Overall, the Switch 2 edition of Super Mario Bros. Wonder is a lovely update that provides plenty to do. While some fans will lament the lack of much content for solo players, remember this is basically DLC. I, too, want a new Mario outing; for now, this is a pretty fun addition to a wonderful game.

Sun Wukong VS Robot is a great platforming experience. It’s addictively fun to play, hard as nails, and honestly a joy for fans of the genre. At the budget price of $4.99, it’s easy to recommend this title to players ready for their next challenge.

Whether you’re pedaling down tight paths with little margin for error, catching air off natural stone ramps, or getting a quicker than expected reprieve by cruising over a railed bridge, Lonely Mountains: Downhill delivers a challenging, yet remarkably calming, experience. Don’t let a few miscues prevent you from checking this one out; it’s a game worth mastering.

Layers of Fear 2 is a fun horror game that doesn’t rely on gore or violence. It focuses more on psychological terror, while also providing numerous jump scares and haunting imagery. Once you start, it’s a hard game to quit playing.

With refreshed visuals and a streamlined roster, Samurai Warriors 5 is perhaps the best Warriors game released for a Nintendo device since Warriors Orochi III Hyper. The crazy combat on massive battlefields has been streamlined, as has the between-levels management, making for an engaging game that should thrill both old and new fans of the franchise.

Gato Roboto accomplishes so much with so little. Even those it looks like a game that would be on the Atari 2600 or the big brick Gameboy, every aspect of Kiki’s world glows as bright as one of the best of the Metroidvania genre. Plus, it’s a cat in a mech suit, does a game get any more charming than that?

While WarioWare Gold on 3DS remains my favorite for solo play, when it comes to multiplayer parties, it’s hard to overlook Move It! It’ll keep you returning to it as you discover all the microgames, experiment with every mode, and shoot for hi-scores. Expect lots of smiles and laughter with the time-proven format. Fans will want this entry in their libraries to enjoy the hysterical hijinks.

Potion Permit is a unique cozy game with adorable pixel graphics that will keep you busy for hours. The difficulty is relatively easy, but the gameplay is still fun and engaging.

While those more familiar with the series might have some gripes, Taiko no Tatsujin: Rhythm Festival was an excellent introduction for me. No worries about being overly skilled at these types of games; you’ll have a good time, especially if you have friends in the room for a party-type setting. But even more solo gamers will have the main story and many unlockables to keep them busy. Whether competing or cooperating, this could be a ton of fun for family gatherings.

Tomba! Special Edition is a fantastic and unique game. Even though I had hoped for a full remaster, the original is still fun just the way it is. The added content and features—like saving anywhere and rewinding—are great, and despite some dated mechanics, the colorful world and quirky side quests make it a rewarding, fun experience that is definitely worth playing. While the 34 year old me scores Tomba at an 8.5, purely due to outdated mechanics, the 7 year old me gives it a 10/10 ;)

Xenoblade Chronicles X: Definitive Edition is a wonder to behold on the Switch. It looks stunning and features fantastic gameplay. The choppy, largely uninteresting story continues to be a significant drawback, and there are still some lingering issues with general repetitiveness and party management minutiae, but it otherwise shines like a Mira sunrise.

The Legend of Tianding is a beautiful sidescrolling beat ’em up that deserves to receive more attention than it’s getting. Its comic book art style carries through from the story to the gameplay. The action is fast-paced, the level designs well thought out, and the boss battles are challenging but fun. If you’re a fan of kung fu movies, you need to add The Legend of Tianding to your library.

For history buffs, especially the military history wonks, Company of Heroes Collection falls in “must-have” territory. The game has multiple difficulty levels so you can ease your way into it and replay for a while to test your skills, and the Switch control system doesn’t get in the way as much as you might expect. If you like a good RTS or you like a good WWII game, this is a very good title to have in your Switch library.

No Place Like Home is a post-apocalyptic farming adventure/sim in which you play as a girl searching for her missing grandpa before she moves to Mars. The game’s hopeful story and effective balance of farming, decorating, fighting, and upgrading tools will keep players involved from start to finish.

Shatter Remastered Deluxe takes the simple block-breaking concept and adds its own twist. With many modes, a fun mechanic, and varied level design, this addictive score chaser is worth a visit.

