First-party Nintendo games seldom go on sale, which is why it tends to be fairly big news on the rare occasions that they do. The Nintendo Store summer sale offers some of the biggest discounts in recent memory, with a wide selection of both first and third-party offerings included.

switch-2-backward-compatible-first-party-games
Every First-Party Nintendo Switch Game You Can Play on the Switch 2

Wondering what to play on your new Switch 2? Here’s every first-party Nintendo Switch game that works through backward compatibility.

By 

If you're looking for something to play on your shiny new Switch 2 or a Switch owner who's been waiting for some of the many Mario games on the system to go on sale, the Nintendo summer sale is not to be missed. Below, we've singled out some of the best deals on offer.

The Nintendo Store summer sale will end on July 9, at 11:59 p.m. PDT.

1 Super Mario Odyssey

$39.99 $59.99 (Save 33%)

Rating block community and brand ratings Image
super-mario-odyssey-cover-art
Display card tags widget
Platformer
Display card system widget
Systems
Display card community and brand rating widget Display card open critics widget
Top Critic Avg: 97 /100 Critics Rec: 98%
Display card main info widget
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.
Display card main info widget end Display card media widget start Display card media widget end

WHERE TO PLAY

DIGITAL
PHYSICAL
Checkbox: control the expandable behavior of the extra info

Explore incredible places far from the Mushroom Kingdom as you join Mario and his new ally Cappy on a massive, globe-trotting 3D adventure. Use amazing new abilities—like the power to capture and control objects, animals, and enemies—to collect Power Moons so you can power up the Odyssey airship and save Princess Peach from Bowser’s wedding plans!

Thanks to heroic, hat-shaped Cappy, Mario’s got new moves that’ll make you rethink his traditional run-and-jump gameplay—like cap jump, cap throw, and capture. Use captured cohorts such as enemies, objects, and animals to progress through the game and uncover loads of hidden collectibles. And if you feel like playing with a friend, just pass them a Joy-Con™ controller! Player 1 controls Mario while Player 2 controls Cappy. This sandbox-style 3D Mario adventure—the first since 1996’s beloved Super Mario 64™ and 2002’s Nintendo GameCube™ classic Super Mario Sunshine™—is packed with secrets and surprises, plus exciting new kingdoms to explore.

Genre(s)
Platformer
Platform(s)
Switch
OpenCritic Rating
Mighty

Super Mario Odyssey offers unparalleled platforming and an endless amount of content for players to sink their teeth into. The introduction of Cappy not only allows players to take control of countless creatures but also provides new movement options for Mario as players traverse the game's wonderfully well-crafted worlds. Whether they're using Cappy to extend a jump or bounce off a wall, the helpful hat adds new layers of depth to an already fantastic formula.

2 Super Mario 3D World + Bowser's Fury

$39.99 $59.99 (Save 33%)

Rating block community and brand ratings Image
Super Mario 3D World + Bowser’s Fury Tag Page Cover Art
Display card tags widget
Platformer
Display card system widget
Systems
Display card community and brand rating widget Display card open critics widget Display card main info widget
Released
February 12, 2021
ESRB
e
Developer(s)
Nintendo EPD
Publisher(s)
Nintendo
Engine
miyamoto's
Franchise
Super Mario
Display card main info widget end Display card media widget start Display card media widget end

WHERE TO PLAY

DIGITAL
PHYSICAL
Checkbox: control the expandable behavior of the extra info

Join Mario, Luigi, Peach and Toad on a quest to save the Sprixie Kingdom in Super Mario 3D World + Bowser's Fury! Rescue the Sprixie Princess and her followers by yourself or with three other players in this enhanced version of Super Mario 3D World.

Then, either alone or with a friend, help Bowser Jr. Turn his papa back to normal in the all-new bonus adventure, Bowser's Fury.

A meowvellous quest for up to four players: Play solo or with up to three friends, either locally or online for the first time, on an exciting journey through the Sprixie Kingdom. Utilise cool power-ups like the Super Bell and Double Cherry, as you chase down Bowser and his cavalcade of minions!

 

Genre(s)
Platformer
Platform(s)
Switch

Super Mario 3D World + Bowser's Fury may not offer much in the way of innovation, but it doesn't disappoint in the platforming department either. Unlike some of the other 3D Mario games that were ported to the Switch, 3D World still holds up perfectly well, with Bowser's Fury providing a compelling reason for players to come back for another bite of the apple. If your choice is between Super Mario Odyssey and Super Mario 3D World + Bowser's Fury, you should definitely spring for the former, but if you have the budget for both, $39.99 is a pretty decent price.

