What an eight years it has been for the Nintendo Switch. Launched in 2017, this has been a long generation by Nintendo’s standards, but in that time, the hybrid system has built an extraordinary library of original and classic games. Its ability to turn a living room gaming experience into a portable one opened the door to all sorts of titles, and its rapid success had developers rushing to bring games to it, be they ports or brand-new ones.
The console’s anticipated successor, Nintendo Switch 2, will arrive on June 5th, 2025, and is compatible with games built for the original Switch, meaning there will be an incredible catalogue already available on day one. With potential Switch 2 owners looking for a few extra purchases that they may have missed out on to go alongside launch titles like Mario Kart World, Street Fighter 6 and Cyberpunk 2077, and to celebrate the original Nintendo Switch’s impressive life, the Cubed3 team shares their personal favourites from a system that has delivered so many exceptional games over the years.
The Great Ace Attorney Chronicles
The Great Ace Attorney Chronicles brings the beloved Ace Attorney series to a fresh setting, blending courtroom drama and puzzle-solving in late 19th-century London and Japan. The collection includes two transformed Nintendo 3DS chapters: ‘Adventures’ and ‘Resolve,’ following Ryunosuke Naruhodo, an ancestor of Phoenix Wright, as he defends clients in thrilling trials and investigations. Originally released on the 3DS in Japan, these games weren’t officially translated until now, making this Switch collection a long-awaited treat for international fans. The original creator, Shu Takumi, returned as director and writer, bringing his signature wit and clever storytelling to the series. With beautiful visuals, unforgettable characters, and the trademark wacky humour, it offers a perfect mix of mystery and drama. Whether you’re new to the franchise or a long-time fan, The Great Ace Attorney Chronicles delivers a captivating experience, full of twists and puzzles that will keep you hooked until the credits roll.
– Adam
Mario Party Superstars
When Nintendo showed a brief glimpse of a familiar mode select screen at E2 2021, all the childhood nostalgia was set alight! After a brief detour from the classic Mario Party formula, Nintendo took fans back to their roots with Mario Party Superstars. Original boards from the Nintendo 64 era, a medley of minigames from across the series, and the staple star-grabbing fun make it a Nintendo Switch essential! Replaying fan-favourites in striking HD with friends online was an absolute treat and marked a return to form for a series that was having a slight identity crisis.
– Jorge
Stardew Valley
It is astonishing how much Stardew Valley has grown over the years, with developer ConcernedApe to this day still providing free updates to the farming life simulator. Inspired by Harvest Moon, Animal Crossing and Rune Factory, this game has gone far beyond what any of those series offer, delivering a town that feels like home and characters that are like family, with thoughtful messages and humorous dialogue encouraging players to interact with the community and develop loving relationships. It is sometimes easy to forget about the actual farming aspect altogether, and that’s before even getting to the side-quests, mining, combat, fishing, cooking, and entirely new regions to explore with all sorts of fun events. With the enjoyment enriched when playing with friends so that different tasks can be focused on daily, Stardew Valley is the perfect travel companion for any Switch owner that wants a laidback portable role-playing game.
– Az
Monster Hunter Rise
Of all games released on Nintendo Switch, Monster Hunter Rise is one of the definitive releases that takes full advantage of what the console is built for. For the first time, hunters can explore biomes seamlessly without load times on a portable console. The entries on Nintendo 3DS could never achieve this, but Rise managed to do what Monster Hunter: World was doing, except on a platform with modest specs, while boasting a gorgeous art style. It is a complete Monster Hunter experience and then some. This is a game where players can get engrossed for hundreds of hours, giving them a lot of bang for their buck. It has everything: fishing minigames, over 14 weapon types to master, and even a dog and a cat to customise.
– Coller
Metroid Prime Remastered
It is testament to what Retro Studios created with Metroid Prime that it is still one of the best Metroid games in the franchise, and certainly the peak of the 3D entries. The series introduced one too many additional characters following Samus Aran’s lone mission on Tallon IV, but this adventure successfully transitioned the open structure and isolated experience of the revered SNES classic Super Metroid into a first-person triumph. New control schemes and improved visuals to this already gorgeous Phazon-infested world elevate it above its original GameCube version.
– Az
Hotline Miami Collection
Nostalgia plays a heavy role in Hotline Miami and Hotline Miami 2: Wrong Number, and playing them on the Switch adds a layer of immersion in that regard, conjuring childhood memories of gaming on the Game Boy Advance and other legendary handhelds. Hotline Miami Collection for the Switch makes taking the mind-bending story, fast-paced gameplay, and absolutely killer soundtrack anywhere possible, and I’m not sure I would have ever discovered my love for these games if it wasn’t for this portable compilation.
