Wax Heads is one of my favorite narrative-driven puzzle games in years. I hope the developer adds in an endless mode so I can just boot Wax Heads up and spend more time in the world. It makes me wish some of the bands in-game were real, but at least I can keep listening to the soundtrack and think of my time in Repeater Records.

Blaze of Storm isn’t looking to strike any particularly new ground, but it’s a well-made platter of shoot ’em up comfort food that should go down well for those looking to scratch the itch. Developer Terarin clearly knows what it’s doing in this genre, and this game falls nicely into the expected level of quality we expect from him. The only real thing I can fault it for is that it feels a little too meat and potatoes on the whole, and that’s not the worst problem for a game to have, so long as you go in knowing what you’re in for.

Only time will tell if Vampire Crawlers will meet a similar level of success as the game it spun out of, but I think, at the very least, that it should be of interest to anyone who enjoyed Vampire Survivors. Despite being in a completely different genre, you can feel the shared design sensibility in every aspect of the game. It’s incredibly easy to lose hours upon hours in its garish warmth, with the credits likely to be the only thing that stops you once it has pulled you in. This Nintendo Switch 2 version is a fine way to enjoy the game, especially if you’re looking to enjoy it on the go. Don’t come to it looking for anything too hardcore, though. It knows its audience, and it’s playing its melody for them more than anyone else.

Goofy, endlessly surprising and genuinely laugh‑out‑loud funny, the world could use far more games like Tomodachi Life: Living The Dream. I’m ecstatic that its chaotic silliness is back in our lives, and you won’t touch another game this year that works this hard to make you smile. This is Nintendo at its quirkiest, and you can feel the team’s enthusiasm shine through in every bizarre moment. It’s simply unmissable.

Quite simply, if you like word games and you loved Balatro, then Beyond Words is pretty much a no-brainer since… well, it’s essentially Balatro Scrabble Edition. While it might lack the same momentum and flow as the 2024 hit and prove especially tough if you’re not too hot with word crafting (like this guy), it doesn’t detract from what is an addictive and enjoyable roguelike with a twist.

Marvel MaXimum Collection is an odd assortment, but it’s a refreshingly honest one. You’ve got a couple of good Marvel games, a couple of decent ones, and a couple of dubious ones. You get a number of ports that add extra flavor, and even the worst of the bunch are much more playable thanks to save states and the rewind feature. I had a really good time playing through every game on here, even if I had to cheat a lot to get through some of them. Even if you don’t have any interest in the more troubled games in the set, you might want to consider it for the arcade games alone.

Whether you’re playing with a friend or by yourself, I think this is Tarsier Studios’ best game so far. Putting a few small issues aside, I thoroughly enjoyed REANIMAL from beginning to end. I just wish the whole experience was longer, as I found myself wanting to spend more time exploring its grotesque world and discovering new secrets.

Despite its cutbacks compared to the PS5 version or even how smooth it is on Steam Deck, Shadow Tactics: Blades of the Shogun is an easy recommendation on Nintendo Switch 2. Even nearly ten years later, the game got its hooks in me almost immediately, and I cannot wait to revisit it on higher difficulties and play the standalone expansion in the future. I just hope a potential performance mode or even a 40fps option is added in the future.

If you enjoy classic The Legend of Zelda games and shoot ’em ups, Minishoot’ Adventures is an essential purchase. I can’t recommend it enough, and I will be buying it on PS5 to replay in the future once again. Minishoot’ Adventures is an amazing game and one that is a perfect fit for Nintendo Switch 2, but I hope the load times can be addressed in an update because they are the only issue with this port right now.

Aside from the minor technical issues, I don’t have many complaints with Monster Hunter Stories 3: Twisted Reflection. It’s a big improvement over the already-enjoyable previous games, and while I can still see some room to grow, I think it’s worth appreciating the quality on display here. Capcom, as it turns out, hasn’t lost its knack for making great RPGs featuring dragons and/or dragon-like creatures. If you liked the previous games in the series, this is an easy recommendation. Those new to the franchise just looking for their next RPG fix might as well jump in here, as you don’t really need any prior experience to have a good time with this.

Blue Prince has always felt suited to portable play, and while it does feel right at home on Nintendo Switch 2 when played in Handheld mode, the docked experience is a bit lacking right now. The mouse controls are implemented well, but they don’t feel good at 30 frames per second, and the long load times aren’t ideal. If you only play on the go, Blue Prince on Switch 2 is an easy recommendation, but I can’t help but wish for some performance improvements when playing docked.

A sequel is always a hard thing to pull off. On one hand, you want to push things forward with fresh and exciting ideas, but on the other, you don’t want to alienate fans of the original nor make it feel too detached. Hades II, in my opinion, manages to deliver in every way possible. Bigger, better and even sexier, there’s no excuse for any Nintendo Switch 2 owner not to have this in their library.

Resident Evil Requiem on Nintendo Switch 2 delivers an excellent handheld experience, even if its docked performance still has room for improvement. Despite that, it remains a solid way to engross yourself in the best non‑remake Resident Evil game in more than a decade. Resident Evil Requiem blends the best elements of modern entries while once again pushing the series forward with smart gameplay additions. That result strikes a confident balance between tension, horror, and full‑throttle action. Now, if you’ll excuse us, it’s time for yet another replay.

