# Video Script: Top 10 Must-Have First-Party Nintendo Switch Games (Late 2025 Edition)
1. Intro (0:00)
**Anton:** Whether you're a long-time fan or you're just starting out, there's never been a better time to be playing Nintendo games. With the Switch 2 officially here and upgrade packs bringing 4K visuals to the classics, we're in a legendary era for the system. In this video, I'm breaking down my top 10 first-party must-haves. Honestly, it gets harder to narrow this down every year because the library is so deep. Just a few ground rules: these rankings are based purely on the quality of the games themselves, so things like price or the new Switch 2 boosts aren't the main factors here, it is all about the core experience. And obviously, this is all just my opinion! I’ve also got a massive list of honorable mentions for everything that just narrowly missed the cut. Big thanks to Affinity for sponsoring. I'm Anton, and let's get into the list!
2. The Countdown (0:45)
10. Metroid Prime Remastered
Kicking off our list is Metroid Prime Remastered, a title that pushes the system's visuals to their absolute limit and stands as an essential for any collection. This brings back the GameCube classic with a fresh coat of paint, and it remains one of the most immersive experiences you can find on any Nintendo console. For those unfamiliar, it's a first-person adventure that combines action, exploration, and puzzle-solving in a way that remains a genre benchmark even decades later. The game drops you into the richly detailed alien world of Tallon IV, placing you in the role of Samus Aran. With an incredible gripping soundtrack, you venture into the unknown, scanning for clues through your visor, and battling various alien enemies. Samus' arsenal features the versatility of the Morph Ball for navigating tight spaces and the Arm Cannon with multiple beam types.
The game's mechanics provide a satisfying range of tools to unlock, enabling you to navigate the world and dispatch foes. But it's not all about action; Metroid Prime crafts a rich narrative through environmental storytelling and scanned logs found in the ruins of Chozo civilizations. Now, let's talk about those boss battles. Metroid Prime offers some memorable boss encounters, whether you're facing off against the iconic Meta Ridley or the menacing Thardus. These battles are challenging tests of your skill and patience. Metroid Prime Remastered is a significant visual upgrade. The game already looked great on Gamecube, but now it looks even better, featuring stunning HD visuals and lighting that bring it up to the current generation. The addition of multiple control options, including modern dual stick controls, is also great. While some quality of life features like autosave would have been appreciated, I have to mention how easy this is to recommend purely for the value. It's weirdly affordable, despite being miles ahead of some more titles like Endless Ocean that actually cost more. Whether you're revisiting this classic or experiencing it for the first time, Samus' adventure remains as captivating as ever.
9. Animal Crossing: New Horizons
Next up is a game that defined an entire era of the Switch: Animal Crossing: New Horizons. It is the ultimate digital escape and a mandatory title for anyone who wants a game that grows with them. It came out at just the right time, capturing the hearts of players worldwide with its soothing and immersive gameplay. You find yourself on a deserted island, where you can shape and design your own virtual paradise at your own pace as you garden, fish, decorate, and hunt for bugs or fossils.
The time of day and seasons mirror real life, so each day is a chance to find new surprises all year round. But its biggest transformation happened in 2025 with a massive content update and the launch of the Nintendo Switch 2 Edition. This new version sails onto the shores of the Switch 2 with 4K resolution in TV mode, mouse controls using the Joy-Con 2 for decorating indoors and creating custom designs, and even a built-in megaphone feature that lets you call residents using the system's microphone. It even supports 12-player online sessions and a new CameraPlay feature where you can connect a USB camera and see your friends reactions in-game while exploring together.
