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- Best overall: Nintendo Kirby and the Forgotten Land for Nintendo Switch
- Best budget: Nintendo Kirby Star Allies for Nintendo Switch
- Best premium: Nintendo Pokémon Legends: Arceus for Nintendo Switch
- Best for classic Pokémon fans: Nintendo Pokémon Brilliant Diamond for Nintendo Switch
- Nintendo Pokémon Legends: Arceus is the pick for solo players who want exploration, catching and action-RPG progression.
- Nintendo Kirby and the Forgotten Land is the stronger choice for 3D platforming and two-player local co-op.
- Nintendo Pokémon Brilliant Diamond and Nintendo Pokémon Shining Pearl suit players who prefer classic Pokémon journeys.
- Nintendo Kirby Star Allies and Nintendo Super Mario Odyssey add more family-friendly platforming options to the shortlist.
- Choose by preferred gameplay and player count first; use Black Friday 2026 to compare the exact editions and bundles available.
Nintendo Pokémon Legends: Arceus and Nintendo Kirby and the Forgotten Land offer two very different Nintendo Switch adventures, with 1-player exploration on one side and optional 2-player platforming on the other. I researched and compared specs, reviews and owner feedback to build a Black Friday 2026 shortlist that answers the real question: which game suits your play style?
Nintendo Pokémon Legends: Arceus leans into catching Pokémon, exploring broad environments and completing research tasks. Nintendo Kirby and the Forgotten Land focuses on colorful 3D stages, copy abilities and cooperative play. The guide also covers five alternatives for classic Pokémon fans, platformer fans and families. Here's the bottom line: pick the game whose core loop sounds fun after the first hour, not just the one with the more familiar character.
How We Picked
- Compared core gameplay, including exploration, action-RPG systems, platforming and collection.
- Checked official player counts and local cooperative options to identify games suited to solo play or shared sessions.
- Considered age ratings and the kind of challenge each title offers for households and younger players.
- Reviewed owner feedback and game features to separate long-form adventures from shorter, stage-based play.
- Selected Nintendo Switch titles that offer distinct alternatives within the Pokémon and family-platformer categories.
Comparison Table
| Product | Best for | Players | ESRB rating | Play style |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nintendo Pokémon Legends: Arceus for Nintendo Switch | Exploration-led solo play | 1 | E10+ | Action RPG |
| Nintendo Kirby and the Forgotten Land for Nintendo Switch | 3D platforming and co-op | 1-2 | E10+ | 3D platformer |
| Nintendo Pokémon Brilliant Diamond for Nintendo Switch | Classic Pokémon progression | 1 | E | Role-playing game |
| Nintendo Pokémon Shining Pearl for Nintendo Switch | Sinnoh region and gym battles | 1 | E | Role-playing game |
| Nintendo Kirby Star Allies for Nintendo Switch | Groups and local co-op | 1-4 | E | Side-scrolling platformer |
| Nintendo Super Mario Odyssey for Nintendo Switch | 3D platforming and exploration | 1-2 | E10+ | 3D platformer |
| Nintendo The Legend of Zelda: Link's Awakening for Nintendo Switch | Solo puzzle adventure | 1 | E | Action-adventure |
Best Picks Reviewed
#1
Nintendo Pokémon Legends: Arceus for Nintendo Switch
The Nintendo Pokémon Legends: Arceus for Nintendo Switch is the best exploration RPG for solo players who want to catch Pokémon in the field. The Nintendo Pokémon Legends: Arceus for Nintendo Switch's 1-player adventure blends real-time encounters with research and turn-based battles.
Best for: Solo players who enjoy exploration and catching
- Players
- 1
- ESRB rating
- E10+
- Genre
- Action RPG
- Game world
- 5 major wild areas
- Field catching gives exploration a clear purpose.
- Research tasks add goals beyond story missions.
- Action and turn-based battles provide variety.
- No local co-op option for shared play.
Is Nintendo Pokémon Legends: Arceus for Nintendo Switch worth buying on Black Friday 2026?
Yes. Nintendo Pokémon Legends: Arceus for Nintendo Switch is a strong pick for solo players who want an exploration-led Pokémon adventure, field catching and research tasks. The Nintendo Pokémon Legends: Arceus for Nintendo Switch's 1-player format suits focused individual sessions.
