Gaming in 2026: Crossplay, PEGI Ratings, Nintendo Switch Games

Summary: This article covers some of the best Nintendo Switch games available, PEGI ratings, and more.

• The top 10 Nintendo Switch games are ranked by PEGI rating, helping players of all ages find the right title.
• This guide covers crossplay support for major games like Minecraft, Diablo 4, GTA 5, Valorant, Phasmophobia, and Dead by Daylight.
• It includes tips on finding a cheap gaming PC that performs well across different budget tiers.
• The Tom Clancy franchise is explored, from Rainbow Six Siege to The Division and Splinter Cell.

Whether you’re a seasoned veteran or just getting started, the modern gaming landscape is more connected – and more complicated – than ever. From cross-platform play to finding an affordable setup, here’s everything you need to know to game smarter in 2026.

Crossplay: Gaming Without Borders

One of the biggest shifts in gaming over the past few years is the rise of crossplay – the ability for players on different platforms (PC, PlayStation, Xbox, Nintendo Switch, mobile) to play together in the same game. But not every title supports it equally. Here’s a breakdown of the most-asked crossplay questions right now.

Is Phasmophobia Crossplay?

Phasmophobia – the beloved co-op ghost-hunting horror game – has been on a long road toward full cross-platform support. As of 2025-2026, Phasmophobia supports crossplay between PC (Steam) and VR platforms, but full console crossplay (PlayStation, Xbox) has been in development and rolling out in phases. If you’re planning a ghost-hunting session with friends, check the game’s current patch notes for the latest platform parity status, as Kinetic Games has been actively expanding its crossplay infrastructure.

Is GTA 5 Crossplay?

The short and slightly disappointing answer: No, GTA 5 and GTA Online do not support crossplay. Rockstar Games has kept each platform ecosystem entirely separate – PC players can’t team up with PS5 or Xbox Series X players. This has been a long-standing community request, but as of now, your GTA crew needs to be on the same platform. With GTA 6 on the horizon, there’s hope Rockstar may reconsider this stance for its next major release.

Is Minecraft Cross Platform?

Good news here: Yes – Minecraft (Bedrock Edition) is one of the best examples of crossplay done right. Players on PC (Windows), Xbox, PlayStation, Nintendo Switch, iOS, and Android can all play together seamlessly. The key distinction is that Minecraft Java Edition (the original PC version) does not support crossplay with consoles. If cross-platform play matters to you, make sure everyone is on Bedrock Edition.

Is Valorant Crossplay?

Valorant does not currently support crossplay between PC and consoles. Riot Games launched Valorant on consoles in 2024, but kept the ecosystems separate – largely due to the competitive integrity concerns of mixing mouse-and-keyboard players with controller players. Console players are matched with other console players, and PC remains its own competitive world. Cross-progression (sharing your account cosmetics across platforms) is supported, but cross-play remains off the table for now.

Is Diablo 4 Cross Platform?

Yes! Diablo 4 fully supports cross-platform play and cross-progression. Whether you’re on PC, PlayStation, or Xbox, you can dungeon-crawl with friends regardless of their platform. Blizzard has done a solid job here – this is one of the standout examples of a major AAA title nailing the crossplay experience. You can also carry your character progress across platforms, making it easy to switch between your gaming setups.

Is Dead by Daylight Crossplay?

Yes, Dead by Daylight supports crossplay across PC, PlayStation, Xbox, Nintendo Switch, and mobile. Behaviour Interactive enabled crossplay back in 2020, and it has been a major quality-of-life improvement for the community – especially for finding matches quickly as the Killer or Survivor. You can also add cross-platform friends through the in-game friend system. It’s one of the asymmetric multiplayer titles that has most fully embraced the cross-platform era.

Building Your Setup: Cheap Gaming PCs That Actually Perform

You don’t need to spend a fortune to get into PC gaming. The cheap gaming PC market has never been better, thanks to previous-generation GPU price drops and a competitive mid-range CPU market.

Budget Tiers to Know (2026)

Entry Level (~$400-$600):
Targeting 1080p gaming at medium-high settings. Look for builds around an AMD Ryzen 5 or Intel Core i5 paired with an RX 6600 or RTX 3060. Pre-built options from brands like Skytech, iBUYPOWER, and CyberpowerPC frequently hit this range during sales.

