platforms:
| Game | Platform | Legacy |
| Super Mario Bros. | NES | Invented the platformer genre; launched Nintendo’s dominance |
| The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time | N64 | First 3D action-adventure; still considered one of the greatest ever |
| Super Mario 64 | N64 | Defined 3D gaming; every 3D game since owes it a debt |
| Super Metroid | SNES | Defined the Metroidvania genre |
| Zelda: Breath of the Wild | Switch | Redefined open-world gaming in 2017 |
| Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom | Switch | Expanded BotW in every direction; 2023 GOTY |
| Super Mario Odyssey | Switch | Greatest 3D Mario; one of the greatest platformers ever |
| Fire Emblem: Three Houses | Switch | Greatest tactical RPG Nintendo has published |
Nintendo Switch Games for Adults — Best Mature Titles
While Nintendo’s library skews family-friendly, the Switch has a strong lineup of mature titles for adult players:
- The Witcher 3 — M-rated open world RPG; 100+ hour epic
- Persona 5 Royal — M-rated JRPG; greatest story in the medium’s recent history
- DOOM (2016) / DOOM Eternal — M-rated; best FPS games on Switch
- NieR: Automata — M-rated action RPG; philosophical narrative depth
- Bayonetta 3 — M-rated action game; most technically demanding Switch exclusive
- Disco Elysium — M-rated detective RPG; most unique narrative game of the decade
- Hades — T-rated but adult-toned roguelike; mature themes handled well
Switch Games Worth It in 2026 — Is Nintendo Switch Still Worth Buying?
With Nintendo Switch 2 available in 2026, the question of whether the original Switch is still worth buying depends on budget and priorities. The original Nintendo Switch (currently $199-$299 depending on model) remains excellent value in 2026 — the game library is complete, all major titles have been released, and Nintendo Switch Online provides access to hundreds of classic games. The Switch 2 is backward compatible with virtually all Switch 1 games, meaning any Switch 1 game library transfers to Switch 2 if you upgrade. For budget-conscious buyers choosing between Switch 1 and Switch 2, the Switch 1 with a strong game library is a better value purchase. For buyers who want the latest hardware and future Nintendo exclusives, Switch 2 is the right choice — and the backward compatibility means you lose nothing from the Switch 1 library.
For the full guide to Nintendo Switch 2 game compatibility and best Switch 2 games, see our article on the Nintendo Switch 2 games guide — best Switch 2 games, compatibility, and what to play.
For Nintendo Switch game prices and the complete eShop catalog, see the Nintendo eShop — Nintendo Switch games. For Switch game reviews and scores, see Metacritic — Nintendo Switch game scores and reviews.
Top 50 Nintendo Switch Games — Extended Rankings
Beyond the top 25, the Switch library has dozens more titles worth owning. Ranked 26-50 in the all-time Switch library: Super Mario Party Jamboree, Luigi’s Mansion 3, Paper Mario: The Origami King, Bayonetta 3, NieR: Automata, The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt, Persona 5 Royal, Disco Elysium, Undertale, Shovel Knight: Treasure Trove, Ori and the Will of the Wisps, Captain Toad: Treasure Tracker, Astral Chain, Tokyo Mirage Sessions #FE Encore, Ring Fit Adventure, Mario + Rabbids: Sparks of Hope, Donkey Kong Country: Tropical Freeze, Yoshi’s Crafted World, Kirby Star Allies, Pokemon Sword and Shield, Spiritfarer, A Short Hike, Katana Zero, CrossCode, and Tunic. This expanded list covers the full breadth of the Switch’s library across every genre — from Nintendo’s own output to the best of indie and third-party development on the platform.
