Essential Nintendo Switch Games You Need to Play on Switch 2

The Nintendo Switch is full of highly rated and well-received games and the launch of the Nintendo Switch 2 is the perfect opportunity for you to experience them. This will not be a complete list as I haven't had the chance to play all the first-party games available, but it's a good place to start for anyone looking to get started.

Must Plays

1. Animal Crossing: New Horizons
2. Super Mario Odyssey
3. Super Smash Bros. Ultimate
4. The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild

Animal Crossing: New Horizons arrived at the perfect time, during a global pandemic lockdown in 2020. There’s no better way to get away from reality than by visiting an abandoned island via a getaway package, courtesy of Tom Nook. For the first time, players can not only terraform cliffs and rivers but a new crafting system allows you to create all kinds of items as long as you have collected the proper materials.

Super Mario Odyssey marks Nintendo’s return to the open-world formula for the Mario series, following a structure similar to Super Mario 64 and Super Mario Sunshine. Once again, Princess Peach has been taken by Bowser, but this time, he plans to marry her. This leads Mario on a journey across various kingdoms, collecting Power Moons to fuel his airship, the Odyssey. His adventure begins in the Cap Kingdom, where he meets a hat creature called Cappy. With his hat friend, the game introduces a new gameplay mechanic, the ability to capture and control enemies and objects.

The Super Smash Brothers series has always been a staple for every Nintendo console since the series debuted on the Nintendo 64. The Nintendo Switch is no different with the release of Super Smash Bros. Ultimate presenting what is most probably considered the peak of the series. Not only is the gameplay refined better than ever, it features the “ultimate” cast of characters with over 80 fighters to choose from.

The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild started as an ambitious new title for the adversity facing Wii U. When it eventually launched on the Nintendo Switch, it brought what some consider the best Legend of Zelda experience to date. Breath of the Wild introduced a new physics-based sandbox that captured the imagination of many and led to it becoming the best-selling in the series. Just be prepared for unexpected situations as weapons and shields do eventually break and shatter.

Remakes & Remasters

1. Donkey Kong Country Returns
2. Metroid Prime Remastered
3. Super Mario RPG
4. The Legend of Zelda: Link's Awakening

Any serious games list has to have some of these classics that Nintendo remade or remastered for the Nintendo Switch. Donkey Kong might be smashing his way through a new 3D journey but that doesn’t mean you can’t relive his past in Donkey Kong Country Returns with all new controls. The Legend of Zelda: Link’s Awakening is another game I recommend giving a shot as it is fortunately receiving a free upgrade on the Nintendo Switch 2.

Bonus Round

1. Mario Kart 8 Deluxe
2. Super Mario 3D World + Bowser's Fury
3. Super Mario Bros. Wonder
4. Super Mario Maker 2
5. The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom

I couldn’t leave some of the other well-known hits off our list which is why we have what I’m calling the Bonus Round! Super Mario 3D World is one of the few games I really enjoyed on the Wii U and Nintendo not only re-released on the Nintendo Switch but added a new expansion in the form of an open-world style mode. Both Super Mario 3D World and The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom received a Nintendo Switch 2 upgrade, which makes this the perfect time to replay them or jump in for the first time. I’ve yet to play either on the Nintendo Switch and I know I’m ready to experience both soon on the new hardware.