Mario Kart World might not completely reinvent the steering wheel, but it’s still a bold new vision for the 30-year-old series that takes some big risks with the classic formula. That said, thanks to some visually stunning new tracks, incredible karting tech, and a soundtrack that keeps my head bopping at all times, it’s already my favorite Mario Kart game to date, and I can’t wait to spend the next few years drifting and wall riding in Knockout Tour, Grand Prix mode, and beyond.

A smart expansion of incredible action foundations, PlatinumGames’ latest entry delivers a wild story and defies expectations while presenting heartwarming themes at its core. Bayonetta 3 is an action masterpiece, offering a veritable feast for fans of the Umbra witch and closing out the trilogy with the biggest and best entry yet.

Visually rich and a real corker of a design, Card Thief is a must-try for puzzle or solitaire aficionados and a good starting point as any for newcomers.

Grimvalor is the best Metroidvania you’ll find on a mobile platform, but doesn’t move the bar for the subgenre at large.

A solid mobile port featuring the original's best single-player elements, and an excellent real-time tactical experience.

ARC Raiders doubles down that Embark Studios is force of nature in the shooter space. It runs great on handheld PCs and is ideal for newcomers and veterans alike. With best-in-class sound design, gripping firefights, and a brilliant social system to explore, no match is the same within the Rust Belt.

A remastered port of the legendary, humorous sim that feels perfect for on-the-go play, minus a few platform-specific frustrations.

In the end, Bridge Constructor Portal is a fantastic puzzle game, and a thoroughly Portal title. I fully recommend it to anyone with a passing interest either in the genre or the franchises, even at full price. Now excuse me, while I go build more testing chambers and wholly endanger test subjects' lives. You know, for science.

A breeze to control, exciting to play and to excessively replay, laden with tactical playgrounds.

Yes, Your Grace loses nothing in its port to mobile, retaining its enthralling atmosphere and narrative, driven forward by straightforward gameplay. You'll spend countless hours in the kingdom of Davern reflecting on your tough choices, while soaking in the wonderful design of the game.

Mario + Rabbids return is a ridiculous rocket-powered romp through a hybrid IP universe featuring the best of Mario world design alongside hilarious Rabbids hijinks. While the pacing meanders a little in the middle, and exploring feels a little weird with feet glued to this floor, Sparks of Hope is a masterclass in making turn-based battles feel fresher than ever, and should be praised as a comedy blockbuster of the tactical genre.

Even with a fatal crash and not seeing the end sequence, Spaceplan has provided me with one of the most memorable experiences of the year so far from a genre I didn’t think was capable of such a feat.

Dragon Quest I & II HD-2D Remake is a beautiful and modernized overhaul of two classic JRPGs that are essential for any fantasy fan’s Nintendo Switch 2 library. It combines stunning graphics with engaging gameplay and storytelling for the complete portable package.

Super Mario Bros. Wonder - Nintendo Switch 2 Edition + Meetup in Bellabel Park is a tale of two halves. I had a blast with the new single-player content, taking my time to trounce the Koopalings one by one, but the multiplayer element falls a bit flat in terms of replayability and variety.

The Legend of Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom brings a delightful entry to the classic franchise with Princess Zelda as the leading lady. Use your wits and a catalog of echoes in an incredibly well-rounded game to rediscover every corner of Hyrule in a new story.

Paranormasight is a masterpiece. With a dizzying web of interwoven narratives, an uncanny ability to blur the lines of fact and fiction, and a thoroughly thrilling atmosphere, it’s truly the gold standard of engaging visual novels and a must for anyone fascinated by the deliciously dark world of the supernatural and the occult.

Many may dismiss Flipflop Solitaire as yet another solitaire game but happily it is possible to find sparks of genius in the most mundane of places. If you have no interest in Solitaire then this isn’t going to change your mind, it may also struggle to attract a casual audience, as it is a barebones app with no gimmicky mascots or tacked-on theme. For players familiar with the traditional version there will initially a bit of a learning curve as your brain gets accustomed to the demands of taking a more flexible approach. However, the effort is well worth it, so download it for free; you have nothing to lose - apart from hours of your life.