– David
Super Mario 3D World + Bowser’s Fury
Originally a Wii U staple, this overlooked classic got a dramatically improved port on Nintendo Switch. Super Mario 3D World was made faster, more responsive, and more chaotic. In terms of combined landmass, this is still the biggest 3D Mario game ever, vastly eclipsing Super Mario Odyssey by a wide margin. As if the core game and up to four-player co-op mode wasn’t enough, the bonus mini epic, Bowser’s Fury, cements this title as one of the definitive Switch-core experiences. This extra quest remixes the base mechanics from 3D World into a sprawling open world sea-faring adventure that packs a ton of content in about a five-to-six-hour experience. This is one of the most substantial 3D platformers ever designed that constantly introduces new ideas, keeping players guessing every step of the way.
– Coller
Ace Combat 7: Skies Unknown
A fantastic port of the bombastic and blisteringly fast paced Ace Combat 7, boasting smooth frame rates, and the same gameplay and content as its bigger console iterations, with a bizarre yet fun campaign featuring memorable characters such as JPEG Dog. Most third-party Nintendo Switch ports are serviceable, but this is the one to get if you want to see what the system can really handle. Absolutely glorious arcade simulator JPEG Dogfighting and flying.
– Sandy
Famicom Detective Club
Famicom Detective Club is a fantastic way to experience one of Nintendo’s most overlooked franchises. Originally released in the late 1980s for the Japan-only Famicom Disk System, The Missing Heir and The Girl Who Stands Behind have been beautifully remade with modern visuals, full voice acting, and an updated pacing that stays faithful to the original graphic adventures. The writing is sharp, and the eerie, suspenseful atmosphere holds up incredibly well, showing how powerful the original iterations were. Both of the original games offer a strong sense of discovery as relentless sleuths piece together clues in a classic visual novel style. Then there’s Emio – The Smiling Man, a completely bold new entry that pushed the series into an even darker, more psychological direction. It’s more mature and unsettling, but still grounded in the investigative roots, proving to be astoundingly gripping from start to finish, with plenty of little extras tucked away and Easter eggs to uncover. Whether you’re into retro mysteries or just looking for something different in the story game space, this Switch trilogy is a hidden gem worth uncovering.
– Adam
Live A Live
Of all the HD-2D RPGs out there, this one stands out for its omnibus story. Originally a Japan-exclusive Super Famicom game, this edition of Live A Live revamps the sprites to be more expressive and faithfully reimagines the environments with chunky pixelated 3D visuals. It is a tightly paced RPG set across seven stories from different eras that homage film genres. From Westerns and sci-fi, to wuxia kung fu and mecha anime, and even caveman comedies, Live A Live is unique. It’s not a long game, but it’s a quirky experience that is easy to get into and doesn’t demand a huge commitment, which makes it ideal for portable play.
– Coller
Persona 5 Royal
This game is just so cool! Running surprisingly well on Nintendo Switch, Persona 5 Royal can finally be played on the go. Not even being as battery draining as one might expect, joining Joker and his gang is possible while on the bus, train or when visiting family. With a soundtrack that really hits hard and gameplay that keeps things interactive yet strategic, it is pure joy to experience the intriguing story of Joker and his Persona abilities on Switch.
– Lilly
The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild
Despite being the first modern open world game in the series, The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild provided something truly remarkable. The Switch version delivered an immensely satisfying and interesting world as a travel companion, finally bridging the at-home and portable experiences. With a more mature and emotional story presented uniquely through flashbacks, it is the strongest Legend of Zelda title on Switch, outstripping its sequel in terms of enjoyment.
– Sandy
Resident Evil: Revelations 2
The Switch got a lot of Resident Evil ports, but Revelations 2 was the one that got the most attention. Not only is it one of the better-looking entries in the series, but it’s bursting with replay value and bonus features. The improved Raid mode is a fun arcade-like spin on the gameplay where players can take their favourite characters from the franchise and build them in creative ways. The best part is that it supports local and online co-op. For a Resident Evil game, there is a disgusting amount of content to unlock and earn. So much, in fact, that it was a terrible grind on other consoles, but the Switch version includes an amusing minigame that spoofs Capcom’s Ghosts ‘n Goblins. This diversion is a great way to dramatically earn the currency needed to power through the grind at an unbelievable rate, making the Switch version the absolute best version of an already superb entry.
