By Jon Scarr
Nintendo had a strong showing at The Game Awards 2025, with two first-party Nintendo Switch 2 games taking home major awards during the ceremony. Donkey Kong Bananza was named Best Family Game, while Mario Kart World earned the award for Best Sports/Racing Game.
Both games are available exclusively on Nintendo Switch 2 and were highlighted as part of Nintendo’s continued focus on expanding its next-generation lineup. The wins capped off a night that also included recognition for several Nintendo publishing partners and new announcements tied to the system.
Donkey Kong Bananza and Mario Kart World Take Top Honors
Donkey Kong Bananza was recognized for its family-friendly design and inventive approach to 3D platforming. The game stars Donkey Kong in a large-scale action-adventure that emphasizes destruction-based exploration. Using DK’s strength, you can break through terrain, carve tunnels, and open new paths by reshaping the environment.
The game also introduces Pauline as a partner character. Her singing abilities unlock Bananza Transformations, giving Donkey Kong access to new abilities as the adventure progresses. Nintendo has also outlined post-launch support, including additional challenges and the DK Island & Emerald Rush DLC.
Mario Kart World secured its award by expanding the traditional Mario Kart formula. The game features interconnected courses that allow races to flow seamlessly between tracks, with support for up to 24 drivers in a single race. New modes include Knockout Tour, where racers are eliminated at checkpoints, and Free Roam, which lets you explore the world outside the track and take photos with friends.
Nintendo Partners Also Recognized
Nintendo’s presence at the awards extended beyond its own releases. Several games from Nintendo’s development and publishing partners also received top honors.
Hades II won Best Action Game, Hollow Knight: Silksong took home Best Action-Adventure Game, and FINAL FANTASY TACTICS – The Ivalice Chronicles was awarded Best Sim/Strategy Game. All three titles are available to play on Nintendo platforms, including Nintendo Switch 2 and Nintendo Switch.
New Nintendo Switch 2 Games Revealed
The Game Awards also featured announcements for upcoming Nintendo Switch 2 titles from third-party partners. Among them was Orbitals, a two-player co-op adventure set in a retro anime-inspired universe, launching exclusively on Nintendo Switch 2 in 2026.
Additional announcements included PRAGMATA from Capcom, a science-fiction action-adventure planned for 2026, Phasmophobia, a four-player online co-op psychological horror game coming to Nintendo Switch 2 in 2026, and Out of Words, a handcrafted two-player co-op platformer also launching that year.
Together, the awards and announcements highlighted Nintendo Switch 2’s growing lineup and its expanding support from both internal studios and external partners.