It may have taken its time coming to Nintendo’s consoles, but The Disney Afternoon Collection is in fine form here. The original assortment of games was already good enough, and adding Goof Troop and Bonkers gives you even more things to play. Goof Troop, in particular, is a wonderful game that I think slipped under the radar back in the day, so if you haven’t tried it out before, I encourage you to do so here. Whether you have nostalgia for these toons or not, the games stand the test of time admirably, and so does this collection.

Game Freak has regained its footing with Pokémon Legends Z-A Nintendo Switch 2 Edition. Lumiose City is the perfect playground for the developer’s playful experimentation as they chart a path forward, scoring success with real-time battle mechanics, meaningful character interactions, and heart-pounding Rogue Mega Evolution encounters. It makes me cautiously optimistic for whatever comes next. “Au revoir, my young friend.”

Avalanche Software’s efforts to port Hogwarts Legacy to Nintendo Switch 2 has elevated it to be an essential purchase for Potterheads, delivering the definitive way to experience the Wizarding World on the move. Support for mouse sensor, motion control and touchscreen input may not be seen as essential additions to every player, but are sprinkled over a game that so captivatingly lets you lose yourself in your own adventure.

This port to Nintendo Switch 2 is impressive, but it would be wonderful if Capcom could address the performance issues. The village is a crucial hub for your adventures, so I wish it could run at a consistent frame rate. The game is just a bit too ambitious for the Switch 2, but remarkably, it doesn’t sacrifice resolution as much as I expected. This gives me hope for Resident Evil Requiem on Switch 2, and if that can manage to be a good version of the game, I hope Capcom can continue porting the rest of the series to the system. I hope a performance optimization patch smooths out the dips, or Capcom offers dedicated performance and quality modes.

I enjoyed Ys X: Nordics, so it’s hard for me not to sing the praises of a further polished version of the game with more content. Ys X: Proud Nordics plays to its strengths, but I doubt it will address all of the weaknesses in a way that converts those who weren’t fond of it. I stand by the idea that Ys X was a fun experiment, and with Proud, they’ve refined it into a game that I think better fits as a successor to Ys VIII: Lacrimosa of Dana and Ys IX: Monstrum Nox. I don’t find this to be fully transformative, and it doesn’t elevate the original game too far above what it already was. Having said that, it’s hard not to deny that this is the version of the game to get. If you’ve already played the original, it might be worth waiting for a sale unless you can’t wait. The moment-to-moment gameplay is better than ever, and the story is fun despite getting bogged down in exposition. But this isn’t a full-on remake or reimagining, and if you just played the base game, I think you’ll find it to be a modest upgrade.

Looking back, Factorio should be mentioned when discussing “impossible Nintendo Switch ports” just because of how demanding the game can get and how much care went into adapting it for a controller and running as well as it could on the original Nintendo Switch. On the portable home console’s successor, Factorio Nintendo Switch 2 Edition is even more impressive with its increase in resolution, faster load times, mouse controls, and more. If I had unlimited time, I’d keep playing Factorio with the Space Age DLC right now to spend a whole month with it on my Nintendo Switch 2. This port is absolutely brilliant.

Mario Tennis Fever is the best sports entry we’ve had from the plumber since his GameCube days. Packed with content, crammed with unlockables and introducing a racket system that offers the sort of competitive chaos you want from Mario’s take on sports, Fever proves to be an absolute ace and a great start to the year for Nintendo Switch 2.

Dragon Quest VII Reimagined leaves me in a weird position. If you were to ask me which version of the game I would rather play, I’d likely choose one of the previous ones. There’s just a vibe to them that this game intentionally chooses to abandon. But if you were to ask me which version of the game I would recommend to others, it’s this one. It’s a far brisker, friendlier game and one that I think most people would have a better time playing through.

Dispatch feels right at home on Nintendo Switch and Nintendo Switch 2, perfectly suiting portable play with touch controls. While I would've enjoyed playing the episodes and discussing them with friends back in November, I'm glad I finally got to see it through to the end on my own terms over a weekend. While the forced visual censorship is unfortunate on both Switch systems, my major issues with Dispatch right now lie in how the gameplay sections don't feel as well integrated into the narrative until the finale, and also the video bitrate. Now, release an artbook, physical release, and print versions of the in-game comics, please.

GRID Legends: Deluxe Edition on Nintendo Switch 2 is a fantastic start for Feral Interactive on Nintendo’s new hybrid console. The team brought everything I loved about GRID Legends on iPhone, with added visual options to Switch 2, delivering a great experience both docked and handheld at half the price of other consoles. This is an easy recommendation and already one of the best Switch 2 ports I’ve played.

Final Fantasy VII Remake Intergrade is and isn’t a lot of things. It’s a very good action-RPG with a strong presentation. It’s a real trip for fans of the original game. It demonstrates how you can Remake but you cannot truly remake. It’s a fairly well-done port to Nintendo’s new console. For some, it’s a reminder of some of the good times of the past. It might also be a reminder of how far in the past those specific good times were. It’s cool. It’s retro. It’s even got a bit of commentary on our modern fixation with mining the past. I can strongly recommend it, albeit with the caveat that you aren’t going to get any meaningful plot resolution within this part of the overall story. If you’re okay with that, then all I can say is… let’s mosey.

