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The Nintendo Switch is a behemoth, combining home console capability with reach-grabbing appeal. It's been eight years and its library is bursting with gems, some new, some classics, that continue to keep it running in 2025.
With the Switch 2 on the horizon, the ideal time is now to delve into the best it has to offer. Here’s my take on the top 10 games you should play right this second, whether you’re docked at home or kicking back on the bus.
This one’s a no-brainer. Dropping in 2017, Breath of the Wild rewrote the open-world rulebook. You’re Link, roaming Hyrule’s sprawling hills and crumbling ruins, free to climb anything, cook dubious stews, or just soak in the sunset. The physics-driven puzzles and go-anywhere vibe still feel revolutionary. It’s a must-play that’s as stunning today as it was at launch, perfect for losing yourself in 2025.
Mario’s globe-trotting romp from 2017 is pure joy. With Cappy, his hat buddy, you’re hopping into everything from dinosaurs to taxi cabs, collecting moons across vibrant kingdoms. The sandbox levels, like New Donk City’s bustling streets, bubble with creativity. It’s tight, polished, and endlessly replayable, making it a Switch staple you can’t skip right now.
Racing never gets old with Mario Kart 8 Deluxe. This 2017 gem, beefed up from its Wii U roots, packs every track, character, and DLC into one slick package. Drifting through Rainbow Road or lobbing shells in local multiplayer is chaos at its finest. In 2025, it’s still the king of couch co-op. Grab some pals and hit the gas.
Need a breather? New Horizons (2020) is your island escape. You’re building a cozy village, fishing for sea bass, and haggling with Tom Nook over bells. The real-time clock keeps it chill, plant a tree today, see it grow tomorrow. With seasonal events still rolling in 2025, it’s a slow-burn delight that’s perfect for unwinding.
Fancy a brawl? Super Smash Bros. Ultimate (2018) throws every Nintendo hero and a few outsiders into the ring. Mario vs. Pikachu vs. Cloud Strife? It’s happening. The roster’s massive, the stages are wild, and the online scene’s still kicking in 2025. Whether you’re a button masher or a combo king, it’s a party that never ends.
Samus Aran’s 2021 comeback is a stunner. Metroid Dread combines concise platforming with heart-stopping chases from mechanical E.M.M.I. pursuers. The vast map invites you to explore every corner, equipping your suit in the process. It's streamlined, mean, and dripping with atmosphere, perfect for Switch owners who want action now.
Fill 'er up and jump into Splatoon 3 (2022). This shooter's a hoot, pitting squid-kids against one another in turf-war mayhem. New guns, such as the speedy Splatana, and a substantial single-player campaign keep it current in 2025. Splatfests continue to explode online, so pick up your roller and color the town, literally.
Last year’s Wonder (2023) is 2D Mario with a twist. Levels warp with Wonder Flowers, turning pipes into snakes or you into an elephant. It’s a visual feast, with bouncy music and co-op that’s a riot with friends. In 2025, it’s the platformer to beat, jump in and feel the magic.
For RPG fans, Xenoblade Chronicles 3 (2022) is a beast. You’re leading six warriors across Aionios, a war-torn world packed with towering vistas and deep lore. Combat’s a dance of strategy, chain attacks hit like a truck, and the story’s a tearjerker. It’s long, it’s grand, and it’s a 2025 must-play if you’ve got the time.
Indie darling Hollow Knight (2018) rounds out the list. You’re a tiny bug-knight exploring Hallownest’s haunting depths, slashing through foes and uncovering secrets. The hand-drawn art’s gorgeous, the bosses are brutal, and the map’s a maze that hooks you. In 2025, it’s still a masterpiece. Dive in while we wait for Silksong.
These picks shine in March 2025 because they’re the Switch’s heart and soul. Some launched it, others capped its peak, but all showcase what makes this console special: versatility, polish, and fun that lasts. With Metroid Prime 4 on the horizon, the Switch isn’t done yet, but these 10 are screaming to be played today. Whether you’re a newbie or a diehard, grab your Joy-Cons and get lost in the best Nintendo has got.