Essentially, FRAMED is even more Monument Valley than Monument Valley. It’s stylishly attractive and milks its central mechanic, but there isn’t all that much to milk. Rather than getting repetitive or losing focus, both games just end gracefully after a relatively brief, not very challenging, but unique and thoroughly enjoyable experience.

A tablet game based on a card game based on a tabletop RPG based on another tabletop RPG maybe isn't where I should have gone looking for an original game, yet this is one of the great fantasy games on iOS.

Punishing yet charming, this Tim Burton-esque world of exploration and terror will hook new players and old.

Ball bouncing has never looked or felt better than it does in Holedown, a game that proves that there’s always a more interesting way to do the things we’ve been doing for years.

Chucklefish builds on a rock-solid foundation, and Wargroove 2 manages to both iterate and innovate in a satisfying manner. Coupled with the smart challenge of Conquest mode’s rogue-lite offering, riveting online multiplayer, and a truly intimidating wealth of creation tools, this just might be the most impressive package of any tactics game on Switch. Hopefully, a few updates can address the very few bugs and UI issues we aren’t quite as fond of.

A beastly expansion that picks up right where MHR left off, Sunbreak builds upon the base game with a plethora of fresh, challenging fights, smashing skills, exciting equipment, and more. So hop back on your palamute and grab a max potion - you’re gonna need it.

If you like the first entry, a series of smart improvements mean there’s a very good chance you’re going to love Octopath Traveler II. This is still a grand, and traditional JRPG adventure, so get ready for nearly 100 hours of turn-based battles and deep, intricate stories. However, with dynamic visuals, addictive combat, and a deep and intertwining story that features all eight of your characters, Octopath Traveler II is an utterly sublime JRPG experience and now sits as one of the best of its kind on Nintendo Switch.

Cyberpunk 2077’s Nintendo Switch 2 port offers you a new way to play in the form of fluid motion controls, which has quickly become my favorite way to enjoy the combat in Night City. One of the best RPGs of the last decade is right at home on the new console, and I highly recommend both new and old fans give it a try.

Pikmin 3 Deluxe is another comprehensive re-release with a welcome multiplayer component, but it’s a shame Nintendo didn’t polish it to the fine sheen that it deserves.

Lil Guardsman offers an intriguing and easily completable puzzle, wrapped in a cartoony art style with superb script writing. Let yourself become the gatekeeper of the city and decide the fate of all the visitors flocking to the Sprawl, and the city itself.

A Space for the Unbound takes us on a wholesome and emotional adventure across an Indonesian town, following a high school couple working around mystical and unforeseen problems.

Kirby and the Forgotten Land is a delicious mouthful of puzzling, platforming, adventure-filled fun, with heaps of inventive mechanics, luscious level design, and plenty of challenges to chew on

Easy to learn, hard to master is now schlocky ad-speak for multiplayer games, but Antihero lives up to that slogan and more, all while serving up a variety of play modes with style.

Marvel Snap is a solid CCG that features great gameplay with satisfying deck building, and a heap of heroes and villains that can make a real difference on the battlefield.

Buy card packs with your gold, or with real money. It’s made plenty of profit for Blizzard. But SuperCell weren’t satisfied with that. Instead, they chose the greedy path with Clash Royale and made what could have been a truly great game into merely a very good one.

Tactics Ogre: Reborn doesn’t have to justify its existence. A better looking, grander sounding, easier-to-play version of one of the best TRPGs of all time? Sign me up! But still, this extra beauty doesn’t mean it differs that drastically from its 1995 original, so unless you’re new to the series, you may need it to justify its existence. Either way, it’s good. But then again, it always has been.

Blasphemous II crafts an intricate and satisfying world that is only accentuated by the gorgeously gruesome art. The Penitent One feels better to control than ever, and the amount of choice you have over your attacks and abilities compliments the game’s punishing combat brilliantly. Despite some niggles, Blasphemous II is a Metroidvania masterclass and an incredibly confident sequel.

A superbly original and exceptionally presented colour matching tactical game that's all too brief. This should be remedied when the extra episodes are released.

Minimalist real-time strategy presented in a pure, direct fashion. Challenging, not too complicated and is great while it lasts (pending bug-fixes).

