10 Best Switch Games 2026 in the United States

Animal Crossing: New Horizons is a charming single-player game that also supports multiplayer, making it great for playing alone or with friends. The game is all about building and customizing your own island paradise, offering a very relaxing and creative experience without traditional challenges or intense difficulty. Its pace is open-ended, so there’s no set game length—you can play as little or as much as you want, making it perfect for casual gamers or anyone looking for a stress-free pastime.

The real-time clock and seasonal changes add variety and surprise, keeping the game fresh day after day. Replayability is very high since you can continually redesign your island, interact with different villagers, and participate in seasonal events. It’s rated E for Everyone, making it suitable for players of all ages. One minor downside is that progress can feel slow at times, especially if you want to unlock many features, but this also encourages a laid-back approach.

If you enjoy creative, social, and low-pressure gameplay, Animal Crossing: New Horizons fits well within the Nintendo Switch game lineup and offers plenty of content to explore over a long period.

Pokémon™ Legends: Z-A for Nintendo Switch offers a fresh take on the Pokémon RPG series by combining real-time battles with the classic Pokémon training experience. It's mainly a single-player game with some multiplayer elements in the nightly Z-A Royale competition, providing a nice mix for those who enjoy both solo and social play. The game is set in Lumiose City, where players can explore wild zones, shops, and restaurants, adding variety beyond battles.

The difficulty is approachable for players aged 10 and up, making it suitable for younger gamers while still offering challenges through Rogue Mega-Evolved Pokémon encounters and strategic use of Mega Evolution. The game length can be quite substantial, with plenty of content and side activities, which boosts replayability, especially for fans who enjoy mastering battles and exploring every part of the city. However, if you prefer faster-paced or multiplayer-heavy games, some parts may feel slow or less engaging.

The controls and mechanics remain friendly to newcomers, although mastering real-time combat might take some practice. This makes it a solid choice for Pokémon fans looking for a new adventure with a mix of exploration and battle strategy.

Super Mario Bros. Wonder for the Nintendo Switch is a side-scrolling platformer that brings new life to the classic Mario franchise. It is set in the Flower Kingdom, where players can collect Wonder Flowers to experience surprising, game-changing effects such as pipes coming alive and enemy stampedes.

The game offers a robust selection of characters, including Mario, Luigi, Peach, and Daisy, allowing for a variety of playstyles. Additionally, the game includes four different-colored Yoshis and Nabbit, who are designed for easier gameplay since they can't take damage. New power-ups like the Elephant Fruit provide fresh mechanics, transforming characters into elephants that can use their trunks to swing and spray water, adding another layer of fun to the gameplay.

Designed for the Nintendo Switch and compatible with the OLED model, this game is rated 'Everyone,' making it suitable for all ages. With a release date of October 20, 2023, it stands out as a popular choice. The strengths of this game include its engaging gameplay, large cast of characters, and innovative power-ups. However, its primary focus on side-scrolling might not appeal to those who prefer open-world or 3D platformers. Additionally, while the game is fun, it may not offer the same level of challenge for more advanced gamers due to its friendly difficulty curve. This game is well-suited for families, casual gamers, and fans of the Mario series looking for a new adventure with classic charm.