Rune Factory: Guardians of Azuma might not be the most polished game, with all of its systems not being fully cohesive, but it was the entry point to Rune Factory I’ve been looking for. The skill floor is pretty low, with simple combat mechanics and easy-to-manage farming. While it might not have the tightest design in a farming simulator or an ARPG, I think it presents a breezy and fun combination of both genres. I’d like to see another spin-off tackle this approach again, because I think there’s a lot of potential in the series going in this new direction. Hopefully, next time, though, the Nintendo Switch 2 version could get a bit more love.

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.

I think Pokémon Champions has some potential, despite its many shortcomings at the moment. It’s carried by the excellent Pokémon battle system, to be sure. As the number of Pokémon available to use increases and the game gets more filled out, this could eventually grow into the true competitive scene that Pokémon could use. I at least appreciate that the current monetization method limits what you can spend and largely avoids potential pay-to-win problems. Still, there’s no denying that this feels somewhat undercooked, both technically and in terms of what’s actually included here. Hopefully Pokemon Champions can, over time, grind its way to living up to its name.

Ys Memoire: Revelations in Celceta is a slightly spiffed-up version of a game that is very much of its time and place in the history of the series. While it’s not the best Ys game you can play on the Switch, or even the second-best, going on a journey with Adol rarely shortchanges the player on thrills. Those using a Switch 2 will find this to be a particularly comfortable handheld experience, but there’s a satisfying quality to it wherever or however you choose to play it.

As a port, Overwatch on Nintendo Switch 2 is an easy recommendation for portable play as a companion to playing on another system. It feels quite lacking when played docked, though, with it not including the field of view slider or 120 frames per second options found on the PS5 and Xbox Series X versions, let alone running at a much lower resolution than those consoles. Given it took almost a year following the console’s launch, I expected a bit better, but I’m glad to have it in a much better state for handheld play at least.

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.

All of this ultimately falls into the “nice to have” bucket rather than the “essential” one. If you loved the base game and want a little more juice to squeeze from it, you’ll likely be satisfied with what you get from SEGA Villains. On the other hand, if you’re expecting a full-on expansion, you’re not really getting that here. It’s a good excuse to fire the game up again, and I will say that what’s here pays homage to the respective franchises quite well. You get some excellent new boss encounters, some new stages to traverse, and even get some new moves and looks for your trouble. I do wish the stages were a little more fully-realized, and it’s disappointing that the only Sonic stage is reserved for the climactic boss battle. SEGA Villains isn’t all it could be, but it’s enough.

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.

Kena: Bridge of Spirits delivers an interesting blend of fast-paced combat, gorgeous visuals, and light puzzle-solving. It is just a shame that I can’t recommend the Nintendo Switch 2 port without the caveats about visual issues like ghosting, some noticeable visual cutbacks, and lack of a performance mode. I’ll definitely revisit it after some patches, but if nothing major changes, this is looking like a game I should revisit on another platform in the future for New Game Plus.

If you’re new to all of this, you’ll probably want to start your journey with the Mega Man Battle Network Legacy Collection. It’s not that you can’t jump in with Mega Man Star Force Legacy Collection, but the included games aren’t quite up to the highs of their predecessors. Star Force adheres too closely to Battle Network for its own good, and where it does make changes they are generally for the worse. With all that said, it’s hard to fault Capcom’s work here on dressing these games in their Sunday best and getting them back out there.

All in all, Meetup in Bellabel Park is an entertaining addition to what was an already excellent adventure. While it’s not the New Super Luigi U-sized expansion many were likely hoping, it manages to deliver just enough meat to chew on both for platforming challenge-seekers and group-based shenanigans.

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.

