IGN has released its list of the top-reviewed Nintendo exclusive games for the Switch 2 console, featuring titles that have achieved a score of 8 or above. The selection focuses on first-party releases, emphasizing games developed by or published under the Nintendo banner for either the Switch 2 or across both Switch generations.
Leading the pack with a perfect score is Donkey Kong Bananza, released on July 17, 2025. IGN describes it as a "brilliant successor to Super Mario Odyssey" and a "smashing return for a classic Nintendo character," noting the bold but successful decision to center the Switch 2's first 3D platformer around Donkey Kong rather than Mario. The game's "satisfying, expressive movement and powerful, dynamic abilities" are credited with creating a groundbreaking adventure.
Close behind with a 9/10 score are Splatoon Raiders, launched July 23, 2026, and Pokemon Pokopia, released March 5, 2026. Splatoon Raiders is lauded as an "amazing action RPG with an expertly executed loop," featuring "fantastic new powers with crazy upgrades," "tough battles that force you to put care into your build," and a "huge variety of fun level types." The game's pacing, balance, and difficulty curve are highlighted as particularly impressive, ensuring players are always challenged without feeling like they are grinding.
Pokemon Pokopia is described as a "real treat: an enjoyable building and town simulator" that effectively utilizes the charm of its monsters to appeal to creative players and collectors alike. It offers "fun things to do and worthy rewards," striking a balance between player freedom and guided progression, despite minor precision issues.
Several titles received an 8/10 score, including Mario Kart World, released June 5, 2025. This new entry in the series introduces "huge changes to the established formula," but its strengths lie in "unbeatable local multiplayer racing on well-designed tracks." The game's "tight controls, celebratory soundtrack, and universal polish" are complemented by "exciting parkour mechanics."
Star Fox, arriving June 25, 2026, is a remake that IGN praises for its "impressive coat of paint and compelling new cutscenes." The remake retains the depth of finding hidden routes and optimizing scores, keeping its brief campaign engaging for multiple playthroughs.
Kirby Air Riders, released November 20, 2025, is noted for being surprisingly great, offering "a blast in local or online multiplayer during its traditional races and unique battle mode." Its "absurd amount of fun achievements to chase, meaningful unlockables, and deep customization" make it appealing for both solo and multiplayer experiences.
Metroid Prime 4: Beyond, set for release on December 4, 2025, successfully captures the core elements of the Prime series, including "tense exploration through haunting locations highlighted by amazing worldbuilding, breathtaking art direction, new twists on classic abilities, and flawless technical performance." While some underdeveloped elements prevent it from feeling as cohesive as its predecessors, it still reaches "heights worthy of the Metroid name."
Super Mario Bros. Wonder + Meetup in Bellabel Park, a Switch 2 Edition release from March 26, 2026, refines the original version with "a fantastic lineup of boss battles, endgame challenges, and cooperative levels." Although the competitive minigames are considered bland and the "Dual Badge idea" could have been pushed further, the expansion's polished and inspired content compensates for its shortcomings.
Two highly regarded Zelda titles also feature prominently. The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom - Switch 2 Edition, available since June 5, 2025, is said to hold up well, with the Switch 2 updates making it feel "like this is the way it was always meant to be played."
Similarly, The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild - Switch 2 Edition, also released June 5, 2025, offers visual upgrades, faster loading, and mobile device integration via the Zelda Notes service. This edition is considered the "best way to play a sprawling epic that still stands tall as one of the greatest achievements in Nintendo’s iconic adventure series."
