17 Top-Rated Games of 2026: 15 Playable on Switch 2

Tags: Switch2 games, Metacritic game reviews, Nintendo handheld, Capcom games, 2026 game roundup

As September 2026 draws to a close, this year’s fierce game industry race enters its final stretch. October and November are packed with major new releases. Before diving into those upcoming titles, let’s look back at the best-reviewed games so far this year.

This roundup pulls user scores from Metacritic. We picked 17 games rated 8.5 or higher. 15 of them run on Switch 2, and the remaining two will most likely get ported over too — great reading for handheld fans.

Game List (sorted from lower to higher scores)

Resident Evil 7 & 8 | 8.5

These are older classics. They landed on Switch 2 in 2026 alongside Resident Evil 9, and the 8.5 score comes from Switch 2 player reviews. Resident Evil 7 was built for PS4 hardware, so it runs effortlessly on Switch 2 with a steady 60fps and barely any visual compromises. Resident Evil 8 targets PS5-level performance, putting more strain on the console, but still holds up well. It’s a solid pick if you don’t own other gaming systems.

Onimusha: Way of the Sword | 8.6

Another Capcom title, and the combat is insanely satisfying. Nearly every boss fight feels textbook-perfect. Character animations are rich and smooth, and you can really feel your character grow stronger as you play. The downside: lots of filler content that drags sections out. If Capcom trimmed it down to a tight 10-hour boss-focused linear campaign, the experience would be even better, even if some complained about the shorter runtime.

Rhythm Heaven: Miracle Stars | 8.6

The long-awaited new entry in the Rhythm Heaven series. It boasts the biggest lineup of stages in the franchise, plus a fun rhythm battle mode. Don’t be fooled though — it’s still tough. Many new players think you just tap along to the beat, only to struggle once they start playing. While I loved it and reviews are strong, I’d suggest new buyers think carefully before picking it up.

Final Fantasy VII Remake (Part 1) | 8.6

It launched on Switch 2 earlier in 2026, with excellent port optimization. The remake is split into three parts, and only Part 1 makes this list. It stretches the opening of the original game into a full-length title, with quite a bit of padding. Part 2 features large open areas and struggles more on Switch 2. If you want to enjoy the full story, play all three parts together.

Pokémon Pokopia | 8.6

A massive breakout hit for Switch 2. Plenty of gamers bought the console just for this game. It mixes Pokémon with sandbox building gameplay, not just a simple reskin. It weaves Pokémon creatures, ecosystem and nostalgia fully into its life-sim building loop. The first DLC pack is already out, with a second dropping at 2026 year’s end and a third in 2027. It’s a great time to jump in.

Denshattack! | 8.6

A surprise indie hit. It’s an action game set inside packed train carriages. You weave through crowded cabins, use the environment and silly items to beat enemies. The premise sounds wild, but the tight combat and fast rounds hook players. It earned strong scores from critics and players alike. A free demo is available on Switch 2, so test it before buying.

Trails in the Sky the 2nd (SC Remake) | 8.7

This remake launched worldwide at the same time, drawing lots of attention and high marks from both players and critics. Early Trails games have clean, straightforward storytelling and memorable characters, and remain a beloved favourite for many fans. The first remake already proved the quality; it even runs nicely on the original Switch.

DOOM: Dark Ages | 8.7

This is the only game out of the 17 with no confirmed Switch 2 port yet. Red Desert is already in active porting, and the other 15 titles are live on Switch 2. DOOM games consistently deliver fast, brutal action and smart level design. Bethesda has a long history of bringing DOOM to Nintendo hardware, so a Switch 2 release is likely just a matter of time.

Qualitative Existence | 8.7

A brand-new IP from Capcom. Its gameplay shares ideas with Astral Chain. During fights you manage two tasks at once: aim and move, while solving hack-style mini-puzzles. Without solving those puzzles, your attacks barely hurt enemies. It feels chaotic at first, but clicks once you get the hang of it. The maps, character design and cutscenes are top-tier. The Switch 2 version has minor frame dips but stays playable, only sacrificing some resolution.

Red Desert | 8.7

The second title not yet released on Switch 2. Developers confirmed twice that porting is underway; a working build exists now, and the team is polishing performance. This open-world adventure was hyped heavily before launch, with some calling it a serious rival to GTA 6. The final game has many small flaws, but it’s still worth trying. A well-optimized handheld version would offer a unique experience.

Metal Gear Solid: Master Collection Vol.2 | 8.8

After 18 years, the iconic Metal Gear Solid 4 leaves its PS3 exclusivity and comes to all platforms with upgraded visuals. It nails stealth gameplay and cinematic storytelling, still holding up perfectly after nearly two decades. The bundle also includes Peace Walker, a standout PSP classic. The only letdown: no official Chinese language support, which lessens the experience for local players. Even so, this old collection deserves its score.

Lies of P | 8.8

Not a new release, it made this list after launching on Switch 2 in 2026. It’s a well-crafted souls-like title. The Switch 2 port works fine, but every preset has noticeable visual tradeoffs; it’s playable but not the best way to experience the game. Personally I think 8.0–8.5 fits the Switch 2 version better. That said, its physical cartridge includes the full game, all patches and DLC. For collectors, that fully justifies the 8.8 rating.

Fire Emblem: Threads of Fate | 9.0

A new peak for the Fire Emblem series. Past Switch entries went to extremes: Three Houses had amazing character stories but weaker tactical battles, while Engage featured great strategy gameplay with bland writing. Threads of Fate combines both strengths. It delivers deep storytelling and solid turn-based combat, with lively characters. It’s easily one of the best Fire Emblem games ever made.

Xenoblade Chronicles 2 NS2 Enhanced Edition | 9.1

The original earned an 8.5 user score. It’s hugely popular in China, though its anime art style didn’t land as well with some Western players, who care more about visual quality. The NS2 enhanced upgrade pushed its global reputation and scores sharply higher in 2026.

Resident Evil 9: Requiem | 9.3

Another blockbuster from Capcom. It’s a polished, safe sequel, not as revolutionary as RE4 or RE7, but still extremely well made. The first half shines brightest, while quality drops off a little in later chapters. Its Switch 2 port is outstanding, one of the best optimized titles on the platform, showing what the console can achieve visually.

Splatoon: Paint Assault | 9.3

This tops the list, and I’m mixed about it. Past Splatoon games sat in the 8-point range, so a 9.3 from over 2,000 players came as a surprise. Loadout building is fun, yet the game feels somewhat limited in content and lacks long-term freshness. Still, the opening hours are really enjoyable. It focuses heavily on single-player content, so players who struggled with online connection issues in older entries can enjoy it without worrying about bad internet.

Ratings are just a reference. Nothing beats your own hands-on gameplay experience.

What games have you played in 2026 that you’d recommend? Drop your picks in the comments.