Best Nintendo Switch Games UK 2026
The best Nintendo Switch games to buy in the UK right now are The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom (overall best), Mario Kart 8 Deluxe (best multiplayer), Super Mario Odyssey (best platformer), Animal Crossing: New Horizons (best relaxing game), and Metroid Dread (best action-adventure). All are available on Amazon UK with free Prime delivery.
Nintendo Switch Games Review: The Best Titles to Buy in the UK
The Nintendo Switch remains one of the most versatile and beloved gaming consoles on the market in 2026. Whether you are gaming at home on the big screen, commuting, or sharing a session with friends and family, the Switch’s hybrid design makes it the perfect companion for any occasion. With a library now exceeding 10,000 titles — from first-party Nintendo masterpieces to outstanding indie games and blockbuster third-party releases — choosing the right game can feel overwhelming.
Our goal is simple: to save you time and money by guiding you toward only the very best titles. Every product reviewed here includes a direct Amazon UK link so you can buy with confidence.
Whether you are a complete newcomer or a veteran Nintendo fan looking for your next obsession, this guide covers the top-rated Switch games by genre, age group, and play style — all with current UK pricing from Amazon.
What This Guide Covers
- Why the Nintendo Switch is still worth buying in 2025
- Top 5 Nintendo Switch game reviews with Amazon UK links
- Full comparison table of the best Switch games
- Best Switch games by category (family, solo, multiplayer, indie)
- How to choose the right Switch game for you
- 5 FAQs with structured schema answers
- Expert verdict and buying recommendations
Why the Nintendo Switch Is Still the Best Value Console in the UK (2025)
Seven years after its launch, the Nintendo Switch continues to dominate the hybrid console market. In the UK, it remains one of the top-selling gaming platforms and consistently ranks among Amazon’s best-selling electronics products. Unlike the PlayStation 5 or Xbox Series X — which require a TV setup and significant investment — the Nintendo Switch offers the freedom to play anywhere, any time.
The Switch’s library is its greatest strength. From critically acclaimed open-world adventures like The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom to cosy life simulators like Animal Crossing: New Horizons and adrenaline-fuelled kart racers like Mario Kart 8 Deluxe, there is something for every type of player. The Nintendo eShop also provides access to thousands of digital titles, many of which are exclusive to the platform.
For UK buyers, the Nintendo Switch represents outstanding value. Games hold their price well, can be resold or traded, and are widely available on Amazon UK at competitive prices with fast Prime delivery. The Switch OLED model, launched in 2021, offers an even sharper display for handheld gaming and is available as a bundle with several popular titles.
Key facts about the Nintendo Switch in 2025:
- Over 125 million units sold worldwide
- Library exceeds 10,000 titles across all genres
- Supports local multiplayer with up to 8 players
- Compatible with Nintendo Switch OLED and Nintendo Switch Lite
- First-party games available as physical cartridges and digital downloads on Amazon UK
1. The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom — Nintendo Switch Review
Amazon UK: | Price: ~£44.99 | Rating: 4.8/5 (5,301+ reviews)
| The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom | |
| Rating: ★★★★★ (5/5) Price: £44.99 on Amazon UK Buy on Amazon UK | The single greatest game ever made for Nintendo Switch. An essential purchase for any UK gamer. |
| ✅ PROS • Enormous open world across land, sky and underground • Revolutionary crafting and building mechanics • Deeply emotional story with memorable characters • 200+ hours of content for completionists • Compatible with Nintendo Switch 2 upgrade | ❌ CONS • Very similar map to Breath of the Wild • Occasional frame rate dips on original Switch hardware • Can feel overwhelming for younger or casual players |
Full Review: Zelda Tears of the Kingdom
The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom is, by almost universal critical and public consensus, the finest game ever made for the Nintendo Switch. Released in May 2023 and still one of the best-selling titles on Amazon UK, it builds upon the open-world foundations of Breath of the Wild by introducing three distinct zones to explore: the familiar lands of Hyrule, the expansive Sky Islands floating high above, and the dark, mysterious Depths hidden beneath the surface.
What elevates Tears of the Kingdom beyond its already-exceptional predecessor is its creative freedom. Link’s four new abilities — Ultrahand (fuse objects together), Fuse (combine weapons), Ascend (pass through solid ceilings), and Recall (reverse an object’s motion through time) — fundamentally transform the way you interact with the world. Players can construct flying machines, build bridges, create weaponry, and solve puzzles in ways that no other game allows.