The game is definitely just a bit too long and gets close to buckling under its own weight. And yet, it works, and I can’t help but be excited at what’s to come. Maybe the next game won’t be the perfect pay-off Horizon promises, but at the moment, I think they’ve earned my faith. The worst part of this game is the agonizing wait to play the sequel. This game feels like the reward for investing so many years of my life into these games, and I’ve never been happier to be on the wild ride that is Trails.

Not every shoot ’em up from the past stands the test of time, but Trouble Witches has held up quite well. It sure doesn’t hurt that each release has added a little something, making Trouble Witches Final! feel jam-packed. None of that would matter if the game wasn’t as fun as it is, though. The game’s systems are fairly easy to understand, but there’s so much here to play with that you can keep on going with it for ages. Yes, there will probably be Trouble Witches Final! Last End! No, This Time We Really Mean It later on with another character or mode, but I don’t think anyone jumping in on this Switch release is going to feel stiffed.

Sonic Racing CrossWorlds Nintendo Switch 2 Edition is a truly awesome experience, one whose track-switching gimmick never tires and manages to inject some surprise into a pretty well-worn genre. Inventive, exhilarating and a stellar presentation means the hedgehog’s hot streak of quality releases continues with what may be his best outing in some time. For me, Mario and Kirby can battle it out for second place when it comes to king of the kart racers this year.

Ultimate Sheep Raccoon manages to take the original game’s formula and mould it around a Trails-like experience. While it does feel a little light on the content side of things, I’ve no doubt we’ll see similar levels of support from Clever Endeavour going forward that’ll help turn this entertaining romp into another multiplayer hit with true longevity.

This was my first time playing Red Dead Redemption. I have no warm, nostalgic fuzzies of playing the game back when my knees didn’t hurt quite so much. This game had to survive with me by modern standards, and I’m happy to say it did just that. Does the world need one more person telling you to play Red Dead Redemption? Maybe not, but if you need a nudge to give this game a go on the Nintendo Switch 2, consider this to be just that. This is an excellent Switch 2 upgrade, remarkably at zero cost for owners of the existing Switch version, and it’s an outstanding way to play this game on the go.

Disgaea 7 Complete is a terrific version of a strong installment in the series. With a fun story, memorable characters, chunky mechanics, and tons of things to do, this is a tactical turn-based RPG that will keep you busy for dozens upon dozens of hours. That depth can work against it for those jumping into the series for the first time, but stick with it and you’ll find this well-worth the effort. It’s unfortunate that there’s no upgrade path for those who own the original Switch version of the game, though. For all its improvements, it’s hard to justify dropping the cash to buy the whole game all over again. If you don’t own it yet? Dive in, dood!

In its current state, Skate Story is an excellent game that I absolutely recommend playing on Steam Deck OLED if you can, since the performance and load times on Nintendo Switch 2 hold it back from being an easy recommendation on Nintendo’s hybrid console. I hope a future update can cap the fidelity mode to 40 frames per second and optimize the performance mode to hit 60 frames per second more often, since it is a bit too variable for my liking right now. As for the game itself, Skate Story is easily one of Devolver’s best published titles in a few years and exactly the kind of game I want to see more of with its sublime aesthetic, brilliant music, and amazing feel.

What can I say? If you missed out on Minstrel Song the first time around, this is another great version of a great game. This is one of the densest SaGa games out there, and is willing to show you a wonderful time if you can get over the learning curve. I think the biggest appeal, outside of the multiple new language options, is just the ability to easily get a physical copy of one of the best SaGa games ever made. No importing is required now, which is especially appreciated in 2025. With Square Enix leaving many of the SaGa remasters as digital-only releases in the West (we got a digital-only Frontier 2 remaster this year, did you already forget?) I can only hope more companies like Red Art Games put the effort into putting out boxed releases.

Despite its quirks and oddities, I think Octopath Traveler 0 is a worthy entry in the series. It’s genuinely impressive to take the bones of a mobile game and turn them into such a beefy, console experience. If you played this without ever knowing anything about the game it was based on, you likely wouldn’t even be able to tell. All of the strengths and weaknesses of the series come together to make for a fascinating experiment, and one that works more than it doesn’t. I genuinely recommend it if you’re looking for an interesting and long RPG to dedicate your winter to. More Octopath Traveler is always a good thing, and this particular game makes a strong case for Square Enix to give their mobile game teams the chance to make full-on console games again. I’m glad that the core story of that game was able to be preserved, and I hope Square Enix considers another one of these conversions of its catalog of mobile games.

Marvel Cosmic Invasion isn’t quite the gob-smacking surprise that Shredder’s Revenge was, but I suppose it really couldn’t be. It is, however, a more than worthy spiritual follow-up to that game, and it shows that if Tribute Games wishes to keep working in the beat ’em up space, it still has plenty to offer. For Marvel fans, this is the dream team-up arcade brawler that we never got, doing proper service to characters big and small from the pantheon of heroes. Yes, we’ve seen many of its tricks before, but when the result is this good, I think a second scoop is more than permissible. The only real drag on the game comes from the occasional bits of slowdown when things are at their most chaotic, but it’s not enough to hurt the game significantly. Another proper event for beat ’em up buddies.

Simogo Legacy Collection Nintendo Switch 2 Edition is simply one of the most important releases of 2025 and one of the best games you can buy on Switch 2 today, oozing with creativity and featuring some of the best iOS games of all time. Not only did Simogo do a great job translating all the games over with an incredible Nintendo Switch 2 Edition that makes great use of the hybrid console’s input options, but this is immediately my favorite way to experience these games. It also helps that the full package is accompanied by excellent music featuring arrangements of Simogo songs and an activity log tracking how many times you’ve played a game, in-game stats tracked, and more.

