Nintendo has been one of the biggest names in gaming for decades, but for the last eight years, the Switch has held an especially strong grip on players, young and old. The standard console, Switch Lite and Switch OLED have blended incredible games you won't find anywhere else with a delightfully portable console format. Altogether, this generation of Nintendo systems sold upward of 143 million units globally, according to company financial data.
After what was considered a failed launch of the Wii U in 2012, the Switch's success is a result of Nintendo's willingness to experiment with and create new experiences from a number of its pedigreed gaming series, including Super Mario, The Legend of Zelda and Pokemon. Its innovative design allows standard console play to coexist with the motion controls baked into its compact Joy-Con design.
Though the Switch 2 console might be dominating the market right now, there's still good reason to care about games coming out on Nintendo's original hybrid console. Many people haven't upgraded quite yet -- but when they do, backwards compatibility means the best Switch games will come along during the move to a stronger iteration of the fan-favorite machine. Some Switch games even get Switch 2 updates or paid Switch 2 edition upgrades to improve stability, raise frame rates, or even add entirely new content.
For your consideration, CNET curated this list of the best Nintendo Switch games you can buy right now.
Best Nintendo Switch Games - December 2025
In early 2017, The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild fundamentally changed the Zelda franchise formula. I'd dabbled in past entries, but Breath of the Wild's expansive open world called to me in a way that no other Zelda game did, featuring puzzles with multiple solutions and encouraging novel approaches to combat encounters. Then Tears of the Kingdom came along in May of 2023 and made Breath of the Wild feel immediately obsolete.
The design choices in this game advance everything that made its predecessor special. Among several new ways to interact with the world, the Ultrahand power took over the internet for a hot minute after Tears of the Kingdom dropped, and that's for good reason -- it's not often that someone gets to build a bomber jet in a completely unmodded fantasy RPG.
Despite inheriting much of the same map from Breath of the Wild, Tears of the Kingdom entertainingly remixes the terrain as floating islands dominate the horizon and a new underworld called the Depths add new locations for players to explore. Figuring out how to handle the vertical slices of content can be a headache, and the new powers can be unwieldy, but as soon as you make it over those small barriers to entry, you'll revel in the total player freedom and expansive world in Tears of the Kingdom.
Release date: May 12, 2023
Genre: Open world sandbox adventure with survival elements
Developer: Nintendo
Switch 2 features: Paid upgrade pack to improve graphical fidelity and integrate Zelda Notes
Developer GameFreak reinvented the Pokemon Legends game format on its second outing. While Legends: Arceus was a fun romp through an untamed open world, this entry in the pocket monsters game series, Pokemon Legends: Z-A, is all about solving the mysteries of Mega Pokemon while getting caught up in the hustle and bustle of city life. It's up to players and their Pokemon partners to aid Quasartico Inc. and its employees to prevent rogue Mega evolutions from tearing Lumiose City apart.
Legends: Z-A shakes up Pokemon battling in a big way. Instead of turn-based fights, players are engaging in real-time combat this time around. Running around arenas and commanding pocket monsters to attack from multiple angles is a novelty that doesn't soon wear off. Popular moves and strategies work differently in the new gameplay style, which means even Pokemon masters can pick up a new trick or two in Legends: Z-A.
There's a fairly robust post-game here for anyone who wants to keep playing after the main story, too. The Z-A Royale continues with special rewards for players willing to brave more battles, and ranked battles against other players unlock special Mega Pokemon you can't find elsewhere. Shiny hunting is also simplified so that hardcore Pokemon collectors can grind away at finding these chromatic oddities quicker than ever before.
There will be even more to do in Pokemon Legends: Z-A when the Mega Dimension DLC releases later this month, introducing pocket monsters that exceed the usual 100-level cap for the first time ever.