Amazon UK customer reviews are overwhelmingly positive, with over 5,000 verified buyers rating it 4.8 out of 5 stars. One UK reviewer describes it as: ‘everything and so so much more’, noting they spent months playing it as a family. Another reviewer with 100+ hours of playtime highlights the crafting system as ‘a love letter to Zelda fans.’ The story — involving a cosmic threat to Hyrule and a deeply moving plot about Princess Zelda — is widely praised as the most emotionally resonant in the series’ history.
For UK buyers, the physical cartridge on Amazon UK typically retails at around £44.99. A Nintendo Switch 2 upgrade edition (B0F3N6T17J) is also available for those who own the newer hardware, which adds 60fps performance, 1440p resolution, HDR support and faster load times.
Best For: Adventure fans, Zelda veterans, players seeking 200+ hours of content.
PEGI Rating: 12+ | Ages 12 and over
2. Mario Kart 8 Deluxe — Nintendo Switch Review
Amazon UK: | Price: ~£39.99 | Rating: 4.8/5
| Mario Kart 8 Deluxe | |
| Rating: ★★★★★ (5/5) Price: £39.99 on Amazon UK Buy on Amazon UK | The best multiplayer Switch game and an absolute must-have for any UK household. |
| ✅ PROS • The definitive kart racing game — perfect for all ages • 96 tracks including 48 from the Booster Course DLC • Up to 8 players in local multiplayer • Online play with up to 12 players • One of the best-selling Switch games ever | ❌ CONS • Has been available since 2017 — the formula is well-established • Online play requires Nintendo Switch Online subscription • Battle mode feels slightly underdeveloped |
Full Review: Mario Kart 8 Deluxe
Mario Kart 8 Deluxe is the best-selling Nintendo Switch game of all time, and for very good reason. Originally launched in April 2017 as an enhanced port of the Wii U version, it has been continuously updated and expanded — most notably through the Booster Course Pass, which doubled the track count to 96 circuits spanning decades of Mario Kart history.
The core gameplay loop is as thrilling and accessible as ever. Players race across beautifully designed circuits, lobbing shells, banana peels and devastating Blue Shells at opponents in chaotic, joyous competition. The anti-gravity sections added in the original Wii U release remain a visual highlight, while the revised item balancing makes battles feel fairer and more competitive than ever.
For UK families, Mario Kart 8 Deluxe is arguably the single best investment on the Nintendo Switch platform. It supports up to eight players on a single screen in local multiplayer mode and up to 12 players online — making it ideal for everything from school holiday gaming marathons to competitive family tournaments. The game is rated PEGI 3+, meaning it is suitable for all ages, and its simple controls ensure that even young children can jump in and enjoy themselves immediately.
UK Amazon reviews consistently highlight its longevity and family appeal. Reviewers note that it remains fresh years after purchase, and the Booster Course Pass DLC offers exceptional value. Available physically on Amazon UK for around £39.99, it regularly features in sale events.
Best For: Families, parties, casual and competitive players of all ages.
PEGI Rating: 3+ | Suitable for all ages
3. Super Mario Odyssey — Nintendo Switch Review
Amazon UK: | Price: ~£39.99 | Rating: 4.6/5 (8,419 reviews)
| Super Mario Odyssey | |
| Rating: ★★★★★ (5/5) Price: £39.99 on Amazon UK Buy on Amazon UK | One of the finest 3D platformers ever created. A joyful masterpiece from start to finish. |
| ✅ PROS • Innovative Cappy mechanic — capture and control hundreds of characters • Enormous globe-trotting adventure across diverse kingdoms • Exceptional soundtrack and visual design • Co-op mode allows a second player to control Cappy • Incredible post-game content with hundreds of Power Moons | ❌ CONS • Post-game Darker Side challenge is extremely difficult • Limited two-player mode compared to Mario Kart • No online multiplayer |
Full Review: Super Mario Odyssey
Super Mario Odyssey is frequently cited as one of the greatest games ever made for the Nintendo Switch — and indeed one of the finest platformers in gaming history. Launched alongside the Switch itself in October 2017, it takes Mario on a globe-trotting adventure to rescue Princess Peach from Bowser’s elaborate wedding plans, visiting diverse and stunning kingdoms ranging from urban New Donk City to the prehistoric Cascade Kingdom.