3 Luigi's Mansion 2 HD

$41.99 $59.99 (Save 30%)

Rating block community and brand ratings Image
Luigi's Mansion 2 HD Tag Page Cover Art
Display card tags widget Display card system widget
Systems
Display card community and brand rating widget Display card open critics widget
Top Critic Avg: 78 /100 Critics Rec: 67%
Display card main info widget
Released
June 27, 2024
ESRB
Everyone // Mild Fantasy Violence
Developer(s)
Tantalus Media
Publisher(s)
Nintendo
Engine
unity
Multiplayer
Online Co-Op, Online Multiplayer
Franchise
Luigi's Mansion
Display card main info widget end Display card media widget start Display card media widget end

WHERE TO PLAY

DIGITAL
Checkbox: control the expandable behavior of the extra info

Friendly ghosts turned fiendish? Sounds like a job for Luigi! The magical Dark Moon that hangs over Evershade Valley seems to calm the ghosts that live there. But when it suddenly breaks apart, the once-friendly ghosts become unruly! Luigi must stumble into action and find his courage to restore the Dark Moon to its rightful place in the sky.

Pick the mission: Follow leads across a neighborhood of haunted mansions to find the missing shards of the Dark Moon. With a little help from Professor E. Gadd, you can pixelate from his bunker to your destination and get started! (Luigi will…probably be OK on the other side.)

Solve puzzle-y mansions: Each mansion has a distinct vibe and tricky puzzles to solve. You’ll have to use your noodle to find your way through.

Discover treasures: Use the awesome air-blasting abilities of the Poltergust 5000 to turn every room upside down and build your fortune. Spend it on equipment upgrades and stuff!

Genre(s)
Adventure, Horror
Platform(s)
Switch
OpenCritic Rating
Strong

Luigi's Mansion 2 is arguably the best game in the series, with the 3DS version boasting an impressive 86 average on Metacritic. Sadly, the 2024 Switch port didn't introduce any new content or major quality-of-life upgrades, but it did improve the visuals quite a bit. If you already played the game on the 3DS, you can probably skip this one, but if you're delving into the world of Dark Moon for the very first time, this is absolutely the best way to experience it, and at a reasonable price to boot.

4 Animal Crossing: New Horizons

$41.99 $59.99 (Save 30%)

Rating block community and brand ratings Image
Animal Crossing New Horizons Tag Page Cover Art
Display card tags widget
Simulation
Display card system widget
Systems
Display card community and brand rating widget Display card open critics widget
Top Critic Avg: 90 /100 Critics Rec: 99%
Display card main info widget
Released
March 20, 2020
ESRB
Everyone / Comic Mischief, Mild Fantasy Violence, Users Interact, In-Game Purchases
Developer(s)
Nintendo EPD
Publisher(s)
Nintendo
Engine
Havok
Multiplayer
Online Multiplayer, Local Multiplayer
Expansions
Animal Crossing: New Horizons — Happy Home Paradise
Display card main info widget end Display card media widget start Display card media widget end

WHERE TO PLAY

DIGITAL
Checkbox: control the expandable behavior of the extra info

Escape to a deserted island and create your own paradise as you explore, create, and customize in the Animal Crossing: New Horizons game. Your island getaway has a wealth of natural resources that can be used to craft everything from tools to creature comforts. You can hunt down insects at the crack of dawn, decorate your paradise throughout the day, or enjoy sunset on the beach while fishing in the ocean. The time of day and season match real life, so each day on your island is a chance to check in and find new surprises all year round.

Show off your island utopia to family and friends—or pack your bags and visit theirs. Whether playing online** or with others beside you***, island living is even better when you can share it. Even without hopping on a flight, you’ll meet a cast of charming animal residents bursting with personality. Friendly faces like Tom Nook and Isabelle will lend their services and happily help you grow your budding community. Escape to your island getaway—however, whenever, and wherever you want.

Genre(s)
Simulation
OpenCritic Rating
Mighty

There probably aren't too many Switch owners who don't already own a copy of Animal Crossing: New Horizons, but if you happen to be one of them, now is probably the best time to pull the trigger. At just $41.99, you're getting yourself countless hours worth of content; more still if you're a Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack subscriber, thanks to the inclusion of the Happy Home Paradise DLC. If you're not, you can pick up a bundle that includes the base game and the DLC for $59.48, which is also a 30% saving.

