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The Best Switch Games Of 2025 According To Metacritic

The Best Switch Games Of 2025 According To Metacritic https://ift.tt/ZoOCVT6


Between the launch of a new console and multiple first-party releases, 2025 was a pretty big year for Nintendo. The Switch 2 got off to a roaring start, but the original Switch family of consoles wasn't forgotten about this year, as Nintendo ensured several of its biggest releases were also playable on it. Metroid Prime 4: Beyond and Pokemon Legends: Z-A were playable on the older hardware, while other legacy games like The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild and Tears of the Kingdom were upgraded for the Switch 2.

Between those new releases and expanded versions of old favorites, we also saw third-party games launch for the Switch 2. Developers like Ubisoft and CD Projekt Red delivered high-quality versions of Star Wars Outlaws and Cyberpunk 2077 to the hybrid console, while indie studios focused on gameplay over raw visual horsepower to stand out from the pack. More of a transitional year than a revolutionary one when compared to the launch of Nintendo consoles like the Wii, Wii U, and the original Switch, 2025 saw the company play it safe as it built on the successes of the previous console generation.

To see which of the hundreds of Switch and Switch 2 games made it to the top, you can check the list below. Our sister site Metacritic has crunched all the numbers below, and the final list at the time of writing is an impressively varied selection of games. For more of these features, you can check out our galleries focused on the best RPGs, co-op games, and shooters of the year. We also have our own curated list of the best Switch-exclusive games of 2025, as well as the best Switch and Switch 2 games to play right now.

More Best Of 2025:


The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom Switch 2 Edition


Visually, The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom is a marked improvement on the Switch 2 thanks to an increased resolution and HDR support. But it's the thoughtful upgrades that complement the core gameplay that go a long way toward making a great game even better.

Metascore: 95


The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild Switch 2 Edition


Just like Tears of the Kingdom, Breath of the Wild looks and plays significantly better on the Switch 2. It's the definitive version of one of the greatest Legend of Zelda games of all time, and an almost mandatory upgrade for anyone who already owns the Nintendo masterpiece.

Metascore: 95


Hades 2


Supergiant Games has built a reputation for developing high-quality games consistently, but now the studio can add another feather to its hat: It knows how to make a damn good sequel. Hades 2 isn't just a sequel that's bigger and better than its predecessor; it's a game full of twists and surprises, redefining what a roguelite can be with its refined combat and innovative buildcrafting.

Metascore: 95 | Read our Hades 2 review


Donkey Kong Bananza


Well over 20 years since his last venture into the third dimension, Donkey Kong made a very impressive return. Donkey Kong Bananza is a delightful and destructive take on 3D platforming with secrets and little nuggets of joy around every corner--or buried deep beneath the surface for you to uncover through pure brawn and willpower.

Metascore: 91 | Read our Donkey Kong Bananza review.


Hollow Knight: Silksong


The wait was long, but well worth it--Hollow Knight: Silksong takes the formula established in Team Cherry's 2017 metroidvania and pushes it even further. This time, you play as Hornet, the deuteragonist of the first game, as you climb to the top of a kingdom largely defined by music and song and seemingly infected with mind-controlling silk. The journey is one full of hardship, tests of faith, and one warrior princess' exploration of her heritage, and it's one of our favorite stories and experiences of 2025.

Metascore: 90 | Read our Hollow Knight: Silksong review


Trails in the Sky 1st Chapter


The Trails series is a must-play for any fan of RPGs, but with decades of games in this series, where does one even start? Right at the beginning, thanks to this well-polished remake of the very first game. It's Trails at its best, as the game's classic story about headstrong heroes on a quest to save the day benefits tremendously from upgraded visuals and gameplay.

Metascore: 90 | Read our Trails in the Sky 1st Chapter review


Absolum


Blending old-school brawling with swords-and-sorcery flair, Absolum is a satisfying mix of traditional brawling and roguelike progression. The fantasy-themed brawler leans fully into both genres, making each run in its visually striking world compelling and easy to lose track of time.