Even if you're staying on the original Switch, a massive free update launched in January 2025 that basically made it a new game. This includes a new Resort Hotel run by Kapp'n's family on the pier where you can help out by decorating guest rooms to bring in guests from off the island. There is also a huge home storage upgrade to 9,000 items, and you can now finally store trees, shrubs, and flowers! Resetti is also back with a convenient Reset Service to help you tidy up your island in a flash. Plus, with the new Slumber Island, players with Nintendo Online can design and save up to three separate islands and build them collaboratively with friends. You can select the size and layout, access your inventory, and invite residents from your home island. Between the graphical leap on the Switch 2 and the endless new furniture and collaborations, including LEGO items and Nintendo classic consoles you can actually play in-game, Animal Crossing remains the ultimate digital vacation that just keeps getting better.
**Anton:** If you’re enjoying the video so far, make sure to leave a like and subscribe. Now, let’s get back to the list!
8. Super Mario 3D World + Bowser's Fury
When it comes to pure multiplayer chaos and platforming perfection, nothing beats Super Mario 3D World + Bowser's Fury. It is a fantastic double-pack of platforming excellence that has received a major boost on the new hardware. 3D World takes the classic isometric multiplayer fun of the Wii U and really refines the experience, introducing online play and a much-needed movement speed boost. This game is like a mix between New Super Mario Bros. U and Super Mario Odyssey.
The levels are brilliantly designed, taking you from bright circuses to neon ninja houses with a huge variety of power-ups like the iconic Super Bell that turns you into a climbing cat. The Switch version features online play which works surprisingly well and is superior to games like Mario Maker 2. Even though this game is more fun with friends, it still is enjoyable alone.
But the real star is Bowser's Fury, a new original open-world adventure that drops Mario into a seamless sandbox world instead of separate levels. It implements aspects from Odyssey, like a free camera and 360-degree movement, but keeps the traditional 3D World power-up system. The goal is to collect Cat Shines with the help of Plessie to stop a giant, ink-covered Fury Bowser from destroying everything. The Switch 2 update adds high-res visuals for high-resolution TVs and a much smoother frame rate, including in Bowser's Fury. That mode even received HDR support to make those fiery encounters truly pop. One of the best additions is Game Share support, allowing up to four players to jump into 3D World together locally or online via Game Check. In Bowser's Fury, the Game Share feature lets one player control Mario and the other control Bowser Jr. for a much more collaborative and strategic experience than before.
7. Super Mario Galaxy 1 + 2
It is impossible to talk about the best of Nintendo without mentioning the Super Mario Galaxy series. Even though we only got Galaxy 1 as a standalone port on Switch initially, the legacy of these games is undeniable and they are a top recommendation for anyone who loves high-quality platforming. The Super Mario Galaxy series is often cited as the pinnacle of 3D platforming, and now it looks better than ever. The gravity mechanics were revolutionary, allowing Mario to run upside down, leap between tiny planetoids, and explore sprawling galactic environments that defied traditional logic.
The sense of scale is massive, complemented by a fully orchestrated soundtrack that sets a majestic tone for the entire cosmic adventure. Whether you are flying through the Gusty Garden Galaxy or skating across the ice of the Freezeflame Galaxy, every moment feels like a masterpiece.
The October 2025 update for Switch 2 optimizes the visuals for high-resolution displays, making the cosmic environments of the Comet Observatory and the various galaxies truly shine in high fidelity. The controls have also been modernized, now supporting Joy-Con 2 mouse controls for much more precise gravity-flipping and star bit collecting. Whether you're navigating the trickiest platforming sections or battling giant bosses in the vacuum of space, the level design is consistently inventive and never stays on one idea for too long. If you grew up with the Wii, these games are likely a core part of your childhood, but seeing these controls adapted for the Switch, and now with these new high fidelity enhancements, is a treat for everyone. It’s a pure showcase of 'Nintendo Magic' that still holds up beautifully today.
6. Super Smash Bros. Ultimate
Super Smash Bros. Ultimate is essentially the ultimate museum of gaming history, and it belongs in every single Switch collection. It is a crossover fighting game jam-packed with content and is a true celebration of the entire video game industry. It boasts a roster of over 70 fighters, including every single character from every previous game in the series. Many new characters have been introduced, as well as echo fighters which are based on already existing fighters movesets but with their own unique flair.