Release date: Oct. 16, 2025
Genre: Open-world real-time monster battler
Developer: Game Freak
Switch 2 features: Improved performance, smoother frame rate and better resolution
Developer Team Cherry's much-anticipated Hollow Knight sequel is here, and it doesn't disappoint. The game doubles down on the vibrant subterranean visual flair, brutal combat and platforming difficulty of its predecessor, resulting in a beautifully difficult game. It's up to you to guide Hornet through a new, dangerous realm -- Pharloom -- and dispel the silky curse binding its inhabitants.
It's always a treat to play as a previous game's boss, especially when they retain their power level in the hands of a player. While Hornet doesn't have all of her iconic abilities at the start of the game (this is still a Metroidvania), finding items and abilities around the map will restore her to full power. Enough gameplay mechanics have been tweaked or changed from the original Hollow Knight to make Silksong feel like a brand new challenge -- one that will stump veterans of the first game and series newcomers alike.
Hollow Knight: Silksong is a triumphant return for the series' fluid and exact 2D platforming and brutally difficult combat, and the game does a great job of maintaining a rich atmosphere that treads the line between beautiful and haunting. Whether you're looking to explore new Metroidvania games or you're itching for more Hollow Knight, Silksong is the gold standard for games in its genre.
Release date: Sept. 4, 2025
Genre: 2D platforming hack-and-slash Metroidvania
Developer: Team Cherry
It might be cheating to put two Wii games on the best Switch game list, but the recent Super Mario Galaxy + Super Mario Galaxy 2 collection remasters some of the Mario Bros. most important older games that are still a great fit for Nintendo's newer hybrid console. The Italian plumber's spacefaring escapades are still some of his most thrilling, and the unique power-ups and gravity-defying level design hold up impressively well nearly 20 years after their original releases.
In both classic 3D Mario platforming adventures, players must save Princess Peach (who has once again been kidnapped by Bowser) by navigating galaxies and recovering "Power Stars," which fuel Mario's spaceship and let him reach the furthest reaches of space.
The remaster updates the visuals for modern platforms, and it's lovely to see iconic locations like the Comet Observatory in 1080p resolution. While the Switch Joy Cons support many of the motion controls that made the Wii games special, there are also clever workarounds with the console's touchscreen that help make multiple control schemes feel truly viable.
If you're a Nintendo super fan, there are some extra little lore tidbits to enjoy, including bonus Rosalina storybook chapters. The additional content isn't available anywhere else, making this the most comprehensive version of Super Mario Galaxy and Super Mario Galaxy 2 to date.
Release date: Oct. 2, 2025
Genre: 3D Mario platformer and space adventure
Developer: Nintendo
Switch 2 features: Supports 4k resolution for both games
Studio MDHR's debut game is an incredibly difficult 2D run-and-gun boss rush platformer that evokes some of the tougher side-scrolling games of yesteryear. It's also an incredible labor of love that perfectly replicates the charm of early 20th-century rubber hose animation. Each frame of gameplay is hand-inked in Depression-era style and overlaid with retro colors and film grain -- Studio MDHR pushed the boundaries of what a small team of indie devs could possibly hope to create, an achievement that is more important than ever as generative AI creeps into the gaming industry.
The folksy story fits right into the old-timey atmosphere. The titular character and his brother Mugman find themselves in a bit of a bind after losing a gamble with the devil. The only way they'll keep their souls is if they repossess the souls of other debtors, so they venture forth to slay enemies and settle their deal with demonic forces. The entire narrative is tropey fun that plays right into the strengths of the animation style, and it's the perfect setup for many novel bosses.
Those bosses might grate on you, though, because Cuphead is deceptively difficult -- the point-and-shoot gameplay and 2D platforming seem simple on their own, but combining these skills requires patience and skill. You'll have to put in some work to learn how to exploit boss attack patterns in order to succeed, in a way not entirely dissimilar to Dark Souls. If that gets too frustrating, Cuphead lets you team up with a friend to blast through the game in co-op mode instead.
