Even with the Nintendo Switch 2 now on the market, the original hybrid console remains a treasure trove of exceptional gaming experiences as we move into 2026. For those yet to upgrade, or for anyone rediscovering their device, the Switch's library is packed with titles that have defined a generation. From epic open-world adventures to cosy life simulators, here are the 15 essential games that prove the console's lasting appeal.
Epic Adventures and Timeless Classics
The heart of the Switch's success lies in its flagship adventures. The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild stands as a landmark, reimagining the open-world genre with a liberated Hyrule full of ingenious physics and charming secrets. Its direct sequel, Tears of the Kingdom, builds brilliantly on that foundation. Similarly, Super Mario Odyssey is a masterclass in creative platforming, sending Mario and his sentient hat Cappy on a globe-trotting rescue mission bursting with joy and surreal humour.
For tactical depth, Fire Emblem: Three Houses offers an engrossing blend of strategic warfare and melodramatic school life, where your choices as a professor shape the fate of your students and the continent. The acclaimed sequel Hades II continues Supergiant Games' legacy with a new mythological roguelike starring the witch Melinoë, featuring razor-sharp combat and a wittier, flirtier script.
Multiplayer Mayhem and Cosy Escapes
Nintendo's consoles have always been social hubs, and the Switch excels in this area. Mario Kart 8 Deluxe is arguably the greatest cartoon racer ever made, boasting 48 circuits and chaotic multiplayer fun that appeals to all skill levels. Super Smash Bros. Ultimate is the definitive crossover fighting game, a love letter to gaming history with a vast roster. For a more colourful take on online competition, Splatoon 3 delivers paint-splattered turf wars without the guns and gore.
At the other end of the spectrum, Animal Crossing: New Horizons became a cultural touchstone, a gentle and endlessly creative life simulator where you build your dream island paradise. Stardew Valley remains the cosiest of cosy games, a deep and heartfelt farming and community sim that pays homage to classics like Harvest Moon.
Critically Acclaimed Gems and Surprise Hits
The console's indie and third-party support has been stellar. Hollow Knight: Silksong, released in 2025, captivated players with its nightmarishly difficult yet compelling Metroidvania design, dragging Princess Hornet into the haunted realm of Pharloom. The beautiful whodunnit Expelled! casts you as a framed scholarship student in a posh public school, where you must interrogate witnesses and uncover the truth.
Metroid Prime Remastered brought a sci-fi classic to a new generation, proving that the 2002 GameCube title's tense, Alien-inspired exploration and combat are timeless. Pokémon Legends: Arceus successfully reinvented the Pokémon formula with a challenging, open-world capture system set in the past. For pure, addictive puzzle action, Tetris 99 transformed the legendary block-stacker into a thrilling battle royale experience. Finally, Kirby and the Forgotten Land gave the pink hero a delightful 3D adventure in a strangely cute post-apocalyptic setting.
This curated list demonstrates that the original Nintendo Switch's legacy is secure. These 15 titles represent the pinnacle of its diverse library, offering hundreds of hours of world-class entertainment that will continue to delight players well beyond 2026.
