With the launch of the Switch 2, Nintendo gamers are currently split between two platforms. The original Switch has a gigantic install base that absolutely dwarfs the Switch 2, but millions of diehard Nintendo fans have already upgraded to the new console. The Switch 2 doesn't have many games to call its own yet, but it is backward-compatible with the original Switch and has access to that console's vast library of games.
Since the Nintendo Switch 2 is still brand-new and has yet to establish itself, it's no surprise that there are many cross-gen games and titles that are still primarily targeting the original Switch console. Whether one owns a Switch 2 or an original Switch, there are a dizzying number of games to play, and it can be difficult to decide what to pop in on any given weekend.
Switch 2 Game Comparison Shows Big Differences After Free Upgrades
A recent Switch 2 game comparison highlights the impressive differences brought by the free upgrades Nintendo offered for some Switch 1 titles.
When it comes to this weekend, these are the five Nintendo games that I recommend marathoning. Keep in mind that by "Nintendo games," I mean games that are available on the Switch and/or Switch 2, not necessarily games published by Nintendo.
Patapon 1 + 2 Replay
The original Patapon and its sequel were well-reviewed PSP games, often appearing on lists of the platform's best games. Mixing side-scrolling adventure elements with rhythm game mechanics, the Patapon games are getting a new lease on life. Patapon 1 + 2 Replay remasters the original PSP games for modern platforms. Since the games were originally handheld titles, it just feels right playing them on the Nintendo Switch family of consoles. In fact, Patapon 1 + 2 Replay even have a multiplayer mode exclusive to the Nintendo Switch version of the game. A native Nintendo Switch 2 release for Patapon 1 + 2 Replay hasn't been announced, but the game is still playable on Nintendo's latest console through backward compatibility.
- Released
- July 11, 2025
- Developer(s)
- SAS CO., LTD.
- Publisher(s)
- Bandai Namco Entertainment
- Multiplayer
- Local Co-Op
- Franchise
- Patapon
WHERE TO PLAY
System Shock 2: 25th Anniversary Remaster
System Shock 2 is often hailed as one of the greatest sci-fi horror games of all time. Nightdive Studios has now revived it for modern gamers with a remaster that includes multiplayer alongside the critically-acclaimed single-player experience. Being able to take a classic game like this on the go is a definite treat, with the 25th Anniversary Remaster marking the first time that the classic game has been playable on a Nintendo system. While some aspects of the game haven't exactly aged well, System Shock 2: 25th Anniversary Remaster's high review scores indicate that much of the game still holds up to this day.
- Released
- June 26, 2025
- ESRB
- M For Mature 17+ // Violence, Blood and Gore, Language
- Developer(s)
- NightDive Studios, Irrational Games, Looking Glass Studios
- Publisher(s)
- NightDive Studios
- Franchise
- System Shock
WHERE TO PLAY
Super Mario Odyssey
Super Mario Odyssey is one of the best games ever released for the original Nintendo Switch, launching alongside the console in the very year of its release, but now is the perfect time to play it. While there had always been suspicions, Nintendo just recently confirmed that the Donkey Kong Bananza team was the same one that made Super Mario Odyssey. With Donkey Kong Bananza's release date right around the corner, Nintendo fans can tide themselves over by revisiting Super Mario Odyssey. A spectacular 3D platforming adventure, Super Mario Odyssey is stuffed-full of worthwhile content and challenges. It has some of the most inventive levels in any 3D Super Mario game and is one of the highest-rated games of all time for a reason. Time will tell if Donkey Kong Bananza enjoys similar success, but we won't have to wait much longer to find out.
Super Mario Odyssey
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OpenCritic Reviews
- Top Critic Avg: 97 /100 Critics Rec: 98%
- Released
- October 27, 2017
- ESRB
- E10+ for Everyone 10+: Cartoon Violence, Comic Mischief
- Developer(s)
- Nintendo
- Publisher(s)
- Nintendo
- Multiplayer
- Local Multiplayer, Online Multiplayer
- Franchise
- Super Mario Bros.
WHERE TO PLAY
- Genre(s)
- Platformer
Super Mario Strikers
This one is just for Nintendo Switch 2 gamers, so those that have yet to upgrade will be missing out. But Super Mario Strikers, the classic GameCube soccer game, is now available to play through the Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack tier on Nintendo Switch 2. Super Mario Strikers takes the core concept of soccer and combines it with the zaniness of the Super Mario universe, giving players the chance to take fan-favorite characters like Mario, Luigi, and Peach to the pitch all the while utilizing power-ups to give the proceedings some extra excitement. Super Mario Strikers is considered by many to be one of the best GameCube games, especially when it comes to multiplayer, and luckily, the game can be played online with friends. Local multiplayer is still an option as well, making Super Mario Strikers an easy recommendation for Nintendo fans looking for something to play this weekend.
- Released
- December 5, 2005
- ESRB
- E10+ For Everyone 10+ due to Crude Humor, Mild Cartoon Violence
- Developer(s)
- Next Level Games
- Publisher(s)
- Nintendo
- Engine
- Unity
- Franchise
- Mario Strikers
WHERE TO PLAY
- Genre(s)
- Sports
Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 3 + 4
Available for both the original Nintendo Switch and the Nintendo Switch 2, Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 3 + 4 is a brand-new release that gives Nintendo fans plenty of bang for their buck. Following in the footsteps of the previous Pro Skater collection, Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 3 + 4 updates the content from the third and fourth Pro Skater games for modern audiences. This means new graphics and controls, as well as online multiplayer support and other bells and whistles. Nintendo fans that have yet to upgrade to the Switch 2 can rest easy picking up Pro Skater 3 + 4 as the game has a free upgrade path to the Switch 2 version. Obviously, the Switch 2 version will run and look better, but otherwise there is content parity between all versions of the collection.
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OpenCritic Reviews
- Top Critic Avg: 83 /100 Critics Rec: 88%
- Released
- July 11, 2025
- ESRB
- Teen / Lyrics, Mild Blood, Mild Violence
- Developer(s)
- Iron Galaxy
- Publisher(s)
- Activision
WHERE TO PLAY
- Engine
- Unreal Engine 4
- Genre(s)
- Sports