The 10 Best Classic Games on Nintendo Switch in 2026

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# The 10 Best Classic Games on Nintendo Switch in 2026

Hey there, fellow retro gamers! Are you ready to relive the glory days of gaming on your Nintendo Switch? You’ve come to the right place. We’ve scoured the eShop and beyond to bring you the definitive list of the **10 best classic games on Switch** you absolutely need to play in 2026. Get ready for a nostalgia trip!

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## 1. Super Metroid (Nintendo Switch Online)

**Best For:** Atmospheric exploration and challenging gameplay

**Key Features:**

* Non-linear world design encourages exploration.
* Power-ups and upgrades unlock new areas and abilities.
* Intense boss battles test your skills.

**Why We Like It:**

Super Metroid isn’t just a classic; it’s a masterpiece of game design. Its haunting atmosphere, intricate level design, and rewarding exploration make it a timeless adventure that holds up incredibly well on the Nintendo Switch. Being part of the Nintendo Switch Online service makes it easily accessible to anyone with a subscription, providing countless hours of engaging gameplay. The sense of isolation and discovery as you uncover the secrets of Zebes is unmatched.

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## 2. Castlevania Advance Collection

**Best For:** A variety of classic Castlevania experiences

**Key Features:**

* Includes *Castlevania: Circle of the Moon*, *Castlevania: Harmony of Dissonance*, and *Castlevania: Aria of Sorrow*.
* Rewind feature helps overcome challenging sections.
* Save states allow for convenient progress.

**Why We Like It:**

The Castlevania Advance Collection is a treasure trove for fans of the series. These three Game Boy Advance titles represent some of the best entries in the franchise, offering a blend of exploration, combat, and RPG elements. The collection’s quality-of-life improvements, such as rewind and save states, make these challenging games more accessible to modern players. This is the perfect way to experience these iconic **classic games on Switch**.

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## 3. Sonic Mania Plus

**Best For:** High-speed platforming action

**Key Features:**

* Retro-inspired graphics and gameplay.
* New playable characters and levels in the “Encore Mode”.
* Fast-paced and challenging level design.

**Why We Like It:**

Sonic Mania Plus is a love letter to the original Sega Genesis Sonic games. It captures the speed, challenge, and charm of the classics while adding new levels, characters, and features. The game’s vibrant graphics, catchy music, and tight controls make it a joy to play, and the “Encore Mode” provides a fresh twist on the classic formula. If you’re looking for a dose of pure, unadulterated Sonic nostalgia, this is the game for you. It is a must-have for anyone looking for **classic games on Switch**.

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## 4. Street Fighter 30th Anniversary Collection

**Best For:** Fighting game enthusiasts and retro arcade lovers.

**Key Features:**

* Includes 12 classic Street Fighter games, including *Street Fighter II: Hyper Fighting* and *Street Fighter III: Third Strike*.
* Online multiplayer for ranked and casual matches.
* Museum mode with concept art, history, and music.

**Why We Like It:**

The Street Fighter 30th Anniversary Collection is a definitive collection of fighting game history. It includes a wide range of Street Fighter games, from the original to the groundbreaking *Street Fighter III: Third Strike*. The inclusion of online multiplayer allows players to test their skills against others around the world, while the museum mode provides a fascinating look into the development and evolution of the series. A great way to enjoy the **classic games on Switch**.

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## 5. Chrono Trigger

**Best For:** JRPG fans seeking a timeless adventure.

**Key Features:**

* Engaging story with multiple endings.
* Innovative battle system with combo attacks.
* Memorable characters and soundtrack.

**Why We Like It:**

Chrono Trigger is widely considered one of the greatest JRPGs of all time, and for good reason. Its time-traveling story is captivating, its characters are memorable, and its battle system is innovative and fun. The game’s multiple endings add replayability, and its overall polish and quality make it a timeless classic. The Switch version offers a solid way to experience this masterpiece. This is a must-play among the **classic games on Switch**.

