Best Nintendo Switch Games to Buy in January 2026
Pokémon™ Legends: Z-A - Nintendo Switch™ 2 Edition
-
EXPERIENCE REAL-TIME BATTLES: COMMAND POKÉMON LIKE NEVER BEFORE!
-
HARNESS MEGA EVOLUTION TO DEFEAT ROGUE POKÉMON IN EPIC SHOWDOWNS.
-
JOIN NIGHTLY Z-A ROYALE COMPETITIONS TO PROVE YOUR TRAINER SKILLS!
Minecraft - Nintendo Switch
- UNLEASH YOUR CREATIVITY: BUILD ANYTHING FROM HOMES TO CASTLES!
- ADVENTURE AWAITS: EXPLORE ENDLESS WORLDS WITH FRIENDS OR SOLO!
- PLAY ANYWHERE: ENJOY MINECRAFT IN HANDHELD OR TABLETOP MODES!
LEGO 2K Drive - Nintendo Switch
- EXPLORE VAST OPEN-WORLD ARENAS AND THRILLING RACE CHALLENGES!
- ENGAGE IN STORY MODE OR COMPETE IN EXCITING CUP SERIES TOURNAMENTS!
- MASTER DRIFTING, BOOSTING, AND POWER-UPS TO DOMINATE YOUR RIVALS!
Bluey: The Videogame- Nintendo Switch
- JOIN BLUEY’S FAMILY FOR FUN ADVENTURES IN INTERACTIVE GAMEPLAY!
- TEAM UP WITH FRIENDS FOR CO-OP CHALLENGES AND EXCITING GAME MODES!
- RELIVE ICONIC TV MOMENTS AND EXPLORE BLUEY'S VIBRANT WORLD!
TMNT Mutants Unleashed - Standard Edition for Nintendo Switch
- UNLOCK HEROES' POTENTIAL WITH EPIC MOVES AND ABILITIES!
- EXPLORE ALL 5 BOROUGHS AND MEET ICONIC CHARACTERS!
- TEAM UP IN FUN COUCH CO-OP FOR DOUBLE THE ACTION!
Mx Vs ATV All Out - Nintendo Switch
- THRILLING 2-PLAYER SPLIT-SCREEN AND 8-PLAYER ONLINE COMPETITION!
- COMPETE IN DIVERSE MODES: SUPERCROSS, NATIONALS, FREESTYLE & MORE!
- CUSTOMIZE AND UPGRADE VEHICLES FOR ULTIMATE PERFORMANCE & STYLE!
Sonic Superstars - Nintendo Switch
- EXPERIENCE SONIC LIKE NEVER BEFORE WITH UNIQUE CHAOS EMERALD POWERS!
- TEAM UP AS SONIC, TAILS, KNUCKLES, AND AMY FOR EPIC GAMEPLAY!
- ENGAGE IN LOCAL CO-OP OR WORLDWIDE BATTLES FOR ENDLESS FUN!
SpongeBob SquarePants - A Patrick Star Game -Nintendo Switch
- HILARIOUS OPEN-WORLD CHAOS AWAITS IN BIKINI BOTTOM!
- ENJOY PHYSICS-BASED FUN WITH PUSHABLE OBJECTS AND MAYHEM!
- UNLOCK CLASSIC PATRICK OUTFITS WHILE COMPLETING ZANY CHALLENGES!
Super Mario Galaxy™ + Super Mario Galaxy™ 2
-
EXPERIENCE ENHANCED GRAPHICS AND GAMEPLAY ON NINTENDO SWITCH!
-
DIVE INTO TWO CLASSIC SUPER MARIO ADVENTURES IN ONE PACKAGE!
-
PORTABLE GAMING LETS YOU EXPLORE SPACE ANYWHERE, ANYTIME!
Stray - Nintendo Switch
- EXPLORE A VIBRANT CYBERCITY AS AN ADVENTUROUS CAT!
- UNRAVEL A CAPTIVATING MYSTERY AMIDST STUNNING VISUALS!
- COLLECT EXCLUSIVE ART CARDS WITH YOUR PHYSICAL EDITION!
In 2025, the Nintendo Switch continues to be one of the most popular gaming consoles, beloved for its versatility and expansive library of games. However, encountering issues such as a game not loading can be frustrating. This guide provides general troubleshooting steps to help you get back to gaming quickly.
Common Reasons for a Game Not Loading
Before diving into the solutions, it’s essential to understand some common reasons why a game might not load:
- Software Glitches: Temporary issues with the console's firmware or the game software.
- Corrupted Game Data: This can occur due to incomplete downloads or interruptions during updates.
- Network Issues: A poor internet connection can affect games that require online access or updates.
- Hardware Problems: Faulty hardware components, although rare, can also be the culprit.
Troubleshooting Steps
1. Restart Your Nintendo Switch
A simple restart can resolve temporary glitches. To restart your Nintendo Switch:
- Press and hold the power button on the top of your console.
- Select Power Options from the menu.
- Choose Restart.
If restarting doesn’t help, proceed to the next steps.
2. Check for Software Updates
Ensure that both your console and the game are up to date:
- For the Console: Go to System Settings > System > System Update.
- For the Game: Highlight the game on the Home menu and press + or -, then select Software Update > Via the Internet.
3. Verify and Repair Game Data
To fix potential corruption in your game data:
- Go to System Settings.
- Scroll to Data Management.
- Select Manage Software.
- Choose the problematic game and select Check for Corrupt Data.
This will identify and offer solutions to any corrupted data issues.
4. Boost Your Internet Connection
For games that rely on online access, a stable connection is crucial:
- Place your router closer to your Nintendo Switch or consider using a wired connection if possible.
- Disable other devices that may be hogging bandwidth.
5. Clear Cache
Clearing the cache can sometimes help resolve software issues:
- Go to System Settings.
- Select System > Formatting Options.
- Choose Clear Cache.
This will remove all temporary data without affecting your save data or screenshots.
6. Reinsert the Game Cartridge
If you have a physical copy of the game, try removing and reinserting it:
- Power down the console completely.
- Eject the game card, then gently clean its contacts.
- Reinsert the card and power the console back on.
7. Reinstall the Game
If none of the above steps solve the issue, consider uninstalling and reinstalling the game:
- Go to System Settings > Data Management > Manage Software.
- Choose the game and select Delete Software.
- Re-download or reinstall from the cartridge.
Considerations When Choosing Nintendo Switch Games
When purchasing new games, consider the following:
- Evaluate game reviews and ratings.
- Consider your gaming preferences, like RPGs on Nintendo Switch.
- Compare alternative platforms, such as Steam Deck vs Nintendo Switch.
Additional Resources
If you continue experiencing issues, you might also want to familiarize yourself with steps to quit a game on Nintendo Switch. This could help in restarting the game without rebooting the entire console.
By following these steps and understanding how to manage your console and games, you can enhance your gaming experience and quickly get back to enjoying your Nintendo Switch, even in the ever-evolving landscape of 2025.