Wax Heads is a phenomenal debut indie game, oozing style without ignoring substance. If engaging puzzles, banging tunes, and an underdog story rooted in the DIY music scene are your jam, this game is for you.

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.

Though I wanted to love A Storied Life: Tabitha, its smooth and relaxing gameplay is let down by a frustrating narrative arc, which left me with more questions than answers - ones that a replay doesn’t seem to help solve.

Kick back, relax, and get completely stupid, wacky, and weird, because the best game of 2026 is here. I can’t put this game down, and if you’re a fan of life simulators, I just know the same will be true for you, too.

Though I wanted to love A Storied Life: Tabitha, its smooth and relaxing gameplay is let down by a frustrating narrative arc, which left me with more questions than answers - ones that a replay doesn’t seem to help solve.

The Division Resurgence is a polished, content-rich shooter than outpaces most mobile games around. It delivers Ubisoft's ever-so-satisfying gunplay and sprawling version of New York City, without compromising the series' vision. With the first shared open-world in Division history, I can't see these games without it going forward.

WWE 2K26 feels like a great step in the right direction in various ways, finally offering a bit more substance in MyRise, a creative Showcase with some great ‘what if’ scenarios, and a massive 400-strong roster. However, it’s not without its issues on the Nintendo Switch 2, including occasional drops in frame rate and rendering issues.

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 island of Awaji is simply beautiful and a joy to explore, though the story doesn’t hit quite as hard as I’d like. Still, the narrative is enjoyable enough, employing main missions that any Assassin’s Creed fan is sure to enjoy, and offering aggressive combat with some tough opponents that’ll test your mettle.

Bungie’s unwavering commitment to its hardcore niche makes Marathon an enthralling experience the FPS genre needs. Best-in-class gunplay, sleek art direction, and masterful sound design deliver white-knuckle tension in spades. Its versatile playstyles let you approach it as a stealth powerhouse or turn it into a squad-based riot.

John Carpenter's Toxic Commando is a throwback to co-op shooters of yesteryear, filled with bombastic action, 1980s cheese, and a wicked soundtrack. It impressively holds its own on the Asus ROG Ally, making it an ideal handheld experience that's worth sinking a few hours into. If you're eager to relive the glory days of Left 4 Dead and classic era Call of Duty Zombies, then Toxic Commando gets you closer enough.

Monster Hunter Stories 3: Twisted Reflection is the most engaging game in the series so far, with great battles, a riveting narrative, and a fantastic new feature in the form of habitat restoration. Handheld performance on Nintendo Switch 2 has its iffy moments, and some of the side missions can muddy the pacing as you wait for the main plot to progress, but outside of that, this is an absolute beast of a game just waiting for you to take it on.

Pokémon Pokopia is a delightful, cozy game with an intriguing world, enthralling gameplay, and endless playability. It takes the best bits from iconic games like Animal Crossing and Dragon Quest Builders and makes them its own, resulting in an adorable adventure that you just can’t put down.

Resident Evil Village’s Switch 2 port is nothing short of a masterclass, showcasing what the hardware is capable of, while giving you the chance to experience another great RE game.

Resident Evil Requiem wonderfully blends survival horror and action, featuring two compelling protagonists with starkly different experiences that keep the gameplay fresh. The story is excellent, fitting nicely into the Resident Evil universe at large, and the game runs really well on the Nintendo Switch 2.

Poppy Playtime Chapter 5 is the best entry yet, with fresh yet familiar mechanics, thoughtful puzzles, an engaging narrative, and the most polished gameplay to date. It takes both the characters and story to new heights, ending on yet another showstopping cliffhanger that'll leave you reeling.

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.

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.

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.

Mario Tennis Fever is the best Mushroom Kingdom sporting spin-off in years. Its reinvigorated solo offering has hours of fantastic content, while its character unlock system keeps you engaged right from the start. Combine all that with more multiplayer modes that don’t just revolve around competitive gameplay, and I honestly don’t know what else I could ask for.

While the design is cool and the gameplay enjoyable enough, I Hate This Place is nearly unplayable on my Nintendo Switch, making it impossible to recommend to players on this console, especially at a price tag of $30.

