Best Nintendo Switch Games 2026 - Finest Portable Games

• Open-world gameplay and predecessor setting
  
• Dramatically transformed Hyrule
  
• New Sheikah Slate abilities
  
• Complex puzzles and challenging bosses
  
• Craft new items and tools
  
• Variety of vehicles to explore

The entire franchise of “The Legend of Zelda” can be listed in a listicle of the most popular games. However, today, we’ll be talking about its “Tears of the Kingdom” installment. In this game, you play the character of Link. Link wakes up after a 100-year nap only to find Hyrule becoming a different place. Ganon’s gone and Zelda is in trouble again. However, it is up to you to save the day.

It is amongst the best games for Nintendo Switch as it allows you a variety of gameplay. You can climb up floating islands in the sky and get a “trampoline park in the clouds” with monsters and puzzles. Plus, you get a whole new underground to crawl through. There are secret tunnels with hidden dungeons in the game that are way bigger and cooler than you can imagine.

Of course, you still have your trusty Master Sword. However, you will get some new tricks to fight off baddies and solve mind-bending challenges. Now, will you be able to master all these new powers, explore twisted terrains on islands, and stop all the evil that is brewing in the quest? Let’s find out because the fate of Hyrule rests in your hands.

• New power-ups and a world design
  
• New ways to interact with the world
  
• Add layers of customization
  
• Choose from over 12 characters
  
• Offers local and online co-op gaming

Picking up Zelda and calling it the most popular would be an overstatement in front of these Italian brothers. Mario Bros is popular globally and has established its own legacy over the years. However, this time the brothers are back with a new adventure. In this installment of one of the top Nintendo Switch games, we’re heading to the Flower Kingdom, a place filled with sunshine, fluffy clouds, and the coolest flower power.

But when I tested the game, things got intense quickly as Bowser crashes the party and snags the magical Wonder Flower. Bowser fuses himself with the Flower Kingdom’s castle, turning into a giant monster. It was up to me, Luigi, Peach, and the whole crew of Toads and Yoshis to team up with the Flower Kingdom’s caterpillar prince, Florian, to save the day.

As I played through this great adventure, I got to jump on Goombas, stomp Koopas, and use awesome power-ups like Fire Flowers and the brand new Boomerang Flower. Each vibrant level was packed with secrets, coins, and epic boss battles. So, the question I had to ask myself was: "Can I rescue the Flower Kingdom and defeat Bowser?"

• Build a community of animal villagers
  
• Craft and DIY for tools, furniture, and decorations
  
• Terraform land, build rivers & cliffs and create pathways
  
• Complete tasks such as catching fish, collecting bugs, and helping villagers
  
• Visit the islands of your friends or invite them to yours

Animal Crossing stands out as a unique entry among the popular Nintendo switch games. It’s one of the best simulation games available on the platform. You’re placed on a deserted island, courtesy of Tom Nook, with your parent’s permission of course. However, this isn’t your typical spring break getaway. In this one of the good Nintendo Switch games, you’re tasked with turning the wilderness into an island paradise.

When we tested the game, I found myself catching butterflies that looked like they’d escaped a rave, unearthing dinosaur fossils that would stump even a science teacher, and reeling in oarfish large enough to swallow my entire backpack.

This is life in one of the best Nintendo Switch games for kids. But it’s not just about chilling with these surreal bugs. I also had to put on my architect’s hat, building bridges over crystal-clear rivers and digging up treats for future residents like squirrels, hedgehogs, and even rhinos.

As I developed the island further, new shops and activities unlocked, adding to the excitement. So grab your shovel, cast your line, and prepare to transform this deserted island into your personal paradise.

• Solve puzzles, access new areas, and utilize unique abilities
  
• Different kingdoms that offer unique challenges and hidden secrets
  
• Hunt for different parts of the moon
  
• Sandbox gameplay to explore and experiment during different challenges
  
• Local co-op mode while controlling the camera or stunning enemies

Bowser is back with his usual tricks, and this time he’s not playing around. He’s kidnapped Peach and is forcing her to marry him. Not only that, but he’s also stolen the castle and transformed it into a flying cruise ship. This is where I step in as the awesome Mario, ready to save the day.