Galacticon pays homage to games like Joust, Asteroids, and Defender, but adds its own elements to make it feel fresh. The strategy around how to get the best score for each run certainly makes for a challenging and addictive game. My only complaint is that you don’t get information about how points are earned until you beat the first level. But for only $4.99 and the amount of enjoyment I’ve gotten out of Galacticon, this game is worth picking up, especially if you are a fan of arcade-style games.

The Cruel King and the Great Hero is a heartwarming adventure game told in a children’s storybook style. Follow Yuu on her quest to become a great hero, just like her father. Whether she’s helping the monsters in her kingdom, doing good deeds for those around her, or fighting enemies to keep her kingdom safe, her tale is always charming and fun.

If you are new to this series or simulation strategy games in general, expect to spend a couple of hours just in the tutorials of Romance of the Three Kingdoms XIV: Diplomacy and Strategy Expansion Pack. The gameplay is complex, but not overly convoluted. As you gain experience and get familiar with the available options and the general flow, it becomes a satisfying adventure.

Spooky Chase is a fun platformer with a devilish twist that makes you the enemy. It’s tricky but addictive, with great visuals and soundtrack to boot.

Tomb Raider I-III Remastered Starring Lara Croft does just enough with the original Tomb Raider games to make them a great fit for the Nintendo Switch. The ability to instantly flip between the original and remastered graphics is entertaining, but the real fun lies with the games themselves. And these are the three best Tomb Raiders ever made.

Despite a couple shortcomings with the story and extraneous elements, Bravely Default II is a rock-solid JRPG that will appeal to anyone with a love of world exploration, character management, and turn-based combat.

My Little Universe is an adventure game in which you explore 9 different planets to restore them back to their original environments by collecting materials and expanding resources. You can upgrade your tools, fight monsters, and discover new materials in this casual tycoon-like game.

Overall, Card Shark is a unique title with an interesting animation style and equally interesting cheating concept; all set far from today’s modern world. These elements combine to create a fun and engaging game that will leave a lasting impression.

Subnautica: Below Zero expands on an already very successful and proven formula, delivering an enjoyable and satisfying experience. It may suffer from a few technical hiccups on the Switch, but nothing too bad to ruin the experience.

Home Sheep Home: Farmageddon Party Edition is that rare party game that succeeds equally with its single-player and multiplayer components. The story mode puzzles are very clever, the multiplayer games are tremendously fun, and there’s enough variety to provide a surprising amount of life. If you missed the original release for Nintendo Switch like we did, don’t miss this relaunch.

Cake Bash is a great little party game with a lovely variety of mini-games, adorable playable characters and beautiful animation.

Skellboy Refractured was a lot more fun than I thought it would be, and there’s plenty to do to keep you busy. It isn’t too long, but there’s a good-sized world to explore, with hidden areas and special items that can only be found later. While I feel it could still use some slight improvements, I definitely recommend checking out this great-looking, entertaining game.

Infliction Extended Cut was a fun, scary, mysterious experience. The gameplay itself is very simple, but the story and the things you discover are what make you stay until the end. I enjoyed my time with it.

Shin Megami Tensei V: Vengeance adds enough new content and fixes enough problems to more than justify this update. It’s a much better experience overall, and is an easy recommendation for JRPG gamers…especially if you lost your way during the original release.

Planet of Lana II: Children of the Leaf is a story driven puzzle platformer that focuses on atmosphere and character connection. The puzzles are varied but generally easy, keeping the experience smooth and well-paced. While it’s polished and engaging, its short length and light challenge may leave some players wanting more.

Pinball M – Bethesda Pinball is a unique collection of tables that impressively incorporate design and RPG elements of the video games that inspired them. Pinball aficionados may take issue with various elements, but should enjoy the unique challenges each table presents.

Labyrinth of Galleria: The Moon Society is a complex and confusing dungeon crawler that provides numerous rewards for those willing to brave its mission. There’s always a new combat mechanic to learn, a new plot element to unravel, and a new level to explore, and the process of working through it all is incredibly addictive.

