I walked outside and immediately wished I could hop back into my warm bed. When the temperature drops below 40 degrees Fahrenheit, it’s time to dust off the gaming consoles. For me, that means the Nintendo Switch.

The winter season is the perfect time to dive back into gaming. As the days grow shorter and colder, most of us prefer to stay indoors with something fun to occupy our time. If you haven’t gamed in a while or are looking to revisit some once-loved Switch games, here are some great Nintendo Switch games to play this winter.

Animal Crossing: New Horizons

I have to admit that I’m a bit biased. Animal Crossing: New Horizons is my favorite game on the Nintendo Switch. I’ve been a loyal fan of the series since the Wild World days on the DS. In ACNH, players find themselves stranded on a deserted island and begin transforming it into a thriving community.

• Design Your Island: Customize your own paradise with the help of Tom Nook, who will guide you on your next steps.
• Show Off Your Crafting Skills: Collect materials to craft DIY projects, including tools, furniture, and other items to decorate your island.
• Multiplayer: Enjoy the game with up to four players on one console or eight players online.
• Purchase the game here.

Pokemon Legends ZA

Released in October 2025, this game is now available on Nintendo Switch and the new Nintendo Switch 2. I have just started this game. Like many others, I am not far into the storyline yet.

• A New City: Explore Lumiose City five years after the events of Pokémon X and Y.
• Be a Team Player: In this game, players are invited to join Team MZ to help protect the city.
• Need a Partner?: If you’ve played other Pokémon games, you’re likely familiar with choosing a partner. In this game, players can choose from Chikorita, Tepig, or Totodile as their first Pokémon.
• Purchase the game here.

Pokemon Violet

Released in November 2022, this has become a favorite Pokémon game of mine. It will be hard to beat. However, I haven’t finished playing ZA yet, so we’ll have to wait and see if ZA beats Violet.

In Violet, players roam in the open-world Paldea region. Catching, battling, and training Pokémon.

• Legendary Pokémon: The main difference between Pokémon Scarlet and Pokémon Violet lies in the legendary Pokémon that players will acquire in each game. In Violet, players will receive Miraidon, while in Scarlet, they will receive Koraidon.
• Open World: Explore at your own pace! The Paldea region is vast, offering plenty of opportunities to roam and discover its many surprises.
• Multiplayer: Enjoy playing with up to four friends online. You can explore, battle, and trade together!
• Purchase the game here.

Stardew Valley

Released in 2016, in this game, players will inherit a farm and perform tasks to restore it throughout gameplay.

• Manage the Farm: Create a farm featuring seasonal crops, livestock, and various farm equipment.
• Multiplayer: Collaborate with friends to develop your farm. Stardew Valley supports cross-platform play, allowing you to team up with up to three friends to build your farm together.
• Explore: Discover caves filled with treasures and encounter monsters. Be cautious as you explore!
• Purchase the game here.

Mario Kart 8

Compete against your friends or other Mario Kart enthusiasts from around the world online.

• Deluxe Version: Players need a paid Nintendo Switch Online membership for online play.
• Voice chat: This feature is available for friends.
• Game Modes: Up to 12 players can race online in Grand Prix, VS race, or Battle modes.
• Purchase the game here.

As the chill of winter settles in, there’s no better way to spend those cozy indoor days than by picking up your Nintendo Switch and diving into a world of adventure, creativity, and fun. Whether you’re revisiting old favorites or discovering new titles, gaming can make the long, cold months fly by. So grab a blanket, settle in, and let your next great gaming season begin.