Once you've collected your contracts and squared away your debt, there are even more bosses to point your finger guns at. Cuphead's excellent Delicious Last Course DLC extends the story with more bosses and a new playable character, Chalice.
Release date: Sept. 29, 2017
Genre: High-difficulty 2D run-and-gun platformer
Developer: Studio MDHR
Developer Supergiant Games smash hit Hades is just as much a roguelike action RPG as it is a relationship simulator. The pantheon of Greek gods has always been a messy, discordant family -- but it's up to you to wrangle their affections for special boons as you step into the role of Zagreus, son of Hades.
The young demigod has been trapped in the Underworld his entire life, smothered by the whims of his dispassionate father. Zagreus misses his mortal mother, and he's willing to fight through hell in order to see her again. Godly weapons, Olympian boons and loyal friends aren't enough to make this an easy journey, though, because Hades is willing to throw every monster at his disposal in your path.
Hades' top-down hack-and-slash action is viscerally rewarding. Each weapon has its own rhythm to master -- as players learn combos, they're finding a unique cadence to every battle. No matter how many armaments you master, most enemies remain dangerous enough to knock Zagreus out after a couple mistimed dodges. Hades isn't an inaccessible game, but it is one where practice makes perfect.
Roguelike games are all about mastering the loop, and there are very few that feel as rewarding as what Hades has to offer. With enough practice and skill, you can defeat a god -- and potentially even find a heartwarming resolution to eons-old family drama.
It's worth mentioning that Supergiant Games' 2025 sequel, Hades II, is also available on the Nintendo Switch. If you haven't played either, we'd recommend starting with the original Hades for its stronger story and moving on to Hades II if you just can't get enough of its roguelike action. Supergiant made noticeable tweaks to its sequel for a different combat flow, and the game's protagonist Melinoe (sister of Zagreus) has not one but two paths to take (below and aboveground) to pursue her goals.
Release date: Sept. 17, 2020
Genre: Top-down hack-and-slash roguelike adventure
Developer: Supergiant Games
Even if you've never owned a Nintendo console, you've still probably played Mario Kart at some point in your life. It's practically the go-to party game, as pretty much anyone can pick up a controller and jump in. Mario Kart 8 actually originates from the Wii U era, but the game was ported to the Switch in April 2017, with "Deluxe" attached to the title and several content expansions released.
Mario Kart 8 Deluxe is one of my favorite entries in the Mario Kart series purely for its selection of 48 different tracks you can play, which is doubled to 96 tracks with added DLC. These extrea tracks come from all over the place, including remastered retro tracks from older Mario Kart titles and some tracks from Mario Kart Tour on mobile.
I also particularly like the accessibility options that Mario Kart 8 has, especially a smart-steering feature that you can toggle on or off that functions as an assisted steering option keeping your kart from tipping over the edge of the track. This makes it so that pretty much anybody can have a good time racing, ensuring I can finally play Mario Kart with my parents and not have to worry about them constantly falling off the track while we have a good old-fashioned family race.
Release date: April 28, 2017
Genre: High-octane party game
Developer: Nintendo
It's hard to believe the original Super Smash Bros. that came out in 1999 for the Nintendo 64 only featured 12 playable characters. That might be a solid roster for another fighting game, but it's almost laughable compared to Super Smash Bros. Ultimate, which launched in December 2018 with a roster of 76 fighters (expanded to 86 with post-launch DLC).
Other games have more fighters than Ultimate (looking at you, Dragon Ball Sparking Zero), but none of them pull from such a diverse range of heavy-hitting gaming franchises. Smash has become ubiquitous with pulling in gaming legends, and it's really no surprise why that is: this is a game where you can choose to play as Mario, Sonic, Cloud Strife, Pac Man or Sora. I can annoyingly pester opponents from across the map with Solid Snake's missile launcher in one match and then do the same thing with Richter Belmont's axes and holy water during the next one.