Overpriced DLC and the odd omission aside, the fact is that the five games in this collection are stone-cold classics, and they’ve never played better. Those without nostalgia may understandably wait for a sale and a further bit of polish. But Sonic Origins will be a great trip down memory lane if you were a Genesis supporter back in the day of the 16-bit schoolyard debates. They are infinitely replayable.

Tetris is Tetris, so well known and broadly adored. And even if Tetris Effect: Connected is familiar, it’s still great fun. The refinements make it a worthy addition to your Switch library, even if some of the tunes can be hit or miss. It’ll scratch that Tetris itch, offering rewarding challenges you can return to time after time, even for those who’ve been manipulating shaped blocks since Alexey Pajitnov’s original.

Descenders ended up being a really fun, challenging game. Even if you’re not great at sports games, or you have young children that might not understand the goal, this is one that the whole family can enjoy.

It’s hard to find much fault with this ambitious, albeit niche, game beyond the fact that you’ll wish there were more of it. Labyrinth City: Pierre the Maze Detective dazzles with so much creativity, you’ll never think of mazes the same way again. It’s a bit cheaper than one of the books and much livelier, thanks to the brilliant audio/visual touches. Replay perks also broaden the audience who might not gravitate towards the books. If it looks interesting to you, don’t let plot concerns or repetitiveness scare you off. I’m confident you won’t be disappointed with your purchase. I hope to see another entry soon!

John Wick Hex was a great experience. Players looking for a straightforward third-person shooter should probably steer clear of the game. But it was so much more than I expected for a game based on a movie since they decided to add the strategic element rather than a straightforward third-person shooter. The strategic component of it is where the game shines.

Braid, Anniversary Edition is the definitive version of a terrific platformer. This classic title has been enhanced with improved graphics, along with a detailed commentary integrated into the game itself. A lot of effort has been put into building something special, from 2008 until today.

Mosaic is a wonderful title that does an impressive job of showing the downsides of modern society. While light on gameplay, there is a lot going on in the narrative through repetitive segments, dreary scenery, and a magical fish. This is a game for the person who does not know how to cope with the bland nature of the modern world.

Ray’z Arcade Chronology does what it should as a shmup. Lots of things shoot at you and you shoot at lots of things as you learn the required patterns. There’s desperation and frustration to overcome as you deal with the copious dying. And it all leads to the thrill of finally taking out the boss. While not every aspect of the game is stellar for what it contributes, this is a fun collection that’s worthy of a spot in your Switch library.

It takes a bit to get into the puzzle-solving flow of Dungeons of Dreadlock 2: The Dead King’s Secret, but it offers an approachable level-based challenge once you do. Fans of the original should appreciate this second adventure, while newcomers will find themselves similarly hooked.

The best part about the remastered Ace Attorney Investigations Collection is that western gamers finally get to play through the second Miles Edgeworth game, which was previously released only in Japan. The second best part is everything else.

Lost Eidolons: Veil of the Witch may get off to a slow start, but the level grinding as you build up proficiency does bring some pleasant rewards. It may not be quite perfect, and many of the themes are “tried and true”, but this is a solid entry in the roguelike RPG genre.

To The Moon is a game I can tell someone put a lot of passion and heart into.

While DOOM Eternal is rated M for its gore and violence, there’s a lot about the gaming experience that makes it safer to play for teen and young adult audiences than the average, multiplayer competitors of its genre. And if there’s ever a day I need to just chainsaw through some demons, I know where I can turn.

The Legend of Heroes: Trails of Cold Steel IV is massive. It’s massively fun and massively rewarding. Fans of JRPGs can get delightfully lost in its deep story, its numerous characters, and its battle system that provides a ridiculous amount of options for customization. Just make sure you’ve played Trails of Cold Steel III (and have at least read up on I and II).

Ultra Hat Dimension feels like a game created by people who loved old dungeon-based puzzlers. The game requires strategy, but it is entertainingly deceitful. It’s a balance of frustration and cutesy atmosphere that I really appreciate. Somewhat strange premise aside, Ultra Hat Dimension is a fun game woven with care.

Bloodroots is a charmingly written tale of revenge. Although its story lacks originality, it makes up for it in vast weapon variety and satisfying yet challenging gameplay that keeps you coming back for more.