– Coller
Mario Kart 8 Deluxe
Other kart racing games may have more extensive single-player modes, but there is still nothing quite like multiplayer in Mario Kart 8 Deluxe. It took a while for Nintendo to expand the track and character selections with downloadable content, but when all was said and done, a whopping 96 courses became available. A variety of helpful accessibility options means players of all ages and skill levels can pick up a controller and get driving – perfect for families that want to enjoy a game together – while the most adept kart racers can challenge themselves all over again in the superfast 200cc mode, where the brake button sees just as much action as the accelerator, and courses require completely relearning.
– Az
Warriors of the Nile 2
It would be easy to focus on a big name, but this tactical roguelike won my heart, with its cute graphics and incredibly addictive battles. Warriors of the Nile 2’s gameplay loop is simple, but allows for a lot of depth, as players choose three characters to fill tank, archer and mage classes, and are thrown into a small grid-based arena, taking it in turns to move and attack. Levels are short, but the addictive element comes in the form of random items or skills being awarded upon victory that boost one of the characters. A single run can be make-or-break based on drops. If a move drops that is great for the archer, but you’ve been building up your tank, do you grab it, knowing the archer hasn’t been levelled up much, or continue with the tank, even if the move is inferior? Each class plays so distinctly, with over fifteen characters that have around 20 skills and moves, making every run unique. Warriors of the Nile 2 is an impressive indie game that I still fire up to this day.
– Eric
Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door
The Switch re-release of Paper Mario: The Thousand Year Door is a true treasure for RPG enthusiasts, blending classic charm with modern enhancements to create an unforgettable experience. Originally a GameCube title, it has been meticulously revitalised by Nintendo’s in-house developers and the team at Intelligent Systems, preserving the game’s distinctive paper-thin aesthetic and witty narrative. Its engaging turn-based combat and imaginative puzzles continue to captivate so that both nostalgic fans and newcomers alike will be enamoured throughout the delightful journey where creativity – visually, aurally and gameplay-wise – reigns supreme.
– Adam
Devil May Cry 3 Special Edition
The remasters of Devil May Cry 3 on PlayStation 4 and Xbox One aren’t as good as this version. On Switch, this game has local co-op added to the Bloody Palace mode, which dramatically improves the experience. Another inclusion to this awesome title is the painless way Dante can switch styles on the fly without having to go into a menu. The gameplay is more fluid and complete than ever in the ultimate character action game of all time.
– Coller
Animal Crossing: New Horizons
Animal Crossing: New Horizons took the series in a slightly new direction, offering a lovely island paradise while the world cowered under the pandemic. Consistently updated and upgraded, New Horizons went from offering a fantastic cosy life sim to also being the definitive Animal Crossing title in almost every way. Looking at where the game is at now in 2025, it’s one of the best examples of its genre.
– Sandy
Vampire Survivors
There may not be a more addictive “just one more go” game than this Castlevania-inspired “bullet heaven” indie hit. Vampire Survivors took the auto-shooting wave-based formula and turned it into one of the biggest games of its type, where players are tasked with surviving beyond a set time limit as swarms of enemies home in on their character. No two runs are ever the same, but they are always tense, with randomised passive and active weapons becoming available at level-up, and extra distinction coming in the form of characters with unique stats, of which there are well over 150 when factoring in the DLC that is priced astonishingly low for the insane amount of content. There is considerable depth to such a simple concept, with the fun amplified further when played co-operatively – and there is still room for a heavy dose of humour thanks to all manner of wacky characters and monsters, topped off by Stephanie Sterling’s brilliant bestiary commentary.
– Az
Kirby and the Forgotten Land
Kirby has finally gone 3D and the wait was worth it. It’s the same kind of power-absorbing action and laidback platforming gamers know from the pink puff ball, but now the level design is deeper and the bosses are bigger. Reimagining Kirby’s powers in 3D paid off and there’s even some lite RPG elements where they can be powered up and expanded. The swordplay is surprising and veers close to being something out of a Devil May Cry game. There are minigames galore and even an impressively challenging post-game and a nightmarish final boss that await for hardcore gamers. The best part is that Kirby and the Forgotten Land can be played entirely in local co-op, making this a definitive Switch-core game.
– Coller
Shinsekai: Into the Depths
One of those Capcom specials, Shinsekai: Into the Depths is a short, tight, beautiful and unique experience. Playing as a deep-sea diver and uncovering the truth behind the disaster that has taken over Earth, all told without dialogue, is a really cool concept. Players get to enjoy interesting platforming of the Metroidvania variety while battling with water physics, air limitations and deadly creatures. It’s got an atmosphere that is unparalleled, as well as one of the most satisfying gameplay loops on the Switch.
