Honestly, if you ask the average person to name Nintendo Switch first party games, they’ll probably stop at Mario, Zelda, and maybe that one fitness game with the giant plastic ring. But the reality is a lot messier—and more interesting. We’re currently sitting in 2026, looking back at a decade of software that redefined what it means to be a "Nintendo game."
It’s not just about the big hitters. It’s about the weird experiments, the niche remakes, and the games Nintendo published that technically weren't even made by them.
The Heavy Hitters That Won’t Die
You can't talk about the Switch without mentioning Mario Kart 8 Deluxe. It’s basically the immortal king of the console. As of late 2025, it’s sitting at nearly 70 million copies sold. That’s an absurd number. It’s a Wii U port that somehow became the definitive experience of a completely different generation.
Then there’s Animal Crossing: New Horizons. It hit at the exact right moment in 2020 and became a cultural phenomenon, moving over 48 million units. It’s the game that proved Nintendo could dominate the "cozy" market, a trend they’re still chasing with the upcoming 2026 release of Tomodachi Life: Living the Dream.
The Zelda Evolution
Zelda changed everything. Twice.
- Breath of the Wild (2017): The launch title that broke the "Zelda formula" and sold over 33 million copies.
- Tears of the Kingdom (2023): The sequel that added verticality and building mechanics, proving lightning can strike twice.
- Echoes of Wisdom (2024): A weird, wonderful shift where you finally play as Zelda herself, using "echoes" to solve puzzles instead of just swinging a sword.
The Secret "First Party" Family
Here is where people get confused. Is Pokémon first party? Kinda. Is Metroid Dread first party? Technically yes, but it was developed by MercurySteam in Spain. Nintendo’s ecosystem relies on a web of "second party" partners—studios they don't own, but for whom they publish exclusively.
Take HAL Laboratory. They aren't owned by Nintendo, but they’ve given us an absolute mountain of Kirby. Kirby and the Forgotten Land was a massive standout, finally bringing the pink puffball into a fully 3D world. It’s approachable, cute, and surprisingly deep if you’re trying to 100% it.
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Then you have Intelligent Systems, the wizards behind Fire Emblem: Three Houses and the upcoming Fire Emblem: Fortune's Weave (slated for later this year). They also handle the Paper Mario series, including that gorgeous Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door remake that reminded everyone why we love turn-based RPGs with soul.
The Weird Stuff You Probably Missed
Nintendo likes to get weird. Sometimes it works; sometimes it’s 1-2-Switch.
- Astral Chain: Developed by PlatinumGames, published by Nintendo. It’s a high-octane action game where you control a cop and a robot monster at the same time.
- Emio – The Smiling Man: Famicom Detective Club: A dark, gritty murder mystery that felt totally out of character for Nintendo in 2024, yet it’s one of the best stories on the platform.
- Buddy Mission Bond: A visual novel style adventure that stayed mostly in Japan for a while but has a dedicated cult following.
What’s Happening Right Now in 2026?
We are in a weird transitional period. The "Switch 2" (or whatever you want to call the successor) is finally here, but Nintendo isn't abandoning the 140 million people who own the original hardware.
We just saw the release of Mario Tennis Fever in February, developed by Camelot. It’s fast, it’s flashy, and it’s exactly what you expect from a Mario sports title. But the real buzz is around Pokémon Pokopia, a life-sim spin-off that’s basically Animal Crossing but with Pokémon. It’s a genius move that honestly should have happened years ago.
The Upcoming 2026 Slate
The schedule for the rest of the year is surprisingly packed:
- Yoshi and the Mysterious Book: A new side-scroller with a unique aesthetic.
- Rhythm Heaven Groove: Finally bringing the cult-favorite rhythm series back to the spotlight.
- Metroid Prime 4: Beyond: We’ve been waiting forever, but word is it’s finally landing this year, pushing the hardware to its absolute limit.
Why These Games Actually Matter
The magic of Nintendo Switch first party games isn't just the branding. It's the "Nintendo Polish." Whether it's the tactile feel of jumping in Super Mario Odyssey or the physics-based chaos of Pikmin 4, there’s a consistency in quality that’s hard to find elsewhere.
They also hold their value. You’ve probably noticed that Breath of the Wild still costs $50 or $60 years after release. It’s annoying for your wallet, but it’s a testament to the fact that these games don't really "age" the way most AAA titles do.
Actionable Insights for Your Collection
If you're looking to round out your library, don't just stick to the best-sellers list.
- For Beginners: Start with Super Mario Bros. Wonder. It’s the most creative 2D platformer in decades and very forgiving.
- For Solo Adventurers: Don't sleep on Metroid Dread. It’s challenging, but the map design is a masterclass in "show, don't tell."
- For Party Games: Everyone says Mario Kart, but Super Mario Party Jamboree is the most feature-complete board game experience they've ever put out.
The best way to experience the full breadth of Nintendo’s first-party output is to grab a Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack subscription. It gives you access to the retro libraries (NES, SNES, N64, Sega Genesis, and GBA) which essentially turns your Switch into a museum of the history that led to the games we're playing today.
Check your eShop regional deals frequently. Even though first-party titles rarely go on deep sale, you can often snag them for 30% off during the "Mar10 Day" or "Holiday" sales. Keep an eye on the 2026 spring schedule, as many of the new titles like Tomodachi Life are expected to have demos available.