Best Nintendo Switch games in 2025 – from Zelda and Super Mario to indie hits like Hades and Hollow Knight. Explore top community favorites, trending titles, and must-play recommendations for every type of gamer.
This guide highlights the most popular, highest-rated, and community-loved Switch games right now, based on current trends, player rankings, and sales data.
Nintendo Switch Best Games (Master Table)
| Rank | Game Title | Genre | Highlight Feature | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom | Action-Adventure | Huge open world, creativity, physics-based gameplay | Exploration lovers |
| 2 | The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild | Action-Adventure | Freedom, environmental puzzles, iconic world | First-time players |
| 3 | Super Mario Odyssey | Platformer | Creative level design, joyful controls | Platformer fans |
| 4 | Super Smash Bros. Ultimate | Fighting | Massive character roster, online/local battles | Competitive & party play |
| 5 | Mario Kart 8 Deluxe | Racing | Fun for all ages, online & split-screen | Family & friends |
| 6 | Super Mario Bros. Wonder | Platformer | New powers, colorful stages | Casual fun |
| 7 | Metroid Dread | Action / Sci-fi | Fast-paced combat, exploration | Metroidvania fans |
| 8 | Luigi’s Mansion 3 | Puzzle / Adventure | Funny ghost hunting, co-op play | Family-friendly fun |
| 9 | Animal Crossing: New Horizons | Simulation | Build, decorate, socialize | Relaxed gameplay |
| 10 | Hollow Knight | Indie / Metroidvania | Deep world, precision combat | Indie & challenge lovers |
| 11 | Hades | Roguelike / Action | Fast combat, great story, replayable | Action fans |
| 12 | Stardew Valley | Farming / Life Sim | Relaxing, endless activities | Cozy gamers |
| 13 | Celeste | Platformer | Emotional story, tight controls | Challenge seekers |
| 14 | Slay the Spire | Strategy / Card | Addictive roguelike deck-builder | Strategy lovers |
| 15 | Fire Emblem: Three Houses | RPG / Strategy | Deep characters, branching stories | Tactical RPG fans |
| 16 | Xenoblade Chronicles 3 | RPG | Vast story, emotional depth | JRPG enthusiasts |
| 17 | Splatoon 3 | Shooter / Multiplayer | Fun ink-based gameplay | Online competition |
| 18 | Balatro | Roguelike / Card | Unique poker-style gameplay | Indie players |
| 19 | Hogwarts Legacy | Action / RPG | Explore the wizarding world | Harry Potter fans |
| 20 | LEGO Star Wars: The Skywalker Saga | Action / Adventure | Humor, co-op, all 9 movies | Family play |
1. The Best Nintendo Switch Games Right Now
These are the games dominating player votes and duel rankings – the ones players can’t stop recommending.
1. The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom
Nintendo’s latest masterpiece builds on Breath of the Wild with even greater creativity and freedom. Its crafting system, exploration, and world design make it one of the best games ever made.
2. The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild
Still magical years later. Its open-world exploration, discovery, and sense of adventure changed gaming forever.
3. Super Mario Odyssey
A cheerful, imaginative platformer filled with creative worlds and clever gameplay ideas. Every level feels like a celebration of fun.
4. Super Smash Bros. Ultimate
The ultimate fighting crossover – massive roster, deep mechanics, and the best multiplayer experience on the Switch.
5. Mario Kart 8 Deluxe
The definitive kart racer. Perfect for family fun, online matches, or friendly chaos with friends.
Other strong favorites: Super Mario Bros. Wonder, Metroid Dread, Luigi’s Mansion 3, Animal Crossing: New Horizons, and Hollow Knight – each staying popular for their unique style and long-term replayability.
2. Indie & Third-Party Gems Worth Playing
The Switch has become the best place for indie and third-party experiences. These smaller titles deliver big creativity and deep gameplay value.
- Hollow Knight – Beautifully crafted, challenging, and atmospheric. A benchmark for the Metroidvania genre.
- Hades – Stylish, fast-paced, and endlessly replayable. Every run tells a new story.
- Stardew Valley – Relaxing farming, fishing, and relationships. A cozy classic still loved worldwide.
- Celeste – Tight controls, emotional storytelling, and inspiring difficulty.
- Slay the Spire – Smart deck-building mixed with roguelike strategy.
- Balatro – A fresh favorite combining poker mechanics with roguelike gameplay – simple, clever, and addictive.
3. Community Favorites That Never Fade
Some Switch games hold a special place in players’ hearts. Whether for emotional stories or comfort gameplay, these titles continue to dominate discussion boards and wishlists.
- Animal Crossing: New Horizons – A peaceful life sim that became a global comfort game.
- Fire Emblem: Three Houses – Deep storytelling, strategic combat, and rich character arcs.
- Xenoblade Chronicles 3 – Epic story, emotional themes, and breathtaking world design.
- Metroid Dread – A near-perfect return to classic Metroid gameplay.
- Splatoon 3 – Fast, fun, and colorful – a competitive shooter that’s easy to love.
- Super Mario Maker 2 – Endless creativity for builders and platformer fans.
4. What’s Driving 2025’s Game Rankings
1. Anticipation for the Nintendo Switch 2
Many players are exploring top Switch titles while waiting for the upcoming Switch 2. Games like Hades II and Super Mario Party Jamboree are fueling excitement for what’s next.
2. Sales & Discounts Boost Older Titles
Massive deals on older games – such as Hogwarts Legacy, LEGO Star Wars: The Skywalker Saga, and The Witcher 3 – keep them trending high on the bestseller charts.
3. Genre Variety Keeps Players Engaged
The current lineup covers every taste – from epic adventures and strategy to cozy farming sims and fast multiplayer action.
4. Emotional & Personal Connections
Many players link their favorite games to personal moments – from Animal Crossing during lockdowns to Tears of the Kingdom sparking creativity and wonder.
5. The Core Must-Play Nintendo Switch Collection
If you’re building or upgrading your library, these are the essential Switch games everyone should experience:
- The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom
- The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild
- Super Mario Odyssey
- Mario Kart 8 Deluxe
- Super Smash Bros. Ultimate
- Metroid Dread
- Hollow Knight
- Fire Emblem: Three Houses
- Hades
- Stardew Valley
Each game captures what makes the Switch special – creativity, charm, and pure fun.
6. Quick Tips for Choosing the Right Game
- For Adventure & Exploration: Zelda, Metroid, or Hollow Knight
- For Relaxing Play: Animal Crossing or Stardew Valley
- For Fast Action: Hades or Super Smash Bros. Ultimate
- For Multiplayer Fun: Mario Kart 8 Deluxe or Splatoon 3
- For Strategy Lovers: Fire Emblem: Three Houses or Slay the Spire
Final Thoughts
2025 proves that the Nintendo Switch is far from slowing down. Between timeless Nintendo franchises, indie masterpieces, and exciting new releases, there’s something for every type of player.
Whether you’re exploring Hyrule, racing in Mushroom Kingdom, or farming in Stardew Valley, the Switch remains a console that delivers joy, creativity, and endless replay value.