The XCOM 2 Collection is a great addition to the Switch library with its strategic gameplay and intriguing storyline. While there are some issues with framerate drops scattered throughout the massive campaign, this is still a title fans of the genre will love to play on the go.

While it has some needless gore and pacing baggage, MO: Astray is a success on the whole. The gameplay’s unique and varied, the world’s intriguing and fully realized, the bosses are memorable, and the challenge is addictive. Impressive stuff.

Story of Seasons: Pioneers of Olive Town is a game that will definitely keep you busy. I was seldom ever bored while playing as there was always a task I was working towards and a lot to do. I’m pleasantly surprised with how much I enjoyed playing it.

Super Mega Space Blaster Special Turbo may have an absurd title that’s hard to remember, but it’s a super-fun and addictive shooter, with plenty of modes and challenges. The high difficulty will please shmup fans, pushing you to play just one more time…

Create over 300,000 hybrid animals, make moral choices, and run and design your own zoo all in one game. A best-of-best-worlds mix of creativity and business management, Let’s Build a Zoo provides a lot to do, a ton of people to meet, and a crazy number of animals to adopt/splice.

Overall, Super Mega Baseball 2 is a great package–there is a ton of depth, plenty of customization options for players, teams, and leagues, and online multiplayer. If you can get around the art-style, the poor soundtrack and umpire sound effects, the game is really a ton of fun. If you’re a baseball fan, it’s definitely worth checking out and being able to play on-the-go makes this the definitive version of the game.

The Great Ace Attorney Chronicles is a wonderful package that will provide plenty of laughs and thrills for fans of mysteries, adventures, and visual novels. The situations and scenes make a successful leap to the big screen, and there are enough new gameplay elements to engage longtime fans without making them miss their favorite characters from previous Ace Attorney games.

Whether you are a true fan of the Atelier franchise, or just like RPG’s and town simulation games, this will surely satisfy your thirst. It has enough gameplay elements, with depth, to make any gamer have enough content to last them for a while. The story and voice acting made the already in depth gameplay systems even better. This game is a must buy for any RPG or town simulator fan, especially as the Nintendo Switch lacks in town simulation games.

I try to give each game a fair shake regardless of whether it’s new or a port, reboots, etc. So, all by itself, Destroy All Humans for the Nintendo Switch is a romp. It isn’t quite as long as I hoped, but playing a jet pack wearing, Elvis impersonator looking, little green (gray, actually) man from outer space with a Zap-O-Matic and a flying saucer capable of blowing up tanks is a barrel of fun.

Adventures of Pip presents a refreshing take on platforming, aesthetically impressive with gameplay to match. I sunk hours into the original, and I’m happy to do so again with this Switch port. Hopefully, this indie from Tic Toc Games succeeds enough to warrant a sequel. Platformer fans won’t want to overlook this one.

Aside from using different strategies for the various opponents, the match 3 battles themselves never change much throughout the game’s story. You’d think this would be a negative, but Puzzle Quest remains addictive throughout the crazy amount of content presented in this package. Even if you lose interest in the story (a kingdom under attack, precarious alliances, a lone warrior who must rise up, etc.), the gameplay carries itself well.

My time with Farabel was fun not only because of the twist on gameplay but also the lightheartedness of it all. Farabel tried a twist of gameplay and in this case, it worked out, something that isn’t always the case. Fans of turned-based strategy RPGs should certainly check this game out.

Cat Quest III is a fantastic addition to a terrific series. with local co-op and a sea-faring theme, everything feels fresh yet familiar. A humorous story coupled with fast-paced action makes this one a fun time all round.

Unavowed is a solid retro adventure game. The story is not always evenly paced, but it is compelling with plenty of twists and surprises. The gameplay is simple, and the parts all work together to make a coherent whole.

If you’re a fan of puzzle/exploration, or sci-fi games and you don’t have the money to afford a spaceship, I highly recommend checking out Deliver Us The Moon. While the game lacks typical sci-fi stuff like alien creatures and other-worldly monsters, it’s a fun adventure filled with surprises, that will make you want to keep playing.

VA-11 Hall-A: Cyberpunk Bartender Action is a unique experience that’s literally a book in game form. Mixing drinks and changing lives proves to be a blast as you interact with many interesting characters. There’s loads of reading to do here but as long as you’re ready to read a novel while you play, this is one book, er, game that you won’t want to put down.

