15 Must‑Play Nintendo Switch Games for 2025

A Catalogue of Diverse Delights

The Nintendo Switch has evolved into a haven for gamers of all tastes—from tranquil life sims to cartoon chaos and dark fantasy. These fifteen standout titles in 2025 offer something unforgettable for every kind of player.

Animal Crossing: New Horizons

Return to island life with tranquil routines, creative decorating, and a welcoming social vibe. Its combination of relaxation and creativity continues to captivate.

Fire Emblem: Three Houses

Take command of battle and bonds alike in this emotionally charged tactical RPG. Its mix of drama, strategy, and character growth makes it perfect for lengthy summer play sessions.

Hades

This roguelike dungeon crawler keeps battles and dialogue fresh on each run. Endless surprises from mischievous gods ensure the adventure never grows stale.

Hollow Knight

An atmospheric journey through dark tunnels full of tricky foes and haunting secrets. Its artful world and challenging gameplay leave a lasting impression.

Kirby and the Forgotten Land

Join Kirby in a cute yet cinematic 3D platformer set in a unique post-apocalyptic world. New powers and co-op fun add sparkle to every level.

The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild

Link returns to a reimagined Hyrule in an open-world adventure brimming with clever puzzles and imaginative exploration. The experience remains a high bar for the genre.

Mario Kart 8 Deluxe

The definitive Mario Kart experience for group play. With dozens of tracks and accessible yet competitive racing, it’s still the go-to for laughs and thrills.

Pokémon Legends: Arceus

A bold rework of the Pokémon formula—contest and capture across an open world with a more grounded, exploratory feel. A fresh direction for the franchise.

Sea of Stars

A modern love letter to classic turn‑based RPGs. It blends nostalgia with heartfelt storytelling, all wrapped in vibrant visuals and inspiring combat.

Splatoon 3

Paint‑splattered multiplayer chaos for those who enjoy team-based action without traditional shooting. Colorful battles and growing community tools keep it fun.

Stardew Valley

A cozy farming and social life sim that feels timeless. Withdraw to the countryside for planting, mining, friendship, and seasonal surprises.

Super Mario Odyssey

Mario journeys across whimsical kingdoms with unexpected surprises, endlessly inventive platforming, and boundless joy in movement.

Super Mario Bros. Wonder

Mario’s return to side-scrolling roots, drenched in creative flair and new twists. A family-friendly delight with surprises at every jump.

Super Smash Bros. Ultimate

The ultimate party brawler—featuring beloved characters from gaming history. It thrives on competition and nostalgic references alike.

Tetris 99

A clever twist on the classic puzzle game—battle royale style. The simple satisfaction of Tetris shines through in a competitive scramble every round.

Parting Thoughts

Whether you want calm creativity, competitive chaos, or heartfelt storytelling, the Nintendo Switch delivers. These fifteen games highlight the console’s unmatched flexibility and joy in 2025.