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.

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.

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.

If you were already a fan of the base game, the Mega Dimension DLC’s offer of more side-mission escapades, Rogue Mega Pokemon battles, and story content should have you engaged for countless hours. However, if you’re already not keen on Z-A’s battle-centric approach, or you don’t have the time or patience for grinding, it’s unlikely to win you over.

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.

Assassin’s Creed Shadows performs really well on the Nintendo Switch 2, making it an excellent way to experience an interesting story, vibrant world, and two of the best protagonists the series has to offer.

Tomb Raider: Definitive Edition’s Nintendo Switch 2 port is fantastic, running as smoothly as butter and offering even more of you the opportunity to experience the first entry in the Survivor Trilogy. However, while it supports mouse controls, the game falls just short of fully embracing the features of the Switch 2.

Despite some pacing nitpicks, Metroid Prime 4: Beyond is shaping up to be exactly what I want from this series. Modernized controls, slick UI, and stunning visuals ensure Samus' return to our screens isn't undersold. Combat is heavy and calculated, existing in a world that values wits over pure brute force. It may just be the best FPS game on the Nintendo Switch if it keeps this up.

Octopath Traveler 0 is a gritty, surprisingly grounded journey through a complex and interesting fantasy world, with stunning visuals and complex combat, it's a masterclass in solid JRPG execution

Demonschool is a great turn-based tactical game with puzzling combat, dazzling aesthetics, and engaging writing. It can get a bit samey in places, especially in the early game, but for the most part, it’s a delightful demon-slaying adventure that’s sure to be a hit for fans of games such as Fire Emblem, Advance Wars, and other strategy delights.

Kirby Air Riders is a visually stunning whirlwind of a game, filled with tons to do - if you like meticulously crafting vehicle builds and racing at breakneck speeds. It’s confusing for newcomers and difficult to look at, at times, but it’s sure to bring some people a ton of joy.

Deadpool VR’s comedic plot, with Neil Patrick Harris’ hilarious take on Wade Wilson, is second only to the exciting combat and engaging narrative. While there are a few performance hiccups, it’s clear that Deadpool VR is an essential game for virtual reality players, especially fans of the insult-slinging anti-hero.

Sonic Rumble offers some chaotic fun in a first for the series, featuring matches with 32 players. It has an abundance of characters for you to unlock and features some of the iconic gameplay you know and love from the franchise, though the game does get repetitive rather quickly.

In its current state, Football Manager 26 Touch is difficult to play, as I experienced countless UI issues and more crashes than you’d expect from an Apple Arcade launch. The improved visuals are a great touch, but this game’s bread and butter is how well its menus work, and at the time of writing, I can’t help but feel disappointed.

Once Upon a Katamari is a triumphant return for the beloved series, building on everything that makes Katamari Damacy great and making it accessible to a new audience at the same time

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.

Hyrule Warriors: Age of Imprisonment takes us back in time to ancient Hyrule, following the events of the Imprisoning War. Smashing through hordes of enemies as Rauru, Zelda, and a colorful cast of characters is smooth and really therapeutic, while also educational as we learn what happened so many centuries ago.

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.

Two Point Museum is easily one of my favorite games of the year, taking an already fantastic foundation and rocketing it to new heights. With hundreds of hours of play and a ridiculous level of attention to detail, it’s a must-play for all fans of simulation and city builder games. However, occasional performance dips and the lack of touchscreen and mouse controls knock the Nintendo Switch 2 version back a step.

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.

Persona 3 Reload is a wonder on Nintendo Switch 2, which uses the classic Persona formula of sending you - a school child - on a hero’s journey surrounded by friends. Embark on a remake of an epic tale that feels familiar, but sparkles with a new voice cast, soundtrack, and graphics.

This all-time classic has great gameplay, looks good, and runs decently on mobile - but the controls aren’t always the easiest thing to navigate on a tiny iPhone like mine. I recommend that you consider using an iPad.

Skyrim’s innovative open-world RPG boasts incredible worldbuilding, music, graphics, and gameplay that was ahead of its time. It still holds up today, despite a buggy experience.

