15 Diamond-Rated Nintendo Games on Switch 2
From Zelda to Donkey Kong, these 15 Nintendo-published titles earned the highest compatibility rating on Switch 2. Here is the complete list.
The Nintendo Switch 2 is not just home to impressive third-party ports. Nintendo's own lineup runs flawlessly on the new hardware, with 15 first-party titles earning our highest compatibility rating: Diamond. These games deliver locked frame rates, higher resolutions, and a polished experience that showcases what the Switch 2 can do.
We ranked every Nintendo-published diamond-rated game by Metacritic score, from the very best down. Whether you are building your Switch 2 library from scratch or revisiting classics, this is the definitive list.
The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom - Switch 2 Edition (MC: 100)
The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom - Nintendo Switch 2 Edition
Nintendo
Tears of the Kingdom Switch 2 Edition is the gold standard for how a remaster should be done. Running at higher resolution with HDR support and dramatically faster load times, Hyrule has never looked this good. The Switch 2 Edition also adds exclusive features like Zelda Notes, voice-assisted navigation, and additional Voice Memories not found in the original release. A perfect score and a perfect way to experience Link's latest adventure.
Pokemon FireRed Version (MC: 100)
Pokemon FireRed Version arrived on Nintendo Switch on Pokemon Day 2026, bringing the beloved Kanto adventure to a new generation. Originally a Game Boy Advance classic from 2004, this faithful re-release celebrates 30 years of Pokemon. On Switch 2, it runs without a single hiccup, earning a well-deserved diamond rating alongside its perfect Metacritic score.
The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild (MC: 98)
Breath of the Wild redefined open-world gaming when it launched alongside the original Switch. On Switch 2, the performance issues that occasionally plagued the Korok Forest and other demanding areas are completely gone. The game that started a revolution plays better than ever, and it remains one of the highest-rated games in history.
Super Mario Odyssey (MC: 97)
Super Mario Odyssey took Mario globe-trotting in one of the most creative 3D platformers ever made. Capturing enemies with Cappy, exploring kingdoms from New Donk City to the Luncheon Kingdom, it all runs flawlessly on Switch 2. With a diamond rating, you can enjoy every moon hunt and hat throw with rock-solid performance.
Metroid Prime Remastered (MC: 94)
Metroid Prime Remastered brought Samus Aran's GameCube debut into the modern era with completely rebuilt visuals. The atmospheric exploration of Tallon IV looks stunning on Switch 2, with the diamond rating confirming that every detail of this painstaking remaster shines. If you missed it the first time around, the Switch 2 is the best place to experience this classic.
Mario Kart 8 Deluxe (MC: 93)
Mario Kart 8 Deluxe is the best-selling Switch game of all time, and for good reason. With all 96 tracks from the Booster Course Pass included, plus the original roster, this is the most content-rich Mario Kart experience available. On Switch 2, it earns a diamond rating with smooth performance across every track and mode.
Mario Kart World (MC: 92)
Mario Kart World launched alongside the Switch 2 as the console's flagship title, and it delivered. The open-world design, 24-player races, and off-roading mechanics brought something entirely new to the franchise. With over 14 million copies sold, it is the best-selling Switch 2 game. Built natively for the hardware, its diamond rating was never in doubt.
Dragon Quest XI S: Echoes of an Elusive Age (MC: 92)
Dragon Quest XI S: Echoes of an Elusive Age - Definitive Edition
Nintendo
Dragon Quest XI S is one of the finest JRPGs ever made, offering over 100 hours of classic turn-based adventure. The Definitive Edition added a 2D mode, orchestral soundtrack, and additional story content. On Switch 2, the charming world of Erdrea runs perfectly, earning a diamond rating that makes this the ideal way to experience the hero's journey.
Pokemon Pokopia (MC: 91)
Pokemon Pokopia surprised everyone when it launched in March 2026 as a cozy life simulation set in the Pokemon world. You play as a Ditto disguised as a human, building a community from scratch in a post-apocalyptic setting. Developed by Game Freak and Omega Force, it became the highest-rated Pokemon game on Metacritic. As a Switch 2 exclusive, it naturally runs perfectly and earns its diamond rating.
Super Mario 3D World + Bowser's Fury (MC: 91)
Super Mario 3D World + Bowser's Fury packs two excellent games into one package. The original 3D World offers creative multiplayer platforming, while Bowser's Fury delivers a bite-sized open-world adventure with kaiju-scale boss battles. Both halves run flawlessly on Switch 2, earning a diamond rating for a package that offers incredible variety.
Animal Crossing: New Horizons - Happy Home Paradise (MC: 91)
Happy Home Paradise expanded Animal Crossing: New Horizons with a full interior design campaign. Designing vacation homes for villagers with an expanded furniture catalog and new design tools made this the best DLC on the Switch. On Switch 2, it runs at diamond-tier quality, keeping your creative island life running smoothly.
Bayonetta 3 (MC: 90)
Bayonetta 3 pushed the original Switch hardware to its absolute limits with massive demons, multiverse-hopping battles, and Bayonetta's signature stylish combat. On Switch 2, all the performance compromises are gone. The diamond rating means you can enjoy PlatinumGames' over-the-top action at its best, without the frame drops that occasionally held back the original experience.
Animal Crossing: New Horizons - Switch 2 Edition (MC: 90)
Animal Crossing: New Horizons Switch 2 Edition brings the island life simulator into a new generation. Running at 4K in docked mode and 1080p handheld, it adds mouse control support for easier decorating, a megaphone feature using the system microphone, and 12-player online sessions. Available as a full purchase or a budget-friendly upgrade pack, it is the definitive way to play on Switch 2.
Donkey Kong Bananza (MC: 90)
Donkey Kong Bananza revived the franchise with a bold new direction. This 3D platformer features destructible environments, sandbox-style levels inspired by Super Mario Odyssey, and a story following DK and a teenage Pauline to the planetary core. Critics called it the Switch 2's killer app, and with 4.25 million copies sold, players agreed. Its diamond rating confirms it runs perfectly on the hardware it was built for.
Super Smash Bros. Ultimate (MC: 87)
Super Smash Bros. Ultimate lives up to its name with every fighter, every stage, and every piece of content ever created for the series. The roster of 89 fighters and hundreds of stages makes it the most comprehensive fighting game in history. On Switch 2, the diamond rating means every frame counts in competitive matches, with rock-solid performance across all modes.
The Bottom Line
Nintendo's own games have always been held to the highest standard, and their Switch 2 performance proves it. Every title on this list runs flawlessly, earning the diamond compatibility rating that puts them in elite company. Whether you prefer open-world adventures, competitive racing, cozy life sims, or intense action, Nintendo's diamond-rated library has something for everyone.
Want to see how other games perform on Switch 2? Check out the full games directory to find diamond-rated titles across all publishers, or browse more articles for the latest Switch 2 compatibility analysis.