Ultimate isn't a phoned-in IP parade, either. It's a game that proves that Smash Bros. is still the premier platform fighter, with fast-paced movement, frame-perfect parries and killer combos defining high-level gameplay. You don't have to be super skilled to have fun, either -- it's a fantastic party game to boot up with friends. Just turn on item drops or open the World of Light story mode and everyone will have a good time.
Release date: Dec. 7, 2018
Genre: Crossover platform fighter
Developer: Nintendo, Masahiro Sakurai, Sora, Bandai Namco Studios
Released in September of 2022, Splatoon 3 is the latest entry in Nintendo's family-friendly third-person shooter franchise. You're a kid, you're a squid and it's up to you to ink the majority of the multiplayer battle arena to win the match.
Splatoon's third entry includes more customization than ever before, featuring new Inkling and Octoling cosmetics that change in-game abilities and even more weapons. It's a strange sort of power fantasy to ride around blasting globs of ink out of the turrets of the Crab Tank or to jet into the opposing team on the toothy Reefslider, but it's a blast nonetheless.
If you don't have an internet connection (or a subscription to Nintendo Switch Online), there's still a single-player campaign for you to play. It's one that will still let you mess around with all of the chaotic weapons from multiplayer game modes as you embark on a covert mission to prevent the final mammals on Earth from destroying all aquatic life.
There aren't many shooters on the Switch, but Splatoon 3 is an exception that combines zany, chaotic movement and inventive weaponry with some seriously satisfying gunplay.
Release date: Sept. 9, 2022
Genre: Family-friendly third-person shooter
Developer: Nintendo
If you like farming simulators or are simply just looking for a new cozy game filled with pleasant tasks, you have to give Stardew Valley, first released in February of 2016, a try. It's kind of like playing a Harvest Moon or Story of Seasons game but with much more to do and an adorable retro art style. The farmland you start with is inherited from your character's grandfather, which sounds awfully nice of him if it weren't for the trees, boulders and weeds everywhere. It's up to you to clear everything out and build up your own farming empire.
This game will have you running around all over the place, making it something of a cozy time management puzzle -- there's always something to do. Between tending to your crops and animals, trips to the store and the mines, fishing, foraging and visiting NPCs, you'll have a pretty packed schedule. The good news is that you can go at your own pace working through the four seasons per in-game year. There technically isn't an end to Stardew Valley, but there are certain crops that you'll want to make sure get grown in certain seasons.
There are also some robust crafting features to create tools and machines to automate farm chores (I don't like watering crops, so I'll craft an army of sprinklers) and process crops into more profitable goods. (I fill my sheds with kegs and preserve jars to process fruits into wines and jellies.) In short, Stardew Valley is a great game to build your own little farming world, as busy as you want to make it.
Release date: Feb. 26, 2016
Genre: Harvest Moon-like farming sim
Developer: ConcernedApe
The Animal Crossing franchise was a childhood staple, and I have fond memories of rushing off the school bus to grab my Nintendo DS and see what my Animal Crossing Wild World villagers were up to. Animal Crossing: New Horizons, Nintendo's most recent Animal Crossing game, brings that childhood nostalgia back full force and is easily the best in the series.
New Horizons couldn't have launched at a better time. The game came out in March 2020, during a time when Covid was at its peak. Like many others, I was stuck inside nearly around the clock, and New Horizons provided a cozy way to escape from the global chaos of pandemic lockdowns. You start your game on a deserted island with nothing but a tent, the clothes on your back and a few friendly neighbors (along with a Nook-sized debt to pay off). As you play, you'll invite more NPCs to live on the island, gather materials to construct new buildings and decorate things however you want.
Much like older Animal Crossing titles, you'll still be fishing, catching bugs and digging up fossils. New Horizons spices things up by giving you more freedom than ever before to perfect your little island world. This is the only Animal Crossing game that lets you place furniture and objects outside and even (eventually) shape your island's rivers and cliffs to be the way you want. It's been a few years since its peak, New Horizons is still one of the best cozy games on the Switch with an active community (and subreddit) that would still be delighted to visit your digital paradise.
