Gaming isn’t just a pastime for children, with complex puzzles or grizzly yet thrilling storylines aimed at older audiences become more and more abundant. Nintendo consoles are known for being more family friendly in their gaming offering but that doesn’t mean you can’t pick up games with more grown-up themes and content.

Let’s talk glow-ups because the Switch 2 didn’t just show up, it showed off. This slick new upgrade joins the family while the original Switch keeps holding it down as the fan-favourite (and wallet-friendly) choice. The real magic? Most of your beloved Switch classics step right onto the Switch 2 without missing a beat but with so much crossover it’s only fair to include both consoles.

Here, we run through a list of the best Switch and Switch 2 games for adults and why.

10. Cyberpunk 2077 Ultimate Edition

Console: Switch 2

Set in a dystopian cyberpunk universe, you take on the role of a mercenary imbued with the biochip of a rockstar come terrorist played by the iconic Keanu Reeves. A gritty, open world affair, you can choose different life paths, enhance different attributes and discover the seedy underbelly of Night City.

One of the best-selling videogames of all time, combining powerful perks allows for unique combat in a visually glorious city that is immersive and intense.

9. Resident Evil Requiem

Console: Switch 2

Another entry into the iconic survival horror franchise that is Resident Evil, Requiem takes players back to where it all began, Racon City. Often cited as the scariest entry in the franchise, this combines psychological horror with straight up jump scares as you try to survive the hotel where a biological outbreak caused a zombie infestation started.

A rich and immersive story, this is not for the faint hearted and will have you on the edge of your seat…or behind your sofa.

8.Batman Arkham Trilogy

Console: Switch (and backwards compatible with Switch 2)

Batman: Arkham Asylum, Batman: Arkham City and Batman: Arkham Knight were all iconic games in their own right when they first came out. Now, with all three combined in one, all of the downloadable content (DLC) included, and the graphics and gameplay optimised for the Switch, you can experience the epic trilogy all in one game.

Battle legendary Batman villains as you sneak through Arkham asylum or the streets of Gotham dealing in the grim reality of being on their turf not yours. A must play for all fans of Batman and a brilliant stealth action game even for those who aren’t.

7. Street Fighter 6: Years 1-2 Fighters Edition

Console: Switch 2

The classic beat-em-up steps into the modern era with flashy visuals and crazy combos that make this the king of combat games still. What’s more, it’s not just the standard tournament setting anymore but with an open world aspect and a party mode for fun with friends online or locally.

Fast paced, action-packed and violent, it has the same thrill it always had but in a shinier, more up-to-date package that combines nostalgia and newness all in one.

6. Mouse PI

Console: Switch 2

A beautifully made game that uses hand drawn animation reminiscent of the 1930s rubber-house cartoons. An indie game that utilises film noir tropes, you are a grizzled detective trying to unravel a mystery whilst battling thugs and political foes…oh, and you’re a mouse.

With nods to gaming classics and a stunning jazz soundtrack to boot, this is a must for film buffs, cartoon lovers or just straight up gamers that enjoy a witty piece of material to play with.

5. Red Dead Redemption

Console: Switch and Switch 2

With editions for either console, this open world game sees you placed in the boots of John Marsden in a Western adventure that sees you ride across the wild West and into Mexico in order to track down the gang of outlaws you once ran with.

Epically in depth with so much to do, learn to survive in the wild or pit your wits against gamblers, goons and those looking to get rich quick in nearby towns. But keep your gun loaded at all times, you never know what’s around the corner.

4. Tales of the Shire: A Lord of The Rings Game

Console: Switch (and backwards compatible with Switch 2)

Not inherently an adult game, this is just a nice cosy play where you potter about the shire, the home of the Hobbits from JRR Tolkien’s epic Lord of The Rings adventures, sourcing ingredients and making meals for friends.

No violence and with a cheery art style, why have we included it here? Because sometimes as an adult, you just need a non-offensive, no-stakes game to let your mind wander and relax with.

3. Balatro

Console: Switch and Switch 2

An indie game that uses the mechanics of poker with added intrigue, combine hands and defeat challenges with unique decks and special jokers to get higher and higher scores.

It’s simple fun that will keep you coming back time and again as you try to work out the best card combos and ride your luck to bigger prize pots.

2. Spiritfarer

Console: Switch and Switch 2

One of the most beautiful and heart-wrenching games you’ll ever play, it’s a soft and cosy management sim…about death. Navigate through the waters of the underworld, ferrying departed souls to their final destination and fulfilling their final wishes.

Again, not necessarily just for adults, the subject matter may seem a little heavy for younger gamers but it’s a genuinely uplifting way of learning how to let people go, bring a gentle and colourful look at grief, loss and the joy of memories.

1. Grand Theft Auto Trilogy

Console: Switch (and backwards compatible with Switch 2)

The first three 3D Grand Theft Auto games were as iconic as they were controversial. Satire on the ultra-capitalistic culture of the USA, these games were action-packed, thrillers that let you blast your way through the criminal underworld in a quest for ultimate riches.

Rolling all of these games into one and updating the graphics and framerate for a modern era, all the fun and nostalgia of the originals are there with better visuals and easier to control mechanics.

What Mature Games are in the Switch?

Most of the popular mature games do eventually get ported over to the Switch or Switch 2, as long as there is an audience for them. Whilst Nintendo like to focus their own offerings on the family friendly market, other game makers can make games aimed at an older audience for the consoles and regularly do.

Is Nintendo Switch OK for Adults?

Absolutely! Family friendly doesn’t mean aimed at children, with brilliant games that all ages will love as well as content exclusively for older gamers too. Whatever you like, there is definitely something for everyone and although the marketing of the Switch is for younger gamers, that shouldn’t turn off grown ups from picking one up.

Read our disclaimers.