Shin Megami Tensei V is a traditional RPG with dense gameplay, a fantastic cast of demonic creatures, and some of the best visuals on Switch. It’s a stellar experience that holds steadfast to its old-school origins but gives the huge world and gameplay mechanics just enough smart changes to make every moment a blast. A sinister, magnificent, and deeply satisfying new contender for the best RPG on Switch.

Dynasty Warriors: Origins isn’t just a brilliant action game, wrapped in that familiar Musou combat we’ve come to know and love - it’s also a port that, by every stretch, shouldn’t work as well as it does. Despite some existing issues with the core experience, this is a great way to play the ARPG on the go.

An impressive and captivating simulation that will eat up hour after hour of your spare time.

A simple yet satisfying game that’s perfect for the Switch. Pick it up and play between meetings or sink several hours in at a time.

Taking many of the best elements from both Animal Crossing and The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild, Lil Gator Game tells a beautiful story and provides countless enjoyable experiences along the way. This is easily the most wholesome game of the year, if not the decade.

Dorfromantik is the perfect digital toybox for anyone who wants to build something and not worry about much other than its beauty. Some fiddly controls definitely need a rework, but they are the lowest obstacle to enjoying the experience. Everything’s lovely, and that’s good.

Skate Story is an emotional triumph. It's not just about the art of skateboarding, but the community and shared space within it. Between woes about doing laundry and helping a pigeon finish their manuscript, it blends a realistic approach to tricking with a sensational sense of momentum. With an incredible soundtrack and haunting visuals to shred through, it's an incredible odyssey about what it means to be human.

There’s something about a solitaire card game that really does it for me, and Card Crawl is one of the best I’ve played.

If you’re a fan of interactive-fiction titles like the Sorcery series you'll likely enjoy The Warlock of Firetop Mountain, although the story is not nearly as deep as similar titles in the genre. Fans of tabletop RPG modules will also find a lot to like in this game's single-player narrative and frequent combat action. Finally, if you're a fan of the old-school original book you'll enjoy diving into this recreation.

Alphabear 2 is a nigh-perfect bear-collecting spelling word puzzler held back by just a few arbitrary limitations.

A sure pick for any who want an excellent resource management game or to live out their vicarious fantasies of starship captaincy.

One of the best Apple Arcade games yet provides an intriguing combination of Firewatch, Neo Cab, and LA Noire, but ends up feeling like a creation all of its own.

Prepare for a perfectly packaged paranormal adventure in Oxenfree II: Lost Signals, taking you on a mind-bending supernatural story through Camena as Riley, who is researching the strange goings-on.

9 R.I.P. is a gripping occult mystery visual novel that weaves a web of tantalizing tales into something truly unique. While certain elements could be expanded upon, the game successfully combines horror, handsome husbandos, and a taste of tragic romance, managing to humanize the monster under the bed. And guess what? He’s kinda hot.

Try your hand at restoring the earth in the eco-friendly game Terra Nil as it sprouts on mobile and PC, bringing satisfying gameplay and scientific mechanics to reclaim the environment.

A long-awaited remaster of an iconic turn-based JRPG, the Bravely Default Flying Fairy HD Remaster finally brings the beloved title to modern consoles, allowing even more people to enjoy its charm. Unfortunately, the remaster falls short in some areas, and not every change is for the better, but it’s still a great time for fans of classic RPGs.

Zach Gage's latest is a required app for word puzzle fans that revamps an old classic for your new devices.

Rome: Total War is one of the best strategy games of all time and Feral Interactive hits the mark with the iPad version.

Spiritfarer on Switch is an unforgettable, moving experience that offers up a deeply emotional narrative, stunning visuals, heartfelt characters, and a message that will stay with you forever.

Indiana Jones and the Great Circle is an impressive Nintendo Switch 2 port, with glorious visuals in docked mode and solid handheld performance. I’ve got a couple of quibbles with the gameplay itself, especially in the early stealth-oriented missions, and there are a few rough moments in transitions between cutscenes and gameplay. However, I’d still recommend this version to anyone looking for a quest that lives up to the legacy of this iconic franchise.

Alba: A Wildlife Adventure tells a joyful tale with a deftly-handled message of conservation and rejuvenation.