– Sandy
Metroid Dread
There is no shortage of Metroidvanias on Switch. The indie scene has dominated the genre, but leave it to the granddaddy of them all to show them how it’s done. Metroid Dread took a long time to come, but the wait was worth it. This is one of the smoothest and most fluid 2D action games ever released and it can only be played on Switch. Samus is more mobile than ever and has incredible range of action; it feels as if she can do anything. Not only does Dread play unbelievably well, but its visual presentation is also on par with AAA releases on more powerful hardware. All the best ideas from the Metroid franchise are magnified, and the new developer took steps to subvert traditions to keep returning fans on their toes. There are a lot of Metroidvanias on Switch, but if you had to choose one, this is the absolute pinnacle of what the genre has to offer.
– Coller
Hogwarts Legacy
The main draw of Nintendo Switch is the ability to take your games with you, and while Hogwarts Legacy had to downsize to be playable on the system, it still offers a fantastic experience. Exploring Hogwarts, Hogsmeade and the surrounding Highlands, either on foot or on broom, was a childhood dream of many that came true when Hogwarts Legacy first released. Despite being a bit clunky at times, considering the size and the amount of content in it, it is almost magical how it worked out. Perhaps now is the time to pick it up again for the next long train journey and get ready to catch Nifflers and Puffskeins before brewing some Felix Felicis!
– Lilly
Super Mario RPG
Super Mario RPG has been lovingly reimagined in collaboration with ArtePiazza and Nintendo. ArtePiazza, celebrated for breathing new life into timeless RPGs and working on classic Dragon Quest outings in the past, has skilfully updated the original SNES gem with high-definition 3D graphics and refined gameplay mechanics, all while maintaining its iconic humour and strategic depth. This version also officially allows it to be played in PAL regions for the first time ever after Europe/Oceania missed out on the Super NES landmark romp. Alongside Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door, these re-releases exemplify the perfect marriage of innovation and legacy, confirming their status among the very best games available on the Switch, and proving that turn-based RPGs are still king. Their enriched narratives, visually arresting presentations, and deep-rooted RPG sensibilities ensure they continue to captivate and inspire a new generation of players.
– Adam
Tetris Effect: Connected
How do you improve upon perfection? Arguably, Tetris falls into that extremely limited bracket of masterpiece games, and the genius decision to bundle it with the original Game Boy massively helped Nintendo’s handheld console become the worldwide success that it did. Dozens of rereleases and variations on the classic block-dropping puzzle game have come and gone, but Tetris Effect: Connected’s incredible blending of striking visuals and rhythmic audio that sync with the already addictive gameplay produced an unparallelled Tetris experience unlike any that has come before.
– Az
Pokémon: Let’s Go, Pikachu! / Let’s Go, Eevee!
Remaking the original Pokémon games was never going to be an easy task, yet, using the “Go” framework, the developers went for it. What they created was a unique take on the original Pokémon formula by having battles constrained primarily to trainers, while capturing Pokémon tended to involve coaxing them in with berries and then bonking them on the head with a Pokéball. This novel gameplay made the games more accessible to younger audiences while retaining the core feeling and themes. The Pokémon: Let’s Go titles are also graphically the most appealing Pokémon games on Switch, with lovely crisp and colourful visuals.
– Sandy
Super Mario Party Jamboree
With Nintendo returning to the Mario Party series’ origins with Mario Party Superstars, where could a successor have gone next? The result is perhaps one of the best in the franchise to date, blending what made Mario Party so successful with interesting and smart new ideas. Clever, new board mechanics lead the way, with refined rulesets for friends playing online and co-operative bonus games that bring everyone together. Looking for a fun multiplayer romp with plenty of heart? Super Mario Party Jamboree comes highly recommended.
– Jorge
SaGa Frontier Remastered
An underrated PlayStation RPG remastered with new content added. SaGa Frontier is a very deep and funny game with multiple scenarios to play through. Cut content has been restored and the gameplay enhanced from the original, with an improved translation that better explains mechanics. The art style is classic 90s-era Square that leans heavily into the pre-rendered aesthetic and turn-based gameplay that moves fast with a punchy soundtrack. Some of the scenarios are very open-ended, while others are more linear. No matter who you choose to play as, a lot of the fun is in recruiting weirdos and exploring. This is an excellent version of a forgotten classic and it looks and runs perfectly on Switch.
– Coller
Ys VIII: Lacrimosa of Dana
Ys VIII: Lacrimosa of Dana won my heart as my first ever Ys game. Shrine maiden Dana’s tale, which unravels in Adol’s dreams, is extremely compelling, and it’s no wonder it had a novel written and was ported to several consoles. Dana’s wisdom and prowess as a fighter matches Adol’s own strengths, but besides Dana being the coolest character ever, there is a broad range of personalities that each help and hinder the journey to build a ship and leave the island. Dinosaur fans will love the ferocious monsters, and the toe-tapping soundtrack makes a great experience amazing. This is my favourite game of all time, and I now make sure I play Ys YIII once a year, it’s that fun!