$41.99 $59.99 (Save 30%)

Rating block community and brand ratings Image
The Legend of Zelda: Link's Awakening Tag Page Cover Art
Display card tags widget Display card system widget
Systems
Display card community and brand rating widget Display card open critics widget
Top Critic Avg: 87 /100 Critics Rec: 96%
Display card main info widget
Released
September 20, 2019
ESRB
E For Everyone due to Mild Fantasy, Violence
Developer(s)
Grezzo
Publisher(s)
Nintendo
Display card main info widget end Display card media widget start Display card media widget end

WHERE TO PLAY

DIGITAL
PHYSICAL
Checkbox: control the expandable behavior of the extra info

As Link, you awaken in a strange land away from Hyrule, where animals talk and monsters roam. To uncover the truth behind your whereabouts and rouse the legendary Wind Fish, explore Koholint Island and all its trap-ridden dungeons, reimagined in stunning detail for this new release of one of the most beloved The Legend of Zelda games. Along the way, you’ll meet a hilarious assortment of charming characters to which you’ll never want to say goodbye.

Genre(s)
Adventure
Platform(s)
Switch

The Legend of Zelda: Link's Awakening is arguably the most underrated Zelda game of all time. It's a remake of the 1993 Game Boy game of the same name, with developer Grezzo doing a fantastic job of updating the timeless classic for a modern audience. Some might not be completely sold on the art style, but the gameplay and story are top-notch, making this a must-play for any serious action-adventure game fan.

6 Nintendo Switch Sports

$41.99 $59.99 (Save 30%)

Rating block community and brand ratings Image
Nintendo Switch Sports Tag Page Cover Art
Display card tags widget Display card system widget
Systems
Display card community and brand rating widget Display card open critics widget
Top Critic Avg: 70 /100 Critics Rec: 44%
Display card main info widget
Released
April 29, 2022
ESRB
E10+ For Everyone 10+ due to Mild Violence
Developer(s)
Nintendo EPD
Publisher(s)
Nintendo
Engine
NintendoWare Bezel Engine
Multiplayer
Local Multiplayer, Online Multiplayer
Display card main info widget end Display card media widget start Display card media widget end

WHERE TO PLAY

DIGITAL
PHYSICAL
Checkbox: control the expandable behavior of the extra info

Face off against opponents worldwide and strive to reach the Pro League in every sport. As you play online in random matchmaking, redeem points you earn for in-game rewards like outfits, sports accessories, gear, and much more for your avatar. The selection of items rotates each week, so check back and see what’s in stock!

Play with friends and family in the same room or across the world

Bowl, spike, and duel with friends in all 8 sports! Pass a Joy-Con controller to a friend for some 1v1, 2v2, or a free-for-all that will get everyone moving. In Bowling, all players can bowl simultaneously—no waiting for your turn. Play each sport online, or team up with a friend on the same system to take on opponents near and far in team sports like Basketball, Volleyball and Tennis.

Genre(s)
Sports
Platform(s)
Switch
OpenCritic Rating
Fair

Nintendo Switch Sports was never going to recapture the success of Wii Sports, but few could have predicted just how far from the mark the 2022 title would end up landing at launch. Thankfully, in the years since, the game has received numerous updates, with several new sports being added in the process. As of early 2025, Nintendo Switch Sports had sold over 16 million units, making it one of the best-selling Switch games of all time.

7 NBA 2K25

$8.99 $59.99 (Save 80%)

Rating block community and brand ratings Image
NBA 2K25 Tag Page Cover Art
Display card tags widget Display card system widget
Systems
Display card community and brand rating widget Display card open critics widget
Top Critic Avg: 75 /100 Critics Rec: 53%
Display card main info widget
Released
September 6, 2024
ESRB
E For Everyone For In-Game Purchases & Users Interact
Developer(s)
Visual Concepts
Publisher(s)
2K Games
Engine
Eco-Motion engine
Multiplayer
Online Multiplayer
Franchise
NBA 2K
Display card main info widget end Display card media widget start Display card media widget end

WHERE TO PLAY

DIGITAL
Checkbox: control the expandable behavior of the extra info

Command every court with authenticity and realism Powered by ProPLAY™, giving you ultimate control over how you play in NBA 2K25. Define your legacy in MyCAREER, MyTEAM, MyNBA, and The W. Express yourself with an array of customization options and explore an all-new City rich with opportunity.