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#2 · Top pick
Nintendo Kirby and the Forgotten Land for Nintendo Switch
The Nintendo Kirby and the Forgotten Land for Nintendo Switch is the best 3D platformer for friends or families who want cooperative stages. The Nintendo Kirby and the Forgotten Land for Nintendo Switch's 1-2 player local play lets a second player join as Bandana Waddle Dee.
Best for: Families and co-op platformer fans
- Players
- 1-2
- ESRB rating
- E10+
- Genre
- 3D platformer
- Local co-op
- 2 players
- Local co-op makes stages easy to share.
- Copy abilities keep combat and puzzles varied.
- Bright presentation works well for family play.
- The second player controls a supporting character.
Is Nintendo Kirby and the Forgotten Land for Nintendo Switch worth buying on Black Friday 2026?
Yes. Nintendo Kirby and the Forgotten Land for Nintendo Switch is worth considering for players who want approachable 3D platforming and local co-op. The game supports 2 players, so a second person can join the adventure.
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#3
Nintendo Pokémon Brilliant Diamond for Nintendo Switch
The Nintendo Pokémon Brilliant Diamond for Nintendo Switch is the best classic-style Pokémon pick for players who want a structured region-to-region journey. The Nintendo Pokémon Brilliant Diamond for Nintendo Switch's 1-player story centers on collecting badges and building a team.
Best for: Pokémon fans who prefer a classic journey
- Players
- 1
- ESRB rating
- E
- Genre
- Role-playing game
- Main journey
- 8 gym badges
- A familiar gym-and-badge structure is easy to follow.
- Team building drives the journey.
- A useful alternative to open-area exploration.
- The classic structure offers less freedom than Arceus.
Is Nintendo Pokémon Brilliant Diamond for Nintendo Switch worth buying on Black Friday 2026?
Yes. Nintendo Pokémon Brilliant Diamond for Nintendo Switch is a good fit for players who want a traditional Pokémon journey with gym battles, badges and team building. The 1-player story follows a clear, familiar progression.
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#4
Nintendo Pokémon Shining Pearl for Nintendo Switch
The Nintendo Pokémon Shining Pearl for Nintendo Switch is the best classic Pokémon alternative for players drawn to the Sinnoh region and a badge-focused story. The Nintendo Pokémon Shining Pearl for Nintendo Switch's 1-player campaign follows 8 gym leaders.
Best for: Sinnoh fans seeking a traditional RPG
- Players
- 1
- ESRB rating
- E
- Genre
- Role-playing game
- Gym leaders
- 8
- Classic progression gives the adventure clear milestones.
- Pokémon collection supports different team strategies.
- A strong match for fans of traditional battles.
- The gameplay loop feels more linear than Arceus.
Is Nintendo Pokémon Shining Pearl for Nintendo Switch worth buying on Black Friday 2026?
Yes. Nintendo Pokémon Shining Pearl for Nintendo Switch suits players who want a traditional Pokémon RPG with a defined route through the Sinnoh region. The Nintendo Pokémon Shining Pearl for Nintendo Switch's 8-gym structure gives the 1-player campaign clear goals.
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#5
Nintendo Kirby Star Allies for Nintendo Switch
The Nintendo Kirby Star Allies for Nintendo Switch is the best side-scrolling pick for groups who want simple, shared action. The Nintendo Kirby Star Allies for Nintendo Switch's 1-4 player local play makes it the largest co-op group option in this guide.
Best for: Groups who want 4-player local co-op
- Players
- 1-4
- ESRB rating
- E
- Genre
- Side-scrolling platformer
- Local co-op
- 4 players
- Up to 4 players can adventure locally.
- Kirby’s copy abilities keep combat accessible.
- A strong couch-play option for groups.
- The side-scrolling format differs from Forgotten Land’s 3D stages.
Is Nintendo Kirby Star Allies for Nintendo Switch worth buying on Black Friday 2026?
Yes. Nintendo Kirby Star Allies for Nintendo Switch is a strong family-game choice when 4-player local co-op matters most. The side-scrolling stages offer an accessible alternative to the 3D platforming in Kirby and the Forgotten Land.
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#6
Nintendo Super Mario Odyssey for Nintendo Switch
The Nintendo Super Mario Odyssey for Nintendo Switch is the best 3D platformer for solo players who want inventive worlds and collectible-driven exploration. The Nintendo Super Mario Odyssey for Nintendo Switch's 1-2 player mode adds an optional second-player role.