The game’s defining mechanic is Cappy, Mario’s sentient hat companion. By throwing Cappy at enemies, objects and NPCs, Mario can temporarily take control of them — riding horses, piloting tanks, swimming as a Cheep-Cheep, or even controlling a T-Rex. This system is endlessly creative and gives Odyssey a playful, experimental quality that encourages exploration over simple completion.
Amazon UK customers have awarded it 4.6 out of 5 stars across more than 8,400 reviews — an extraordinary achievement for a game now in its eighth year on sale. Reviewers consistently describe it as ‘the best Mario game ever made,’ praising its imaginative level design, extraordinary detail, and the way it balances accessibility for young players with depth and challenge for seasoned gamers.
One particularly insightful UK review notes: ‘If like myself you’re of the generation who played Super Mario 64 upon its release, and were dazzled by the concept of a 3D environment that invited exploration, then you’ll no doubt have had trouble accepting where the series has headed. Enter Super Mario Odyssey, and boy oh boy was it worth the wait.’ The game is currently available on Amazon UK for approximately £39.99 as a physical cartridge.
Best For: All ages, solo players, fans of platformers and exploration-heavy games.
PEGI Rating: 7+ | Suitable for most ages
4. Animal Crossing: New Horizons — Nintendo Switch Review
Amazon UK: | Price: ~£34.99 | Rating: 4.7/5 (13,000+ reviews)
| Animal Crossing: New Horizons | |
| Rating: ★★★★☆ (4.5/5) Price: £34.99 on Amazon UK Buy on Amazon UK | The most soothing, endlessly charming game on Switch. Perfect for players of all ages. |
| ✅ PROS • Deeply relaxing and infinitely customisable island life • Real-time calendar with daily events and seasonal changes • Excellent for all ages, especially families and beginners • Enormous post-launch update added content for years • Switch 2 Edition available with enhanced features | ❌ CONS • Progress can feel slow in the early hours • Long-term content updates have since ended for Switch 1 • Limited local multiplayer on one console |
Full Review: Animal Crossing: New Horizons
Animal Crossing: New Horizons is one of the most unique and beloved games in the Nintendo Switch’s history. Launched in March 2020 — at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic — it became a cultural phenomenon, giving millions of people worldwide a peaceful, creative escape during one of the most difficult periods in recent memory. The game tasks you with building a new life on a deserted island, gathering resources, befriending animal neighbours, designing your home, and gradually transforming your island into a personalised paradise.
What makes New Horizons exceptional is its combination of total freedom and gentle structure. The game operates in real-time, meaning events, seasons and daily surprises change in sync with the actual calendar — encouraging players to return each day. The depth of customisation is extraordinary: you can terraform the landscape, design custom clothing and patterns, build bridges and inclines, and decorate both the interior and exterior of your home with thousands of items.
Amazon UK customers have awarded it an exceptional rating, with reviewers describing it as ‘genuinely life-changing’ and ‘the best thing to happen during lockdown.’ One UK buyer writes: ‘This game has been my life saver. When I have felt anxious or worried it has kept me sane. It’s fun for adults and I can imagine for older children it could be educational.’ The game is rated PEGI 3+ and is suitable for the entire family.
An enhanced Nintendo Switch 2 Edition of Animal Crossing: New Horizons has also been released, adding 12-player online sessions, faster load times, higher resolution, and mouse control support for easier island decoration. The original Switch version remains available on Amazon UK.
Best For: Families, children, stress-relief gaming, creative players, beginners.
PEGI Rating: 3+ | Suitable for all ages
5. Metroid Dread — Nintendo Switch Review
Amazon UK: | Price: ~£34.99 | Rating: 4.5/5
| Metroid Dread | |
| Rating: ★★★★★ (5/5) Price: £34.99 on Amazon UK Buy on Amazon UK | Possibly the best Metroid game ever made. A must-buy for action-adventure fans in the UK. |
| ✅ PROS • The definitive 2D Metroid experience after 19 years • Exceptional fluid combat and movement mechanics • Terrifying and thrilling EMMI chase sequences • Multiple difficulty modes including Rookie Mode for beginners • Boss Rush and Dread Mode for veteran challenge-seekers | ❌ CONS • Challenging — may frustrate casual players • Relatively short main campaign (around 8–10 hours) • Some players may find the darker tone intimidating |
Full Review: Metroid Dread
Metroid Dread is the game that Metroid fans had waited 19 years for — and it more than delivers. Developed by MercurySteam and Nintendo EPD and released in October 2021, it continues the story of intergalactic bounty hunter Samus Aran as she descends onto the mysterious planet ZDR to investigate a dangerous transmission. What she discovers is a world overrun by deadly alien life and hunted by terrifying mechanical pursuers known as E.M.M.I. (Extraplanetary Multiform Mobile Identifiers).
