What Are the Best Nintendo Switch Games of 2025? - December 2025

The best Nintendo Switch games of 2025, according to Metacritic, are spearheaded by critically acclaimed sequels and definitive console upgrades, with The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom Switch 2 Edition, The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild Switch 2 Edition, and Hades 2 all achieving an impressive 95 Metascore.

Quick Breakdown

• Nintendo launched the highly anticipated Switch 2 in 2025, alongside continued robust support for the original Switch family of consoles.
• Top-rated games include enhanced Switch 2 versions of beloved classics and major new releases like Metroid Prime 4: Beyond and Pokemon Legends: Z-A.
• 2025 was a transitional year for Nintendo, consolidating previous successes while delivering high-quality first and third-party titles.
• Third-party developers such as Ubisoft and CD Projekt Red brought optimized versions of Star Wars Outlaws and Cyberpunk 2077 to the Switch 2.

What Were the Top-Rated Nintendo Switch Games of 2025 According to Metacritic?

According to Metacritic's comprehensive data as of December 2025, three titles stood out at the pinnacle of critical acclaim for the Nintendo Switch and Switch 2, all boasting a 95 Metascore. These include the visually and mechanically enhanced The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom Switch 2 Edition and The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild Switch 2 Edition, which offered significant resolution, HDR, and thoughtful gameplay upgrades. Joining them was Supergiant Games' highly anticipated sequel, Hades 2, which redefined the roguelite genre with its refined combat and innovative buildcrafting. Following closely behind:

• Donkey Kong Bananza: A triumphant return for Donkey Kong in 3D platforming (91 Metascore).
• Hollow Knight: Silksong: The long-awaited metroidvania sequel, expanding on its predecessor (90 Metascore).
• Trails in the Sky 1st Chapter: A polished remake of the classic RPG, enhanced for modern audiences (90 Metascore).
• Absolum: A compelling blend of traditional brawling and roguelike progression (89 Metascore).
• Ball x Pit: An innovative Arkanoid-inspired roguelite with engrossing pinball-esque combat (89 Metascore).
• Split Fiction: A co-op adventure praised for its creative energy and constant reinvention (89 Metascore).
• Pipistrello and the Cursed Yoyo: A unique Zelda-like adventure with inventive yo-yo gameplay (88 Metascore).

How Did the Nintendo Switch 2 Impact 2025's Game Releases?

The launch of the Nintendo Switch 2 in 2025 marked a pivotal moment, ushering in a new era of performance for Nintendo's hybrid console family. While the original Switch wasn't forgotten, receiving major titles like Metroid Prime 4: Beyond and Pokemon Legends: Z-A, the Switch 2 significantly elevated the experience for many games. Legacy titles such as The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild and Tears of the Kingdom received mandatory upgrades, making their definitive versions available on the new hardware. Furthermore, the Switch 2 became the platform for high-quality third-party releases, including optimized versions of Star Wars Outlaws and Cyberpunk 2077 from developers like Ubisoft and CD Projekt Red. This transitional year ensured that new console owners had access to enhanced experiences while keeping the extensive Switch library relevant.

Why It Matters: A Pivotal Year for Nintendo's Ecosystem

2025 served as a crucial transitional period for Nintendo, safely building upon the immense successes of the previous console generation rather than pursuing a revolutionary launch. The introduction of the Switch 2, coupled with continued support for the original hardware, demonstrated Nintendo's commitment to its expansive user base and beloved franchises. This dual-platform strategy allowed for a seamless generational shift, providing enhanced experiences for new hardware owners while ensuring accessibility for the existing install base. The robust lineup of critically acclaimed first-party titles, definitive upgrades, and high-quality third-party support solidified the Switch family's position in the competitive gaming landscape, setting a strong foundation for future innovations without alienating loyal fans.

Beyond the Top: Other Highly-Rated Switch Titles of 2025

Beyond the leading pack, 2025 saw a diverse array of other highly-rated games enriching the Nintendo Switch and Switch 2 library, demonstrating the platform's versatility. These titles, also compiled from Metacritic data, showcased a mix of fighting games, classic remasters, and expansive RPGs:

• Street Fighter 6: Optimized for Switch 2, offering a buttery-smooth fighting experience (87 Metascore).
• Super Mario Galaxy 1 + 2: A highly anticipated return of two definitive 3D Mario platformers (87 Metascore).
• Atelier Ryza Secret Trilogy Deluxe Pack: A bundled collection offering a definitive entry point to the beloved JRPG sub-series (87 Metascore).
• Ninja Gaiden: Ragebound: A challenging and satisfying return to the 2D roots of the action series (87 Metascore).
• Final Fantasy Tactics: The Ivalice Chronicles: A smart enhancement of the timeless tactical RPG (87 Metascore).
• Xenoblade Chronicles X: Definitive Edition: A much-needed quality-of-life update for the breathtaking open-world RPG (87 Metascore).
• Mario Kart World: A strong launch title, bringing open-world exploration to the classic kart racing formula (86 Metascore).
• Heretic + Hexen Nightdive Studios: A gratifying revamp of the classic '90s shooters (86 Metascore).

Frequently Asked Questions

Which games received the highest Metascores on Nintendo Switch in 2025?

The highest-rated games on Nintendo Switch and Switch 2 in 2025, each achieving a 95 Metascore, were The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom Switch 2 Edition, The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild Switch 2 Edition, and Hades 2.

Was 2025 a significant year for the Nintendo Switch platform?

Yes, 2025 was a highly significant "transitional" year for Nintendo, marked by the launch of the Nintendo Switch 2, alongside continued support for the original Switch, and a robust lineup of first-party, third-party, and indie releases.

Did classic Nintendo games receive Switch 2 upgrades in 2025?

Absolutely. Iconic Nintendo titles such as The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild and The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom received significant visual and performance upgrades specifically for the new Nintendo Switch 2 hardware in 2025.