The gameplay is just as you’d expect from a Super Smash Bros title, complemented by excellent visuals and sound design. With over 100 stages, various game modes, and more than 24 hours of music, it offers a mountain of content that could keep you busy for a lifetime.
The Adventure Mode, "World of Light," kicks off with Kirby, the lone survivor of a galactic wipeout, taking you on a journey across a vast map to battle spirits and obtain lost fighters. Additionally, you can get creative with features like the stage builder, Mii fighter creator, and movie editor. You can also check out and download community creations online to see what other players have cooked up. As for Mii fighters, there are extra costumes available, like the legendary Sans from Undertale. Super Smash Bros. Ultimate is incredibly customizable, allowing you to tailor your gameplay experience to be as casual or as competitive as you want. And let's not forget about the Fighters Passes, which added massive names like Minecraft Steve and Sephiroth into the mix. It defied all expectations and managed to bring the entire industry together on one cartridge. I hope they consider doing a Nintendo Switch 2 version of this game with a few extra fighters, maybe then Waluigi will have his chance to shine! But maybe the next Smash Bros game will be a priority I guess.
3. Mid-Roll Sponsor Segment (5:00)
**Anton:** Just as the Nintendo Switch gives you the tools to play anywhere, Affinity gives you the professional tools to create anywhere. Whether you're working on photo editing, vector design, or page layout, Affinity’s suite, Photo, Designer, and Publisher, delivers high-performance creative software without the subscription model.
It’s about having the right tools for the job, just like Samus or Link. Affinity keeps your creative workflow fast and fluid, protecting your time so you can focus on what matters. If all of this sounds good to you, check out the link in the description for an exclusive deal and get started on your next project. A big thank you to Affinity for sponsoring this video. Now on to the next game!
4. The Top 5
5. Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door
Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door is a storytelling masterpiece that finally made its way home to the Switch. After playing the original GameCube version on my Wii back in 2019, I was desperately hoping for this remake. The plot kicks off when Princess Peach sends Mario a mysterious treasure map, leading him to the sketchy port town of Rogueport. From there, you are tasked with collecting seven Crystal Stars to open the legendary Thousand-Year Door and save the Princess; though the story goes to some surprisingly dark and unexpected places. It honeslty feels way ahead of its time for a 2004 release, and seeing it modernised like this is a dream come true.
The originality in how they built the Mario universe here is incredible. Instead of the typical green hills, Rogueport is gritty and trashy, which stands in immediate contrast to what we usually expect from Mario. The writing is brilliant and stays crisp without folding under the pressure of too many puns. You can even transform into a paper boat or airplane to navigate the world, and unlocking these abilities feels almost like a Metroidvania as you return to previous areas to find new secrets.
What sets this apart is the depth of the battle system. It is a turn-based masterpiece where every level-up lets you choose between increasing your HP, your Flower Points for special moves, or your Badge Points. The Badge system lets you customize Mario's playstyle almost infinitely, and the Action Commands keep every battle feeling active. You can even perform Stylish Moves to wow the live audience watching from the front of the stage. Perform well, and the audience fills your Star Power; perform poorly, and they might start throwing things at you! With a memorable cast of partners like Vivian and Admiral Bobbery, and hilarious interludes playing as Peach or Bowser, it provides a rewarding character progression that more recent entries like Origami King have struggled to match. If you have never played a Paper Mario game before, this is absolutely the one to pick up first. It reminds us that when Nintendo fully commits to a vision, the results are legendary.