The good news is that Metroid Prime 4: Beyond Nintendo Switch 2 Edition’s strengths far outweigh its grumble-inducing weaknesses. The classic gameplay loop that remains at its core has received playful reinvention through the addition of Psychic powers, while combat encounters, whether against grunts or the game’s gargantuan bosses, show why the series’ gunplay remains best in class. The game’s climactic conclusion is worth the price of admission alone, and I won’t be the only one hoping that this could be the start of Samus Aran’s next trilogy of adventures. This was worth the wait, at least.

VIDEOVERSE is the closest to a time capsule from the early 2000s internet in game form yet. It will make you feel nostalgic, remember old online friendships, and might even push you to make some new ones. A little while ago, I saw someone post about what media you associate with a specific term. When I think of friendship, the two pieces of media I associate with it are VIDEOVERSE and Tenacious D’s song “Friendship.” VIDEOVERSE is a reminder that we really had it better in some ways back then, and it will always be there for you in

Nightdive Studios absolutely nailed the Outlaws + Handful of Missions: Remaster release because it managed to get its hooks into me as someone who never played the original, and it did so with a release that controls wonderfully on both Nintendo Switch and Nintendo Switch 2. I hope this gets a physical release like the upcoming System Shock remake, because I’d happily buy one.

Adventure of Samsara is a slightly bitter cup of tea, but I think it’s one worth finishing. The Adventure elements are nearly pointless, the gameplay can be a bit plodding early on, and there are some bugs and stuttering issues present even after some updates. Yet there is something to this game, with its strong mood and satisfying exploration. I don’t think it’s going to change anyone’s mind if they’re sick of Metroidvania-style games, particularly in light of its slow start, but if you enjoy the genre, you should check this one out.

If you already own Broken Sword: Shadow of the Templars: Reforged, the Nintendo Switch 2 Edition upgrade is definitely worth purchasing. If you don’t, I think that Broken Sword: Shadow of the Templars Reforged Nintendo Switch 2 Edition is the best console version. You have the ability to play it on the TV when docked, the option to use mouse controls with the Joy-Con 2, and even a full touchscreen portable experience. It delivers the most input options available and great visuals, regardless of how you choose to play through Revolution Software’s classic adventure.

PowerWash Simulator 2 is one of my favorite games of 2025, but it is hard to recommend the Switch 2 version without big caveats right now. The lack of gyro and mouse controls is disappointing, but the save issue that affects some people is holding my recommendation back, alongside some bugs that haven’t been addressed a month after launch. PowerWash Simulator 2 runs and looks better than PowerWash Simulator did on Switch, and the game itself is everything I wanted from a sequel. I just wish the Switch 2 version was a bit better.

All things considered, Hello Kitty Island Adventure Nintendo Switch 2 Edition is the best version of the game right now, given the hybrid nature of the console and the great port. If you own the original Nintendo Switch version and play on Switch 2, the upgrade is a no-brainer. If you found yourself let down by recent life simulation games, this one is absolutely worth your time. Don’t be fooled like I was, thinking it is yet another licensed game.

If you already own Atari 50, The Namco Legendary Pack is an easy recommendation for the interviews and timeline. It isn’t as exhaustive as I wanted in games with the likes of Pole Position missing, but it has been a fascinating watch, and I appreciate the timeline feature once again, with how it gives so much backstory to classic IP and legendary games with multiple versions and platform launches through Atari’s history.

Kirby Air Riders is a game that is so clear in its desire to be joyful and over-the-top, one that is unapologetically chaotic, that I can see why that might put some players off. While I love a good blend of chaos, my sessions on Super Smash Bros. Ultimate filled with matches where items are cranked up and stage hazards are kept on, there are some who opt for something a little more grounded. For those people, Kirby Air Riders may prove a little too much. Every mode is a blast to play but fills the screen with a flurry of… well… things happening all at once. The controls are simple but perhaps at times overly so, that it can be tough keeping up with what power-up you may have unleashed unknowingly or why you span when you didn’t want to. It’s a game that’s not as accessible as Mario Kart and certainly not as easy to explain, but I really enjoy it for all the above reasons. It’s just so different.

We’re seeing Gust push the Atelier series in some exciting new directions these days, and that makes Atelier Ryza feel like something of a final word on many of the original ideas that served as a foundation for so long. The Atelier Ryza Secret Trilogy Deluxe Pack is an excellent way to play these games, and I think the included games serve equally well as an entry point to Atelier or a full stand-alone saga. We’re certainly not starving for good RPGs even in these early Nintendo Switch 2 days, but if you’ve somehow not played these great games before, I strongly recommend the Atelier Ryza games.

Dave The Diver Nintendo Switch 2 Edition is a welcome upgrade over the original Nintendo Switch version and an excellent way to play Mintrocket’s genre-blending game. While it still suffers from the Unity engine scrolling issue that affects every other version, I have no qualms in recommending Dave The Diver Nintendo Switch 2 Edition as one of the best ways to play it on the go.

