Nintendo Switch and Switch 2 titles that triumphed at The Game Awards

The Game Awards gathered players and studios to recognize standout releases across genres this year. A number of winners are available on Nintendo Switch and Nintendo Switch 2, spanning action roguelikes, metroidvania, racing, strategy and long-running live titles. Below is a concise breakdown of each winner’s category, platform availability and the key gameplay ideas called out by the official announcement. Where an official trailer was included, its direct link appears as text. The tone here stays strictly factual – no sales pitches, just what matters to players.

Donkey Kong Bananza – Best Family Game

Platforms: Nintendo Switch 2

• Winner: Best Family Game
• Adventure with Donkey Kong and Pauline in a layered underground world that unfolds across arid canyons, lush forests and frigid tundra.
• Exploration focuses on peeling back environmental layers to reveal new areas and surprises.
• Official trailer: https://www.youtube-nocookie.com/embed/tdsRPs6rX4w

Mario Kart World – Best Sports/Racing Game

Platforms: Nintendo Switch 2

This series entry expands the scope of competition – the world is the racetrack, with events designed to feel truly global. Multiplayer heats up with larger fields and tighter pack racing.

• Winner: Best Sports/Racing Game
• Up to 24 drivers per race raises the stakes and grid density.
• Official trailer: https://www.youtube-nocookie.com/embed/SDNnD65yq4s

Hades II – Best Action Game

Platforms: Nintendo Switch 2, Nintendo Switch

The sequel builds on the studio’s rogue‑like combat with a mythic twist, as you wield dark sorcery against the Titan of Time. The setting remains rooted in the Underworld of Greek myth, with an emphasis on the origins of witchcraft.

• Winner: Best Action Game
• Run‑based progression returns with new spells, abilities and build synergies.
• Official trailer: https://www.youtube-nocookie.com/embed/PQ9pU5cV38Y

No Man’s Sky – Best Ongoing Game

Platforms: Nintendo Switch 2, Nintendo Switch

This continually updated space exploration title was recognized for long‑term support and evolution. Inspired by classic sci‑fi, it offers a galaxy to explore packed with unique planets, diverse lifeforms and persistent hazards.

• Winner: Best Ongoing Game
• Procedural exploration, survival loops and discovery remain central pillars.

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Hollow Knight: Silksong – Best Action/Adventure Game

Platforms: Nintendo Switch 2, Nintendo Switch

The metroidvania sequel shifts to new regions and a nimble moveset, emphasizing new powers and relentless encounters with hordes of bugs and beasts. Story threads promise secrets tied to the protagonist’s nature and past.

• Winner: Best Action/Adventure Game
• Exploration‑combat balance remains core, with fresh traversal tools.
• Official trailer: https://www.youtube-nocookie.com/embed/SyyNDebPKQE

Final Fantasy Tactics – The Ivalice Chronicles – Best Sim/Strategy Game

Platforms: Nintendo Switch 2, Nintendo Switch

The tactical RPG returns to Ivalice, a realm “blessed by the light of the gods” and ruled by the Two‑headed Lion. The setup follows the Fifty Years’ War and a succession crisis after the king’s death, laying the groundwork for political and battlefield maneuvering typical of the series.

• Winner: Best Sim/Strategy Game
• Grid‑based tactics, party building and class‑driven progression define combat depth.
• Official trailer: https://www.youtube-nocookie.com/embed/TW9vDi2U_7Q

At a glance – winners, categories and platforms

The table below summarizes the officially listed winners, their categories and where they are available on Nintendo systems.

Why it matters – a strong year for Switch players

These awards highlight genre‑defining experiences already playable on Nintendo hardware, from expansive space exploration to razor‑sharp action and deep tactics. For players, that means a clear roadmap of award‑winning games across Switch and Switch 2 – whether you want run‑based mastery, metroidvania discovery or large‑scale strategy, there is a recognized standout waiting.