4. Mario Kart 8 Deluxe + Booster Course Pass
This is the one game that every single human being with a Switch should own. Period. Mario Kart 8 Deluxe offers the ultimate racing experience and is likely the most played game on most people's systems. It is an enhanced port of the original game on the Wii U that introduced the game-changing anti-gravity racing. The game features a colorful lineup of characters from across the Nintendo universe, and you have the freedom to customize your kart before taking on a selection of 48 standard courses. The game's soundtrack is one of Nintendo’s very best with many jazzy tunes that perfectly fit the high-speed action. The Deluxe version on Switch completely revamps the Battle Mode, introducing dedicated battle courses instead of just using standard tracks.
You'll also find exciting additions, such as new characters like the inklings and enhancements such as an extra item box that allows for more strategy during races. But if that's not enough, the Booster Course Pass DLC introduced 48 more tracks and 6 more characters. You’ve got returning classics like Coconut Mall, Moonview Highway, and the legendary 3DS Rainbow Road, alongside Mario Kart Tour Originals like Vancouver Velocity and Ninja Hideaway. These courses may not all match the exact aesthetic of the base game, but the music and level design are top notch. Overall Mario Kart 8 Deluxe is an absolute must-have title for the Nintendo Switch, and with the Booster Course Pass, it is officially the most massive and complete racing game ever released.
3. Super Mario Odyssey
Super Mario Odyssey represents the peak of 3D platforming creativity, and it is a game you simply cannot skip. It is a return to the sandbox-style gameplay from the days of Super Mario Sunshine and 64. The goal of the game is to collect Power Moons, a power source that allows you to journey to farther Kingdoms and stop Bowser's wedding plans. Throughout the adventure you’ll visit locations that Bowser was previously at, from the shivering desert of the Sand Kingdom to the sprawling city of the Metro Kingdom.
The game feels incredible to control with all of Mario’s signature moves intact, along with a few new ones that change the way you interact with the environment.
The major new mechanic is Cappy, Mario’s classic Hat that has come to life. You can throw Cappy to interact with the world, or "capture" many different creatures like T-Rexes, Goombas, and even electrical wires. This allows for some genius gameplay ideas and puzzles that keep the experience fresh from start to finish. On top of that, the Switch 2 upgrade brings a massive visual boost with HDR support and high-resolution textures tailored for modern displays. The update also introduces a new GameShare feature, allowing two people to play together, with one player controlling Mario and the other controlling Cappy, shareable locally or online via GameChat. With unique bosses like the Broodles and the return of Pauline, this ambitious title is a masterpiece that has only gotten better with these new enhancements.
2. The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild
The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild did not just define the Switch; it redefined the entire open-world genre. It takes the number two spot for its sheer impact on the industry, reinventing the gameplay and feel of the entire series. Link has a brand new amazing design, and the open-world structure is incredible because you can go anywhere you see in the distance.
You can climb any mountain or building, journey wherever you want, and see whatever you want in this massive sandbox. There are plenty of side quests and an adventure log to organize them, ensuring there is always something to discover.
There are shrines to solve all over the map which award you with spirit orbs to upgrade your health and stamina. You collect many different weapons, tools, and food, and must constantly replace your tools as they break, which encourages you to scavenge and experiment with your environment. The game features the "Zelda Switch 2 Edition" optimization, offering 4K resolution when docked and a smooth 60fps in handheld mode. With faster loading and HDR support, the ancient technology and cell-shaded art style have reached their full potential. The new Zelda Notes mobile app feature adds a fresh layer of convenience to manage your recipes and adventure log. No matter how you play the game, it will always look amazing. Overall Breath of the Wild is incredible and redefined what an adventure game could be.
5. The Winner (9:15)
1. The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom
And finally, the king of the library and the absolute must-have game for any Nintendo fan. The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom is my pick for the absolute best title on the system. It's a follow-up to Breath of the Wild that manages to surpass its predecessor in almost every single way. Link wakes up with a new arm and a broken Master Sword, ready to explore a version of Hyrule that has undergone significant changes with dangerous pits, fresh shrines, and new enemies to face. The weapon system is also significantly different; you now combine weapons with other items using the "fuse" mechanic, which adds a fun crafting aspect and solves the old problem of weapons breaking too easily. Other abilities include Ascend to pass through flat ceilings, Ultrahand to move and stick objects together, and Recall to rewind time.