Best Nintendo Switch Games to Buy on Sale — Best Value Picks
Knowing when and where to buy Switch games at a discount significantly stretches your gaming budget. The Nintendo eShop runs seasonal sales throughout the year — the summer sale (typically June-July), the Black Friday sale (November), and the end-of-year sale (December-January) offer the deepest discounts. First-party Nintendo titles rarely drop below 33% off even in sales (Nintendo games hold their value), but third-party and indie games frequently hit 50-75% off. The best value Switch games to watch for on sale: Hollow Knight regularly drops to $7.49 (50% off $14.99), Stardew Valley hits $9.99, Celeste goes to $9.99, Dead Cells to $9.99, Hades to $12.49, Cuphead to $9.99, and Octopath Traveler II to $29.99. For Nintendo first-party games, the best sale prices seen historically are Super Mario Odyssey at $39.99 (33% off), Mario Kart 8 Deluxe at $39.99, and Fire Emblem: Three Houses at $39.99. Zelda: Breath of the Wild and Tears of the Kingdom almost never go on sale — budget $59.99 for each at full price.
Nintendo Switch vs Switch 2 — Complete Comparison for 2026
For buyers choosing between Nintendo Switch and Switch 2 in 2026, the decision comes down to budget, priority, and future-proofing. Nintendo Switch 1 (standard: $299.99 MSRP, often found used for $150-200) offers the complete library of every game discussed in this article, Nintendo Switch Online access, and a proven eight-year track record of support. Nintendo Switch 2 ($449.99 MSRP at launch) offers significantly better hardware performance, a larger display, improved Joy-Con design, backward compatibility with virtually all Switch 1 games, and access to new Switch 2-exclusive titles as the library grows. Key consideration: all Switch 1 games you own physically or digitally (on the same Nintendo account) are playable on Switch 2 — switching platforms costs nothing beyond the hardware price. For players who own a significant Switch 1 library, upgrading to Switch 2 is a clean transition. For new buyers starting from scratch, Switch 2 is the forward-looking choice while Switch 1 offers the same great library at lower cost.
Why the Nintendo Switch Has One of Gaming’s Greatest Libraries
The Nintendo Switch’s remarkable library is the result of several converging factors that aligned uniquely in the console’s 2017-2026 lifecycle. First, Nintendo’s internal studios produced an extraordinary run of S-tier games: Breath of the Wild and Tears of the Kingdom gave the Zelda franchise its two greatest entries simultaneously, Odyssey and Wonder gave Mario its two best outings in decades, Metroid Dread ended a 19-year drought for the franchise with the best entry since Super Metroid, and Fire Emblem: Three Houses became one of the greatest tactical RPGs ever made. Second, the Switch’s hybrid design attracted indie developers who found the handheld-to-TV flexibility ideal for their games — Hollow Knight, Hades, Celeste, Stardew Valley, Balatro, Dead Cells, and dozens of other landmark indie titles found their largest console audiences on Switch. Third, the Switch outlasted the typical console lifecycle: released in 2017, it continued receiving major first-party releases through 2024 (Tears of the Kingdom, Princess Peach: Showtime, Luigi’s Mansion 2 HD) and third-party support into 2025-2026. The combination of Nintendo’s best first-party output in decades, the indie renaissance, and an unusually long lifecycle gives the Switch a library depth that rivals any console in history.
Nintendo Switch Games — All 1st Party Games Complete List
Nintendo published (or co-published) the following first-party games on Nintendo Switch across the console’s lifetime: The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild, Super Mario Odyssey, Mario Kart 8 Deluxe, Splatoon 2, ARMS, Fire Emblem Warriors, Xenoblade Chronicles 2, Super Mario Party, Kirby Star Allies, Nintendo Labo, Pokemon Let’s Go Pikachu/Eevee, Super Smash Bros. Ultimate, New Super Mario Bros. U Deluxe, Yoshi’s Crafted World, Super Mario Maker 2, Fire Emblem: Three Houses, Astral Chain, Luigi’s Mansion 3, Pokemon Sword and Shield, Animal Crossing: New Horizons, Xenoblade Chronicles: Definitive Edition, Paper Mario: The Origami King, Pikmin 3 Deluxe, Hyrule Warriors: Age of Calamity, Super Mario 3D World + Bowser’s Fury, Monster Hunter Rise (co-published), New Pokemon Snap, Mario Golf: Super Rush, The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword HD, Metroid Dread, Pokemon Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl, Mario Party Superstars, Pokemon Legends: Arceus, Kirby and the Forgotten Land, Nintendo Switch Sports, Mario Strikers: Battle League, Xenoblade Chronicles 3, Splatoon 3, Pokemon Scarlet and Violet, Bayonetta 3, Fire Emblem Engage, Pikmin 4, The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom, Super Mario Bros. Wonder, Mario vs. Donkey Kong, Princess Peach: Showtime, Luigi’s Mansion 2 HD, and Super Mario Party Jamboree. This represents one of the most prolific first-party publishing runs in Nintendo’s history across a single console generation.