Release date: March 20, 2020
Genre: Village building cozy game
Developer: Nintendo
Nintendo has been rehashing some of the same gimmicks in its Super Mario Bros. games for years, which is fine when they're some of the best platformers, but the repetition gets stale after a while. Super Mario Bros. Wonder, released in October 2023, freshens up the formula and is easily the most fun I've had with a Mario game in a long time. It's a classic 2D Mario platformer that's brimming with creativity.
Super Mario Bros. Wonder's secret ingredient is transformation. Each level contains what's called a wonder flower, and touching the wonder flower transforms the entire level in a way that you probably aren't expecting. The ground may start to move, enemies might burst out into song or you might even start floating until you reach outer space. Expect a new surprise at every level, especially if you're going in blind (which is what I recommend.)
I also love the way the game looks, as the colors in Mario Wonder really pop. The color palette for each level feels bright and vibrant, but also darker when it needs to be, like during Bowser or Boo levels. The new animations and voice work for Mario and friends are a welcome addition as well. Like the best Mario games, Wonder executes its plethora of fun ideas so well that players will find joy around every corner.
Release date: Oct. 20, 2023
Genre: Co-op 2D platformer
Developer: Nintendo
As the first 3D Mario built for the Switch, Super Mario Odyssey debuted in October 2017 to immense acclaim, with a lot of praise for the new enemy-controlling mechanic courtesy of the Italian plumber's new pal Cappy. Despite initial doubts that the game's central mechanic of using a hat to possess different enemies would be too gimmicky, Super Mario Odyssey stands out as one of the 3D Mario all-time greats.
As expected for a Mario game, there's a wealth of worlds to enjoy, which are opened up in new ways when Mario possesses different enemies. One of Odyssey's big strengths is how satisfying it feels to move around each colorful locale. Movement mainstays such as Mario's triple and backward crouch jump return, but now Mario can dive onto Cappy for a massive boost in the air, too. The hat also allows the player to rampage around as a T. rex, surge through a powerline and more, breaking up some of the more intensive platforming sections.
Completionists have a lot to chew on as there's also a wealth of content to enjoy, as there are 999 so-called Power Moons to hunt down across the entire game -- some you need to progress to new areas, but most are for the pleasure of finding. Some of these are definitely filler content (119 of these moons are just bought outright with coins), but true collectors will have their hands full with Odyssey for a long time. No matter how much you play, Super Mario Odyssey is not only one of the best platformers on the Switch -- it's one of the best Mario games ever made.
Release date: Oct. 27, 2017
Genre: 3D platforming collectathon
Developer: Nintendo
Switch 2 features: Free update to improve playability on the Switch 2.
If you're interested in adding a few indie games to your lineup, Spiritfarer, released in August 2020, should be at the top of your list. As the developers describe it, the game is "a cozy management game about dying." You play as the new titular Spritfarer, Stella, in a world where spirits are stuck between the living world and what lies beyond, like a purgatory of sorts. It's Stella's job to fulfill spirits' last requests; when they're ready, you'll take them to the other side. These spirits can be a bit needy at times with onerous requests, but thankfully, you'll have a boat to house them on -- and form your own little post-life community.
Your boat is almost like a cruise ship for the dead with you as its captain. As you play, you'll make port at various islands and collect resources to build new homes and specialty rooms for the residents of your ship. You might even welcome a new spirit or two aboard your ship when you dock at a new area. Spiritfarer breaks up the afterlife catharsis missions with some casual 2D platforming elements, which keeps things fresh and interesting. Just make sure you're ready for more than a few tearful goodbyes before playing -- don't be surprised if, like me, this game gets you sobbing.
