In 2025 the Nintendo Switch 2 emerged as a notable platform, with both upgraded ports and new releases earning strong critical praise. This list compiles the ten highest-rated Switch 2 titles of the year, including Metacritic scores and release dates, to highlight the games that stood out for reviewers.
Top-rated Switch 2 releases and remasters
The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom – Nintendo Switch 2 Edition
Released in June 2025, The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom – Nintendo Switch 2 Edition scored a 95 Metascore on Metacritic for the Switch 2 version. This special edition brings higher resolution, HDR support, improved frame rates and faster loading times enabled by the new hardware.
The story continues Link’s exploration of Hyrule’s floating islands and skies after Breath of the Wild, with mythic threats and ancient mysteries tying past and present. Gameplay retains the series’ signature open-world freedom—climbing, combat, puzzle-solving and creative structure-building—now with greater responsiveness thanks to the upgraded platform.
The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild – Nintendo Switch 2 Edition
Also released on June 5, 2025, Breath of the Wild – Nintendo Switch 2 Edition earned a 95 Metascore on Metacritic for the Switch 2. Reviewers highlighted visual enhancements and performance gains similar to the Tears of the Kingdom edition, including HDR, smoother frame rates and reduced load times.
Players again control Link after his 100-year slumber, exploring Hyrule’s mountains, ruins and caves with physics-driven interactions, crafting elixirs and experimenting with environmental mechanics. Critics noted that modernization for the new hardware preserves the original’s exploratory spirit while improving technical polish.
Hades II
Hades II launched on September 25, 2025 for the Switch 2 and achieved a 95 Metascore on Metacritic for that platform. Developed by Supergiant Games, the title follows Melinoë, daughter of Hades, on a quest to defeat the Titan Cronos through procedurally generated underworld regions.
The game continues the roguelike tradition with fast-paced combat, multiple weapons and divine powers, and a progression system that rewards repeated attempts. Reviewers praised increased depth over its predecessor and noted strong performance on the new console.
Hollow Knight: Silksong
Team Cherry’s Hollow Knight: Silksong arrived on September 4, 2025 for Switch 2 and scored a 91 Metascore on Metacritic. Reviewers commended how the game uses the console’s portability and performance to refine its metroidvania design.
Players control Hornet in the mysterious realm of Pharloom, facing challenging platforming, precise melee combat and a vertical, exploration-focused world. Critics highlighted world design, the balance between difficulty and reward, and the way Silksong expands the original Hollow Knight formula.
Donkey Kong Bananza
Released July 17, 2025, Donkey Kong Bananza for Switch 2 earned a 91 Metascore on Metacritic. Developed by Nintendo, the title mixes colorful visuals with playful mechanics that appeal to both longtime fans and new players.
The story places Donkey Kong and Pauline in an underground world where they break walls, dig tunnels and uncover new paths. Gameplay blends traditional platforming with exploration and environment-based puzzles; critics singled out creative level design and a persistent sense of discovery.
Split Fiction
Split Fiction from Hazelight Studios launched on June 5, 2025 for the Switch 2 and holds an 89 Metascore on Metacritic. The game emphasizes cooperative play—local or online—alongside an emotionally driven narrative and alternating worlds.
Players control Mio Hudson and Zoe Foster, two writers trapped in their own literary realms after a machine steals their ideas. Gameplay alternates between action, puzzles and platforming as the characters traverse sci-fi and fantasy settings, using distinct abilities to progress. Critics praised the narrative originality and the protagonists’ chemistry.
Final Fantasy Tactics – The Ivalice Chronicles
Square Enix released Final Fantasy Tactics – The Ivalice Chronicles for Switch 2 on September 30, 2025; the version for this platform has an 87 Metascore on Metacritic. The release updates the classic tactical RPG experience with modernized interface elements tailored to the new hardware.
The game centers on strategic, turn-based battles where party composition and positioning matter. With a storyline full of political intrigue and shifting loyalties set in Ivalice, reviewers noted that the port preserves the original’s strategic depth while offering more responsive menus and quality-of-life improvements.
Street Fighter 6: Years 1–2 Fighters Edition
Capcom’s Street Fighter 6: Years 1–2 Fighters Edition arrived on June 5, 2025 for the Switch 2 and received an 86 Metascore on Metacritic for the platform. This paid package includes additional characters from the game’s first two years of post-launch content.
The title features modes such as World Tour, Fighting Ground and Battle Hub, and retains a combat system centered on the Drive Gauge for offensive and defensive options. Reviewers noted the edition’s value given the extra roster and praised optimized performance that supports smoother competitive play.
Daemon X Machina: Titanic Scion
Daemon X Machina: Titanic Scion, developed by Marvelous First Studio, released for Switch 2 on September 5, 2025. The Switch 2 version received positive reviews on Metacritic, with critics highlighting mechanical gameplay and intense action.
Players pilot customizable mecha in third-person shooter encounters, manage hangars, upgrade robots and undertake diverse missions. Reviewers favored the fluid combat, mission variety and the game’s robust visual presentation.
Fantasy Life i: The Girl Who Steals Time
Launched June 5, 2025 by Level-5, Fantasy Life i: The Girl Who Steals Time blends RPG elements and life-simulation mechanics and ranks among the Switch 2’s best-reviewed games on Metacritic. Critics pointed to its charm, class system and accessible storytelling.
Set on the island of Reveria, players choose from 14 life classes—such as miner, mage or cook—engaging in quests, crafting, recipe creation and social interactions within a serene, colorful world. Reviewers noted the title’s appeal to players seeking a lighter, more relaxed RPG experience.