Little Nightmares 3’s multiplayer aspect feels like a natural progression for the series, and it’s genuinely fun to play with another person, though the AI leaves a little to be desired. The world itself is eerie and atmospheric, while the puzzles are exactly what you’d expect from LN, albeit a bit repetitive.

No Man’s Sky is the definitive example of a comeback. What was once a hollow experience is now a dense RPG that encourages you to play your way without punishing you for it. With excellent multiplayer and waves of free content to dig into, No Man’s Sky is the only space RPG you need to play right now.

Pokémon Legends: Z-A feels like something completely different from the long-running series, in good ways and bad. While it’s by no means the grand adventure of Legends: Arceus, the real-time battles can be wildly engaging, the pacing and story are spot-on, and Lumiose City looks fantastic. If you’re looking for a good time, you’ve got it here.

Dying Light: The Beast strips back its setting and scale to deliver a focused story, while enhancing Techland's undead slaying. What really makes it worth playing is The Beast's brilliant co-op experience, which is equally hilarious as it is horrifying. Alongside sturdy handheld PC performance, The Beast is worth giving this franchise another chance if Stay Human left you in the cold.

Inmost is a short yet powerful adventure that tackles difficult themes in a delicate manner, through a haunting story about pain and loss. The pixelated graphics lend themselves to an unsettling atmosphere, while the sound design complements the gameplay and surroundings quite nicely.

Fans of Sonic and racing games should be excited about this game, but assume you’ll face some underwhelm at various points, and its price tag is much too steep.

EA Sports FC 26 on Switch 2 is a fantastic soccer simulator that finally offers Nintendo users all the bells and whistles other consoles are getting, with the small exception of 60 FPS gameplay. New additions to career mode and distinct styles of play make the core game the best it's been in years, but if you're purely in it for Ultimate Team, get ready to wrestle with microtransactions for another year.

With a true-to-life Tokyo and a vibrant, color-saturated Digital World full of life to explore, this is the Digimon game I’ve desperately wanted for the last ten years, and it definitely doesn’t disappoint. Unless my perfect game shadow drops soon, Digimon Story: Time Stranger is shaping up to be my GOTY for 2025.

Cronos: The New Dawn is an excellent addition to the survival horror genre, featuring an intriguing story that continues to mystify even as you get further in. The enemy design is good, and the combat is sure to please fans of Dead Space.

Final Fantasy Tactics - The Ivalice Chronicles has some fun yet immensely difficult strategy combat, a gorgeous art style, and an intriguing story. I would recommend the game to anyone looking for a challenge; however, if you’re only interested due to it having Final Fantasy in its name, this probably isn’t the game for you.

Daemon X Machina: Titanic Scion struggles under the weight of ambition, while also needlessly playing to as many people as possible. It all blends together in a painfully dull experience that feels as murky as it looks. While some mech action and unique mechanics make it at least interesting, it’s a mediocre time that I would only recommend to die-hard fans or those who wait for a deep sale.

Destiny: Rising offers the quintessential Destiny experience that you know and love, but with a couple of changes that leave me asking questions. The gacha system feels a bit out of place in this world, but at least the characters are fun to use, and the microtransactions aren’t too intrusive.

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.

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.

Drag x Drive can be a lot of fun, but it can also be just as frustrating when it doesn’t want to play ball. For me, it seems more like a showcase of the Nintendo Switch 2’s mouse mode controls than a game that stands out for its own merit. There’s likely an audience for this kind of thing; it’s just I don’t think I’m a part of it.

An impressive port that struggles with performance issues towards the end of the game, Wild Hearts S delivers an action-packed twist on this sub-genre of ARPGs, and the brilliant Karakuri adds a great element of strategy to the tried-and-true monster hunting fun.

Shadow Labyrinth offers a fresh look at a beloved franchise, throwing you into a dark new world where danger lurks around every corner. It's one of the best Metroidvanias I've played for some time, offering enjoyable combat, good boss fights, and a mysteious world with a story that begs you to unfold it.