Release date: Aug. 18, 2020
Genre: Cozy resource management sim
Developer: Thunder Lotus Games
If you're a fan of the Xenoblade games, then you'll be happy to know that Xenoblade Chronicles 3 is one of the best in the series. If you've never played a Xenoblade Chronicles game before but are looking for a narrative-driven JRPG that takes over 60 hours to beat (or double that for completionists), then you'll likely enjoy this game too, even if you don't know anything about the previous games. Don't worry, Xenoblade veterans, you'll enjoy some fun easter eggs and nods to the previous titles.
Xenoblade Chronicles 3 builds on its predecessors with a large open world to explore, refined action-RPG combat mechanics and one of the most compelling narratives I've ever experienced in a JRPG. In a world where a person's life source is literally fueled by taking the lives of others, the game's story takes players through heavier topics like what it really means to be alive, the morality of killing and what happens after death -- suitably weighty and existential for a JRPG. The story is definitely better when experienced blind, so try and avoid spoilers if you can.
Release date: July 29, 2022
Genre: Action-adventure JRPG
Developer: Monolith Soft
It's always nice to see Nintendo giving some love to its older franchises, especially those that haven't had a new entry in over a decade. If you're a 3D Metroid fan, picking up Metroid Prime Remastered is a must. The game is a faithful remaster of the original Metroid Prime which originally came out on the GameCube in 2002, bringing the groundbreaking sci-fi adventure shooter on the go in HD.
The remaster updates graphics and sound design for the Switch, as well as a remarkable four control modes to choose from: a classic version replicating the original GameCube setup (move with the left stick and hold ZR to look around with the same stick), a dual stick version replicating how most FPS games control today, a Pointer mode that replicates the Wii-and-nunchuck setup to aim with motion controls and a Hybrid that combines classic and motion controls. You're spoiled for choice on how you want to play through the game.
Most importantly, Metroid Prime itself is a great example of how to transition a treasured 2D game into a 3D space as the first in the series to be designed in three dimensions. The game has a strong emphasis on exploration as you traverse diverse biomes and scan every bit of the world as you face off against various alien creatures. And while I wouldn't say this is a combat-focused game, there are definitely some gunplay and retro shooter elements in here to enjoy that, combined with an all-time score and great bosses, make for a gem of an older game well-polished for today's gamers.
Release date: Feb. 8, 2023
Genre: Sci-fi first-person shooter
Developer: Retro Studios, Nintendo
Super Mario 3D World is another game that made its way to the Switch from the Wii U. The main gimmick of the game is in the title: it's a 3D Mario platformer, but it shares beloved elements from its 2D Mario counterparts. You'll still be racing to the flagpole and the levels are still timed, but they're all set in a 3D space. Despite the clock ticking down as you play, there are still plenty of areas to explore and challenge items to collect, including three green stars to collect on each level that you'll need to progress through the game.
Along with the re-released Mario 3D World, you'll also get to play Bowser's Fury, a standalone 3D Mario platformer that's exclusive to the Switch. I personally had more fun with Bowser's Fury, which plays more like Super Mario Odyssey with its large open areas full of collectible cat shines. The game itself is pretty short and there are only 100 shines to collect, but it's still tons of fun and feels close enough to an open-world Mario game.
Release date: Feb. 12, 2021
Genre: Linear 3D platformer
Developer: Nintendo
Switch 2 features: Free update to improve playability on the Switch 2
The aptly named Tetris Effect is the dreamiest iteration of the classic arcade puzzler that I've ever played.
This game isn't about being the quickest line cruncher, even though challenge modes and in-game achievements will certainly test the skills of any hardcore Tetris player. Instead, Tetris Effect is a sensory feast -- each level is a themed lightshow (depicting cultural celebrations, natural wildlife and more) with pulsing music to match.
There's nothing more satisfying than dropping blocks into place and experiencing the elements of the board flowing in time to your cleared lines. By the time you're making back-to-back Tetrises, the whir of the audiovisual elements make the game feel as though it's coming to life under your control.
