A good Nintendo Switch game should make sense within minutes, then keep revealing reasons to return. That might mean a party fighter that works with a roomful of friends, a world that rewards curiosity, or a puzzle game that turns a short break into one more level. The Best best games for nintendo switch are not all trying to do the same thing, and that is exactly why choosing one can be difficult.
We ranked these ten games by the kind of play they support, how much content their features promise, and how clearly each one serves a particular type of player. Super Smash Bros. Ultimate is our top pick, with a broad mix of local and online play, while the rest of the list covers sprawling adventures, platformers, racing, sports, construction, and space combat.
| # | Product | Award | Format | Multiplayer | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Nintendo Super Smash Bros. Ultimate | Best overall | CD-ROM | Local and online, 2 to 4 players | Parties and competitive play |
| 2 | Nintendo Super Mario Galaxy Collection | Best platforming collection | CD-ROM | Assist Mode | Two polished Mario adventures |
| 3 | Nintendo Zelda Tears of the Kingdom | Best open world | Software Key Card | Single player | Creative exploration |
| 4 | SEGA Sonic Racing CrossWorlds | Best arcade racing | Not listed | Split screen and online | Fast races with friends |
| 5 | Nintendo Minecraft | Best sandbox | CD-ROM | Not listed | Building and open-ended play |
| 6 | 2K NBA 2K26 | Best sports game | CD-ROM | Single and multiplayer modes | Basketball fans |
| 7 | Nintendo Metroid Prime 4 Beyond | Best sci-fi adventure | CD-ROM | Single player | Atmospheric exploration |
| 8 | Nintendo New Super Mario Bros. U Deluxe | Best family platformer | CD-ROM | Multiplayer | Cooperative side-scrolling |
| 9 | Nintendo Mario Vs. Donkey Kong | Best puzzle platformer | Nintendo | Co-op | Short, thoughtful levels |
| 10 | Nintendo Star Fox Switch 2 | Best space combat | Not listed | Local and online | Arcade flying and team battles |
1. Nintendo Super Smash Bros. Ultimate: Best Overall
Pros
- Combines new fighters and stages with returning series content
- Supports local, online, TV, tabletop, and handheld play
- Works with GameCube controllers
- Offers two to four player battles and computer opponents
Cons
- Competitive play can feel demanding for newcomers
- The feature list does not specify the full roster or stage count
Best for: players who want one flexible game for parties, solo practice, and online matches.
Super Smash Bros. Ultimate is the safest recommendation here because it adapts to almost any Nintendo Switch setup. A quick match against computer opponents works when you have a few minutes, while two to four player battles give a group an immediate activity. The same game also supports local and online play, so it does not become limited to the people in the same room.
Its defining feature is the combined roster of past Super Smash Bros. games, joined by new stages and fighters. That breadth matters more than a simple character count. It gives players familiar faces to try, different fighting styles to learn, and enough variety that a mixed-skill group can keep finding matchups that feel fresh. The new and returning techniques, including perfect shield and directional air dodge, also give experienced players room to refine their play.
The control options are unusually accommodating. You can play in TV mode, tabletop mode, or handheld mode, and the game supports GameCube controllers as well as the system's standard ways to play. That makes it a stronger group pick than Nintendo Super Mario Galaxy Collection, which is primarily a solo platforming experience, and a more instantly social choice than Nintendo Zelda Tears of the Kingdom.
The weakness is the learning curve. A new player can enjoy the spectacle immediately, but understanding spacing, shielding, recovery, and air movement takes time. Someone looking for a calm, linear adventure should skip this one. For everyone else, Super Smash Bros. Ultimate is the game we would keep installed for spontaneous multiplayer and repeat sessions.
2. Nintendo Super Mario Galaxy Collection: Best Platforming Collection
Pros
- Includes two complete Super Mario Galaxy adventures
- Enhanced resolution and an improved user interface
- Adds Storybook chapters and additional music
- Assist Mode provides extra health and fall recovery
- Includes a free update for improved visuals on Nintendo Switch 2
Cons
- Primarily aimed at solo platforming
- The feature data does not specify the total number of levels
Best for: players who want two imaginative Mario adventures in one collection.
Nintendo Super Mario Galaxy Collection gives this list its strongest traditional platforming option. It brings together Super Mario Galaxy and Super Mario Galaxy 2, so the appeal is not just a polished single adventure but two separate journeys through space. The pair also makes it easier to settle in for a long campaign instead of finishing one short platformer and immediately needing another.