POWERED BY ProPLAY™: Bring your game to life with ProPLAY™, immersive technology that directly translates NBA footage into engaging gameplay. Get up close and personal with your favorite NBA superstars and immerse yourself in clutch moments, as ProPLAY™ powers the most authentic NBA experience to date.

COMPETE IN THE CITY: The City is the ultimate proving ground; hit the park for some streetball fun and compete at various new venues. Pay homage to legends of the game in MyCAREER as you eclipse their records and usher in the greatest dynasty of all-time. Let your talents shine in a bustling City and etch your name among the greats.

BUILD YOUR DYNASTY: Build a dynasty that transcends eras, and redefine what it means to be the best as a General Manager in MyNBA. Explore the unique challenges that come with overseeing an NBA front office and cherish the ultimate reward of winning a championship, or multiple. Choose from six Eras, including an all-new Era, and become the next mastermind to change the game forever.

Genre(s)
Sports
OpenCritic Rating
Strong

Annually released sports sim franchises don't have the best reputation when it comes to their Switch ports, and NBA 2K25 is no exception. The visuals and gameplay are nowhere near as good as they are on other platforms, making it a tough one to recommend at full price. For $8.99, though, NBA 2K25 becomes a much more attractive proposition, particularly for those who plan on playing it on the Switch 2. There's no performance patch or anything like that, but players can still expect a slightly smoother experience thanks to the new console's more powerful processor.

8 Red Dead Redemption

$29.99 $49.99 (Save 40%)

Rating block community and brand ratings Image
Red Dead Redemption Tag Page Cover Art
Display card tags widget Display card system widget
Systems
Display card community and brand rating widget Display card open critics widget
Top Critic Avg: 79 /100 Critics Rec: 73%
Display card main info widget
Released
May 18, 2010
ESRB
M For Mature 17+ Due To Blood, Intense Violence, Nudity, Strong Language, Strong Sexual Content, Use of Drugs
Developer(s)
Rockstar San Diego
Publisher(s)
Rockstar Games
Engine
rockstar advanced game engine
Multiplayer
Online Multiplayer
Franchise
Red Dead Redemption
Display card main info widget end Display card media widget start Display card media widget end

WHERE TO PLAY

DIGITAL
Checkbox: control the expandable behavior of the extra info

America, 1911. The Wild West is dying. When federal agents threaten his family, former outlaw John Marston is forced to pick up his guns again and hunt down the gang of criminals he once called friends. Experience an epic fight for survival across the sprawling expanses of the American West and Mexico, as John Marston struggles to bury his blood-stained past, one man at a time.

Red Dead Redemption is a Western epic, set at the turn of the 20th century when the lawless and chaotic badlands began to give way to the expanding reach of government and the spread of the Industrial Age.

Although not quite on the same level as its 2018 prequel, Red Dead Redemption is still a fantastic game. Being able to experience it while on the go only sweetens the deal, especially when the deal in question is a massive 40%. Of all of the third-party offerings in the Nintendo summer sale, this is one of the ones that stands out most, so if you haven't already played it and are looking to get a taste of life during the decline of the Old West, now is the perfect time to do so.

9 BioShock: The Collection

$9.99 $49.99 (Save 80%)

Rating block community and brand ratings Image
BioShock: The Collection Tag Page Cover Art
Display card tags widget Display card system widget
Systems
Display card community and brand rating widget Display card open critics widget
Top Critic Avg: 84 /100 Critics Rec: 98%
Display card main info widget
Released
September 13, 2016
Developer(s)
Blind Squirrel Games Inc., Irrational Games, 2K
Publisher(s)
2K Games
Engine
unreal engine 3, unreal engine 2.5
Franchise
BioShock
Display card main info widget end Display card media widget start Display card media widget end

WHERE TO PLAY

DIGITAL
PHYSICAL
Checkbox: control the expandable behavior of the extra info

Return to the cities of Rapture and Columbia and experience the award-winning BioShock franchise like never before, beautifully remastered in 1080p. BioShock: The Collection contains all single-player content from BioShock, BioShock 2, and BioShock Infinite, all single-player add-on content, the “Columbia’s Finest” pack, and Director’s Commentary: Imagining BioShock, featuring Ken Levine and Shawn Robertson.

BioShock: BioShock is a shooter unlike any you've ever played, loaded with weapons and tactics never seen. You'll have a complete arsenal at your disposal from simple revolvers to grenade launchers and chemical throwers, but you'll also be forced to genetically modify your DNA to create an even more deadly weapon: you. Museum of Orphaned Concepts. Challenge Rooms.