Best for: 3D platformer fans who enjoy exploration
- Players
- 1-2
- ESRB rating
- E10+
- Genre
- 3D platformer
- Main collectible
- Power Moons
- Large worlds reward curiosity and exploration.
- Cappy abilities create varied platforming options.
- A good solo alternative to Kirby’s co-op focus.
- The second player has a more limited role.
Is Nintendo Super Mario Odyssey for Nintendo Switch worth buying on Black Friday 2026?
Yes. Nintendo Super Mario Odyssey for Nintendo Switch is worth considering for players who want a solo-friendly 3D platformer with exploration and collectible hunting. The Nintendo Super Mario Odyssey for Nintendo Switch's optional 2-player mode adds a supporting role for shared sessions.
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#7
Nintendo The Legend of Zelda: Link's Awakening for Nintendo Switch
The Nintendo The Legend of Zelda: Link's Awakening for Nintendo Switch is the best compact adventure for solo players who want puzzles, dungeons and top-down exploration. The Nintendo The Legend of Zelda: Link's Awakening for Nintendo Switch's 1-player format keeps the focus on a personal quest.
Best for: Solo players who enjoy puzzles and dungeons
- Players
- 1
- ESRB rating
- E
- Genre
- Action-adventure
- Dungeon count
- 8 main dungeons
- Dungeon puzzles add structure to exploration.
- The top-down view offers a change from 3D platformers.
- A focused solo adventure with clear objectives.
- No multiplayer option for co-op sessions.
Is Nintendo The Legend of Zelda: Link's Awakening for Nintendo Switch worth buying on Black Friday 2026?
Yes. Nintendo The Legend of Zelda: Link's Awakening for Nintendo Switch fits solo players who want puzzle-solving, dungeon exploration and a focused adventure. The Nintendo The Legend of Zelda: Link's Awakening for Nintendo Switch's 8 main dungeons give the journey a clear sequence of challenges.
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Which game is better: Pokémon Legends: Arceus or Kirby and the Forgotten Land?
Nintendo Pokémon Legends: Arceus is the better fit for solo exploration, while Nintendo Kirby and the Forgotten Land is the better pick for 2-player platforming. The right choice depends on whether catching and research or stages and co-op sound more fun.
Nintendo Pokémon Legends: Arceus gives players broad areas to explore, Pokémon to catch and research tasks to complete. Battles combine action elements with turn-based decisions, creating a different rhythm from a traditional gym-focused Pokémon game.
Nintendo Kirby and the Forgotten Land offers colorful 3D stages, copy abilities and a second-player option. Choose Pokémon for a longer solo adventure centered on discovery. Choose Kirby when easy-to-share gameplay and platforming are priorities.
Is Pokémon Legends: Arceus a better Black Friday 2026 pick for Pokémon fans?
Nintendo Pokémon Legends: Arceus is the stronger pick for Pokémon fans who want exploration and field catching in a 1-player adventure. The game shifts the focus from a standard gym challenge to observing and researching Pokémon.
That change gives each trip into the wild a practical purpose: players gather information, complete objectives and build their collection. The action-RPG structure also changes how encounters feel compared with the more traditional Pokémon Brilliant Diamond and Pokémon Shining Pearl.
Choose Nintendo Pokémon Legends: Arceus for a fresh-feeling Pokémon loop and focused solo play. Choose a classic-style entry if badges, gym leaders and a familiar region-to-region story matter more.
Is Kirby and the Forgotten Land good for two players?
Nintendo Kirby and the Forgotten Land supports 2-player local co-op, making it the strongest pick here for a shared 3D platforming adventure. Player one controls Kirby, while player two joins as Bandana Waddle Dee.
The supporting role keeps the game accessible for mixed-skill pairs, including a parent and child or a more experienced player helping a beginner. Kirby’s copy abilities bring variety to combat and exploration, while stage-based progression gives sessions a simple start-and-finish structure.
For a larger group, Nintendo Kirby Star Allies supports up to 4 local players and uses side-scrolling stages. Pick Forgotten Land for 3D platforming with one co-op partner; choose Star Allies for couch play with a bigger group.
Which Nintendo Switch game is best for families?