Tales of the Shire has a lot to do in a sleepy, cozy way, from foraging to farming to cooking up elevenses and second breakfasts. I tried to play as much as I could, but the performance on Nintendo Switch saps the magic out of it and really dampens the fun.

Super Mario Party Jamboree's Nintendo Switch 2 Edition adds very little to the already incredible base game, and the Jamboree TV expansion is filled with gimmicky, lackluster game modes with the occasional nugget of gold thrown in.

No Sleep For Kaname Date is a unique futuristic detective game that successfully carries the torch of a beloved series. While wacky and perhaps a little sillier than its predecessors, it certainly offers more of what we love, packed with puzzles, quirky characters, and a bizarre mystery just waiting to be unraveled.

Donkey Kong Bananza elevates the 3D platformer genre with highly engaging mechanics, an almost entirely sandbox environment, and buckets of charm. This isn’t just the game that I’ve wanted to play for years without even knowing it, but it’s the first truly must-have Nintendo Switch 2 release. As I’m writing this, I already can’t wait to go back for more.

Patapon 1+2 Replay is a weird but wonderful rhythm game that I’d highly recommend for veteran fans and newcomers alike, providing hours of portable fun and a dose of nostalgia.

Hogwarts Legacy’s Switch 2 version is the best trip to Hogwarts you could have on a handheld console, and a huge improvement over the first Switch’s port of the game. The core problems of Hogwarts Legacy still exist, but in any case, it’s an impressive version that looks beautiful docked or on the go

Sonic x Shadow Generations is a must-have on the Nintendo Switch 2 for fans of the Blue Blur and The Ultimate Lifeform, letting you revisit classic levels from the franchise’s long history. There are a couple of minor performance hiccups, but nothing severe enough to impact your enjoyment.

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.

Deltarune Chapters 3 and 4 offer more of the extraordinary boss battles, mind-bending minigames, and side-splitting dialogue you’ve come to expect from Toby Fox. There are some frustrations, especially if you want to see all the possible endings and uncover all the secrets, but for the most part, I had a great time dealing with the Dark World’s latest dilemma.

Deltarune Chapters 3 and 4 offer more of the extraordinary boss battles, mind-bending minigames, and side-splitting dialogue you’ve come to expect from Toby Fox. There are some frustrations, especially if you want to see all the possible endings and uncover all the secrets, but for the most part, I had a great time dealing with the Dark World’s latest dilemma.

FBC: Firebreak should be a slam dunk for Remedy, with a unique elemental combat co-op hook and action that unfolds in the coolest parts of the studio’s connected universe. Sadly, dull, uninspired missions and a failure to capitalize on Remedy’s imagination hold the developer’s first proper multiplayer outing back massively. There could be something special here with future updates, but I’m struggling to see a future for it.

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.

Aside from an issue with characters clipping through walls, Hitman: World of Assassination performs really well on Nintendo Switch 2, making it a must-own for existing fans and an approachable entry point for new players with all of the freedom it affords you.

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.

Elden Ring: Nightreign lays the foundations for an incredibly promising multiplayer experience. The rush of completing runs and banding together to banish Nightlords is nothing short of euphoric, as FromSoftware finally makes teaming up with friends a mostly painless experience. The world of Limveld could do with fresh ideas, but it’s a world that I’ll be coming back to again and again.

Rune Factory: Guardians of Azuma is a great time filled with farming, decorating, and forming friendships. The game really is fun, with an interesting story and plenty to do, but the performance on Nintendo Switch can leave a lot to be desired due to muddy graphics and pop-ins.

Croc: Legend of the Gobbos Remastered is every bit as fun as the original, reminding people that it’s not just Crash, Mario, and Sonic who had great games in the ‘90s. The modern graphics are a delight, the controls are smooth, and the levels remain both difficult and joyful; this isn’t a game to sleep on if you enjoy platformers.

Donkey Kong Country: Tropical Freeze continues the tough-as-nails platforming with new power-ups to help navigate the nastiest obstacles, as we’re treated to the best soundtrack in the series. However, the inconsistent difficulty makes for a less refined game and the bosses are dragged out to the point where fighting them becomes a chore.