Yakuza Kiwami 2 might be the least of the three Yakuza games now available on the Switch 2, but it still punches well for its weight class. If you’ve enjoyed any of the other action-focused Yakuza romps, you’ll want to saddle up for this one as well. Some slight performance issues hamper the experience a little, though not to the degree that it spoils the game. It’s a very capable port of the game, and the fact that it’s hitting the platform along with an excellent version of Yakuza Kiwami is just icing on the cake.

The Jackbox Party Pack 11 offers a varied mix of familiar and fresh ideas. What amazes me most after 11 packs and over 50 party games is not only Jackbox Games’ ability to surprise me but also to keep the quality level as high as it has over the years. Long may it go on, I say, especially if this is a sign of things to come.

If you have Ball x Pit already, the Nintendo Switch 2 Edition is an easy recommendation for upgrading. If you don’t, I still think it is a fantastic version of the game, especially when playing in Handheld mode. It would be good to see more platform-specific features added in the future, though. I’m also happy that, just like Vampire Survivors did, it has gotten its hooks in me long after hitting the credits.

My biggest takeaway from Super Robot Wars Y is that I’m desperate for more games in this series at this level of quality. If this is the new standard, then I’ll be showing up every time we get a new entry. My second biggest takeaway is that I’m thankful for all the new mech homework I have been given.

With Hyrule Warriors: Age of Imprisonment, AAA Games Studio has masterfully interwoven The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom’s playfully experimental gameplay systems with its own Musou pedigree. The plight surrounding the war for ancient Hyrule is endlessly captivating, and, while clearly most attractive to lore nerds like me for plugging the gaps in Nintendo’s original tale, the end result is a game that is a legend in its own right.

Given how generally safe Dragon Quest III HD-2D Remake played things, it’s truly remarkable just how much Square Enix has added and changed in Dragon Quest I & II HD-2D Remake. It’s as though the original games were summaries of the stories, and these are full-blown novelizations. The expanded narrative bits, new areas, enhanced gameplay mechanics, and presentation overhaul make Dragon Quest I & II come off like entirely new games. While I occasionally lamented the loss of the zippy pace of the original Dragon Quest I, this is still a must-play for fans of the series and those who can appreciate RPGs with a slightly old-school sensibility.

Final Fantasy Tactics: The Ivalice Chronicles is basically the dream remaster I’ve always wanted for the game. I’m sad it couldn’t be the perfect version for everyone, but what is here makes it certainly the perfect version for me. Everything I cherish in my favorite strategy game is better than ever, and I’m so happy to see them do justice to it. What was truly so important for me, though, is for Ivalice Chronicles to be able to deliver this game’s thematically dense narrative for modern audiences. Tactics was always a raw reflection of our real world and politics, and I’m glad Ivalice Chronicle feels like it has met the moment. I’ve spent years feeling that I’ve been unable to properly convey why this game is so special to me. Even now, I’m left with the feeling that there’s just so much more to say to do the game justice. I can only hope that this problem will infect a whole new generation of people who fall in love with Ivalice Chronicles.

Once Electronic Arts can address the music and accessibility issues, Plants vs. Zombies: Replanted on Nintendo Switch 2 will be essential. Right now, it feels like a great but flawed version of a classic. I appreciate the work that went into implementing Game Share and mouse controls on Switch 2 though.

In its current state, BALL x PIT is dangerous for my free time. It feels laser-targeted to me in somehow combining bits from genres I enjoy into something incredible. The Nintendo Switch version has a few rough edges and the game itself could use some visual tweaks for better readability, but I absolutely adore the time I’ve put into BALL x PIT. I can’t wait to work at unlocking everything it has to offer, assuming I don’t delete it so I can be more productive.

After getting a taste of Absolum with its Steam demo, which is now unavailable, I was curious to see how much longevity it would have. After putting in over 20 hours, I still have a lot to see and do in the world of Talamh, and I will never tire of taking on the bosses over and over again. I love it when games end up surprising me like this, and Absolum is easily one of the best of 2025 so far.

LEGO Party is a great Mario Party-like time. As much fun as my family and friends have battling it out in Nintendo’s long-running series, it’s nice to finally have another option to try that offers a similar level of entertainment and quality.

LEGO Voyagers is not a particularly tough game, but much like the toys it is based on, difficulty isn’t the reason you enjoy what it has to offer. It’s the satisfaction of building something out of nothing, the sense of wonder and creativity, and simply sharing the experience with someone else.

While not everything comes over smoothly, I think this HD remaster makes some necessary changes to fit modern platforms. Adding extra gimmicks in the form of Joy-Con 2 minigames will maybe hamper this going to further platforms, but it is in spirit with the original duology’s love of gimmick features from the 3DS. I’m not fond of cutting all the added story scenes connecting Bravely Second, but this does a good job bringing back the original game in all its glory. I may not love this game, but I’ve grown to respect it a lot and think it was important in keeping the Job System alive in Square Enix RPGs. This is a solid remaster effort of an enjoyable game, despite some odd choices. The visual upgrades are tasteful, the audio has much less compression than it did on 3DS, and there’s dual audio now. I find more value out of Second for being far more experimental in comparison, but what is here is still unique for the niche these games exist in. There’s a lot here for Switch 2 fans looking for a long RPG from arguably a more experimental era of portable gaming.

Soaring among the stars in Super Mario Galaxy + Super Mario Galaxy 2 delivers not one but two out-of-this-world adventures that are simply unmissable experiences, regardless of whether you choose to play on Nintendo Switch 2 or Nintendo Switch. Shooting through space like a comet after leaping into a Launch Star or overcoming the challenges that confront you to secure each Power Star never gets old, and I am envious that there are likely those who will be discovering every galaxy that awaits you for the very first time.

