The Nintendo Switch 2 had the biggest launch in gaming console history, so it’s likely that many people will be receiving one this Christmas as a gift, either from a loved one or a treat for themselves! It’s a great present, with its handheld functionality yet next-generation Nintendo hardware making for an extremely adaptable but still capable gaming system.
If you’re one of those lucky enough to get a Switch 2 this Christmas – or maybe you just had one lying around anyway – here are ten games you need to get started making the most of your Switch 2. This list will be varied, trying to cover something for everyone, so you’re bound to find a match for you.
Mario Kart World
It’s an obvious choice when thinking about Switch 2 exclusives, but it’s worth reiterating here. Mario Kart World is an incredible racing game, and we can’t recommend it enough for those who are new to the Switch 2. It’s beautiful to look at, smooth as silk to play and gets addicting once you sink your teeth into it. Play it multiplayer with family or friends using the Joy-Cons and other Switch controllers, take it online for global competitive play, or take it easy and explore the open world and its many collectibles. It’s a great place to start and get used to your console.
Hades II
If you’re looking for a thrilling action-packed roguelike experience, look no further than Hades II. Descend the layers of the underworld as Melinoë, daughter of Hades, with appearances from many Greek gods, goddesses and other mythological characters sure to delight any history nerd. It’s tricky, it’s beautifully made and it will get its claws hooked into you after just a few loops. Also, it’s our action combat of the year winner! The Switch 2 Edition comes with higher framerate, faster loading times and better visuals too.
Animal Crossing: New Horizons
Whilst the Switch 2 Edition hasn’t been released just yet, it’s coming in mid-January so it’s not far off! Relax and create the island of your dreams with all your cute animal islanders sharing the land with you. Gameplay is slow, long-term and calming, where patience is rewarded with a slowly growing island community. With a major content update releasing on the same day as the Switch 2 update, the sooner you start then the closer you’ll be to joining the fun and experiencing the new hotel system coming with the Animal Crossing: New Horizons 3.0 update.
Nintendo Switch 2 Welcome Tour
For the more technologically-oriented, the Nintendo Switch 2 Welcome Tour is quite a fun and cheap pickup for new console owners. This digital exhibition gives you an interactive museum tour of your very own console. It breaks down how everything works from the system internal components to the magic of the Joy-Con controllers and more. It’s not a long game, but it’s sure to give some light entertainment for those who enjoy learning about the technology they use.
Donkey Kong Bananza
The 2025 3D platformer extravaganza is a must-play for Switch 2 owners new and old alike. Donkey Kong Bananza puts you on an adventure with gaming’s greatest gorilla digging deeper and deeper into the core of the planet alongside young singer-songwriter Pauline. Together they discover new abilities and ways to explore, with fast-paced platforming, hundreds of collectibles and a heartfelt story about a homesick girl and a banana-loving furball. Don’t miss this perfect demonstration of the Switch 2’s capabilities.
No Man’s Sky
Looking for a big game? How about the entire universe! With No Man’s Sky, you get to explore an actual entire universe of planets, stars and even other galaxies, all procedurally generated with almost a decade of free content updates and technological advancements. You’ll need to survive on oppressive planets, fight against the elements, encounter hostile and friendly alien life, and even extract resources from the surface itself to power your starship, enhance your capabilities as a spacefarer, and explore the mysteries of the galaxy. The Switch 2 features huge improvements over the original Switch release’s performance, including motion controls, enhanced resolutions, better framerate and more. The sky’s the limit for how far you’ll go.
Pokémon Legends: Z-A
No Nintendo-themed list is complete without an appearance from Pokémon. Thankfully, the most recent franchise release is also one of the best in recent memory, with Pokémon Legends: Z-A returning players to the Kalos region from the Pokémon X and Y games, but this time entirely with an open-world Lumiose City to explore. Roam the streets, encounter hundreds of Pokémon and battle your way to become the Z-A Royale champion, all whilst Zygarde lurks and the mystery of Mega Evolution deepens. The game also runs much better than other Pokémon releases from the Switch era thanks to the power of the Switch 2, so no more ugly textures or sluggish framerates!
Divinity: Original Sin 2
Larian Studios might have made a global name for themselves with Baldur’s Gate 3, but Divinity: Original Sin 2 is an equally brilliant game and it just got a Switch 2 Edition. With improved resolution and framerate, Divinity: Original Sin 2 is an epic and lengthy RPG, with tactical combat and an outrageously deep and complex character customization system and interactive world. This is a perfect pick for those who like to immerse themselves in a fantasy world of their own making.
Kirby Air Riders
We couldn’t keep just one racing game recommendation on the list, because Kirby deserves his time to shine too! Kirby Air Riders is the Switch 2 exclusive sequel we waited over two decades for, and we’re happy with what we got after the wait. Racing is simplified in Kirby Air Riders, where what you really need to focus on is vehicle customization, steering and using your abilities to give yourself the edge and secure victory. There are 21 playable characters and endless customization options as well, leaving you to create the perfect rider-machine combo of your dreams.
Fantasy Life i: The Girl Who Steals Time
Let’s go for one more cozy pick, because the Switch 2 Edition is just too good not to mention. Fantasy Life i: The Girl Who Steals Time is something special, and it’s not just for the cozy audience despite its relaxing appeal. It’s a slower-paced game with lots of customization and life simulation options, but it’s also an RPG with a fun story. You can train yourself in combat arts such as being a magician or a warrior, and you can also dedicate your time to mastering culinary skills or becoming a master painter. There’s lots of ways to live the life you’d like, and lots of different things to do with your character through it all. Not only is the game great, but developers Level-5 have given Fantasy Life i several Switch 2 enhancement patches improving visuals, clarity and framerates.
Super Mario Odyssey
It’s a classic, but we thought it’s worth rounding out the list with Super Mario Odyssey for a few reasons. Despite being a 2017 title from the release period of the original Switch, Nintendo have improved it on the Switch 2 to support better framerates in formerly lacking areas, clearer visuals and HDR support. It’s an all-time great 3D platformer, and potentially one of Mario’s best, at least in terms of controls and visuals. We’re also including it because it might be worth checking out to see its many explorable lands which will be making an appearance in the upcoming The Super Mario Galaxy Movie!
And that’s our list of 11 games that you should check out to get started on your new Switch 2! Which will you be picking up, and are there any essentials we missed? Let us know in the comments down below or over on social media, and check back often to GameObserver for more Nintendo coverage and gaming news.