The gameplay is a masterclass in the Metroidvania genre — a style of side-scrolling action-adventure in which players explore a sprawling, interconnected map, gradually acquiring new abilities that allow them to access previously unreachable areas. Samus has never felt more agile: she can wall-jump, counter-attack, dodge with pinpoint precision, and — as the game progresses — unleash a growing arsenal of devastating weapons. The ‘dread’ of the title is embodied by the EMMI robots, which stalk players through specific zones and deliver instant death on contact, creating genuinely tense stealth sequences.
Amazon UK customer reviews praise it as ‘challenging, beautiful, engaging and making you just want to come back for more.’ One reviewer with significant Metroid experience highlights: ‘after nearly 20 years, Metroid Dread brings back the legendary exploration and progression and merges it with excellent modern combat.’ Critics awarded it numerous Game of the Year accolades in 2021, and it currently holds a Metacritic score of 88.
The game includes a Rookie Mode for newcomers, which reduces incoming damage and increases health from collectibles, making it accessible even to those unfamiliar with the series. For UK buyers, the physical version is available on Amazon UK for approximately £34.99.
Best For: Action-adventure fans, Metroid series veterans, challenge-seekers.
PEGI Rating: 12+ | Ages 12 and over
Nintendo Switch Games Comparison Table — UK Prices (2025)
Use the table below to quickly compare our five recommended Nintendo Switch games by genre, player count, age rating, score, and current Amazon UK pricing.
| Game | Genre | Players | PEGI Rating | Our Score | Amazon UK |
| Zelda: TotK | Action-Adventure | 1 | 12+ | ★★★★★ | £44.99 |
| Mario Kart 8 Deluxe | Racing | 1–8 | 3+ | ★★★★★ | £39.99 |
| Super Mario Odyssey | Platformer | 1–2 | 7+ | ★★★★★ | £39.99 |
| Animal Crossing: NH | Life Sim | 1–8 | 3+ | ★★★★½ | £34.99 |
| Metroid Dread | Action-Adventure | 1 | 12+ | ★★★★★ | £34.99 |
How to Choose the Right Nintendo Switch Game for You
With thousands of games available, buying a Nintendo Switch game can feel daunting. Here is a practical breakdown by player type to help you make the right choice when shopping on Amazon UK.
Best Nintendo Switch Games for Families
If you are buying for the whole family — including young children — prioritise PEGI 3+ and PEGI 7+ titles. Mario Kart 8 Deluxe is the gold standard: everyone from a five-year-old to a grandparent can pick up a Joy-Con and enjoy themselves immediately. Animal Crossing: New Horizons is perfect for children who enjoy creative, non-violent gameplay. Both are widely available on Amazon UK and regularly featured in bundle deals.
Best Nintendo Switch Games for Solo Players
Gamers looking for a deep, immersive single-player experience should look no further than The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom or Metroid Dread. Both offer rich worlds, compelling narratives, and gameplay systems with extraordinary depth. Super Mario Odyssey bridges the gap perfectly — accessible enough for casual players, yet packed with secrets and challenges for completionists.
Best Nintendo Switch Games for Multiplayer
Mario Kart 8 Deluxe is the undisputed king of local Switch multiplayer, supporting up to 8 players with a single copy of the game. For online play, Splatoon 3 and Nintendo Switch Sports are popular options. For competitive versus action, Super Smash Bros. Ultimate offers the deepest roster and most refined fighting gameplay in series history.
Best Nintendo Switch Games Under £30
Amazon UK regularly offers deals on Nintendo Switch games, particularly older titles. Hollow Knight — one of the finest indie games ever made — is available on the Nintendo eShop for just £10.99 and offers 40+ hours of content. Stardew Valley (£10.99) and Celeste (£17.99) are similarly exceptional value. For physical bargains, keep an eye on Amazon’s deal pages and Lightning Deals.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: What are the best Nintendo Switch games to buy in the UK?