In the main quest, you find mysterious Tears scattered throughout the land to reveal the game's rich lore, and complete four major dungeons each connected to awakened Sages that grant Link powerful new abilities. The shrines act as mini-sandboxes, allowing you to break the game and experiment with various solutions. The game also introduces the Depths, a vast underground map that effectively doubles the game's size, and sky islands with ancient ruins and robots called constructs. The "Zelda Switch 2 Edition" upgrade takes this further with 4K resolution, 60fps gameplay, and lightning-fast loading that makes switching between the sky and the ground seamless. Much like Breath of the Wild, it includes the Zelda Notes app integration for a more modern experience. Tears of the Kingdom is a complete realization of the Zelda team's vision and will keep you coming back for hundreds of hours. It is the definitive masterpiece of the Nintendo Switch era.
6. Honorable Mentions (TBD)
Metroid Dread
Metroid Dread is a 2D action-adventure game which follows Samus Aran as she explores Planet ZDR. In this open-ended platformer, you shoot and jump your way through different areas, acquiring new abilities that are seamlessly integrated with the controls. When you get stuck the best strategy is to shoot everything around you. The game features a diverse range of enemies with unique attack patterns, offering satisfying counter opportunities. Among them, the E.M.M.I.s stand out as the most intimidating, capable of instantly eliminating Samus on contact. The bosses in the game are equally impressive, though I've found them to be quite challenging, even on normal difficulty. Overcoming them often requires a trial-and-error approach, but the sense of accomplishment is substantial, especially during the cinematic sequences. Metroid Dread excels in exploration, immersing players in its captivating 2D environments. These locations look breathtaking, pushing the switch to its limits.
Pikmin 4
Pikmin 4 is the newest main entry since Pikmin 3 on Wii U. After creating your very own character you embark on a mission to rescue Captain Olimar and others stranded on PNF-404. In this game you explore various environments, rescuing others, meeting new Pikmin and discovering treasure carrying precious ‘Sparklium’. As you progress, you'll meet the Pikmin, clever ant-like creatures that become your allies. Newcomers include ice Pikmin, perfect for freezing water and tackling formidable foes, and Glow Pikmin, useful in dark areas and essential for the Night Expeditions. You won't be alone in managing them however as Oatchi the space dog is your trusty companion. Pikmin 4 draws inspiration from Pikmin 2, bringing back beloved mechanics like treasure collecting and cave exploration. The enhanced graphics and a revamped camera system let you immerse yourself in the unique landscapes and towering trees. Both you and Oatchi can obtain upgrades to aid you on your adventure, adding an extra layer of strategy.
Kirby and the Forgotten Land
Kirby Star Allies left a lot to be desired, so HAL took the criticism and delivered one of the best 3D platforming experiences we’ve had in quite some time. Kirby and the Forgotten Land is Kirby’s first true 3D adventure, that takes place in an abandoned world filled to the brim with detail. Kirby feels great to control, and the gameplay works much better than I could have imagined. The copy abilities were very well adapted and they all play exactly how they should. There are only 10, however, by finding blueprints, you can unlock variations of them. Some are a bit overpowered, but they do add a lot to the game. To craft them, you must collect Rare Stones which can be obtained by completing Treasure Road levels. All the locations feel so familiar, and due to their abandoned appearance, it helps to immerse you in this world. This game has you progressing by clearing levels and saving Waddle Dee’s.