The presentation has been updated for Nintendo Switch. Enhanced resolution makes the colorful planets and character details cleaner, while the improved user interface removes some of the friction around navigating the experience. Extra Storybook chapters add context about Rosalina and the Lumas, and additional music gives returning players another reason to revisit familiar sections.
Assist Mode is a smart inclusion for players who find precision platforming tiring. Extra health and fall recovery reduce the punishment for missed jumps without changing the basic structure of the adventures. That makes the collection more approachable than Nintendo Mario Vs. Donkey Kong, whose obstacles are built around careful puzzle solving, while its two full games give it more scope than Nintendo New Super Mario Bros. U Deluxe.
The main limitation is that this is not the choice for a group looking for a competitive activity. Its strengths are movement, discovery, and the distinct ideas across two Mario journeys. The collection also includes a free update for improved visuals on Nintendo Switch 2, which gives owners of that system a clear presentation benefit. Choose it if platforming is the priority and you want a substantial solo pairing.
3. Nintendo Zelda Tears of the Kingdom: Best Open World
Pros
- Ultrahand enables bridges, vehicles, and other creations
- Fuse changes weapons, shields, and arrows
- Ascend creates shortcuts through solid objects
- Recall reverses the movement of objects
- Strong fit for curious, experimental players
Cons
- Its open-ended systems can feel overwhelming
- Single-player structure offers no listed multiplayer mode
- It uses a software key card format
Best for: players who want exploration shaped by experimentation rather than a fixed route.
Nintendo Zelda Tears of the Kingdom is the most inventive adventure on this list. Its appeal comes from the freedom to solve problems in several ways, not simply from moving between marked objectives. The game asks players to look at ordinary objects as tools, materials, or shortcuts, which gives exploration a satisfying sense of personal discovery.
Ultrahand is the clearest example. It lets Link pick up, move, and rotate objects, then attach them to create bridges, vehicles, and other solutions. Fuse applies the same experimental spirit to combat by joining objects to weapons, shields, and arrows. Those combinations can increase durability or damage, and they can add effects that change how an encounter plays.
The other abilities support movement and problem solving. Ascend lets Link pass through certain solid objects above him, including ceilings and hillsides, while Recall sends moving objects backward through time. A fallen boulder can become a route upward, a thrown weapon can return, and a projectile can be sent back toward its source. Compared with Nintendo Super Mario Galaxy Collection, this is less about precise stages and more about deciding what to do next.
That freedom is also the game's chief weakness. Players who prefer clear instructions may find the systems and possibilities too broad at first. It is a single-player game, so it is not a substitute for Nintendo Super Smash Bros. Ultimate when friends are waiting for a shared match. If the question is how to get more creative control from exploration, though, this is the standout choice. Players who enjoy building around a console may also want to consider how different controller layouts affect long exploration sessions.
4. SEGA Sonic Racing CrossWorlds: Best Arcade Racing
Pros
- Includes 24 tracks and 15 CrossWorlds
- Has 23 Sonic and SEGA characters
- Offers 45 vehicles and 70 gadgets
- Supports local split-screen and online races for up to 12 players
- Includes Grand Prix, Race Park, World Match, and Time Trials
Cons
- The large vehicle and gadget selection may take time to learn
- Its strongest features depend on having other players available
Best for: groups that want energetic kart racing with more systems than a simple track-to-track racer.
SEGA Sonic Racing CrossWorlds is the liveliest racing pick in the group. Its central idea is the Travel Ring, which moves races across 15 CrossWorlds and changes the landscape as the action continues. That gives the 24 tracks a shifting quality rather than treating every lap as a fixed, predictable route.
The roster includes 23 Sonic characters, described as the largest roster in a Sonic racing game. Customization goes much further than choosing a character and a kart. There are 45 original vehicles and 70 gadgets to mix and match, with the stated goal of leveling up a kart and shaping it around a driving style. The 23 items include returning favorites and new options such as the Monster Truck.
It also covers nearly every group format. Grand Prix supports traditional competition, Race Park adds a party mode, and Time Trials give solo players a way to work on driving. World Match supports online competition with up to 12 players. Local split-screen is especially useful for a living-room session, making this a more natural multiplayer racing choice than Nintendo Minecraft, even though Minecraft has a much broader creative premise.