The display issues, input lag, and little bugs here and there detract from what is otherwise a rather well put-together assortment of games. Super Bomberman Collection might not have your favorite Bomberman game in it, but there’s plenty here for any fan to find some fun with. I really appreciate all the extra touches in the UI, and having two newly-translated games is nothing to sneeze at. The GameShare option is a natural fit here, provided you have Switch-owning Bomberman fans in your vicinity. I wish the actual play experience was a little better than it is, but I’d imagine most players will find this to serve their needs well enough.

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.

Xenoblade Chronicles X: Definitive Edition – Nintendo Switch 2 Edition isn’t just a handful of a title, it’s also a handful of an “upgrade”. With clear benefits in some aspects and obvious drawbacks in others, especially for handheld players, this version of the game makes for an awkward debut for the RPG franchise in native Switch 2 form. Playing on a TV, this is on the whole an improvement over the original Switch version running on Switch 2. The trade-offs aren’t big ones. It’s a shame this came at the cost of severely mucking up the textures in handheld mode, and I sincerely hope that Nintendo and Monolith don’t simply leave it in this form. This game deserves a better fate than that.

All things considered, though, this is a solid way to play a solid entry in the series. Capcom learned a lot from this game, with the experiments made iterated on in all the future entries. I can’t really stay mad at Resident Evil 7, and this was a fun revisit. This won’t be the best version of the game, but most newcomers will be able to play a version of the game with solid parity to the other console versions. A patch to clean up some lingering performance issues, fix up the HDR as best as possible, and improve gyro aiming would go a long way.

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.

Gear.Club Unlimited 3 offers a solid core racing experience, but it suffers from poor visuals, performance issues, some visual glitches, and a scarcity of content to justify the asking price. It is even harder to recommend Gear.Club Unlimited 3 in a post-GRID Legends: Deluxe Edition world on Nintendo Switch 2. There is potential here, but too many caveats for it to be even close to an easy recommendation.

If you care about just the documentary, interviews, and history section of the Rayman 30th Anniversary Edition and want to have easy access to the SNES prototype from 1992 or the Game Design Bible for Rayman, this is worth buying, but I can’t recommend it at full price right now. Once the music is patched in and bugs ironed out, this will be a lot easier to stomach. I hope we see all of that addressed before the physical release is out because this is one release you’d want to own for the shelf.

In its current state and with how it is discounted quite a bit on other platforms, I definitely recommend PGA Tour 2K25 on another platform if you’re a fan of golf games. On Nintendo Switch 2, it is only worth buying right now if you have no other platform and can play while connected to the internet. Once the input lag and load times are addressed, it will be easier to recommend.

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.

My personal feeling is that Yakuza 3 didn’t really need to be remade, particularly in this manner. There was a perfectly good remaster of the original game that could have been ported and maybe given a little extra polish. But I understand that simply reissuing the older games might not be in line with the current vision for the series. With that in mind, I do wish a little more oomph was put into making Yakuza Kiwami 3 feel like a more cohesive experience. This mish-mash of things from other Yakuza games is probably going to go over well enough with Nintendo-exclusive players who have only played a few games in the series, but I question if this is really the take on Yakuza 3 that Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio wants in the canon. It’s fun! It’s full of stuff! So why does it often feel so darned empty?

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.

This is the version of the game they’re selling right now, and it’s just not good enough to play this on Switch 2 over other platforms. I’m hopeful this will eventually be good, so we will see if that happens. Give this one some extra time in the oven before you dive in.

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.

As I’m a newcomer to the Simon the Sorcerer series, I can’t really speak to how authentic this prequel is. But a bit of research tells me this franchise has been through some tough times, so fans will hopefully have some forgiveness for a good-hearted effort even if it doesn’t quite hit the mark. As for myself, as someone who has enjoyed adventure games through the highs and lows, I had a solid time with Simon the Sorcerer Origins. Not every reference landed, but the game wasn’t so obsessed with them as to make me feel lost. The story was engaging and the puzzles were largely fair, and that’s a big part of what I like to see in games from this genre. Fans of Broken Sword or Monkey Island might want to give this a shot, even if they don’t know Simon from a hole in the wall.