Mid Range (~$700-$900):
This is the sweet spot for 1080p ultra and 1440p gaming. An RX 7600 or RTX 4060 with a modern Ryzen 7 or i7 will handle everything from Fortnite to Diablo 4 without breaking a sweat.

DIY vs. Pre-Built:
Building your own PC can save you 15-25% and gives you full control over components, but pre-built PCs have improved dramatically in value. For beginners, a reputable pre-built is often the smarter starting point.

Pro tip: Refurbished and certified-renewed gaming PCs from brands like Dell (Alienware) or HP (OMEN) can offer premium hardware at budget prices.

Franchise Spotlight: Tom Clancy Games

Few gaming franchises carry the weight and legacy of the Tom Clancy series. Originally adapted from the author’s techno-thriller novels, the brand has spawned some of the most acclaimed tactical and action games ever made.

The Essential Tom Clancy Catalog

• Rainbow Six Siege – The reigning king of tactical 5v5 shooters. Years of post-launch support have made it one of the deepest competitive experiences available. Crossplay between consoles is supported.
• Ghost Recon Wildlands / Breakpoint – Open-world military tactical shooters. Wildlands remains the fan favorite for its grounded tone and excellent co-op play.
• The Division 1 & 2 – Loot-shooter RPGs set in a devastated United States. The Division 2 in particular has a dedicated player base and rich endgame content.
• Splinter Cell series – The stealth classic. Sam Fisher’s exploits defined an era of tactical espionage gaming. A remake has been in development at Ubisoft Montreal.
• Rainbow Six Extraction – A co-op alien-containment spin-off that received a mixed reception but has since found a niche audience.

The Tom Clancy games are united by a love of authentic military detail, tactical gameplay, and geopolitical thriller storytelling – making them a distinct corner of the gaming world.

Top 10 Nintendo Switch Games, Classified by Age (PEGI Ratings)

Nintendo has built one of the most beloved gaming ecosystems in history, and the Nintendo Switch sits at the heart of it. Whether you’re browsing the Nintendo eShop, using a Nintendo gift card to top up your balance, or subscribing to Nintendo Switch Online to access online multiplayer and classic Nintendo games, the Switch library is enormous. With the arrival of the Nintendo Switch 2, the platform is entering a new era – but the original Switch catalog remains as essential as ever.

Here are the top 10 must-play Nintendo Switch games, organized by PEGI ratings so you can quickly find what’s right for your age group or your family.

PEGI 3 – For All Ages

1. Mario Kart 8 Deluxe – PEGI 3

The best-selling Nintendo Switch game of all time with over 70 million copies sold, Mario Kart 8 Deluxe is the definitive kart racer. With 48 tracks (expanded further via the Booster Course Pass DLC), local and online multiplayer through Nintendo Switch Online, and silky-smooth gameplay, this is the first game to buy for any Switch owner. It’s pure, accessible fun for ages 3 and up.

2. Animal Crossing: New Horizons – PEGI 3

One of the best-selling Nintendo games ever made, Animal Crossing: New Horizons became a cultural phenomenon when it launched in 2020. Build your own island paradise, decorate your home, befriend villagers, and visit friends online – all at your own pace. It’s a timeless, stress-free experience with no age barrier whatsoever. You can find it on the Nintendo eShop or pick it up physically. A perfect use of a Nintendo Switch gift card.

PEGI 7 – Ages 7 and Up

3. Super Mario Odyssey – PEGI 7

Critics agreed there’s nothing quite like Super Mario Odyssey, and it remains more fun and enjoyable than almost anything else you might choose to play. This 3D platformer sends Mario across wildly diverse kingdoms using his magical hat Cappy to possess enemies and objects. It’s endlessly creative, packed with secrets, and widely considered one of the greatest Nintendo Switch games ever made. An absolute essential.

4. Splatoon 3 – PEGI 7

The third entry in Nintendo’s ink-shooter franchise, Splatoon 3 is the definitive multiplayer experience on Switch. Cover the arena in your team’s color, outsmart opponents, and climb the ranks – all accessible via Nintendo Switch Online. With regular seasonal updates and a deep single-player campaign, it keeps giving back long after launch. Nintendo online play is where this game truly shines.