A: The best Nintendo Switch games to buy in the UK in 2025 are The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom (overall best), Mario Kart 8 Deluxe (best multiplayer), Super Mario Odyssey (best platformer), Animal Crossing: New Horizons (best for families and relaxation), and Metroid Dread (best action-adventure). All are available on Amazon UK with free Prime delivery.
Are Nintendo Switch games compatible with the Nintendo Switch OLED?
A: Yes. All Nintendo Switch games are fully compatible with the Nintendo Switch OLED model. The OLED version offers a larger 7-inch OLED display and improved speakers for enhanced handheld gaming, but every Switch game plays on all Switch models — original, Lite, and OLED. No special versions are required.
How much do Nintendo Switch games cost in the UK?
A: New first-party Nintendo Switch games typically cost between £34.99 and £49.99 on Amazon UK. Older titles often drop to £24.99–£34.99 over time, and digital games on the Nintendo eShop can be found during seasonal sales for even less. Indie titles typically range from £5.99 to £24.99. Free delivery is available on physical game orders through Amazon Prime.
Which Nintendo Switch games are best for children in the UK?
A: The best Nintendo Switch games for children in the UK are Mario Kart 8 Deluxe (PEGI 3+), Animal Crossing: New Horizons (PEGI 3+), Super Mario Odyssey (PEGI 7+), Luigi’s Mansion 3 (PEGI 7+), and Pokémon Scarlet & Violet (PEGI 7+). All are available on Amazon UK and offer age-appropriate, family-friendly entertainment.
Can you play Nintendo Switch games in handheld mode?
A: Yes — and this is one of the Nintendo Switch’s defining features. All Switch games are designed to be playable in both TV mode (docked) and handheld mode. Simply undock the console to play on its built-in screen. The Switch OLED model features a 7-inch OLED display that makes handheld gaming particularly enjoyable. This flexibility means you can enjoy full console-quality games anywhere — on the commute, in bed, or on holiday.
More Great Nintendo Switch Games Worth Buying in the UK
Beyond our top five reviewed titles, the following games represent some of the finest experiences available on Nintendo Switch and are all available on Amazon UK or through the Nintendo eShop.
- Hollow Knight — One of the greatest indie games ever made. A challenging, atmospheric Metroidvania with 40+ hours of content. Nintendo eShop: £10.99.
- Pokémon Scarlet & Violet — The latest mainline Pokémon games featuring a fully open-world Paldea region. Amazon UK: ~£39.99.
- Splatoon 3 — Nintendo’s signature third-person shooter with vibrant ink-based combat. Perfect for online multiplayer. Amazon UK: ~£34.99.
- Fire Emblem Engage — A tactical RPG with deep strategy systems and stunning visual design. Amazon UK: ~£39.99.
- Bayonetta 3 — A high-octane action spectacle from PlatinumGames. Exclusive to Nintendo Switch. Amazon UK: ~£39.99.
- Luigi’s Mansion 3 — A charming, family-friendly ghost-busting adventure across a haunted hotel. Amazon UK: ~£34.99.
- Stardew Valley — The most beloved farming simulation ever made. A must-have for relaxed gaming. Nintendo eShop: £10.99.
- Balatro — 2024’s indie darling. A roguelike deckbuilder with poker mechanics and enormous depth. Nintendo eShop: £15.99.
Our Top Nintendo Switch Game Picks for the UK
| 🏆 Overall Best: The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom 🎮 Best for Families: Mario Kart 8 Deluxe ⭐ Best Platformer: Super Mario Odyssey 🌿 Best Relaxing Game: Animal Crossing: New Horizons 🔥 Best Action-Adventure: Metroid Dread 💎 Best Indie: Hollow Knight (Nintendo eShop, £10.99) |
The Nintendo Switch remains one of the most compelling gaming platforms available to UK buyers in 2026. Whether you are looking for your first Switch game or building out an extensive library, the titles reviewed here represent the very best the platform has to offer. All are available on Amazon UK with free delivery for Prime members, competitive pricing, and a generous returns policy.
Our top recommendation for most players remains The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom — an unmatched blend of creative freedom, adventure, and sheer scale. For families and younger players, Mario Kart 8 Deluxe and Animal Crossing: New Horizons are the safest and most rewarding investments. And for those seeking a genuine challenge, Metroid Dread is quite simply one of the finest action games of the past decade.