– Nayu
Super Mario Odyssey
3D Mario games don’t come around often, but when they do, they’re usually pretty special. Super Mario Odyssey introduced Cappy, a hat that accompanies Mario on his adventure across the globe and beyond, where throwing it allowed for all manner of satisfying and unique platforming segments that rewarded skilful play. There was far more to it than that, though, as flinging Cappy at enemies and other objects would “capture” it, allowing Mario to control them and put their distinct abilities to use. Common foes like goombas could be stacked on top of each other for Mario to reach high areas, while a T-Rex could even be manipulated to smash down walls. Super Mario Odyssey defied standard series convention by integrating more realistic designs, too, making for a refreshing Mario escapade with many memorable moments that directly catered to its older fans.
– Az
Castlevania Dominus Collection
There are a few Castlevania compilations on Nintendo Switch, but this was the one everyone was waiting for. This package contains three huge Castlevania games that were originally released on Nintendo DS, which have been reconfigured by M2 to be played with one screen. The developer redesigned aspects to cut out the annoying touch screen elements and added a wealth of quality-of-life features that make these classics the best they can be. While the Dominus Collection is available on all consoles, these are portable games at their core and are best played on the small screen on the go. The pixel art has never looked better in the franchise and the music is as electrifying as ever, even with the bit-crushed DS audio. Vampire hunters have never had it so good.
– Coller
Hollow Knight
There is a reason that the upcoming Hollow Knight: Silksong is as eagerly anticipated as it is, and that is because its precursor is one of the greatest examples in the Metroidvania genre, coming close to, if not surpassing, stellar titles like Super Metroid. This is a 2D platforming marvel, using gorgeously drawn visuals and outstanding world design to tell its story deep beneath a collapsed insectoid kingdom’s surface. Hollow Knight is a challenging game, but not unfair, with a high range of control and many actions at the playable Knight’s disposal, where every attack by an enemy can be dodged and overcome by studying its movements. Tons of secrets to discover reward those that explore the world and utilise abilities to the fullest, and the sublime soundtrack only adds to the expertly crafted subterranean landscape.
– Az
The Legend of Zelda: Link’s Awakening
In a wealth of absolute belters over the Switch lifespan, The Legend of Zelda: Link’s Awakening remains criminally underrated in its remade format. The greatest complement is that the game any owner of the Game Boy original remembers is here in all its glory. From the bizarre side-quests to the well-thought-out boss battles, everything has not only been preserved but beautifully reinvented. What makes this outing stand out so much is the break from the norm. It is completely enthralling to be thrown into the quest to wake the mythical Wind Fish and deal with the ethical quandary of risking the lives of everyone on Koholint Island in the process. With an excellent concept, married with memorable characters and some of the best music of the series, this shorter, but no less fantastic game in comparison to the biggies, is well worth washing up on before the final Switch swansong.
– Luke
Another Code: Recollection
If you’re a fan of story-driven mysteries like Famicom Detective Club, Another Code: Recollection is an essential addition to your library. This stylishly remade collection brings together Another Code: Two Memories (originally on Nintendo DS) and its Wii sequel Another Code: R – A Journey into Lost Memories (previously unreleased outside Japan and Europe), now fully reimagined with updated visuals, voice acting, and modern controls. You play as Ashley Mizuki Robbins, a teenager drawn into a series of deeply personal mysteries as she searches for the truth about her family. Crucially, the remake features the return of Rika Suzuki, the original scenario writer, ensuring the story’s emotional depth and tone remain true to CiNG’s vision. Though the studio sadly folded in 2010, Nintendo and Arc System Works have treated this revival with real care, preserving the quiet, introspective atmosphere that made the originals stand out. The puzzles feel naturally woven into the narrative, and the new presentation brings Ashley’s world to life more vividly than ever. For anyone who values a heartfelt mystery over fast-paced action, Another Code: Recollection is one of the most rewarding narrative experiences available on Switch, and it’s hoped that both Hotel Dusk and Last Window will follow later this year.
– Adam
Share Your Favourites
With so many great games to choose from, these are just a selection of the Cubed3 team’s favourites from the Nintendo Switch’s long lifespan. Which games have you had the most enjoyment with? For anyone purchasing a Nintendo Switch 2, are there any games listed above that you plan to pick up for the new system? Share your thoughts below.