The Super Mario RPG remake delivers a finely tuned reimagining of the incredible original with welcome updates to the turn-based battle mechanics. If the 1996 version was the best Mario RPG game to date, this remake goes one better.

We Love Katamari Reroll + Royal Reverie is a colorful romp through wacky and challenging levels, with writing that’ll have you rolling on the floor laughing.

The most addictive and polished way to live out your fantasies of taking the Iron Throne in Reigns' best version to date.

On a platform where the roguelike is a dime-a-dozen, Immortal Rogue takes big steps to insure it stands out among the rest. Not without its stumbles, though.

Botany Manor lets me live out my dreams of being a horticulturist, discovering wild and wonderful plant types from across the world all from the comfort of my own home.

While suffering some Switch performance issues, Super Mega Baseball 4 is another solid entry in the sports series. The variety of ways to play and the depth of customization options add hours of engagement to this game, though it might be nice to get some training options for those of us who need a hand with our fastball.

Where Lara Croft GO surprised me was in improving on the Hitman GO formula I loved in a few crucial ways, without losing anything I liked about it other than the tabletop-style presentation and the Ave Maria.

Drinkbox Studios has made its best game yet, as Nobody Saves the World brings a fresh tone to dungeon crawling, alongside incredibly satisfying gameplay. You’ll never run out of ways to combine your attacks or new threats to face, and with its quick, gratifying action and colourful world, it's a perfect match for the Switch.

Red Dead Redemption on Nintendo Switch is an adequate port of an excellent game. It holds up incredibly well after thirteen years, and, while the port is definitely barebones, it’s such a good time that it doesn’t matter too much. It’s just nice to have it here, at the end of the day.

Reanimal is an excellent multiplayer experience that takes place in a world full of dread, with a tense and creepy atmosphere that follows you everywhere you go, and enjoyable puzzles that are fun to overcome.

Possibly one of the most addictive games I’ve ever played, Loop Hero feels great to play and to master, and presents its grim, gloomy world with enough personality to keep you coming back for more. The huge depth and repetition could be overwhelming for some, and I hope minor issues are addressed, but none get dramatically in the way of my enjoyment.

Splatoon 3 will undoubtedly become one of the best multiplayer games out there. But the issue with playing pre-release is you can only spot the potential. It’s inevitable it will flourish, but I wasn’t able to see it in full bloom. Luckily, the single-player is so good it could be worth buying the game for that alone, while the surrounding quality-of-life improvements and various other additions make this easily the best in the series yet.

Seen as a first episode, it offers a strong foundation that, if followed up on by more ambitious level design and greater focus on its strengths, could be a real Wild West legend.

Alien Isolation runs surprisingly well on mobile devices, and is sure to scratch that itch survival horror fans feel.

Kirby and the Forgotten Land - Nintendo Switch 2 Edition + Star-Crossed World adds even more style and substance to an already fantastic 3D platformer, utilizing the Switch 2’s enhanced graphics and frame rates to immerse you in whimsical, playful environments and stories.

A neat twist on an old classic, but lacking in variety and challenge.

A truly gorgeous experience that lives up to the reputation of its predecessor - shame it's over far too quickly.

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: The Cowabunga Collection features 13 nostalgia-inducing games, each of which serves as the perfect reminder of why many of us love 1990s platformers. It’s a worthy purchase for TMNT fans or even just those of you that are after a challenge

Paranormasight: The Mermaid’s Curse is just as intoxicating and surprising as its predecessor, but has an integrally different tone and flavor to its surprisingly heartfelt love story. It’s a new classic for the visual novel genre.

Mixtape is a heartfelt coming-of-age adventure that captures the fleeting magic of youth, blending nostalgia, music, and friendship into one unforgettable final night. Its authentic vibes, sharp writing, and standout voice performances will have you smiling from ear to ear, while the perfectly curated soundtrack will linger in your head for weeks to come.

BattleLore: Command can take its place in the pantheon of must-have board games for iOS or Android. It has the feel of a wargame or miniatures game, but is far more accessible and easy to learn.

It seems surprising that Asmodee chose to resurrect a title that was nearly 10 years old for a mobile release. After playing it, the reason is clear: it's a great fit for the platform. And it's a game that was perhaps unfairly forgotten after its original release. A slew of minor niggles keep the game from greatness, but it's fast and fun. I'm glad I got the chance to play a game I might otherwise not have heard of. Perhaps tabletop game archival is the next big direction for app store games?