Despite its late arrival, Donkey Kong Country Returns HD is easily one of the best platformers of the Switch era. It’s equally imaginative and challenging, providing a template for how to reinvigorate a series without losing touch with what made it so special in the first place.

While it was difficult to imagine how Nintendo could top previous 3D Mario adventures, Super Mario Odyssey is nigh-on perfect in almost every way. With the help of Cappy, Mario has never been as fun to control, reaching new heights and, in the hands of a skilled player, accomplishing impossible skips. You need only pick up a controller to see why this is the best modern Mario game ever.

Infinity Nikki truly is the coziest open-world game I’ve ever played. Fashion-forward, fantastical, and full of whimsy, it seamlessly takes all your favorite elements from the best RPGs, life sims, and dress-up games, combining them into one unforgettable adventure, and we can’t wait to see what comes next.

Life is Strange: Double Exposure twists and distorts the well-loved series into something almost unrecognizable, playing on fans’ nostalgia to sell a half-baked story with terrible graphical performance.

Stray is a gorgeous open-world platformer that works fantastically on the Switch, despite some understandable graphical limitations. It features a wealth of exploration and verticality only fitting for a sure-footed feline protagonist, as well as a sense of coziness despite the harsh, robotic dystopia.

With tight battle mechanics, engaging puzzles, and new characters that become more endearing as the story goes on, Mario & Luigi: Brothership has all the hallmarks of a great RPG. It’s still no Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door, but it’s not far off.

The Vampire Survivors: Ode to Castlevania DLC continues the trend of evolving the ideas from the base game, with a massive map to explore, great new characters, and some of the best boss battles so far. If you’re a fan of either game, it’s a must-play.

Yakuza Kiwami on the Switch is sure to delight old and new fans alike, bringing the series to Nintendo systems at long last. Discover the Yakuza series in this remake of the first game where it all began with Kiryu and Majima in Kamurocho's dark streets.

Fear the Spotlight is a love letter to iconic 90's horror games, and although it delivers a juicy dose of nostalgia with blocky graphics and a tried-and-true narrative, it transports everything we love about the oldies into the modern age.

Super Mario Party Jamboree is truly the final form of Mario Party on the Nintendo Switch, learning and growing from the past two games to create one massive masterpiece of multiplayer mayhem.

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.

Epic Mickey Rebrushed is a wonderful reminder of why the original is one of the best Disney games of all time, taking you on a charming journey full of fun levels, great characters, an enjoyable story, and a much-improved camera.

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.

Reynatis has great potential. I can look past a few flaws due to its gorgeous rendition of Shibuya, interesting story, and wonderful soundtrack. Unfortunately, with the PS3-esque character models, poor frame rate, and unintuitive combat, it doesn’t live up to some of the greats.

Maid of Sker is a gorgeously told story interwoven with intriguing Welsh folklore, and a solid entry into the stealth-horror genre. Although it doesn't bring anything particularly new to the table as far as gameplay goes, it's been lovingly ported to mobile by the original developer, Wales Interactive, and the narrative is deliciously creepy, enough for its quiet ambience to have you constantly on the edge of your seat.

Fitness Boxing feat. Hatsune Miku is the ideal fitness game for any Vocaloid fan, especially if you haven’t played a Fitness Boxing game before. The songs and customization alone make it worth it, but without prior knowledge of Miku, you might not get the appeal.

Rugrats: Adventures in Gameland is a fun time for Rugrats and platforming fans alike, featuring solid level design, a enjoyable story, and good enemy design. The game performs perfectly on Switch and is arguably more fun to play in handheld mode, though there’s something special about seeing 8-bit graphics on the big screen.

Emio - The Smiling Man is both a great continuation of the classic Famicom Detective Club series, and a strong standalone visual novel. It may not be for everyone, but its twisting narrative, vibrant characters, and thoughtful gameplay systems make it a treat for new and returning fans alike.

Gori: Cuddly Carnage is a lot of fun, boasting enjoyable combat, a sprinkle of charm, good humor, and a badass cat. However, falling through levels and frequent frame rate drops stop the game from achieving its true potential on Nintendo Switch.