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Image credit: The Pokémon Company
Emma Flint
andEm Stonham
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A new year means a fresh start, and with 2026 already shaping up to be another incredible year for video games, what better way to kick it all off than by exploring Nintendo Switch’s best games? The Switch may be small, but it packs one hell of a punch.
From cozy adventuring to action-packed thrill rides, from the best 2-player Switch games to intense solo missions, The Escapist is here to give you an overview of the crème de la crème. You can probably predict some of the heavy hitters already, but you might find some surprises here as well. It’s time to play a new game – or several!
The Escapist recaps 2026 is shaping up to be another stellar year for video games and Nintendo itself. When it comes to the best Nintendo Switch games for adults, Bye Sweet Carole is a strong contender. Although there are Nintendo Switch 2 exclusives, like Donkey Kong Bananza, that are deserving of a spot, The Escapist’s best games on Switch rundown will focus on titles available on both platforms. To ensure we deliver the very best new games, beloved titles, such as The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom, won’t be featured. Although as popular as ever, The Escapist is focused on the latest Nintendo releases. Hades 2
A stunning and challenging game, in equal measure. Image credit: Supergiant Games
Few roguelikes will ever come close to matching the majestic beauty of Hades 2. Building on the prestige of the first game was always going to be a daunting task for the developers, yet they succeeded in style.
Delivering more dungeon crawler mayhem encapsulated in the rich lore of Greek mythology, Hades 2 is, without a shadow of a doubt, one of the best games on Switch.
Sporting a whole host of new characters, alongside new challenges, legendary weapons, and immersive locations, Hades 2 is as intense as it is strategically complex, yet it easily treads the line of both.
Pokémon Legends Z-A
Expect more Mega Evolutions in the latest Pokémon adventure. Image credit: The Pokémon Company
Pokémon Legends: Z-A may be a predictable choice as one of the Nintendo Switch’s best games, but predictability doesn’t negate its popularity. We suspect it’ll soon become one of the best Pokémon Switch games.
In Pokémon Legends Z-A, trainers will embark on a new yet familiar adventure, in which they’ll discover all the intricacies of life in Lumiose City while it’s in the throes of redevelopment. If you’re a veteran fan, you’ll know the beats of Pokémon better than the back of your hand.
You can expect real-time battles, new Mega Evolutions, and unique features to help keep the franchise fresh.
Bye Sweet Carole
Don’t let its Disney-inspired aesthetic fool you; this isn’t a game for kids. Image credit: Maximum Entertainment
One of the best Nintendo Switch games for adults is, undoubtedly, Bye Sweet Carole. Behind its charmingly whimsical exterior hides a haunting tale. Although it isn’t scary, per se, its themes tap into very tangible and real issues affecting girls and women to this day.
Told from a third-person perspective, you’ll solve puzzles, evade unusual enemies, and ultimately discover what became of sweet Carole. It’s arguably one of the best scary games on the Switch right now.
Hollow Knight: Silksong
Hornet has much to explore in this world of silk and song. Image credit: Team Cherry
There’s a good reason why Hollow Knight: Silksong made it into The Escapist’s game of the year list: much like its predecessor, Silksong is considered one of Nintendo Switch’s best games.
With so much hype surrounding the sequel, fans were concerned whether it could live up to the high expectations placed upon it; fortunately, it has.
In the “epic sequel”, you play as Hornet as she explores new lands, fights new foes, and discovers secrets of her past. This Soulslike Metroidvania isn’t for the faint of heart, for players will be faced with many a tense horde to fight their way through.
FANTASY LIFE i: The Girl Who Steals Time
Adorable, whimsical, and chill – the big three for cozy games. Image credit: LEVEL5 Inc.
A best Switch games list without FANTASY LIFE i: The Girl Who Steals Time would be incomplete. Not only does it offer a cozy gaming experience, but it’s also one of the best 2-player Switch games available. In fact, up to four players can play together and enjoy the cozy experience.
As with numerous cozy adventures, you’ll cook, fish, craft, explore, and generally carve out an idyllic life for yourself. The beauty of FANTASY LIFE i: The Girl Who Steals Time is that you can try on different “Lives”, aka jobs, to see which one is best suited to your character.
Ask The Escapist What are the best free Nintendo Switch games?If our suggestions haven’t piqued your interest, there are always popular free titles, such as Fortnite and Warframe. Although they’re not strictly new releases, both receive regular major updates to keep the games alive.
What are the best-selling Nintendo Switch games?Currently, Nintendo eShop has several titles mentioned above in its best sellers category; these include Pokémon Legends Z-A, Hades 2, and Hollow Knight: Silksong. Alongside them are other beloved titles, such as Minecraft and Animal Crossing: New Horizons.
What’s the best-selling Nintendo Switch game of all time?This likely won’t surprise anyone, but the best-selling Switch title of all time, per Metacritic, is The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild, closely followed by Super Mario Odyssey.
Are any of these Switch games Switch 2 exclusives?In the name of accessibility, all of the games listed above are available on the original Switch, with some also offering Switch 2 versions.
References Best Games on Nintendo Switch (Metacritic) The Escapist is supported by our audience. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn a small affiliate commission. Learn more about our Affiliate Policy
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