Nintendo Kirby Star Allies is the best family pick for groups of up to 4 players, while Nintendo Kirby and the Forgotten Land is the best fit for a two-player team. Both carry an E or E10+ rating, so check each game’s rating and content for your household.
Nintendo Kirby Star Allies makes local group play its standout feature. Nintendo Kirby and the Forgotten Land offers 3D stages and a supporting second-player role. Nintendo Super Mario Odyssey is another option for families who prefer a solo-led platformer with an optional second player.
For children who enjoy collecting creatures more than platforming, Nintendo Pokémon Brilliant Diamond and Nintendo Pokémon Shining Pearl offer structured, 1-player journeys. Match the game to the number of players and the kind of challenge everyone enjoys.
What should I compare before choosing a game on Black Friday 2026?
Compare gameplay style, player count and edition details before choosing a Nintendo Switch game for Black Friday 2026. Those three checks matter more than picking a title only because its characters are familiar.
A solo player seeking exploration should start with Nintendo Pokémon Legends: Arceus or Nintendo The Legend of Zelda: Link's Awakening. A pair seeking shared platforming should compare Nintendo Kirby and the Forgotten Land with Nintendo Super Mario Odyssey. Groups should put Nintendo Kirby Star Allies on the shortlist.
Check that the listing matches the intended game and platform, then compare included content and physical or digital format. For gifts, verify the recipient’s preferred genre and whether local multiplayer matters. A clear gameplay match makes the purchase more satisfying.
Buying Guide
Choose exploration or stage-based play
Nintendo Pokémon Legends: Arceus is the pick for broad exploration and field catching; Nintendo Kirby and the Forgotten Land is the pick for 3D stages. Decide which loop sounds better before comparing other details.
Check the player count
Nintendo Kirby Star Allies supports up to 4 local players, while Nintendo Pokémon Legends: Arceus is a 1-player adventure. Match the game to the number of people who will regularly play.
Pick classic or changed-up Pokémon gameplay
Nintendo Pokémon Brilliant Diamond and Nintendo Pokémon Shining Pearl use a familiar badge-focused structure. Nintendo Pokémon Legends: Arceus puts more emphasis on field exploration, catching and research.
Consider age rating and challenge
Check the ESRB rating for every game and consider the player’s comfort with battles, puzzles and platforming. Kirby’s accessible co-op and Pokémon’s collection goals appeal to different ages and interests.
Verify the exact listing
Before ordering, confirm the Nintendo Switch platform, full game title, physical or digital format and any included bundle content. Comparing matching editions makes Black Friday 2026 shopping clearer.
FAQ
Is Pokémon Legends: Arceus better than Kirby and the Forgotten Land?
Nintendo Pokémon Legends: Arceus is better for solo exploration and Pokémon catching, while Nintendo Kirby and the Forgotten Land is better for 3D platforming and 2-player co-op. Choose based on gameplay preference, not character popularity alone.
Can two people play Kirby and the Forgotten Land together?
Yes. Nintendo Kirby and the Forgotten Land supports 2-player local co-op. One player controls Kirby and the other plays as Bandana Waddle Dee, making the game a solid choice for a shared platforming session.
Which Kirby game supports 4 players on Nintendo Switch?
Nintendo Kirby Star Allies supports up to 4 players locally. The side-scrolling platformer is the strongest pick in this guide for a group that wants to play together on one Nintendo Switch system.
Which Pokémon game should beginners choose on Nintendo Switch?
Nintendo Pokémon Brilliant Diamond and Nintendo Pokémon Shining Pearl offer a structured, badge-focused journey that is easy to follow. Nintendo Pokémon Legends: Arceus suits beginners who prefer exploration and field catching over a traditional gym route.
Is Super Mario Odyssey a good alternative to Kirby and the Forgotten Land?
Yes. Nintendo Super Mario Odyssey is a strong alternative for players who want 3D platforming and exploration. Nintendo Kirby and the Forgotten Land is the better match for players who prioritize local co-op stages.
What is the best Black Friday 2026 Nintendo Switch game for solo players?
Nintendo Pokémon Legends: Arceus is the best solo pick for exploration and collecting, while Nintendo The Legend of Zelda: Link's Awakening suits players who prefer puzzles and dungeons. Choose the adventure style that fits the recipient.