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!

I could see Ripple Island Kyle and Cal’s Restaurant reaching an acceptable level if the developer commits to patching it, but in its current state, I really can’t recommend the game to anyone. Not even the Sunsoft diehards should bother with this.

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

Atelier Resleriana: The Red Alchemist & The White Guardian probably shouldn’t be anyone’s first entry in the series, and the loading times on the original Nintendo Switch can get pretty annoying over time. The charming characters and breezy set-up are points in its favor, however, and longtime fans of the Atelier games will likely enjoy both the cameos and classic style. It’s also a rather decent choice in general if you’re looking for an RPG to zone out on and don’t mind if you can’t pick up on all the references. Of the three Atelier releases this year, it’s probably the one I’d recommend least, but in the end? I’d still recommend it. Good comfort food.

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.

Dark Deity 2 is a better game than the original, doing a little bit more of its own thing without losing its passion for a particular era of Fire Emblem. With plenty of character-building options and a bevy of campaign modifiers, this is a game that has plenty to offer those who like to tinker with gameplay systems. The biggest letdown comes from the story, which starts off reasonably well but peaks early. Indeed, that’s an issue with Dark Deity 2 as a whole. A strong improvement, but there’s still room to grow here.

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 One Piece: Pirate Warriors 4, the One Piece: Pirate Warriors 4 Nintendo Switch 2 Edition Upgrade Pack is worth it for handheld play, but docked, I’m a bit conflicted right now since you do get visual improvements and an increased enemy count, but the performance is not as good as it was via backward compatibility. For newcomers, One Piece: Pirate Warriors 4 Nintendo Switch 2 Edition with DLC is worth getting, even if you aren’t a fan of One Piece. Just don’t bother with the standalone base game right now.

All things considered, Dragon Ball: Sparking! Zero on Nintendo Switch 2 delivers a fully playable experience that is good handheld, but the developer should’ve done more for the visuals and performance when playing docked. I would still play it here over PC handhelds I own, but it is hard to recommend the Switch 2 version to play on TV if you have access to PS5 or Xbox Series X.

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.

Yooka-Replaylee on Nintendo Switch 2 is a very good upgrade over the original to the point where I wouldn’t bother playing the former anymore. I just wish the Switch 2 version had a performance mode or even a 40 frames per second option. Right now, this is one to play on PS5 or Steam Deck if you have those options. If you only play on Switch and Switch 2, I can still recommend it if you want a quality 3D platformer collectathon, but I was hoping for better.

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.

As an upgrade over the original, Overcooked! 2 Nintendo Switch 2 Edition gets the job done, but it feels like a missed opportunity given a better and more complete Overcooked! game exists in All You Can Eat. If you still regularly play Overcooked! 2, the upgrade is worth getting when discounted. It is also worth noting that the new Switch 2 Edition does not include any prior downloadable content, and you will have to buy all of that separately, making it an even worse deal compared to simply buying All You Can Eat.

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 are predominantly a handheld gamer, this is one of, if not the best, football games you can play on the go in a very, very long time. It is a very good first attempt on Switch 2. Hopefully, when EA Sports FC 27 rolls around, they will have fixed the issues present here – the big one making the game run at 60 frames per second. If you have enjoyed any FIFA / EA Sports FC game in the last decade, you’ll find plenty to enjoy here.

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.

Now that I’ve been able to play the fully patched version of Two Point Museum on Nintendo Switch 2, it is a perfect fit for Nintendo’s new hybrid console, but the port needs more work, not only in performance and load times, but also in features. Two Point Studios and SEGA would’ve delivered my favorite version of the game had this shipped with mouse and touchscreen control options in addition to controller support.

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.