The amount of content can make the game feel busy, particularly for someone who wants a simple racer with few menus and uncomplicated vehicle choices. It also needs a group to show its best side. If that is what you want, SEGA Sonic Racing CrossWorlds is the clear pick for fast, colorful races and a broad set of ways to compete.
5. Nintendo Minecraft: Best Sandbox
Pros
- Randomly generated worlds support repeated exploration
- Creative and Survival modes suit different play styles
- Allows building from simple homes to large castles
- Works in handheld and tabletop modes
- Includes several themed packs and the Super Mario Mash-Up
Cons
- Its open-ended structure offers little direction
- The listed edition is compatible with Nintendo Switch only
Best for: builders, explorers, and families who want a game without a fixed finish line.
Nintendo Minecraft is the easiest game here to recommend to someone who does not know exactly what kind of game they want. The basic premise is simple, placing blocks and going on adventures, but the randomly generated worlds make each new start feel open rather than scripted. One player can construct a modest home, while another can spend an evening planning a much larger castle.
Creative mode supplies unlimited resources, which removes the need to mine before building. Survival mode changes the mood by asking players to explore, craft weapons and armor, and deal with dangerous mobs. That split is important because it lets the same game function as a relaxed construction tool or a more demanding adventure.
The Switch edition works in handheld and tabletop modes, so it fits short building sessions as well as longer projects. It also includes the Super Mario Mash-Up, Natural Texture Pack, Biome Settlers Skin Pack, Battle & Beasts Skin Pack, and Campfire Tales Skin Pack. Those extras give the basic block world a distinctly Nintendo-flavored starting point.
The weakness is the absence of a built-in sense of direction. Players who need a story, a clear sequence of missions, or a final objective may drift away before the freedom becomes rewarding. Nintendo Minecraft is also a different kind of social game from SEGA Sonic Racing CrossWorlds. It is about creating and exploring rather than racing against a clock. Pick it for imagination, patience, and long-term projects.
6. 2K NBA 2K26: Best Sports Game
Pros
- Adds dynamic movement and improved shooting mechanics
- Includes MyCAREER and MyPLAYER progression
- MyTEAM lets players assemble past and present legends
- MyLEAGUE supports a general manager career
- Includes single-player and multiplayer modes
Cons
- Several modes can make the game feel dense
- Players who want casual arcade sports may prefer a simpler structure
Best for: basketball fans who want several career and team-building paths.
2K NBA 2K26 takes the most structured approach on this list. The appeal is not one compact basketball mode, but a collection of ways to control a player, build a roster, or manage an entire franchise. Its enhanced gameplay focuses on authentic controls, dynamic movement, rhythm-based shooting, and moves such as Eurosteps.
MyCAREER is aimed at players who want to create a MyPLAYER and guide that character toward leading an NBA franchise to the Finals and the Hall of Fame. MyTEAM moves the focus to collecting past and present legends, assembling a fantasy roster, and testing it in single-player or multiplayer modes. MyLEAGUE offers a different perspective by putting the player in the general manager role.
That variety gives it more staying power than a game built around quick exhibition matches. It also separates 2K NBA 2K26 from Nintendo Super Smash Bros. Ultimate, where the emphasis is immediate battles rather than building a basketball career or franchise history. The game supports both single-player and multiplayer modes, so it can work for solo progression or sessions with friends.
The downside is density. New players may need time to understand the different modes, controls, and progression paths before the game feels natural. Someone seeking a light arcade sports experience should skip it. Basketball fans who want control over both on-court play and the larger team story will find the broadest sports package here. For long sessions, physical comfort matters too, and the right controller shape for extended game sessions can make a bigger difference than expected.
7. Nintendo Metroid Prime 4 Beyond: Best Sci-Fi Adventure
Pros
- Centers on exploration of a mysterious planet
- Offers a focused science fiction setting
- Designed around finding a way home
- Supports a single-player adventure format
Cons
- The available feature information is limited
- No multiplayer mode is listed
- It is less flexible than the open-ended Zelda adventure
Best for: players who want a focused journey through an unfamiliar planet.
Nintendo Metroid Prime 4 Beyond is the most deliberately mysterious game in this roundup. Its central promise is straightforward: explore a mysterious planet and find a way home. That gives it a more focused direction than Nintendo Minecraft, where the player decides what the world is for, and a more solitary mood than the multiplayer picks above.