Story of Seasons: Grand Bazaar doesn’t reinvent the wheel, but it’s a really solid farming game and a stellar entry into the franchise. It shines on Nintendo Switch 2 and runs perfectly well on the original Switch, too. If you like round cows, this is the game for you.

Nintendo and WayForward deliver the blueprint to the perfect remake with Avance Wars 1+2 Re-Boot Camp, offering new ways to engage with timeless gameplay. Whether it be for fans of the series or strategy newcomers, there’s something special here that is worthy of the endless hours of play.

Pocket City is by far one of the best city-building experiences you can have on any platform, mobile or otherwise. The streamlined, ad-free experience is great fun at every turn, and minutes spent in-game quickly turn into hours. It's a wonder this review even got written, with a bustling city that's in need of its mayor unattended for the length of time it took to write this. If you're on the fence, just go ahead and pay the five bucks. You certainly won't regret it.

Pokémon Legends: Arceus is a must-play for any Pokémon fan. Not only does it offer a huge world full of gorgeous landscapes and great creatures, but it also features a fantastic origin story for Sinnoh. It feels great to be a part of history, even if there are some graphical hiccups.

Donut County excels with its tone, art and story though it will leave players looking for a challenge wanting more. Niche, brief but still great.

Tomb Raider 2013 is a joy to play on iOS, with it running really well on my iPhone 13. It features various graphics presets to suit your preferences, and has touch controls that are truly accessible thanks to comprehensive customization options.

A phenomenal RPG, one that has withstood tests of time. Nearly 20 years on, and it remains an enjoyable experience. Be you a new fan, or old, KOTOR is a must-play for Star Wars and RPG fans. Light or dark? Only you can decide.

Brutal and beautiful. Those are the two words that describe MIO: Memories in Orbit. The game offers a stunning world that’s matched by an equally gorgeous soundtrack, while the level design, enemies, and bosses force you to learn and adapt if you want to survive.

Bardbarian has a great genre-bending idea and amusing aesthetic but suffers in the execution.

Only for a player who can only tolerate simulated standard cards and no opponents would this seem ideal, and it pains me to imagine there are many such people.

I’d really like a set of Baltimore levels so I could imagine a crossover with The Wire.

Loot & Legends works hard to stay just on the right side of inoffensive. Both the battles and the deck-building offer enough options to give your mind something to chew on, but not so much as to cause anyone to choke.

Frog Detective: The Entire Mystery bundles all three of the amphibian’s adventures together in one neat package, offering humor, intrigue, and a fun story. It might just be the best $20 you spend this year.

Living up to its name, Pine Hearts is a thoughtful and emotional nugget of joy. Its welcoming atmosphere encourages curiosity and play, while not being afraid to tackle some of humanity’s most difficult emotions.

A glorious, pure co-op experience, It Takes Two perfects the balance of give and take through its ingenuitive puzzles, stellar storytelling, and enchanting environments. With communication at its core, it truly takes two to tango with this one, and I couldn’t think of a better home for it than the Nintendo Switch.

Atelier Ryza 3 is the perfect way to end the trilogy with slight improvements on almost all aspects found in it’s predescessors, an intriguing story, and some fluid, satisfying combat. An absolute must-play for Atelier fans.

Vampire Crawlers is an almost hypnotic roguelike card game that pulls you in and doesn’t let you go until you clear the credits. You might have to deal with one or two performance issues here or there, but the hyper-engaging core gameplay, a reliable autosave system, and some lovely PS1-style visuals make it all worthwhile.

PowerWash Simulator 2 provides more of what we love with plenty of levels, new equipment, and a lot more soap to go around. While playing on handheld can take some getting used to, performance remains steady, and you can sud and spray to your hearts content no matter where you are. If you like relaxing games, this is for you.

Coffee Talk Episode 2 brings us back to our familiar haunt in stormy Seattle, where friends both old and new need an ear to hear out their problems and a warm drink to soothe their souls. There are new teas on the menu to compliment the changing tastes of your mythical mates.