GOTY 2025: Community Picks for Switch 1 & 2's Best Games (2026)

It's that time of year again, folks! As we bid farewell to 2025, it's time to reflect on the incredible gaming journey we've embarked on with our beloved Nintendo Switch and Switch 2. Get ready to dive into the heart of the gaming community as we rate the best of the best!

The Ultimate Switch Showdown: A Year of Gaming Excellence

2025 has been an extraordinary year for gaming enthusiasts, with an incredible lineup of titles, big and small, indie and not-so-indie, gracing our screens every month. It's been a year of surprises, from the highly anticipated release of Hollow Knight: Silksong to the unveiling of Nintendo's latest platform innovation. The software quality has been nothing short of exceptional, leaving us spoilt for choice.

Here at Nintendo Life, we've been keeping a close eye on the community's favorites. Our staff has compiled their personal top five lists, but the real excitement lies in our community-ranked Top 50 Switch games of the year, including the fantastic Switch 2 titles.

We've got a list for each year of the Switch's existence, ranked according to the User Ratings in our database. These dynamic lists provide a snapshot of the finest video games each year has to offer, and we're excited to share the winners from the past eight years:

  • 2017: The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild - An epic adventure that redefined open-world gaming.
  • 2018: Super Smash Bros. Ultimate - The ultimate fighting game experience, bringing together iconic characters.
  • 2019: Dragon Quest XI S: Echoes of an Elusive Age - A captivating RPG with a rich story and stunning visuals.
  • 2020: Xenoblade Chronicles: Definitive Edition - An immersive journey through a vast and beautiful world.
  • 2021: Metroid Dread - A thrilling sci-fi adventure that kept us on the edge of our seats.
  • 2022: Xenoblade Chronicles 3 - The epic conclusion to a beloved series, pushing the boundaries of RPGs.
  • 2023: The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom - A breathtaking sequel that expanded on the magic of Breath of the Wild.
  • 2024: Unicorn Overlord - A unique and captivating adventure that left its mark.
  • 2025: And the winner is... You decide!

Now, it's your turn to shape the gaming landscape! Below, you'll find a curated list of Switch games we've reviewed in 2025, all rated 6/10 or higher. Registered users can click the star next to each title and rate them out of 10. Feel free to explore and discover hidden gems.

But here's where it gets controversial...

While we've limited the list to showcase the cream of the crop, we want to ensure no game is left behind. If there's a title we missed or didn't review, head straight to the search bar at the top of the page and rate that game too! Your voice matters, and we want to hear from every gaming enthusiast out there.

We'll reveal the results later this month, and due to the dynamic nature of our list, even games released in the coming weeks have a chance to make it to the Top 50. So, get rating, and let's celebrate the best Switch games of 2025 together!

Happy gaming, and don't forget to share your thoughts in the comments! We'd love to hear your opinions and spark some friendly debates.

GOTY 2025: Community Picks for Switch 1 & 2's Best Games (2026)
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