DK Island and Emerald Rush is probably not going to suit the tastes of every player. If you were hoping for more exploration or story, there’s very little of that here. I think that’s fine, since the core game already offers quite a lot in that regard. What this DLC does is repurpose those great gameplay mechanics towards a new end, giving those who enjoy trying to top their previous bests quite a lot to chew on. The statue collection throws another activity on the pile, and the promise of future events is intriguing. I don’t know if this is the expansion people might have necessarily wanted, but it’s one that Donkey Kong Bananza wears very well indeed.

Having never played any of the original Shinobi games, I didn’t really know what to expect going into Art of Vengeance. Was it a straightforward beat ‘em up? Or more of a Metroidvania? Well, turns out the answer is both, all wrapped in a stunning visual style – that does suffer slightly on the Switch version in particular – and if the quality on offer here is any indication, then I cannot wait to see what lies in store from the remaining four SEGA titles.

With the understanding that there are going to be some sacrifices to get a game like EA Sports Madden NFL 26 going on the Switch 2 hardware, I think this is about as good as one could reasonably expect. The loss of cross-platform play is unfortunate but sensible, and the visual downgrade might be noticeable, but it’s certainly acceptable. Stepping back from that, this is an excellent game to be able to take on the go, and it carries itself well enough docked, too. American football fans, rejoice: Switch 2 is already eating better than its predecessor.

Star Wars Outlaws Gold Edition is an interesting release right now. With all its patches and updates later, Star Wars Outlaws itself is a much better game, but it still has some issues. If you haven’t played it before, Star Wars Outlaws Gold Edition on Nintendo Switch 2 is a great package. If you already own it elsewhere, cross progression makes this an easy double or triple dip with how well it works. I can definitely see myself dipping into it on and off over the coming months to not only check out the updates coming, but also explore the world with such a fantastic portable version.

All up, Gradius Origins is another incredible collection from M2 and Konami. While it might not have every single game or version you might want, for what it does have it has just about everything. There are some extremely coveted scarcities, and even a few fun hidden goodies. At the core of it all is a series of games that shook its genre harder than just about any other, and by playing them, you’ll likely understand why. It’s a must-have for fans of shooters and gaming history alike.

Everybody’s Golf Hot Shots is a light-hearted and content-rich package that’s a great way to unwind with on your own or have a good laugh with friends. While the unlock process can feel like a bit of a slog at times, the golfing itself is strong enough to keep you coming back for one more round.

Star-Crossed World should be seen as the icing on the cake to what is already among the heroic pink star’s greatest adventures to date. Its brevity once again left me wanting more, but the new content is meaningful and a worthwhile distraction even for those who have beaten the game before. For newcomers, this is an enviable opportunity to experience Forgotten Land’s kaleidoscopic greatness running at its triumphant best. I can’t wait to see what adventures HAL Laboratory take Kirby on next.

Is This Seat Taken? is a brilliant logic puzzler with a playful yet elegant aesthetic, incredible audio design, and I wish I could just play a new daily puzzle in it until the end of the year. A few interface quirks hold it back, but Is This Seat Taken? is an easy recommendation on Switch, iOS, or Steam Deck.

Heretic + Hexen is a bit harder to recommend compared to DOOM + DOOM II given the source material quality, but Nightdive Studios has done a superb job bringing both games back for modern platforms with a plethora of quality of life and visual enhancements that can all be toggled off as well for the original experience. While the Switch version is a bit lacking thanks to limited mod support, it plays fantastically on both Switch and Switch 2 with gyro controls. If you enjoyed Nightdive’s DOOM and Quake releases, Heretic + Hexen is an essential even if you never played them before. I know Heretic isn’t going to appeal to everyone, but it feels like a dream (and nightmare) to have this game from my childhood return in such an amazing way.

Taken as its own thing, Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 3 + 4 is an amazingly fun game that I’d recommend even to people who have no particular interest in skateboarding. Those seeking the nostalgia trip are going to have to deal with a wildly different take on Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 4 and a mostly-new soundtrack, but these titles still play just as well as they always did. The fresh coat of paint is all the excuse needed to dive back in and remember what made this series one of the biggest of its era. The Nintendo Switch 2 version doesn’t have to make nearly as many compromises on the technical side as the original Switch had to with Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 1 + 2. Time has been kind, and so has this port.

Time Flies is yet another home run from Panic’s publishing. Playables has released one of my favorite indie games of the year here. When I recently reviewed Dear Me, I was…, I mentioned how every game doesn’t have to be for everyone. Time Flies is another release I know won’t be for everyone, but I absolutely love it. Go forth. Fly, die, fly again, die again, and think about how everyone’s time on this planet is limited with so many things to do.

Dear Me, I was… is quite an emotional experience, and I absolutely adored it from start to finish. A few control issues hold it back when playing docked, but I give it my highest possible recommendation if you enjoy moving narratives and want something short to experience on Nintendo Switch 2. My only real annoyance right now is that I can’t buy an artbook or listen to the Dear Me, I was… soundtrack outside the game.

Super Mario Party Jamboree Nintendo Switch 2 Edition + Jamboree TV is a huge package, whatever way you look at it. For newcomers looking for a great party game to accompany Mario Kart World, look no further. For owners of the base game, the new content is enjoyable enough to justify the added cost (especially if you have kids). One of the best Mario Party games just got better.