Metascore: 89 | Read our Absolum review


Ball x Pit


Arkanoid-inspired block-breaking with the satisfying investment of roguelite growth, Ball x Pit is literally the best balls-to-the-wall game of 2025. The pinball-esque combat is engrossing, the character variety makes each run feel different, and the interconnected base-building system adds another layer of gratification.

Metascore: 89 | Read our Ball x Pit review


Split Fiction


There's a highlight reel of moments that consistently make Split Fiction stand out from the pack, as the game is brimming with creative energy. Constantly reinventing itself and breaking its own rules, there's never a dull moment with this co-op adventure.

Metascore: 89 | Read our Split Fiction review


Pipistrello and the Cursed Yoyo


Who says a Zelda-like game has to take place in a fantasy setting? Pipistrello and the Cursed Yoyo is an exception to that rule, and while it looks like your typical adventure game with Game Boy Advance-inspired visuals, the yo-yo gameplay, inventive challenges, and superb level design combine to create one of the best games of the year.

Metascore: 88


Street Fighter 6


Street Fighter 6 is the gold standard for modern fighting games, combining a wild art direction with gameplay welcoming to players of any skill level. There's nothing better than going a few rounds with friends in this fisticuffs masterclass, and on Switch 2, Capcom's decision to optimize performance makes for a buttery-smooth experience.

Metascore: 87


Super Mario Galaxy 1 + 2


Whether you've toured the cosmos before or you're taking your first leap off of a planet, it simply doesn't get any better than the Mario Galaxy games. Still considered to be two of the mustachioed plumber's most incredible adventures, Mario Galaxy 1 and 2 made a big return to Switch consoles in 2025, giving fans an out-of-this-world package of masterfully crafted 3D platformers.

Metascore: 87


Atelier Ryza Secret Trilogy Deluxe Pack


The Ryza era of the long-running Atelier series has been a consistent highlight, and this trilogy of games featuring the plucky protagonist proved to be the definitive entry point to this sub-series. Packed with new content and previously released DLC, it's hard to say no to three beloved JRPGs bundled into one convenient package.

Metascore: 87


Ninja Gaiden: Ragebound


Between a sharp remaster of a Ninja Gaiden classic and a brand-new game in the mainline series, you'd be forgiven for thinking that a retro-inspired spin-off would be overshadowed. That's where you'll find yourself pleasantly surprised, as this return to the 2D roots of Ninja Gaiden is a treat for the senses and a challenge for your thumbs, thanks to combat that is both challenging and satisfying to master.

Metascore: 87 | Read our Ninja Gaiden: Ragebound review


Final Fantasy Tactics: The Ivalice Chronicles


Video games have changed a lot in the decades since Final Fantasy Tactics, but its political-thriller storyline, enduring tactical turn-based gameplay, and innovative Jobs system still feel relevant in the modern age. A timeless game with a fantastic tale of intrigue, the smart enhancements in this new version of the classic make it easy to recommend to series veterans and newcomers alike.

Metascore: 87 | Read our Final Fantasy Tactics: The Ivalice Chronicles review


Xenoblade Chronicles X: Definitive Edition


Open-world games are commonplace these days, but back in 2015, Xenoblade Chronicles X showed just how deep the genre could be with its breathtaking world design. Xenoblade Chronicles X: Definitive Edition is a reminder of how the original game prioritized a sense of freedom in exploring the planet of Mira, while much-needed quality-of-life enhancements improve its already-stellar combat and performance.

Metascore: 87


Mario Kart World


At long last, the confines of the racetrack do not define Mario Kart. Mario Kart World takes the series' classic kart racing and puts it in a fully explorable open world, adding a nice dose of discovery and charm without sacrificing the excellent core racing experience from the series' past. It's one of the strongest launch titles in Nintendo's history and an absolute joy to play.

Metascore: 86 | Read our Mario Kart World review


Heretic + Hexen


Nightdive Studios continues to be the go-to developer for retro revivals, and it didn't disappoint in 2025 with its resurrection of Raven Software's '90s shooters. Heretic and Hexen got all the improvements you'd expect from Nightdive, but thoughtful tweaks to the gameplay, a remixed soundtrack, and bonus material made this another gratifying revamp.

