From the greatest cartoon racing game in history to a remastered version of an Alien-inspired sci-fi shooter, here are the Switch’s must-play games for 2026.
Although the Nintendo Switch 2 has been out for several months, not everyone has made the leap to the new machine and there is still much to enjoy on the original console in 2026 (and beyond). From timeless Mario adventures to cutesy shooters to chasm-deep role-playing quests, here are 15 games no Switch owner should be without.
The cosy life sim returned with new characters, chill activities, and endless knick-knacks with which to decorate your own virtual paradise. Create a dream island and then invite friends over for tea. Why we love it: “Animal Crossing is everything I have been craving: it is gentle, soothing, social and creative.”
The head girl of a posh public school has been pushed out of a window and scholarship student Verity Amersham has been framed for the crime in this beautiful whodunnit adventure. Playing as the unfortunate lead suspect, you interrogate witnesses, look for clues and build a case, all while observing the rigid school timetable. Why we love it: “Verity’s arc is supremely satisfying, as she goes from put-upon victim to master manipulator.”
Lead your feisty war-students on to the battlefield in this engrossing, complex and endearingly melodramatic tactical role-playing adventure from Intelligent Systems. Why we love it: “By turns grandiose and silly, but always engrossing, this bubbling school soap opera is a game to spend a summer with.”
The sequel to 2020’s brilliant mythological action game brings us new lead character Melinoë, a witch who must defeat the god of time and his retinue of sexy, chaotic boss characters. As before, dying returns you to the beginning, but you always reanimate and begin again, lessons learned and experience gained. Why we love it: “[Jen] Zee’s new character illustrations are, if anything, likely to inspire even more aggressively thirsty fanart and fanfic. And writer Greg Kasavin’s wonderful script is wittier, wiser and flirtier than ever.”