If you already played WWE 2K25, there isn’t much here to warrant a double dip, but if you want a great handheld experience, WWE 2K25 on Nintendo Switch 2 delivers the complete experience with no mode cut and solid performance. I just hope we see next year’s entry include cross-platform online and custom creations. WWE 2K25 is a bright start for sports games on Nintendo Switch 2, and it has me excited to play NBA 2K26 in the coming months.

Deltarune won me over because it’s complex and heart-wrenchingly earnest. This earnestness is what keeps people coming back for more. The art, music, and gameplay simply serve this earnest passion for video games. This game burns bright because of that passion, and it’s something you need to see to believe.

Donkey Kong Bananza is nothing short of a love letter to the big ape’s past, a regrounding of his present and the start of a wondrous new chapter for the hijinks that await in his future. It’s a celebration that the gaming icon has long deserved, and a game that has delivered memories that I will cherish for decades to come. In an experience that kept upping the ante right until the very end, it was hard not to smile from start to finish with childlike wonder at the spectacle that Nintendo has achieved. The bar has once again been raised.

Having now spent the better part of the last week playing Patapon 1+2 Replay across multiple devices and the original PSP version on PS Vita, I’ve grown to appreciate the series more. Patapon 1+2 Replay isn’t perfect. It could use a better input timing calibration option for those who play docked, and some of the UI elements are a bit blurry on Nintendo Switch. However, this is one of the easiest recommendations for anyone who likes unique rhythm games. I recommend sticking to handheld mode for the best possible experience on Switch, though.

The Switch version might not be as easy a recommendation as the other platforms, but I think it preserves and even enhances the atmosphere the original game excelled at. Playing a portable is just an intimate experience, and System Shock 2 works well. I hope Nightdive is able to bring over more Immersive Sims to the console, and hopefully be able to take advantage of the new Switch 2 hardware features.

The lack of an upgrade path for existing Nintendo Switch owners and technical issues definitely hold it back, but Nobunaga’s Ambition: Awakening Complete Edition on Nintendo Switch 2 is an excellent release, especially if you play in handheld mode. Having now played it on every platform since launch, this is the best portable version with its many input options and all the content included from the get-go. The small install size also means I don’t need to stress over leaving it installed on my Switch 2, with how much I’ve been juggling other games since launch.

Luckily, Raidou Remastered: The Mystery of the Soulless Army still has plenty of personality. It has a style all its own, and I think many people will find it pleasantly brisk for an Atlus game. There’s something good in this concept, and I can only hope that this remake indicates that Atlus is considering making a new game in the series. I also hope we’ll see a similar treatment of the superior sequel. For now, this is a solid pick-up if you’re looking to experience a kind of game you don’t see often from Atlus anymore. A good time, even if it isn’t a must-have.

Monster Train 2 is a truly phenomenal deck-building roguelike that manages to improve on the original in nearly every way. While we’re seeing more and more of these types of games showing up, Monster Train 2 stands tall as one of the best out there. Whether you love card games, love roguelikes or simply love to try new things, make sure to hop aboard the train.

Yakuza 0 is an excellent game and this Director’s Cut is the best version of it yet. The story is compelling, the action is fun, and there’s a wealth of things to enjoy in its well-realized settings. I’m not sure there’s enough here to justify a double dip for those who have already played it elsewhere, but if you’re new to the game it’s a must-have. Hopefully the third time is the charm for Like A Dragon and Nintendo platforms so that we can see the rest of the series come to Switch 2.

With any luck, Arcade Archives 2 Ridge Racer will be simply the first of many dives into the 3D era of arcades. If so, it’s a perfect choice to carry that flag. Ridge Racer was a revolution back in 1993, and it’s still a fantastic racer today. With just four courses and a single car, you’ll really need to get into challenging the online leaderboards if you want the fun to last. Still, this is essentially the game as it was, and I doubt anyone would come into it expecting anything more than that.

Street Fighter 6 Years 1-2 Fighters Edition on Nintendo Switch 2 offers incredible value and delivers a great portable and online experience on the console, but it isn’t the best way to get the full experience thanks to some technical issues. The online and core gameplay hold up as they should, though, and that’s what matters the most in games like this. If you already own Street Fighter 6 on another platform and just want to practice on or play on the go, the Switch 2 version is an easy recommendation. Just don’t bother with buying this to play World Tour.

All in all, Mario Kart World takes the long-running series into genuinely intriguing territory. Its open world is a joyous thing to explore and race through, while Knockout Tour is a thrilling new addition I can’t stop playing. A few bizarre choices hold the game back from being true racing perfection, but regardless, I couldn’t stop smiling every time I picked up the controller. Here’s hoping Nintendo continue to support the game because with a few tweaks and extras, this could very well shape up to become the best entry in the series.

Back in 2022, I said No Man’s Sky was one of the most impressive Nintendo Switch conversions ever. Fast forward to today and No Man’s Sky Nintendo Switch 2 Edition is not only a massive upgrade that happens to be free for existing owners, but it is a damn fine way to experience Hello Games’ intergalactic creation in general. With cross-save, multiplayer, and superb hardware support, No Man’s Sky Nintendo Switch 2 Edition is already an essential for every Nintendo Switch 2 owner.

