5 Must-Play Nintendo Games for This Weekend (July 18)

Sure thing! Here’s a messy, totally human-sounding version of the article.

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Man, I can’t believe the Switch 2 has been out for, what, six weeks now? And people are still going bananas – no pun intended, you’ll see – about it. I mean, right now, it doesn’t have, like, a bazillion games or anything. But hey, big ones are on the way. Kirby Air Riders, Metroid Prime 4: Beyond – anyone else getting those nostalgic vibes? The cool bit though? It can play the old Switch stuff. So, you won’t be bored waiting for those new titles. Or at least, that’s what I’m telling myself while staring at the calendar.

With the sun being an absolute menace outside (don’t even talk to me about going out in that heat), finding new Nintendo games to dive into over the weekend feels essential. Trudging through the eShop feels like trying to find a pair of matching socks in my laundry basket. But. I have a handful of game suggestions to make it less of a mission—with one being that shining jewel already raking in raves and wondrous 2025 ratings.

So, let’s dive in—or wait. Oh yeah—you’ll need more weekend plans, right? Five Nintendo titles to feast on till Monday rears its ugly head. Two exclusives for Switch 2 only, sadly, but no worries if you’re still rocking the OG Switch.

### Donkey Kong Bananza

Okay, hands down, this has to sit at the top of my list this week. Everyone is losing their minds over our favorite banana-munching gorilla. Seriously. If you got the new Switch 2, chances are you’ll be glued to it, playing Donkey Kong Bananza all weekend. It’s that exciting anticipated thing that came out way back in April. Reviews? Stellar. Like, off-the-charts kind of good. Environments you can obliterate, a storyline that schnooks you right in, and collectibles galore. Considering letting DK tackle jungle stuff while you chill indoors? Smart move. Original Switch kids, sorry, you’ll have to wait—this one’s not for you.

### Fantasy Life i: The Girl Who Steals Time

I love a cozy RPG, who doesn’t? Available on both Switches—I have no clue what’s going on half the time in this life sim game, but that’s the beauty of it. Level-5 knew what they were doing. Different jobs, a crazy big world, and oh boy, the side quests. It’s like you’re on an island in some dreamy realm, taking on any of the 14 life classes. Time travel’s the kicker here. Build up a whole island, jumping between times. I swear, it’s one way to get stuck in another universe entirely.

### Survival Kids

Alright, so Survival Kids. Not exactly the crown jewel, let’s be real. Single-player is… well, meh. But in co-op with buddies? It’s hilarious and fun, especially with the new GameChat. Picture this: sitting with the AC on blast, laughing your way off a stranded island. Aimed for the younger at heart or those in need of zero stress. Really, who needs more chaos?

### Suikoden 1 & 2 HD Remaster: Gate Rune and Dunan Unification Wars

Feeling nostalgic? The remastered Suikoden is like opening a portal back to those ‘90s gaming nights – with sound updates and HD everything. Available everywhere. If you skipped this classic during its initial PS1 run, consider this your nudge to relive or discover it. Seriously, it’s getting all the love and might bring more remastered goodness down the line. Time to nerd out and reminisce about simpler gaming days.

### Tamagotchi Plaza

Oh, sweet pastel paradise! If managing mini-games in charming shops is your thing, Tamagotchi Plaza is calling your name. The first release outside Japan in decades—crazy, right? Grab it, play it, and watch those shops expand. Plus, local co-op lets you rope in a friend. With new features on Switch 2, it’s got all the whimsical, feel-good vibes. Some gamers might roll their eyes, but eh, it’s all in good fun, right?

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There you go—a chaotic stroll through gaming options this weekend. Enjoy!