Best Value Games For Nintendo Switch 2

On The Table Read Magazine, “the best entertainment eBook magazine UK“, discover the shocking price gap between Nintendo’s best and worst value games, from Xenoblade Chronicles 3 at 80p per hour to Metroid Dread at £5.55, and make smarter gaming choices for the Nintendo Switch 2!

With the launch of the Nintendo Switch 2 on June 5, 2025, gamers are diving into Nintendo’s iconic franchises on the new console. However, as prices for everyday products continue to climb, luxuries like gaming are becoming harder to justify for the average consumer. Nintendo games are renowned for holding their value, but are they truly worth the time and money you invest?

A recent study by GamingGadgets.io has crunched the numbers, analyzing the top-rated Nintendo games from the last five years to uncover which titles offer the best bang for your buck—and which ones might leave your wallet feeling lighter than expected.

The study collected data on each game’s current price, the average time required to complete it, and calculated the cost per hour of gameplay. The results reveal a shocking price gap, with some beloved titles costing as little as 80p per hour, while others demand a staggering £5.55 per hour. Below, we dive into the details of each game, exploring why some are incredible value and others fall short, especially as players gear up for the Nintendo Switch 2 era.

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Best Value Games For Nintendo Switch 2

1. Xenoblade Chronicles 3 – £0.80 per Hour

Price: £49.99 | Completion Time: 62.5 hours

Topping the list as the most cost-effective Nintendo game is Xenoblade Chronicles 3, developed by Monolith Soft and published by Nintendo. This action role-playing game (RPG) immerses players in a sprawling open world with a rich narrative and deep combat mechanics. Priced at £49.99, its impressive 62.5-hour average completion time translates to just 80p per hour of gameplay, making it a steal for RPG enthusiasts.

The game follows the intertwined fates of two nations, Keves and Agnus, in a war-torn world called Aionios. Players control a party of six characters, blending real-time combat with strategic elements and breathtaking exploration. Its lengthy campaign, combined with side quests and post-game content, ensures players get plenty of value. With an upcoming update planned for the Nintendo Switch 2, Xenoblade Chronicles 3 is poised to look and perform even better on the new hardware, making it a must-have for cost-conscious gamers.

2. Animal Crossing: New Horizons – £0.81 per Hour

Price: £49.99 | Completion Time: ~61.5 hours

A close second is Animal Crossing: New Horizons, the cozy life simulator that took the world by storm in 2020. For £49.99, players can spend countless hours crafting their dream island, befriending quirky villagers, and customizing every detail of their virtual paradise. The study estimates an average completion time of 61.5 hours, resulting in a cost of just 81p per hour.

Unlike traditional games with a defined endpoint, Animal Crossing offers endless replayability. Whether you’re fishing, decorating, or hosting seasonal events, the game’s relaxed pace encourages long-term engagement. For Nintendo Switch 2 players, the game’s vibrant visuals and soothing gameplay will likely shine even brighter with enhanced performance, making it an excellent investment for those seeking a low-cost, high-value experience.

3. The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom – £1.02 per Hour

Price: £59.99 | Completion Time: ~58.8 hours

The critically acclaimed sequel to Breath of the Wild, The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom (2023), secures third place with a cost of £1.02 per hour. Priced at £59.99, this open-world masterpiece offers roughly 58.8 hours of gameplay, blending exploration, puzzle-solving, and combat across the expansive land and skies of Hyrule.

Players control Link as he navigates a world transformed by mysterious floating islands and a sinister force. The game’s innovative mechanics, like the Ultrahand ability for building contraptions, add depth and creativity to every moment. Despite its higher price tag, the sheer scope and replayability of Tears of the Kingdom make it a fantastic value. On the Nintendo Switch 2, expect smoother performance and potentially enhanced visuals, further solidifying its worth.

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Middle-of-the-Pack Value

4. The Legend of Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom – £2.38 per Hour

Price: £49.99 | Completion Time: 21 hours

The newest addition to the Zelda franchise, The Legend of Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom (2024), ranks fourth but offers less value than its predecessors. Priced at £49.99, the game takes approximately 21 hours to complete, resulting in a cost of £2.38 per hour.