DBZ: Kakarot + A New Power Awakens Set is packed full of epic fights, side quests, and a good amount of free DLC. The game looks and plays great on the Switch. I highly recommend it for fans of the series.

Shantae Risky’s Revenge is a fun, challenging adventure. Filled with difficult boss battles, tons of tricky puzzles, and all kinds of magic spells to learn. While it may be a little outdated, Risky’s Revenge will always be fun to play.

Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door lives up to the hype as a “page-turning adventure.” It’s also a long adventure, so be sure to pencil in the time, especially if you’re a completionist. With memorable bosses, much to find, and plenty of extras, this game will keep Switch players busy.

Developer Fallen Squirrel worked with the Canadian National Institute for the Blind (CNIB) to create The Vale: Shadow of the Crown for blind gamers, but it should appeal to anyone who enjoys a good action adventure. What it lacks in visuals it makes up for with its unique use of familiar RPG elements and its stunning audio presentation. The Vale’s somewhat repetitive gameplay doesn’t outlast its welcome.

Football Game is an interesting point-and-click game that manages create an uncomfortable scenario from something as mundane as attending a high school football game. From the sound design to art style there is no expense spared at letting you know that things aren’t as they seem.

Kukoos: Lost Pets is a 3D platformer in which you enter different universes to save pets that have gone rogue. In these universes, you have to tackle obstacles and puzzles to collect enough “fwendly” plants and coins, and to save enough pets. This game is made for anyone, and is exciting and fun.

Journey of the Broken Circle is a lovely, thought-provoking game that uses simplicity to explore the complexity of relationships.

GRID Legends: Deluxe Edition is a robust, lovingly developed arcade racing game that looks and plays wonderfully on the Switch 2. The live-action story is goofy fun, but the thrill is in the racing, and you get an incredible number of ways to take part.

Islanders: Console Edition is a very good addition to the Nintendo Switch’s library. It is the the perfect game to take on the go, to play in short bursts or for longer spells. For this price you can’t really go wrong.

Puzzle Quest: Immortal Edition doesn’t do much to distinguish itself from the previous version it replaces in the eShop. If you have that, you’re fine. If you don’t, this is a surprisingly deep, highly addictive match-three RPG that’s well worth the price.

Monster Train First Class combines a fun story with cool designs, challenging strategic gameplay and the excitement of unlocking and making the most of epic new features at a dream pace.

The Long Dark is a title that successfully uses the classic plot device of man vs. nature. With so much detail put into the gameplay, it can be easy to feel as cold as your player in this freezing Canadian wilderness. The endlessly entertaining survival mode lets you explore Great Bear Island to your heart’s desire.

Satisfactory puzzle-platformers are many on the Nintendo Switch. But the transformative and unique A Boy and his Blob, while easy, rises well above most of the competition. Time has been kind to this game, both in presentation (graphically and musically) and general design. If you haven’t had your fill of it yet, add this one to your Switch collection.

Beacon Pines is an engaging choose-your-own-adventure story with a variety of characters, excellent graphics and score, and overall narrative about a town in peril combine to create a wonderfully addictive game.

Gibbous – A Cthulhu Adventure injects a dry sense of humour into classic Lovecraftian horror and absorbs you into the mystery through a beautifully animated point-and-click story.

Infernax is a truly retro experience that takes the best elements of the past to create a fun time in the present. It’s tough but fair and a blast to play. Highly recommended for fans of action-adventure platformers like Castlevania.

Although the two games that compose the Lara Croft collection are actually Tomb Raider spin-offs, they provide a local multiplayer experience that will entertain arcade-action fans and achievement-seekers alike. They’re also a reminder of what we used to love about the Tomb Raider games.

On the one hand, you could reasonably argue this compilation feels closer to a starter pack. Many favorite, more defined versions of Tetris are absent. Some odd choices aside, there’s a good amount of content for fans to enjoy, even those who doubtless already own multiple versions of Tetris. The greatness of Hatris, the excitement of the all-new Tetris Time warp, and the nostalgic ’80s and ’90s stories of a gaming icon make it a must. This Digital Eclipse release satisfies your Tetris craving and makes for a great package “from Russia with love.”