There are a lot of things I like about Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Tactical Takedown. I think there’s a good foundation here for a follow-up that really brings it all home. As for this particular entry, I think it understands the material and has a lot of good ideas, but it never quite reaches the level it felt like it was building towards. Turtles fans might want to check it out, along with those who enjoy turn-based tactical games and are on the hunt for some lighter fare. It’s a decent on-the-go experience, too. Not the best TMNT game you can get on Nintendo Switch, but maybe the most unique one.

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.

Bottom line, Mortal Kombat: Legacy Kollection is a fantastic documentary, but in its current state, it is a somewhat flawed way to play many of these games. I think the selection of titles is good enough, but the non-functional and threadbare online play, combined with various emulation issues and bugs, drags down what should have been an incredible overall package. Even with all of that, I think a lot of people will find the games playable enough for their needs. Digital Eclipse has already pushed out one hotfix that addressed some problems, and I hope some of this stuff gets fixed. At this point, it’s neither flawless nor a fatality.

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.

I’m very glad Once Upon A Katamari exists, and while I have enjoyed playing it on basically every platform over the last week as a break from other games, I really wish a little more care had been put into the progression. It would also dramatically benefit from a Nintendo Switch 2 version because out of the three games in the series on Nintendo Switch, Once Upon A Katamari sees the most visual cutbacks compared to other platforms.

With Full Metal Schoolgirl, D3Publisher and Yuke’s have a solid base to build on, but it has a few too many annoying issues holding it back from an easy recommendation. The constant loading and time-wasting cut-scenes when you finish a room, accompanied by technical issues on Nintendo Switch 2, make it one to wait on for potential updates. Despite that, Full Metal Schoolgirl’s strong core gameplay with a good localization and aesthetic made me want to keep coming back to it for a run or two every day since getting it.

I really wish that the Nintendo Switch 2 version of Persona 3 Reload didn’t have the technical problems it does. Without them, this would be a slam-dunk recommendation for any and all RPG fans. With them, I have to load that endorsement with a number of conditions. If you’re planning to play mainly in handheld mode and are even lightly sensitive to frame pacing or stuttering, you might want to hold off for a performance update. Those looking to play in docked mode will have a more tolerable time of it. Persona 3 Reload is an excellent RPG, but you might want to play it elsewhere if you have the option.

Having enjoyed the first Pac-Man World remake, I went into the sequel with pretty high expectations. What I wound up with was another well-made remake, and sure, it’s definitely a platformer of its time, but it proved to be a fun and nostalgic trip with plenty to see and do. Bring on Pac-Man World 3 Re-Pac, I say!

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.

Cronos: The New Dawn is, by default, the best Nintendo Switch 2-only horror game out there at the moment, and it’s further proof that Bloober Team are very good horror game makers. While it never fully feels unique, it’s a fun and captivating horror title that borrows from the very best in the genre and the perfect game to get you ready for Halloween season.

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.

This is a pretty interesting Trails game that I think is really for a certain type of Daybreak fan. I had heard it was divisive, and I definitely get why. Its mistakes are disappointing, but I think overall the successes outweigh them. This is the kind of game I think I needed before moving into the conclusion games of the arc, cementing Calvard as one of the most fleshed out countries in such a massive series. This cast is lovely, and the ongoing mysteries left from this game have me excited to see how this ends up. I’d probably recommend checking this one out on any platform but the Nintendo Switch if you have the option, but I’m eager to see how Trails Beyond The Horizon will feel with a native Nintendo Switch 2 version.

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.

If you are at all interested in the idea of a Bubsy the Bobcat collection, Bubsy in: The Purrfect Collection won’t leave you hanging. It has all of the “classic” games in almost every variation that was ever made, the emulation is solid, and the extras are a fun romp. I don’t think these games are quite as bad as their reputation suggests, but they aren’t much better than that. Nevertheless, there is a unique feel to this series that, for better or worse, makes it stand out from the pack. Ultimately, this is a well-executed collection of some highly dubious yet oddly fascinating titles. A snapshot of an era, no matter how much we might want to forget it. Perhaps that makes it worth its weight in hairballs.

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.