5 Nintendo Games You Need to Play This Weekend (July 18

The Switch 2 has been on the market for six weeks now, and Nintendo hype has remained at an all-time high. The new hybrid console may not have a huge library of games just yet, but plenty of major releases are expected later in 2025, including Kirby Air Riders and Metroid Prime 4: Beyond. Thankfully, the popular Nintendo console is backward-compatible with the original Switch, meaning that there’s still plenty of fun to be had during the wait for more titles to hit the scene.

As the temperatures rise and the thought of leaving your air-conditioned room becomes more and more horrid, finding some new Nintendo titles to pass the time this weekend is key. While it can be tough to wade through the eShop, I’ve got some recommendations to make your shopping seamless, with one of my picks a Switch 2 title that’s already one of the highest-rated games of 2025.

The weekend is nearly upon us, and I’ve come up with a list of five Nintendo titles to binge until the dreaded return of Monday. While two of these games are Nintendo Switch 2 exclusives, the others can also be played on the original Switch, so no worries if you haven’t managed to get your hands on the new hotness just yet.

Donkey Kong Bananza

It’s impossible not to put this new release at the top of this week’s list. The majority of Switch 2 owners will likely be spending Saturday and Sunday with everyone’s favorite ape, as Donkey Kong Bananza has been one of the most highly anticipated titles for the system since it was revealed to stunned audiences in April. Early reviews of the game were out of this world, with the 3D platformer currently sitting pretty with an average score of 91 on OpenCritic. Featuring fully destructible environments, a gripping story, and plenty of collectibles to discover, this game will likely keep Nintendo fans busy until the system’s next big first-party release. Exploring dense jungles sounds like a perfect summer activity, but let DK do all the heavy lifting while you sit back and relax with a tropical beverage. Unfortunately, original Switch owners will have to sit this one out, as Donkey Kong Bananza is a Switch 2 exclusive.

Fantasy Life i: The Girl Who Steals Time

Nintendo consoles boast plenty of cozy RPGs, and this one is available to both Switch and Switch 2 players. Fantasy Life i: The Girl Who Steals Time has been a major hit for developer Level-5 since it launched in May, with the life simulation game quickly becoming addictive as players take on different jobs while exploring a vast world and taking on incredible amounts of side content. Set on an island in the world of Revaria, 14 different life classes offer fans plenty of flexibility and ways to play, from Paladin and Hunter to Cook and Blacksmith. As the title implies, time travel is also a mechanic, as players can build up a ruined island by traveling a thousand years into the future. If you feel like reimagining yourself in a magical world this summer, Fantasy Life i: The Girl Who Steals Time will keep you occupied this weekend and beyond.

Survival Kids

Admittedly, Survival Kids isn’t for everyone. Its single-player mode is slightly underwhelming and tedious, and more varied content would be greatly appreciated. However, playing with friends in co-op mode can be a blast, and it’s a great way to try out the Nintendo Switch 2’s GameChat feature while trying to find your way off of an island in the middle of nowhere. If you’re just looking to turn off your brain and chill out with your buddies in your respective homes while staying out of the heat, this is a survival title for gamers who are either on the younger side or very anti-stress. Life can be tough enough, and there’s no shame in spending your weekend on a low-stakes island adventure with your bros.

Suikoden 1 & 2 HD Remaster: Gate Rune and Dunan Unification Wars

Nintendo fans wanting a heaping dose of nostalgia should consider picking up Suikoden 1 & 2 HD Remaster, with the Konami title adding new features and polish to the classic PS1 JRPGs. Available on both the original Switch and Switch 2, the games now feature updated effects, HD background illustrations, new environmental sound effects, more impactful battle sounds, the ability to fast-forward fights, and more. If you missed this monumental RPG series back when it first launched in 1995, this weekend may be the time to finally see what all the fuss is about. Konami recently confirmed that Suikoden 1 & 2 HD Remaster has been a hit, with other games in the franchise potentially getting the same treatment in the future. It’s time to study up — there are five mainline titles and a handful of spin-offs that may be making a comeback.

Tamagotchi Plaza

Switch and Switch 2 players who are fans of pastels and want to kick back with some old friends should consider picking up Tamagotchi Plaza this weekend. The first Tamagotchi game to be released outside of Japan in nearly two decades, the title tasks players with managing a collection of shops in Tamahiko Town by taking part in tons of mini-games. Doing a good job will allow you to earn money and boost your shop’s reputation while unlocking new features, and certain stores also allow you to engage in local co-op mode. The Nintendo Switch 2 version also includes three additional shops that utilize the Joy-Con 2’s mouse functionality. Maybe it’s a little too cutesy for some gamers, but its cozy vibe may be enough of a draw for many fans this weekend.