Bottom Line
| #1 Switch game all time | Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom — open world perfection |
| Best Switch exclusive | Zelda BotW + TotK + Super Mario Odyssey + Wonder |
| Best indie on Switch | Hollow Knight — 60+ hrs; $15; S-tier Metroidvania |
| Best Switch RPG | Fire Emblem: Three Houses or Persona 5 Royal |
| Best multiplayer Switch | Mario Kart 8 Deluxe — 96 courses; 2-4 players |
| Best free Switch game | Fortnite or Warframe |
| Best value Switch game | Hollow Knight ($15) or Stardew Valley ($15) |
| Must-have first purchases | TotK, Odyssey, Wonder, MK8D, Hollow Knight |
| Is Switch worth it in 2026 | Yes — complete library; great value; Switch 2 backward compatible |
| Switch 1 vs Switch 2 | Switch 1 = better value; Switch 2 = future exclusives + better hardware |
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best Nintendo Switch games of all time?
The best Nintendo Switch games of all time are The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom (greatest open-world game ever made), Zelda: Breath of the Wild (redefined the genre in 2017), Super Mario Odyssey (greatest 3D platformer), Hollow Knight (greatest Metroidvania for $15), Hades (greatest roguelike), and Super Mario Bros. Wonder (best 2D Mario in 30 years). Fire Emblem: Three Houses, Xenoblade Chronicles 3, Metroid Dread, Stardew Valley, and Celeste round out the essential S and A-tier Switch library.
What are the must-have Nintendo Switch games?
Must-have Nintendo Switch games for any new Switch owner: Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom, Super Mario Odyssey, Super Mario Bros. Wonder, Mario Kart 8 Deluxe, Hollow Knight, Hades, and Stardew Valley. These seven games alone provide hundreds of hours across different genres and represent the Switch library at its absolute best. Add Fire Emblem: Three Houses or Persona 5 Royal for RPG depth, and It Takes Two for the best co-op experience on any platform.
What is the greatest Nintendo game of all time?
The greatest Nintendo game of all time is a matter of personal preference and context, but the strongest candidates are: The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time (N64, 1998 — often cited as the greatest game ever made), Super Mario 64 (N64, 1996 — defined 3D gaming), and The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom (Switch, 2023 — the most technically and creatively ambitious game Nintendo has ever shipped). Among Switch-specific titles, Tears of the Kingdom is the consensus greatest Nintendo game of the Switch era.
What are the best first-party Nintendo Switch games?
The best first-party Nintendo Switch exclusives are: Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom, Zelda: Breath of the Wild, Super Mario Odyssey, Super Mario Bros. Wonder, Metroid Dread, Fire Emblem: Three Houses, Xenoblade Chronicles 3, Splatoon 3, Pokemon Legends: Arceus, Animal Crossing: New Horizons, and Kirby and the Forgotten Land. These titles are only available on Nintendo Switch and represent the strongest argument for owning the platform.
Are Nintendo Switch games still worth buying in 2026?
Yes — Nintendo Switch games are absolutely still worth buying in 2026. The Switch library is complete and the prices on many titles have dropped significantly since their launch. Nintendo Switch 2 is backward compatible with virtually all Switch 1 games, meaning any Switch 1 games you buy now will transfer to Switch 2 if you upgrade. The Switch 1 game library represents some of the best gaming available on any platform regardless of the console’s age, and titles like Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom, Hollow Knight, Hades, and Fire Emblem: Three Houses are timeless regardless of hardware generation.