BioShock 2: Set approximately 10 years after the events of the original BioShock, the halls of Rapture once again echo with sins of the past. Along the Atlantic coastline, a monster has been snatching little girls and bringing them back to the undersea city of Rapture. Players step into the boots of the most iconic denizen of Rapture, the Big Daddy, as they travel through the decrepit and beautiful fallen city, chasing an unseen foe in search of answers and their own survival. Minerva’s Den. Protector Trials.

Genre(s)
FPS
Platform(s)
PS4, Xbox One, PC, Switch
OpenCritic Rating
Mighty

What could be better than one of the best RPGs of all time? Well, how about three of them, and at a fraction of the cost? BioShock: The Collection gives players the opportunity to experience the iconic video game trilogy in 1080p at 60fps, and for just $9.99, it's quite possibly the best deal in the Nintendo summer sale.

10 Hades

$8.74 $24.99 (Save 65%)

Rating block community and brand ratings Image
Sea of Thieves Tag Page Cover Art
10 /10

Hades

Display card tags widget
Action RPG
Roguelite
Display card system widget
Systems
Display card community and brand rating widget Display card open critics widget
Top Critic Avg: 94 /100 Critics Rec: 99%
Display card main info widget
Released
September 17, 2020
ESRB
T for Teen: Alcohol Reference, Blood, Mild Language, Suggestive Themes, Violence
Developer(s)
Supergiant Games
Publisher(s)
Supergiant Games
Engine
Proprietary Engine
Franchise
Hades
Steam Deck Compatibility
Verified
Display card main info widget end Display card media widget start Display card media widget end

WHERE TO PLAY

SUBSCRIPTION
DIGITAL
PHYSICAL
Checkbox: control the expandable behavior of the extra info

Defy the god of the dead as you hack and slash out of the Underworld in this rogue-like dungeon crawler from the creators of Bastion, Transistor, and Pyre.

BATTLE OUT OF HELL
As the immortal Prince of the Underworld, you'll wield the powers and mythic weapons of Olympus to break free from the clutches of the god of the dead himself, while growing stronger and unraveling more of the story with each unique escape attempt.

UNLEASH THE FURY OF OLYMPUS
The Olympians have your back! Meet Zeus, Athena, Poseidon, and many more, and choose from their dozens of powerful Boons that enhance your abilities. There are thousands of viable character builds to discover as you go.

BEFRIEND GODS, GHOSTS, AND MONSTERS
A fully-voiced cast of colorful, larger-than-life characters is waiting to meet you! Grow your relationships with them, and experience thousands of unique story events as you learn about what's really at stake for this big, dysfunctional family.

BUILT FOR REPLAYABILITY
New surprises await each time you delve into the ever-shifting Underworld, whose guardian bosses will remember you. Use the powerful Mirror of Night to grow permanently stronger, and give yourself a leg up the next time you run away from home.

NOTHING IS IMPOSSIBLE
Permanent upgrades mean you don't have to be a god yourself to experience the exciting combat and gripping story. Though, if you happen to be one, crank up the challenge and get ready for some white-knuckle action that will put your well-practiced skills to the test.

SIGNATURE SUPERGIANT STYLE
The rich, atmospheric presentation and unique melding of gameplay and narrative that's been core to Supergiant's games is here in full force: spectacular hand-painted environments and a blood-pumping original score bring the Underworld to life.

Genre(s)
Action RPG, Roguelite
OpenCritic Rating
Mighty

There are plenty of great indie games on the Nintendo Switch, but few have had quite as much of an impact as Hades. The 2020 roguelike boasts an incredible 93 rating on Metacritic, placing it within the top ten Switch games on the site. $8.74 is a fantastic price for a game of this quality, especially as there's still no word on when exactly Hades 2 will be coming to Switch and Switch 2.

Image
Nintendo Switch 2 Tag Page Cover Art
Display card main info widget
Brand
Nintendo
Original Release Date
June 5, 2025
Original MSRP (USD)
$449.99
Operating System
Proprietary
Storage
256GB internal / MicroSD
Resolution
1080p (handheld) / 4K (docked)
Display card main info widget end

The successor to 2017's Nintendo Switch continues down the same path as its predecessor, providing a hybrid experience that supports both home and handheld gaming. Launching on June 5, 2025, with games like Mario Kart World, the basic Nintendo Switch 2 bundle comes with the console, Joy-Con 2, straps for the controller, a dock, an AC adapter, an HDMI cable, and a Joy-Con 2 grip.

Checkbox: control the expandable behavior of the extra info