Nintendo Switch 2: Top 5 Must-Play Games You Can’t Miss
The Nintendo Switch 2 has finally landed, bringing with it an array of exciting titles. With over a month to dive into games like Mario Kart World, Donkey Kong Bananza, and the immersive Metroid Prime 4, fans have much to explore. We’ve crafted a list of the top five first-party games to experience now or anticipating their launch in 2025.
This ranking is solely based on our hands-on experiences, leaving out popular titles like Pokémon Legends Z-A and Hyrule Warriors: Age of Imprisonment.
5. Drag X Drive
Among the surprises from the Nintendo Switch 2 Direct, Drag X Drive stands out. It’s a dynamic 3v3 wheelchair basketball game that channels the essence of Rocket League. Utilizing a dual mouse system with JoyCons, players control wheelchair movement in an engaging way.
Charging forward requires simultaneous movement, while individual joystick flicks allow you to turn. Once you master the controls, performing impressive moves like dunks becomes second nature, setting the stage for thrilling gameplay moments. Drag X Drive has the potential to shine as a hidden gem in this lineup, although it might not dethrone Rocket League just yet.
4. Donkey Kong Bananza
If Mario games are crafted around seamless platforming, then Donkey Kong Bananza specializes in pure destruction. Playing as the iconic gorilla, the game encourages players to smash through every obstacle in their path to uncover secrets and gather golden bananas.
With three attack buttons and one for jumping, the joy of causing chaos defines the experience. The colorful Lagoon Layer stage is packed with secrets, making exploration as rewarding as the destruction itself. Although Donkey Kong may not offer the fluidity of a Mario title, it delivers a satisfying punch that fans will appreciate.
3. Mario Kart World
With a whopping 96 courses, both classic and new, Mario Kart World competes fiercely against its predecessor, Mario Kart 8 Deluxe. Its open-world setting is its most compelling feature, but this comes with some drawbacks.
Exploring the vast world can feel less thrilling compared to titles like Forza Horizon. Nevertheless, the racing experience remains exhilarating. The introduction of Knockout Tour, an elimination-style race with 24 players, elevates the excitement. As racers drop out, the chaos intensifies, ensuring that every player remains in the thick of the action, even when trailing behind.
2. Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild/Tears of the Kingdom Switch 2 Editions
If you’ve missed out on Breath of the Wild or Tears of the Kingdom, the Switch 2 editions are a must-play. Both titles boast incredible scores—97% for Breath of the Wild and 96% for Tears of the Kingdom on Metacritic—making them among the best in gaming history.
The enhancements in performance, graphics, and HDR support make re-exploration of Hyrule all the more enticing. Additionally, the integration of a Zelda Notes smartphone app provides map details and lore hints, enriching the gaming experience for newcomers and veterans alike.
1. Metroid Prime 4: Beyond
Returning to the classic Metroid Prime series, Metroid Prime 4: Beyond showcases the true potential of the Switch 2. With support for 60 frames per second in 4K, or 120 frames at 1080p, the technical performance is jaw-dropping.
The gameplay is feather-light yet responsive, utilizing the Switch 2’s mouse functionality for pinpoint accuracy. As players navigate early sections of the game, they engage in explosive encounters, highlighting the new mechanics and thrilling boss battles. The anticipation builds as we await further insight into the puzzle-solving and exploration elements that define the Metroid series.