What it lacks in tracks, FAST Fusion more than makes up for in sheer blisteringly speedy fun. Stunning, smooth and dangerously addictive, between this, Mario Kart World and Arcade Archives 2 Ridge Racer, the Nintendo Switch 2 has been spoiled for racers.

Having now spent a few dozen hours playing Capcom Fighting Collection 2 across Switch, PC, and Xbox, I can't wait to play more of Capcom vs. SNK 2 and Power Stone 2 online with friends post-launch. Some game collections are worth owning just from a historic and preservation perspective, but Capcom Fighting Collection 2 is absolutely worth grabbing just for great portable versions of a few of the games included. Even as a newcomer, this collection shows Capcom truly wanted to give these games the love they deserve, making them accessible on modern platforms.

It is the companionship between the cat and B-12, as well as the revelatory discoveries that they find together, that make Stray such an endearing experience. Whether playfully leaping across rooftops or simply finding somewhere to curl up and take a well-deserved snooze, the originality that fuels the game’s creative concept rightly helps it to stand out from the crowd.

For a specific person, Endless Monday: Dreams and Deadlines will be both the perfect and worst game for you (and me) right now. It is equal parts relatable and thought-provoking. There’s a chance it makes you rethink how you approach your own work, your friends, and life in general, but there’s also a possibility it makes you want to eat a burger and grab some coffee. If a game makes me want to grab some coffee and think about my life, is there really anything else I could ask for?

With hundreds of Rune Factory-inspired puzzles to clear, you can expect to get your money’s worth with Piczle Cross: Rune Factory. It will take the most dedicated fans to complete every puzzle, earn each badge and fill their Bestiary. Whether you are into Rune Factory or not, this content-packed game is easy enough to recommend and will help you see why the series is cherished by so many.

Both original Lunar games are undeniable classics of retro linear RPG storytelling. The Lunar Remastered Collection is a solid way to play these games, especially in the case of Eternal Blue, which has been stuck on the original PlayStation since launch. I’m slightly disappointed in the lack of options on offer, and a retranslation would have been appreciated, but this is a good way to play two fantastic RPGs. Gung Ho has clearly come a long way since Grandia’s controversial remaster, and I can only hope this signals a return for Game Arts. Their games have always had a pull on me, sparking my imagination and offering up fantasy adventures that set the standard for ideal comfort RPGs.

There’s definitely a substantive quality gap between both games in this collection, but ultimately, this is a worthy collection to keep on your shelf if you’re fond of original PlayStation RPGs. I’d spent so long wanting the PSP collection to make it west, and it’s great to have that finally with a few extra bells and whistles. I wish there could have been some kind of extra graphics options here to preserve the original pixel aesthetics for the backgrounds, but serious praise needs to be brought to the work the team put into Suikoden II’s remaster. That alone feels worth the cost of admission.

While the Sonic portion of the game is starting to show its age, there’s still plenty of fun to be had revisiting classic zones and taking on Eggman once again. It’s the Shadow adventure though that is the true standout. Polished, exhilarating and clearly made with a real love for the character, Shadow Generations is a fantastically fun time and turns Sonic X Shadow Generations into a must for fans of the series and platforming fans alike.

Xenoblade Chronicles X Definitive Edition has delivered the second chance that Monolith Soft’s epic sci-fi RPG deserved to find a wider audience. With its deeply emotional storytelling and world-building, I still see Xenoblade Chronicles 3 as the pinnacle of what the developer has long worked to achieve but this unforgettable space opera is close behind it thanks to its astounding technical execution and thrill-inducing battle systems.

Phantom Brave: The Lost Hero is a pretty in-depth and approachable SRPG, with more than enough customization to keep people falling into the beloved NIS grinding. These systems are solid, and pretty fun, even if there’s some awkward physics here and there. It’s held back by the Nintendo Switch version’s shortcomings however, but if you’ve already been playing their games on Switch for the past few years you’re probably used to this. I’m hoping further patches or Nintendo Switch 2 backward compatibility will clean it up down the road. I’m pretty excited for NIS to continue making these charming and complex RPGs, as they’ve hit their stride. Hopefully, with stronger hardware next time, it’ll be firing off all cylinders. There are some good hooks here, and I even want to circle back and see how much of what I liked is in the original’s DNA.

Despite my misgivings with this particular port, I adored my time revisiting Tales of Graces f. I’d need to see if a Tales of the Abyss port is in our cards to fully decide, but at the moment I think this is the Tales game for me. I’ve caught the bug again, and I really want to comb through this series’ back catalogue. This is probably the best Tales remaster we’ve gotten so far, even if there are parts I wish could have been improved further. As the first title in this Remaster project, however, this is a promising start. If you’re interested in playing this and really want to dive into the battle system, you should probably play it on any other platform. If you’re here for fun vibes, the Nintendo Switch version will do you fine enough.

It’s been a good while since I’ve played Donkey Kong Country Returns and this HD upgrade has been a delightful reminder of just how much fun Retro Studios’ first stab at the platforming series was. As far as new additions go, this definitely ranks near the bottom when it comes to Nintendo’s Switch porting efforts. That being said, the visual update is certainly pleasant on the eye and it’s hard to argue the game’s sustained quality in level design. If you missed out on the game the first time around, then bump the score up a point. Returning players, meanwhile, will still find a brilliant time awaits, one far more impactful, the longer the gap since your last Donkey Kong Island visit.