Metascore: 86


Fantasy Life i: The Girl Who Steals Time


A wholesome escape to the countryside, Fantasy Life i: The Girl Who Steals Time let's you experience the dungeons and farmlands of Ginormosia at your own pace. Whether you're exploring tombs for treasure or building a local community, the choice is up to you on how to spend your hours in this easygoing RPG.

Metascore: 86


Shotgun Cop Man


A perfect game for anyone who's strapped for time, Shotgun Cop Man is an action-platformer that never outstays its welcome. It's full of surprises across the 10 worlds you'll explore via projectile-based movement, constantly reinventing the wheel as you chase down the devil and high scores.

Metascore: 86


Mario Kart World


With the release of the third and fourth chapters, Deltarune from Undertale creator Toby Fox feels like it's shifting into high gear as it reaches the halfway mark. It's an RPG that's absurd and wild in the best ways, subverting expectations and weaving a campaign full of insightful questions and unsettling themes.

Metascore: 86


Dragon Quest 1 & 2 HD-2D Remake


A lavish remake of the classic Dragon Quest games using Square Enix's signature 2D-sprite-on-3D-background aesthetic, Dragon Quest 1 & 2 HD-2D Remake is a thorough modernization of two influential JRPGs. At the same time, the updates go far beyond mere mechanical polish, with thoughtful touches across the board that create a richer, nostalgic experience.

Metascore: 85 | Read our Dragon Quest 1 & 2 HD Remake review


Yakuza 0: Director's Cut


The Yakuza franchise is as hard to keep down as the Dragon of Dojima in a street fight, and Yakuza 0: Director's Cut brought one of the best games in the series to Switch 2. Outside of a new multiplayer game mode and some extra story content, it's Yakuza 0 as you remember it: an intense and nail-biting gangland drama starring two iconic gangsters during their formative years.

Metascore: 85


Cyberpunk 2077: Ultimate Edition


It took quite a long time for the game to be worth playing on other platforms, but Cyberpunk 2077: Ultimate Edition delivered a fantastic Switch 2 experience from launch day. The game and its excellent Phantom Liberty expansion are excellent on Switch 2, and the additional control options and portability make it arguably the best place to experience it all.

Metascore: 85


Ender Magnolia: Bloom in the Mist


Ender Magnolia: Bloom in the Mist doesn't revolutionize the metroidvania genre, but it does combine its rock-solid gameplay with elegant visuals and a stirring soundscape. It makes a strong case for why games can be artistic triumphs in this confident follow-up from developer Live Wire.

Metascore: 85


Shinobi: Art of Vengeance


Returning after such a long time away--14 years in this case--can be tricky for any game series, but Shinobi: Art of Vengeance might as well be an instruction manual for doing it well. The action-platformer balances difficulty with approachability to tremendous effect, and the stylized 2D art is a perfect fit for the series.

Metascore: 85 | Read our Shinobi: Art of Vengeance review.


Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 3 + 4


Following up one of the best remakes ever … remade … is never an easy task, especially when the original studio is no longer involved. Iron Galaxy was certainly up to the challenge with Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 3 + 4, taking over from Vicarious Visions and delivering two excellent (if occasionally unfaithful) remakes of classic skateboarding games. And these ones are great without even having "Superman" on the soundtrack!

Metascore: 85 | Read our Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 3 + 4 review.


The Hundred Line: Last Defense Academy


In a year dominated by games like Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 and Hollow Knight: Silksong, it's downright criminal how The Hundred Line: Last Defense Academy has been overlooked in GOTY discussions. A wild mix of Danganronpa-inspired storytelling and deep tactical-RPG gameplay, the game is a timesink of impressive scale and ambitious design.

Metascore: 85


Bravely Default: Flying Fairy HD Remaster


Initially released for the 3DS in 2012, turn-based RPG Bravely Default got a fresh lease on life this year as a Switch 2 launch game. It's everything you'd expect from a modern-day remaster--better visuals and quality-of-life updates--and its deep combat system has stood the test of time. Throw in its quirky cast of characters, fine-tuned characters, and Switch 2-exclusive features, and you've got a charming JRPG to play on the go.

Metascore: 84


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