While the Nintendo Switch 2 has been on the market for several months, the original console remains a powerhouse of entertainment in 2026. For those yet to upgrade, or for anyone rediscovering their trusty hybrid device, the library of exceptional games is deeper than ever. From legendary open-world adventures to cosy life sims and fiendishly difficult platformers, here are the 15 essential titles that prove the Switch's lasting appeal.
Epic Adventures and Timeless Classics
The Switch is home to some of the most celebrated adventures in modern gaming. The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild stands tall as an utterly ingenious reimagining of the open-world genre, setting a new benchmark upon its release. Its sequel, Tears of the Kingdom, continues this legacy of innovation. For tactical role-playing fans, Fire Emblem: Three Houses offers an engrossing and melodramatic saga of war and academia that can consume an entire summer.
Meanwhile, Super Mario Odyssey delivers a globe-trotting, utterly delightful platforming experience, and Metroid Prime Remastered brings a tense, Alien-inspired sci-fi classic to the console with stunning new polish. The long-awaited Hollow Knight: Silksong emerged in 2025 as a nightmarishly difficult and compelling Metroidvania masterpiece, captivating players for hours on end.
Multiplayer Mayhem and Cosy Escapes
For social gaming, the Switch excels. Mario Kart 8 Deluxe is rightly hailed as the greatest cartoon racing game in history, with its vast array of tracks and characters making it a mandatory purchase for multiplayer fun. Super Smash Bros. Ultimate serves as a love letter to gaming history, pitting an unconventional cast of fighters against each other in countless housemate rivalries.
In the online shooter space, Splatoon 3 provides paint-splattered mayhem without the guns and gore, while Tetris 99 brilliantly reimagines the legendary puzzler as a frantic battle royale. For a more peaceful experience, Animal Crossing: New Horizons allows you to create your own virtual paradise, and Stardew Valley remains the cosiest of cosy games, a beautiful homage to farming and community life.
Innovative Gems and Beloved Reinventions
The console also hosts groundbreaking titles that push their respective franchises forward. Pokémon Legends: Arceus was a complete and thrilling reinvention of the classic formula, offering a truly explorable open world and a more challenging capture system. Kirby and the Forgotten Land successfully brought the pink hero into a 3D, post-apocalyptic world filled with zingy appeal and weird new abilities.
The brilliant roguelike Hades II built on its predecessor's success with a new witch protagonist, Melinoë, and even wittier, flirtier writing. Finally, the narrative-driven mystery Expelled! casts you as a scholarship student framed for murder in a posh public school, offering a supremely satisfying whodunnit adventure.
This curated list demonstrates that the original Nintendo Switch continues to offer an unparalleled and diverse gaming experience. Whether you're seeking epic quests, competitive thrills, or a gentle creative outlet, this console's library ensures it remains a vital piece of gaming hardware well into 2026 and beyond.
