Nintendo Switch Game Rankings
Nintendo Switch and Switch 2 games ranked by Metacritic Metascore, organized into tiers for first-party staples, NS2 new releases, RPGs, indies, and multiplayer party games—plus a draggable Switch template.
How These Rankings Work
Data current as of 2026-08-06. Rankings draw primarily on Metacritic's Switch and Switch 2 Metascores, broken into tiers: first-party staples, Switch 2 new releases and upgrades, RPGs and long single-player games, indie standouts, and multiplayer party games. Scores reflect critical reception only—handheld feel and genre taste are for you to judge.
| Source | Snapshot | Data scope | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Metacritic Switch page | 2026-08-06 | Metascore rankings for original Switch games | Public page shows 2,000+ games listed |
| Metacritic Switch 2 page | Same day | Metascore for Switch 2 games and upgrades | Public page lists about 143 titles; includes NS2 Edition upgrades |
| Nintendo Life annual picks | 2026 update | Editors' curated list | Cross-referenced with critic scores; not tiered on its own |
First-Party Staples
Nintendo's own titles are the main reason to buy the hardware and the safest tier to shop from. Both Zelda titles sit at 95 or higher—newcomers should start here.
| Tier | Game | Metascore | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| S | The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild | 97 (original) | First open world; wants freedom to explore |
| S | Super Mario Odyssey | 96 (original) | 3D platforming fans; all-ages family fun |
| S | The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom | 95 (original) / 95 (NS2) | Played Breath of the Wild and want more; open to a longer campaign |
| A | Super Mario Bros. Wonder | 92 | Want 2D Mario with multiplayer |
| A | Super Smash Bros. Ultimate | 92 | Friends come over often; needs a durable versus game |
| A | Mario Kart 8 Deluxe | 91 | Racing for all ages; permanent party fixture |
Switch 2 New Releases & Upgrades
This tier only matters once you've moved to a Switch 2: new exclusives plus NS2 Editions with boosted resolution and frame rates. If you haven't upgraded the hardware, none of these apply yet.
| Tier | Game | Metascore | Heads-up |
|---|---|---|---|
| S | The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom NS2 Edition | 95 | Visual and loading upgrades; original saves carry over |
| S | Breath of the Wild NS2 Edition | 94 | Same upgrade treatment; completes both Zeldas at once |
| A | Donkey Kong Bananza | 90 | Switch 2-exclusive action platformer |
| A | Resident Evil Requiem | 90 | Third-party blockbuster on NS2; horror—approach with caution |
| B | Xenoblade Chronicles 2 NS2 Edition | — | Upgrade released 2026-07-30; original is very long |
RPGs & Long Single-Player Games
Want a campaign that'll carry you for dozens of hours? Look here. All are veteran RPGs and action titles with critic scores of 90 or higher.
| Tier | Game | Metascore | Highlights |
|---|---|---|---|
| S | Persona 5 Royal | 93 | Turn-based RPG benchmark; standout story and style |
| S | Hades II | 94 (NS2 page) | Narrative roguelike sequel; high replay value |
| A | Divinity: Original Sin 2 Definitive Edition | 93 | Hardcore CRPG; co-op supported |
| A | Metroid Prime Remastered | 94 | Metroidvania + exploration shooter |
| B | Dragon Quest XI S: Echoes of an Elusive Age Definitive Edition | 91 | Classic JRPG; very long campaign |
Indie Standouts
On a budget or after a short, quick experience? Indies offer the best value in this tier, and they're ideal for pick-up-and-play sessions in handheld mode.
| Tier | Game | Metascore | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| S | Hollow Knight: Silksong | 91 (NS2 page) | Long-awaited sequel; not easy |
| S | Hades | 93 | Roguelike entry point; crisp pacing |
| A | Celeste | 92 | Hardcore platformer; heartwarming story |
| A | Ori and the Will of the Wisps | 93 | Metroidvania; polished presentation |
| B | Undertale | 93 | Short, distinctive; spoiler-sensitive |
Multiplayer & Party Games
Switch's strengths are tabletop sharing and local multiplayer. Want the living room lively for a night? Pick from this tier.
| Tier | Game | Metascore | Player scenarios |
|---|---|---|---|
| S | Mario Kart 8 Deluxe | 91 | 4-player split-screen racing; quick to learn |
| S | Super Smash Bros. Ultimate | 92 | Fighting free-for-all; huge roster |
| A | Super Mario Bros. Wonder | 92 | Side-scrolling co-op; great for newcomers |
| B | Split Fiction | 88 (NS2 page) | Two-player co-op; limited solo value |
How to Choose
Own only an original Switch: start with Breath of the Wild, Odyssey, and Mario Kart 8 Deluxe. Already on Switch 2: begin with the two Zelda NS2 Editions plus Donkey Kong Bananza. Prefer solo, story-driven games: Persona 5 Royal and Hades II. Friends over a lot: Smash Bros. and Mario Kart are must-haves. Tight budget: try one or two picks from the indie tier first.
Rearrange the Tiers in the Template
The rankings above are editorial picks based on critic scores and use cases. The "Nintendo Switch Game Rankings" template (ID 319, about 52 game tiles) can be dragged and dropped into your own list.
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Nintendo Switch Games Tier List
Nintendo Switch Games Tier List
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