15 essential games to play on the original Nintendo Switch in 2026

Although the Nintendo Switch 2 has been out for several months, not everyone has upgraded and there is still plenty to enjoy on the original console, The Guardian says, offering a list of 15 games “no Switch owner should be without.”

The selection ranges from cosy sims and indie hits to Nintendo blockbusters: Animal Crossing: New Horizons lets players create a dream island and invite friends; Fire Emblem: Three Houses is an engrossing tactical role‑playing school soap; The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild reimagines Hyrule (with its sequel Tears of the Kingdom also noted); Mario Kart 8 Deluxe, Super Mario Odyssey and Super Smash Bros Ultimate represent must‑have multiplayer and platforming fare. The Guardian also highlights newer or remastered entries such as Hades II, Hollow Knight: Silksong (described as one of 2025’s biggest hits), Metroid Prime Remastered, Pokémon Legends: Arceus, Splatoon 3, Kirby and the Forgotten Land, Stardew Valley, Tetris 99 and the narrative whodunnit Expelled!.

The Guardian frames the list as games worth playing on the original Switch “in 2026 (and beyond),” mixing timeless classics, recent hits and remasters for players who have not moved to the Switch 2.

Key Topics

Culture, Nintendo Switch, Animal Crossing, Hades Ii, Stardew Valley