Unlike traditional Zelda titles, Echoes of Wisdom stars Princess Zelda as the protagonist, using her magical abilities to summon echoes of objects and creatures to solve puzzles and battle enemies. Its top-down perspective and charming art style evoke classic Zelda games, but the shorter runtime limits its cost efficiency. While still a delightful experience, players looking for longevity may find it less sustainable compared to Tears of the Kingdom or Xenoblade Chronicles 3. On the Switch 2, the game’s crisp visuals will likely pop, but its value remains moderate.

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The Worst Value Nintendo Games

5. Kirby and the Forgotten Land – £4.76 per Hour

Price: £49.99 | Completion Time: 10.5 hours

Kirby and the Forgotten Land (2022), developed by HAL Laboratory, marks the pink puffball’s first foray into a fully 3D platformer. While the game earned praise for its charming post-apocalyptic world and cooperative gameplay, its £49.99 price tag and short 10.5-hour completion time result in a steep £4.76 per hour.

Players guide Kirby through vibrant stages, inhaling enemies to gain abilities and uncovering secrets in a forgotten civilization. The game’s accessibility and co-op mode make it family-friendly, but its brevity disappoints for solo players seeking value. Even with potential Switch 2 enhancements, Kirby and the Forgotten Land struggles to justify its cost for budget-conscious gamers.

6. Super Mario Bros. Wonder – £5.00 per Hour

Price: £49.99 | Completion Time: 10 hours

The iconic Super Mario Bros. Wonder (2023) is a surprising disappointment in terms of value, costing a whopping £5.00 per hour. Priced at £49.99, this 2D platformer takes only about 10 hours to complete, despite its critical acclaim for stunning visuals and inventive level design.

Set in the Flower Kingdom, Wonder introduces Wonder Flowers that transform levels with surreal effects, like warping environments or turning Mario into an elephant. Its polished gameplay and multiplayer support are undeniable highlights, but the short runtime undermines its cost efficiency. For Switch 2 players, the game’s colorful art will likely dazzle, but its high cost per hour makes it a tough sell for those prioritizing value.

7. Metroid Dread – £5.55 per Hour

Price: £49.99 | Completion Time: 9 hours

At the bottom of the list is Metroid Dread (2021), the worst value Nintendo game in the study. Priced at £49.99, this 2D action-adventure title takes roughly 9 hours to complete, resulting in a costly £5.55 per hour. Despite being nominated for Game of the Year in 2021, its short duration makes it a poor choice for cost-conscious players.

Players control bounty hunter Samus Aran as she explores the planet ZDR, evading relentless E.M.M.I. robots and uncovering secrets. The game’s tight controls and atmospheric design are stellar, but its limited playtime and lack of replayability hurt its value. Even with potential Switch 2 optimizations, Metroid Dread is hard to recommend for those watching their gaming budget.

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Why These Price Gaps Matter

The GamingGadgets.io study highlights a stark divide between Nintendo’s most and least cost-effective games. Titles like Xenoblade Chronicles 3 and Animal Crossing: New Horizons offer dozens of hours of content for under £1 per hour, making them ideal for players seeking long-term entertainment. Conversely, shorter games like Super Mario Bros. Wonder and Metroid Dread demand a premium for their polished but brief experiences, potentially alienating budget-conscious fans.

As the Nintendo Switch 2 ushers in a new era of gaming, these findings are especially relevant. With enhanced hardware, many of these games will receive updates or run better, but their core value remains tied to playtime and price. For gamers navigating rising costs, prioritizing titles with low cost-per-hour ratios can stretch their gaming budget further.

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Final Thoughts

Nintendo’s lineup is packed with unforgettable experiences, but not all games are created equal when it comes to value. Xenoblade Chronicles 3, Animal Crossing: New Horizons, and The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom stand out as smart investments, offering hours of immersive gameplay for minimal cost per hour. On the other hand, Super Mario Bros. Wonder, Metroid Dread, and Kirby and the Forgotten Land may delight with their quality but fall short in longevity.

As you plan your Nintendo Switch 2 library, consider these cost-per-hour insights to make informed choices. Whether you’re exploring Aionios, building an island paradise, or adventuring in Hyrule, the best value games ensure your gaming dollars go the distance.