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## 6. Mega Man Legacy Collection 1 & 2

**Best For:** Platforming challenges and iconic boss battles.

**Key Features:**

* Includes the first 10 Mega Man games.
* Challenge mode with remixed stages and leaderboards.
* Museum mode with concept art and music.

**Why We Like It:**

The Mega Man Legacy Collections offer a comprehensive look at the early years of the Blue Bomber. These games are known for their challenging platforming, iconic boss battles, and catchy music. The collections include a variety of bonus features, such as challenge modes and museum content, making them a great value for fans of the series.

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## 7. Contra Anniversary Collection

**Best For:** Run-and-gun action and co-op gameplay.

**Key Features:**

* Includes classic Contra games like *Contra*, *Super Contra*, and *Contra III: The Alien Wars*.
* Bonus Book with design documents and interviews.
* Local co-op multiplayer.

**Why We Like It:**

The Contra Anniversary Collection is a blast from the past for fans of run-and-gun action. These games are known for their challenging gameplay, over-the-top weapons, and intense boss battles. The collection includes a bonus book with design documents and interviews, providing a fascinating look into the development of the series. Playing these **classic games on Switch** in co-op is an amazing experience.

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## 8. Ninja Gaiden: Master Collection

**Best For:** Hardcore action fans seeking a challenge.

**Key Features:**

* Includes *Ninja Gaiden Sigma*, *Ninja Gaiden Sigma 2*, and *Ninja Gaiden 3: Razor’s Edge*.
* Fast-paced and challenging combat.
* Variety of weapons and ninpo techniques.

**Why We Like It:**

The Ninja Gaiden: Master Collection brings three challenging action games to the Nintendo Switch. These games are known for their fast-paced combat, demanding difficulty, and stylish presentation. The collection offers a variety of weapons and ninpo techniques to master, making it a rewarding experience for players who are up for the challenge.

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## 9. Final Fantasy VI

**Best For:** JRPG fans seeking a deep and emotional story.

**Key Features:**

* Engaging story with a large cast of characters.
* Innovative battle system with magic and summons.
* Memorable music and soundtrack.

**Why We Like It:**

Final Fantasy VI is considered by many to be one of the best Final Fantasy games of all time. Its story is epic and emotional, its characters are well-developed, and its battle system is innovative and fun. The game’s music is also particularly memorable. The Switch version provides a great way to experience this classic JRPG.

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## 10. Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic

**Best For:** RPG fans and Star Wars enthusiasts.

**Key Features:**

* Engaging story set in the Star Wars universe.
* Choice-driven gameplay with light and dark side decisions.
* Customizable character builds and party members.

**Why We Like It:**

Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic is a classic RPG that puts you in the role of a Jedi Knight in the Star Wars universe. The game’s story is engaging, its characters are memorable, and its choice-driven gameplay allows you to shape your own destiny. The Switch version allows you to experience this epic adventure on the go.

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## Buying Guide: What to Consider When Choosing Classic Games on Switch

When choosing **classic games on Switch**, there are several factors to keep in mind:

* **Genre:** What type of games do you enjoy? Are you a fan of platformers, RPGs, fighting games, or action games?
* **Nostalgia:** Which **classic games** did you enjoy playing in the past? Consider games that evoke fond memories.
* **Gameplay:** Do you prefer challenging or more relaxed gameplay? Some **classic games** can be quite difficult.
* **Price:** Consider the price of the game or collection. Some **classic games** are available as part of a subscription service, while others must be purchased individually.
* **Reviews:** Read reviews from other players to get an idea of the game’s quality and how well it holds up today.

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## Conclusion

So there you have it – our top 10 picks for the **best classic games on Nintendo Switch** in 2026! Whether you’re a seasoned retro gamer or new to the classics, there’s something on this list for everyone. We hope you enjoyed this list of the **classic games on Switch** and that you found some new favorites to play.

If we had to pick just one,

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