With the release of the Switch Lite, you might already be deep into your search for which games will be best on the new handheld console. The Switch Lite can play any of the Switch's library of games which support handheld play. Here are a few of the games already out that have great handheld controls for the Switch.

★ Featured favorite: Mario Kart 8 Deluxe

Mario Kart is a classic Nintendo Party game, and with Mario Kart 8 Deluxe you can easily take it on-the-go. An entire Grand Prix seldom takes more than 30 minutes to complete, so it's a great game to play while you are traveling on a train or bus.

$50 at Amazon

Stop and Smell the Roses: Stardew Valley

Staff Pick

I find Stardew Valley to be one of the most relaxing games to get lost in. A game with farming, fishing, mining, or fighting, there is a little something for anybody. Plus, the game saves at the end of each in-game day, you can play a day while on the way to work or a day at lunch.

$15 at Nintendo

Catch 'Em While you Wait: Pokemon: Let's Go!

Pokemon: Let's Go! works great in handheld mode. Unlike older Pokemon games, this one sports a more Pokemon Go style of lobbing the ball with an analog stick which in itself can be fun. Pick your favorite, Pikachu or Eevee, and collect the rest. It is a great way to get your Pokemon fix while waiting for the new Sword and Shield!

$44 at Amazon

Splatter Packed Party: Splatoon 2

Gameplay in Splatoon 2 is comparable between docked and handheld modes, but when you are trying to hone in on those perfectly aimed shots having the screen in your hands can actually be better. Splatter some paint where you will, Splatoon 2 is a great handheld option for the Switch Lite.

$60 at Amazon

Post Apocalyptic Time Waster: Fallout Shelter

Build and manage your perfect vault as Overseer! Fallout Shelter was initially designed as a mobile game, making it ideal for on-the-go playstyle. It's is not a game you have to focus on too hard, play a little wherever you can, and still feel like you've made progress on your vault.

Free at Nintendo

Go Bananas: Donkey Kong Tropical Freeze

Donkey Kong is another classic Nintendo name and Tropical Freeze has remained largely unchanged since its initial release on the Wii U. It's an excellent 2D platformer; it doesn't shy from difficulty for platformer fans but it also isn't impossibly daunting for those new to the Donkey Kong titles.

$48 at Amazon

Remake the re-release: Legend of Zelda Link's Awakening

Link's Awakening is not a new title to Nintendo fans. This game has had two releases before this one and all three are rave successes. Whether you are a long time Legend of Zelda fan or new to the franchise with Breath of the Wild, or even still if this would be your first Zelda game, it is a great place to start.

$60 at Amazon

Gaming on the go

When shopping for games that are ports instead of original to the Switch always check reviews for how the controls feel, some games just run clucky if they are going from PC to handheld. But whether you like Mario Kart style racing games or prefer something a little slower paced like Stardew Valley for its farming simulation, Nintendo has something for you.

With over 2,000 games in its library that already support handheld play, the list of games for Switch Lite won't be lacking at launch. And you know there will be much more to come.

We may earn a commission for purchases using our links. Learn more.