As I hopped on board, I was instantly immersed in the game, traveling across a bunch of crazy kingdoms in an effort to stop Bowser’s wedding disaster. It quickly became clear why this is considered one of the best Nintendo Switch games for kids. The vibrant playground offers endless fun, allowing me to jump on enemies, collect coins like a boss, and solve puzzles that make my brain work in exciting ways.

The best part, though, is the new hat I scored—Cappy. It’s not just a cool accessory; I could throw it onto enemies and take over their bodies! The feeling of stomping Goombas and controlling Cappy with my skills was unbeatable. But the big question remained: could I outsmart Bowser this time and save Peach? I had to keep playing to find out.

• Extensive story mode compared to the previous version
  
• Customize gear, practice skills, and rank new rewards
  
• Includes new hairstyles, clothing, and accessories
  
• New 1v1 card game mode called Tableturf Battle
  
• Streamlines many aspects of the previous game

Are you ready for war? Turf wars are back, and this time, the tension is higher than ever. After testing Splatoon 3, I can say it definitely lives up to its reputation as one of the best multiplayer games out there. Set in the chaotic Splatlands five years after the last battles, this game throws you into an action-packed world.

You’ll find yourself in Splatsville, a sun-baked desert city buzzing with Inklings and Octolings. Here’s the catch: the more turf you ink, the closer your team gets to victory. I grabbed a splattershot and dove into the action, ready to paint the town red—or any other color!

But in this title, which is among the top Nintendo Switch games, you need more than just a trigger-happy approach. Strategy plays a key role. I found that swimming through ink and hiding in squid form gave me a tactical advantage to ambush enemies. It’s not just about blasting everything in sight.

The game also includes a story mode where I teamed up with a baby Salmonid to uncover the secrets of a mysterious fuzzy ooze. Whether you’re into fast-paced multiplayer action or uncovering intriguing storylines, Splatoon 3 has something for everyone.

So, are you ready to dive in, dominate the turf, and enjoy one of the Nintendo Switch new games? If so, download and join the splatter fun!

• Open world setting divided into different biomes
  
• Incorporation of RPG elements
  
• Catch, battle, and observe Pokemon to complete Pokedex
  
• Turn-based game system with Agile and Strong Style options
  
• Multi-stage boss battles

I recently had the chance to dive into one of the top Nintendo games for Switch and if you’re a Pokémon fan like me, get ready for an epic adventure. In this game, I was transported to the ancient Hisui region, a wild and untamed land filled with Pokémon waiting to be discovered. My mission? To catch them all, of course.

As I explored vast open areas, I stalked wild Pokémon to study their natural habitats, carefully chucking them into a Poke Ball when the moment was right. And when I needed a little extra power, I tossed out my trusty Pokémon buddy to jump seamlessly into battle with the wild ones.

What really caught my attention were the mysterious space-time distortions. These distortions seemed to spook even the legendary Pokémon, but staying calm as a trainer was key to facing the challenges ahead.

The adventure doesn’t end there-I was tasked with becoming a top researcher to build the first Pokedex of the Hisui region, unraveling the mysteries surrounding the legendary Pokémon Arceus. If you're looking for a new journey, this game will definitely keep you hooked from start to finish!

• Popular side-scrolling exploration of the Metroid franchise
  
• New stealth mechanics to avoid enemies
  
• New abilities like arm cannon, melee counter, spider magnet, etc.
  
• Environmental storytelling with cryptic messages, abandoned settlements, etc.
  
• Engaging multi-phased boss battles

Samus Aran is back in action, and I couldn’t wait to dive into the chaos. After testing out Metroid Dread, I found myself in the midst of a whole new level of creepy. After crash landing on the planet of ZDR, Samus receives a distress signal and finds herself in a massive whammy. The planet is swarming with deadly X Parasites—creatures that copy your DNA and take over your body, and this time, they’re worse than ever.

This isn’t your typical shootout, though. Playing as Samus, you have to rely on stealth, using the new Phantom Cloak to dodge these terrifying creatures and outsmart them. It’s all about staying invisible, as these parasites can easily take you down if you're not careful.

