There are a lot of Nintendo Switch games. Almost definitely too many for one single person to ever play. In fact, there are so many Switch games available to buy right now that the internet can’t decide how many there actually are. While a number just north of 4,500 (told you it was a lot) seems to be one many agree on, others think there are actually more than 5,000 games on the console. Considering how difficult it can be to navigate the Nintendo eShop, I’m not surprised there’s not one definitive answer when it comes to the total.
Navigating the eShop can also make it difficult to find something you might like to play. A real shame as you don’t need me to tell you there are some fantastic games waiting to be played on Switch. Some of the best in Nintendo’s long and storied history. The console isn’t the third best-selling system of all time for no reason. While I can’t help you play 5,000 Switch games, I have picked out some of the best ones available right now. There are options below for everyone, and keep checking back as this guide will be updated regularly throughout 2025 and beyond as great new Switch games are released and older ones come back into vogue.
Best Nintendo Switch Games
Best Platformer
2025 Can Be The Year Of Shadow Too If You Like
Sonic X Shadow Generations is a double package of a remastered version of the 2011 title Sonic Generations, alongside an all-new campaign featuring Shadow the Hedgehog and both 2D and 3D levels.
- The Shadow half of this game is fantastic
- Feels a little like two shorter games for the price of one
- Sonic Generations remaster could have used more work
I’m as big as Sonic fan as you’re going to find, but even I can admit that for a very long time, Sonic games haven’t been very good. It feels like we’ve turned a corner in that regard, and there’s no better example of that than Sonic x Shadow Generations. Not because of the remastered Sonic half of the game necessarily, which is great, but because of the new Shadow Generations half. The Shadow content in this game is as good a Sonic platformer as you’re ever going to find. A compelling story that feels great to play, and perfect for those who need more Shadow after his cinematic debut in Sonic the Hedgehog 3.
Related
TheGamer Staff’s Most Anticipated Nintendo Switch Games Coming In 2025
Not many Switch games been announced with the Switch 2 looming, but the TG staff still has some Switch games on the horizon for 2025.
Best Short Game
One Of 2024’s Very Best Games, Regardless Of Platform
Neva is an emotionally-charged action adventure from the visionary team behind the critically acclaimed GRIS. Neva chronicles the story of Alba, a young woman bound to a curious wolf cub following a traumatic encounter with dark forces. Together they embark on a perilous journey through a once-beautiful world as it slowly decays around them.
- Beautiful art style
- Will tug art your heartstrings from start to finish
- Short but very sweet
From the creators of Gris, so you always knew it was going to be good, Neva was one of 2024’s very best games. You and your loyal companion Neva must traverse through a fantasy world being consumed by dark forces in search of a new home that isn’t plagued by darkness. You will marvel at its beauty, be engaged by its combat, and above all else, almost certainly be left fighting back tears by its story. When you think Switch you think of happy, colorful platformers. Neva is a welcome reminder that there are fantastic games on the system that run a lot deeper.
Editor’s Choice
Zelda In A Leading Role, What A Time To Be Alive
The Legend of Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom sees you play as the titular princess, searching for Link and saving Hyrule in the process. She uses the Tri Rod to created echoes, duplicates of everything from tables to enemies, to help her on her journey.
- Proof Zelda’s creators have still got the top down sauce
- A shorter, simpler Zelda adventure after two very big games
- Plenty to do if you want more from it
- That said, don’t go into this expecting more Tears of the Kingdom
After the expansive smash hit that was Tears of the Kingdom, I was not expecting anything from the Zelda studio until Switch 2 release day, at the earliest. Less than 18 months later, The Legend Of Zelda: Echoes Of Wisdom was released. Those used to the 3D Zelda formula might have been turned off by Echoes Of Wisdom at first glance, and if that’s you, please reconsider. Top-down isn’t a new look for Zelda, and this newest game in the series shows its creators haven’t forgotten its roots. What makes it a fantastic Zelda game is unlike the last two, it can occupy 30 hours of your time if you don’t fancy the extras, or you can live in its world for three times as long if you like Zelda games consuming your life.
Best Adventure
One Of The Best Games Of 2023 Is Now On Switch
Tchia is an open-world adventure game, its backdrop inspired by real-life locations in the beautiful New Caledonia. Guide Tchia on her quest to rid the islands of evil and avenge the evil set upon her friends and family.
- A fantastic game that felt like it was made for Switch
- Clear parallels to be drawn between it and Breath of the Wild
- $30 for a game of this quality is an unmissable deal
Tchia was one of my favorite games of 2023, and now the New Caledonia-inspired adventure game has found its way into Nintendo Switch. The visual style and story of Tchia really make it feel like it was made for the Switch, so I’m very happy to see it finally arrive on the platform. I also don’t think it was given nearly enough attention when it launched last year so I’m doing my part here to get as many of you playing as I can. Give it a try, for $30 it’s an absolute steal.
Best Mario Game
The Definitive Way To Play The Best Paper Mario Game
Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door is a remake of the well-loved RPG first released on the GameCube. Relive this iconic adventure that turns 2D on its head and turns Mario and the Mushroom Kingdom into paper.
- The best version of the best Paper Mario game
- Longer than most Mario games but doesn’t get boring
- Very different from your average Mario game
Paper Mario is a spinoff series that doesn’t get enough love, and The Thousand-Year Door releasing at a time when it doesn’t have many other Switch releases to compete with – not to mention at a time when there are more than 140 million Switch consoles out there – will hopefully change that. Whether you have played the original or not, this remake is absolutely worth your time. It’s a fantastic adventure unlike anything you’ve encountered in a normal Mario game, and even though most Mario games are fantastic, that’s not a bad thing. A great mix of iconic characters and others you’ve never met before in what is an adventure that should be appointment playing for every single Mario fan.
Best Indie
Dive Into This Well With Me
Shared Memory’s Animal Well is a Metroidvania with exploration, puzzles, and platforming. Billy Basso’s game takes place in a dense labyrinth filled with animals.
- Non-combative approach to the Metroidvania genre works perfectly
- Balances simplicity and complexity extremely well
- There will be moments when you have no idea what to do next
When news broke that Dunkey planned on publishing his own video games, many likely laughed or rolled their eyes. Fair play to them as the YouTuber has treated us to an unmitigated hit right out of the gate. Animal Well, which was developed by a single person, Billy Basso, is a fantastic Metroidvania that charms and challenges you at every turn. Despite there being almost no guidance, exploring the well in which the game takes place as a little blob is gripping and will eat away hours of your time without you even noticing. Even better, the moments something clicks and you figure out what to do next are unparalleled. Not to mention it’s the perfect game to play in short bursts whenever you have your Switch handy.
FAQ
What Games On Nintendo Switch Are Free?
There are a lot of free games on Nintendo Switch. Fortnite, Rocket League, and F-Zero 99 are among them. There are also NES, SNES, and Game Boy libraries available to NSO subscribers, as well as GBA, N64, and Sega Genesis games to play if you have the Expansion Pack.
Why Are Switch Games So Expensive?
You may have noticed that some of the games above are pretty pricey. The Switch’s big sellers tend to keep selling over the course of years. Unlike games on most other platforms, top Nintendo title sales never slow to a crawl. That means games like Mario Kart 8 Deluxe and Tears of the Kingdom will remain at full price for years.
Next
From indies to triple-A giants, TheGamer’s release dates calendar covers all games coming out in 2025.