5. Kirby and the Forgotten Land – PEGI 7

Kirby’s first fully 3D adventure is a delightful, colorful romp through a post-apocalyptic world that’s somehow still incredibly cheerful. The co-op mode makes it ideal for younger players or families, and the Mouthful Mode mechanic – where Kirby inhales entire cars, vending machines, and staircases – is endlessly inventive. One of the most charming Nintendo Switch games available.

PEGI 12 – Ages 12 and Up

6. The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild – PEGI 12

Nintendo’s highest-rated game on Switch according to Metacritic is The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild. This open-world masterpiece redefined what a Zelda game could be. As Link, you wake from a 100-year slumber to find Hyrule in ruins, and the world is yours to explore entirely on your own terms. Climb any mountain, solve puzzles your own way, cook meals, battle enemies – the freedom is extraordinary. The Zelda franchise has never been better. Also available as an enhanced Nintendo Switch 2 edition.

7. The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom – PEGI 12

The sequel to Breath of the Wild expands Hyrule skyward and underground, adding the revolutionary Ultrahand and Fuse abilities that let players build virtually anything from found objects. The Zelda game community has produced jaw-dropping contraptions – flying machines, war vehicles, elaborate puzzles – using these tools. Tears of the Kingdom is the third highest-rated Nintendo Switch game according to Metacritic. If you’ve ever wanted to pilot a rocket-powered hovercraft in a Zelda game, this is it.

8. Pokemon Legends: Arceus – PEGI 12

A bold reimagining of the Pokemon formula, Legends: Arceus ditches traditional gym battles for open-world exploration and real-time Pokemon catching. Set in the ancient Hisui region (a pre-civilization version of Sinnoh), it finally delivers the immersive Pokemon world fans had dreamed of for decades. It’s one of the most unique Nintendo Switch games in the franchise’s history.

PEGI 16 – Ages 16 and Up

9. Super Smash Bros. Ultimate – PEGI 12

Technically rated PEGI 12, but its depth places it firmly in the older player conversation. Smash Bros. Ultimate brings together over 80 fighters from gaming history – Mario, Link, Samus, Pikachu, Sonic, and dozens more – in the definitive platform fighter. The online competitive scene, accessible through Nintendo online, is one of the most active on the platform. With thousands of hours of potential gameplay, this is the gift that keeps on giving – especially loaded onto a console via a Nintendo gift card.

10. Metroid Dread – PEGI 16

Metroid Dread was a triumphant return for both Samus Aran and developer MercurySteam – a hugely entertaining and exquisitely designed entry that is slicker than anything seen from the series before. As the bounty hunter Samus, you navigate a claustrophobic alien planet while being relentlessly hunted by indestructible EMMI robots. Tense, atmospheric, and mechanically brilliant – this is the mature side of Nintendo Switch games at its absolute finest.

A Note on PEGI Ratings and Nintendo Switch Online

PEGI ratings are not an indication of difficulty – they simply reflect content suitability. The PEGI age rating system is used in European countries and is made up of a rating category and content descriptor icon. Most first-party Nintendo games land in the PEGI 3-12 range, reflecting Nintendo’s commitment to broadly accessible experiences.

To get the most out of your Nintendo Switch, a Nintendo Switch Online membership unlocks online multiplayer for most games, plus access to a growing library of classic NES, Super NES, N64, and Game Boy titles. The Nintendo online + Expansion Pack tier adds even more retro content. You can subscribe directly through the Nintendo eShop, or fund your account with a Nintendo gift card.

And if you’re eyeing the next generation, the Nintendo Switch 2 is fully backward-compatible with the original Switch library – meaning every game on this list can be played on the new hardware, often with improved performance.

Gaming in 2026 means more choices than ever – but also more questions. Knowing which games support crossplay, how to build or buy an affordable PC, and understanding the competitive structure of your favorite title makes you a smarter, more empowered player. Whether you’re hunting ghosts in Phasmophobia, diving into Diablo 4’s seasonal content with cross-platform friends, or grinding your way through Fortnite’s ranked ladder, the tools and knowledge to play better are right at your fingertips.

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