Xenoblade Chronicles 3
Xenoblade 3 is the latest entry in this RPG series, taking a refreshing new direction while incorporating many quality of life features. This story follows six soldiers from opposing nations at war, Keves and Agnus. Throughout the story, you'll explore the world of Aionios, meet new characters, and battle ferocious and unique enemies. The combat system is a blend of features from the previous games. Each character possesses a multitude of attacks, and you can freely switch between them at any time. You can even interlink two characters to execute unique abilities as a stronger entity. This game introduces classes to the series, allowing you to customize and borrow abilities from other characters, including heroes. Heroes serve as the seventh character in the party and can be swapped out at any given time.
Super Mario Bros. Wonder
Super Mario Bros. Wonder is simply wonderful, exhibiting creativity, uniqueness and surprising players with the unexpected. It innovates with loads of new ideas while incorporating elements from Mario games spanning the entire franchise, including the 3D installments. The controls are spot-on, the physics are finely tuned, and the animations and sound effects just bring the experience to life. There's a ton of levels to play featuring Wonder Seeds and distinctive purple 10 coins to collect. The wonder seeds can be collected by activating the Wonder Flower effect which tends to make weird things happen. While I won't delve into specifics to preserve the surprise factor, these moments will undoubtedly bring a smile to your face. Daisy marks her first playable appearance in a mainline Mario game, joining the ranks of familiar faces like Luigi, Peach, and Toad.
Luigi’s Mansion 3
Luigi’s Mansion 3 is an action-adventure game that takes the qualities of both of the previous entries. After settling in at the last resort Luigi wakes up only to find that the sparkling hotel has become haunted. After meeting up with Professor E. Gadd, Luigi obtains the Poltergust G-00. This vacuum cleaner allows Luigi to suck up ghosts and many other items. Each room is a delight to enter, with many secrets to discover and clever puzzles to solve. The major new addition is Googi, which is your second playable character. The game also has a ton of extra content including ScareScraper and ScreamPark. The graphics, animations and music are extremely polished and it's overall a complete package.
Super Mario Maker 2
Super Mario Maker 2 allows you to unleash your creativity, sharing your levels, and enjoying the endless possibilities. You get access to amazing tools and parts to design polished, fun, and unique courses. From adding pipes and platforms to placing enemies, the possibilities are endless. Once you're done creating your level, you can share it with others in the Course World. Plus, with the latest update, you can now create your own Mario adventure by building an overworld. If you aren't into creating, you can play user-generated courses online or enjoy the story mode, which offers well-designed levels that can inspire your own creations.
Fire Emblem: Three Houses
Fire Emblem: Three Houses is a massive tactical RPG that blends deep strategy with a persona-like social simulation. You play as Byleth, a mercenary turned professor at the Officers Academy. You must choose one of three houses to lead, the Black Eagles, the Blue Lions, or the Golden Deer, each with their own unique story paths and cast of students. The turn-based combat is as polished as ever, but it's the time spent in the monastery, bonding with your students and teaching them skills, that makes the stakes feel so personal. The story is a mature tale of war, betrayal, and politics that will keep you coming back for hundreds of hours.
Splatoon 3
Splatoon 3 is the peak of Nintendo's ink-based competitive shooter. It takes everything that worked in the first two games and really perfects the formula. The core Turf War mode is back, but now with new movement options like the Squid Roll and Squid Surge.
The weapons roster has expanded with cool additions like the Tri-Stringer and Splatana. Beyond the online play, the single-player campaign "Return of the Mammalians" is the best the series has ever had, serving as both a great tutorial and a surprising piece of lore. And of course, Salmon Run is now available 24/7, making it a complete package for anyone who loves fast-paced action.
7. Outro (10:00)
**Anton:** And about wrapping up the video, I hope you did enjoy it, especially those of you who just got your systems! As we look toward 2026, which is shaping up to be a pretty light year for the original Switch as the focus shifts fully to the new hardware, it’s amazing to see the legacy this console is leaving behind. If you enjoyed the video, consider leaving a like and subscribing. Also a big thanks to Affinity for sponsoring this video and if you're interested be sure to check down below for more info. I’m Anton, and I will see you in the next one!