If calming singleplayer action won't cut it for you, Tetris Effect: Connected adds cooperative and versus multiplayer modes, where teams of three players duke it out with a block-dropping computer -- or another person. Whether you want to relax and enjoy the lights and sounds or ramp up the gameplay speed, Tetris Effect has a game mode tailored to your interests.
Release Date: Nov. 10, 2020
Genre: Classic arcade puzzler with heavy emphasis on audiovisual flow
Developer: Monstars, Resonair
As one of the tough pink puff's rare forays away from Planet Popstar, Kirby and the Forgotten Land stands out as a fantastic platformer that also has an incredibly distinct visual identity compared to the rest of the series.
Gone are the pleasant, bucolic Green Greens and the Float Islands; instead, the titular Forgotten Land is a modern world disconcertingly similar to ours, although advanced in its decay. I felt a strange thrill plodding Kirby through concrete jungles, dead malls and sunken construction sites -- places the pink puffball doesn't "fit in," which left me wanting to explore even more of this world.
The actual gameplay is standard fare for a mainline Kirby game, though that isn't a ding against it. The platforming is entertaining, with additional obstacles and enemies placed about to account for our hero's ability to float over most gaps. Kirby's copy abilities also return -- my favorite was the Ranger ability, which allows our puffball to tote around an adorably oversized blunderbuss -- and unlocking upgrades for them in the endgame helps balance the odds in some surprisingly difficult boss fights.
If you're a massive Kirby fan, fascinated by liminal spaces like the ones featured in the game or just enjoy a fun, family-friendly platformer, Kirby and the Forgotten Land is the perfect match for you.
Release date: March 25, 2022
Genre: Atmospheric 3D platformer
Developer: HAL Laboratory
Switch 2 features: Paid upgrade pack that includes a brand-new set of levels and additional abilities for Kirby
I first played Pokemon when Diamond and Pearl came out and they still hold a special place in my heart, but the reimagined generation four games, Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl, were middling (and fairly disappointing) Switch remakes of their original namesakes. Pokemon Legends: Arceus, on the other hand, was the truly impressive return to Sinnoh I had been waiting for.
Delving into the Hisui region lets players peek into a formative early time period we've never been able to experience before, where Pokemon are a very real and largely untamed threat. This game was the first time where I was personally attacked by a Pokemon, and it was thrilling. I learned to avoid Alpha Pokemon, steer clear of prowling Ursalunas and avoid antagonizing Kleavors. Legends: Arceus finally created a world where Pokemon ecosystems feel alive.
Long-term players will have a lot to do outside of completing the Pokedex, with activities ranging from hunting for super rare "shiny" versions of their favorite pocket monsters to capturing a fragment of the Pokemon god of creation. This is the only Pokemon game where you can capture this particular titular deity without hacking in a special item -- if you're a hardcore fan, you won't want to miss the chance to adventure alongside Arceus.
Release date: Jan. 28, 2022
Genre: Open-world monster tamer
Developer: Game Freak
Released in September 2024, The Legend of Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom finally gave players the chance to do something they hadn't been able to since the first time they journeyed through Hyrule: adventure as Zelda herself. As it turns out, the princess' first solo outing -- where the tables are turned and she has to save the legendary swordsman, Link -- is an impressive action puzzler.
Zelda is able to take on the form of a sword fighter in order to hack and slash her way through enemies, but that isn't the only way Echoes of Wisdom encourages players to engage in combat. Instead, the new Tri Rod tool allows Zelda to make echoes of enemies and objects in order to defeat foes and solve problems, combining the creativity of Breath of the Wild and Tears of the Kingdom with more old-school Legend of Zelda dungeon design.
In that sense, Echoes of Wisdom is a love letter to longtime fans of the series. New mechanics might open dozens of solutions to the game's puzzles, but this is a game interested in returning to the basics of the franchise's formula -- tightly crafted dungeon crawling fun.
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