While I’ll eventually grow bored with this title, it hasn’t happened yet, even with 50-plus hours combined between my wife and I playing. I still have perks to unlock and properties to fix and sell. House Flipper is much better than expected and will keep you busy for a long while, even longer once the game is updated.

Overall, STORY OF SEASONS: Grand Bazaar is a faithful remake with great music and fun gameplay. This Nintendo Switch 2 Edition addresses stuttering seen on the original Switch when things are too busy on screen, and the framerate improvements make the game run much better and smoother. It’s like going from a DVD to Blu-ray, albeit at $10 more, as it’s priced at $59.99 on Switch 2. I’d still recommend this game (on either platform) to all STORY OF SEASONS fans, and highly recommend it to fans of Harvest Moon DS: Grand Bazaar, as it is a well-done remake that carries the spirit of the original.

Driving for weeks now, I can better sum up my feelings on Mario Kart World post-honeymoon. It’s a great game that looks (and sounds) as outstanding as it plays—speedy, sharp, and smooth on Switch 2. It’s well worth the extra Bundle cost! Still, as a standalone $79.99 game, it’s undeniably lacking compared to its predecessors’ original tracks, overall number of tracks, and other features and polish. Doubtless, some free DLC will add needed content and give some existing content a tune-up. Mario Kart World is a game you don’t want to miss, one that crosses the finish line with its head held high.

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Shredder’s Revenge hits that nostalgic sweet spot while offering something new and challenging. There may be a few glitches and interface issues, but the gameplay is super fun, particularly in multiplayer mode. Fans should be playing this game right now.

Overall, Not Not 2 – A Brain Challenge is exactly what it says on the box. It tickles the brain in a fun, interesting, and challenging way. With over 100 levels to master, daily and weekly challenges, and unlockables, this is a fun title with plenty of longevity.

This May Madness Lies blends JRPG elements with the world of William Shakespeare. It has a lot going for it, from a humorous story to a wonderful 16-bit styling that smacks of classic ‘90s titles. It’s not the toughest or longest title, but fans of anime, Shakespeare, or JRPGs in general, will find much enjoyment here.

Who knows how much longer this version of Hyrule (that started in Breath of the Wild) will continue? If this is the end, it goes out on a high note, especially when enjoyed cooperatively. Hyrule Warriors: Age of Imprisonment is an entertaining entry that will keep you busy during the first holiday season of the Switch 2. Heck, packed with content and surprises, it’s one you’ll likely return to when the mood strikes as well.

While it claims to be “The golf game for people who hate golf!”, I think it sells itself short. I don’t hate golf, but I still really like this funny game. WHAT THE GOLF? has a “one more round” thing going for it, coupled with a favorable amount of content, especially for completionists.

Ibb & obb plays like a smooth, simple platformer with no rough edges to be seen. The characters are cute and the puzzles are difficult enough have kept my husband and I engaged. I recommend this game for a fun, collaborative time.

If you’re looking for a game to highlight how different the Switch 2 experience can be, look no further than Kunitsu-Gamin: Path of the Goddess. The unique combination of action and tower-defense strategy—enhanced by the stunning graphics and art direction—make this a game you’ll use to show off your new system.

Ping Redux is a lovely homage to classic gaming that works really well on the Switch, ramping up the speed and precision for a hugely challenging yet satisfying game.

I have played a few card-style games (IRL and digital), and DungeonTop is a pretty good option. If you are in the mood for a more casual dungeon crawl, this is a fun game.

Overall, the fun gameplay had depth, and the quirky story was both engaging and humorous. Metal Slug Tactics is a cool twist and does a great job of keeping the series relevant.

While not a fully deep experience for those familiar to the genre, Image & Form’s first attempt at a card-based RPG still pays off in spades with a satisfying gameplay hook and journey that oozes with colorful charm.

Unrailed! has the personality of games like Minecraft and Terraria, but it provides its own unique experience. Try out a quick gaming session with some friends, and you’re likely to end up working on the railroad all the livelong day.

Yars Rising is a terrific platformer. It features satisfying puzzles, shooting elements, a fast-paced and humorus story, along with a clever integration of a classic Atari game. Apart from some annoying loading screens, this is absolutely a game worth checking out.