But don’t worry, you’re not completely defenseless. There are tons of awesome new weapons and abilities to blast through hordes of enemies and face off against giant bosses.

So, can Samus survive the horrors of ZDR and stop the X Parasites before they spread across the galaxy? If you're into the best games for Nintendo Switch, this one’s a must-try. Suit up, grab your arm cannon, and get ready for Metroid Dread!

• Gameplay mechanic that allows the player to grapple
  
• Different experiences of the typical Monster Hunter hunt
  
• Choose from a variety of 14 unique weapons
  
• Collect materials to craft new armor and weapons
  
• Play solo or up to four players online

Are you ready for another epic adventure? I grabbed my giant sword (though you might prefer a hammer or bow) and jumped right into the action to fight the monstrous rampage threatening Kamura Village.

Kamura is a ninja-inspired haven filled with not-so-average beasties—think fire-breathing dragons, giant fanged rabbits, and all kinds of creepy crawlies. As I explored, I quickly realized that tracking these mega-monsters is key. Learning their attack patterns is crucial, and once I got the hang of it, BAM! I unleashed a fury of attacks to take them down. Mastering my weapon, dodging obstacles like a pro, and working with hunting buddies were all part of the thrill.

Crafting is a huge part of the fun. By carving monster parts, I was able to create super-powered armor and weapons to crush my enemies. There’s also a fantastic new twist this time: a grappling hook called the Wirebug. It’s an awesome tool that lets me zip around the map, mount monsters, and unleash devastating attacks.

So, if you’re up for epic monster battles with a ninja vibe and want to build your own badass gear, this game definitely deserves a spot on your list of the best Nintendo Switch games. Trust me, it’s a wild ride!

• Stat boosts and new abilities
  
• Variety of activities like weapons & armor shipping, cosmetics, etc.
  
• Better interface with real-time stats and other information
  
• Comes with lost features like corrupted enemies on the map, opportunity to train, etc.

I had the chance to dive into the tactical RPG adventure that is Fire Emblem's latest installment, “Engage”. If you're a history buff like me and love epic battles with legendary figures, this game is one to check out.

In this best Nintendo Switch game, you play as Alear, a divine dragon who awakens after a thousand-year slumber, only to find that a creepy Fell Dragon is back to its old tricks, trying to destroy everything.

Here’s where things get really interesting. You’ll need to collect magical rings that are infused with the spirits of legendary heroes from past games. Think of these rings as your ultimate power-ups, giving you incredible abilities that will leave your enemies in the dust.

The gameplay in this one of the good Nintendo Switch games is all about strategy. You command a squad of warriors on a grid-based battlefield, and the goal is to outsmart the enemy and unleash epic attacks.

To sum it up, it feels like playing chess on steroids with stunning anime-style battles. We grabbed our swords, teamed up with legendary heroes, and tested our tactical skills. This game is a must-play if you're into strategy and action.

• Full 3D environment with the jump, hover, and slide abilities
  
• Inhaling enemies and objects remains a core mechanic
  
• New mouthful mode to swallow large objects like cars and vending machines
  
• Expand town with progress, get minigames, shops, and secrets
  
• Unlock additional abilities and in-game rewards using Amiibo support

How would you feel if one moment you're in a dreamland and suddenly get sucked into a wild portal? That’s the exact feeling I had when testing this Kirby adventure. In one of the good Switch games I've played, you find yourself in an abandoned world called the "Forgotten Land."

Imagine a place covered in vines, resembling a post-apocalyptic playground, but it gets much stranger. Evil beasts are on a mission to capture Kirby’s Waddle Dee buddies, which is something we couldn’t let happen.

Kirby and the Forgotten Land isn't your typical Kirby experience. As I played, I found myself inhaling enemies and copying their fiery sword swings or electric shock abilities. But the coolest part? Kirby can suck up giant objects and morph into some incredible new forms. I rolled around as a tank and even soared through the sky as a rocket! These awesome transformations, combined with Kirby’s classic moves, helped me battle beasts, solve puzzles, and save the Waddle Dee Crew.

I had a blast exploring the forgotten land and unleashing Kirby’s wild powers, and I’m sure you will too!