The limited feature description tells us less about its systems than the descriptions for Nintendo Zelda Tears of the Kingdom or Nintendo Star Fox Switch 2. That makes it difficult to judge the full range of abilities, modes, or progression from the available information. What is clear is the emphasis on a science fiction setting and exploration rather than racing, sports, or cooperative platforming.
That focused premise can be a strength. Players who like the idea of entering an unfamiliar environment and gradually finding a route forward may prefer this to a sprawling game filled with construction systems. It also offers a different pace from Nintendo Star Fox Switch 2, which is described around high-octane flying, shooting, and team battles.
The weakness is the same uncertainty that makes it distinctive. Buyers wanting a known multiplayer feature set or a detailed list of mechanics should look at Nintendo Super Smash Bros. Ultimate, SEGA Sonic Racing CrossWorlds, or 2K NBA 2K26 instead. Choose Nintendo Metroid Prime 4 Beyond when atmosphere, solitude, and planetary exploration are more important than a large menu of modes.
8. Nintendo New Super Mario Bros. U Deluxe: Best Family Platformer
Pros
- Offers several playable characters with different attributes
- Toadette and Nabbit provide extra assistance
- Multiplayer supports cooperative moves and interactions
- Includes hints, reference videos, and a Super Guide
- Adds Boost Rush, Challenges, and Coin Battle
Cons
- The cooperative chaos may frustrate players seeking precision
- It is a side-scrolling platformer rather than a free-roaming adventure
Best for: families and groups that want accessible Mario platforming with help built in.
Nintendo New Super Mario Bros. U Deluxe is the most accommodating family game here. Its playable characters have different attributes that affect platforming physics, and Toadette and Nabbit are specifically designed to offer extra assistance. That gives a mixed group more room to play together without forcing everyone to have the same level of precision.
Multiplayer is built around interaction rather than simply sharing the screen. Players can jump off a teammate's head or have a teammate throw them, which turns a failed jump into a possible rescue. It can also create comic chaos when several people try to move through a narrow section at once. That makes it more social than Nintendo Super Mario Galaxy Collection, even though both are firmly rooted in Mario platforming.
The help features are unusually practical. A Hints gallery and reference videos can explain troublesome sections, while the Super Guide in New Super Mario Bros. U can complete levels that are causing problems. Boost Rush, Challenges, and Coin Battle add different goals for players who want more difficulty or replay variety, and Mii characters can be used in these modes.
This is not the best fit for someone who wants the open-ended experimentation of Nintendo Zelda Tears of the Kingdom. Its stages are structured and its movement is traditional, which some players will find less surprising. For a household that wants a game children and adults can share, with enough assistance to prevent a hard stop, Nintendo New Super Mario Bros. U Deluxe is the strongest platformer choice.
9. Nintendo Mario Vs. Donkey Kong: Best Puzzle Platformer
Pros
- Includes over 130 puzzle-focused levels
- Adds two new worlds with new mechanics and enemies
- Classic Style preserves a tougher challenge
- Casual Style offers a more relaxed experience
- Adds co-op play with Toad
Cons
- The deliberate pace may not suit action-focused players
- Its puzzle structure is narrower than a traditional Mario platformer
Best for: players who enjoy working out movement and obstacles one level at a time.
Nintendo Mario Vs. Donkey Kong is the thoughtful alternative to the faster platformers in this list. The goal is to jump and climb through over 130 puzzling levels, retrieving Mini-Marios while dealing with spikes, lava, and falling bricks. The emphasis is on reading a situation and finding a safe sequence, not simply reacting as quickly as possible.
Two modes make the difficulty easier to tailor. Classic Style preserves the original challenge, while Casual Style provides a more relaxed route through the same basic idea. That distinction makes the game friendlier than a single fixed difficulty setting, though it still expects players to pay attention to timing and movement.
The package adds two new worlds with new environments, enemies, and game mechanics. Co-op play also lets a second player join as Toad, giving the game a shared option that Nintendo Super Mario Galaxy Collection does not emphasize. It is a more focused experience than Nintendo New Super Mario Bros. U Deluxe, but that focus is exactly what makes it appealing for players who like solving one compact problem before moving to the next.
The trade-off is limited breadth outside its puzzle platforming identity. Someone wanting racing, fighting, or a large adventure should choose another game here. Nintendo Mario Vs. Donkey Kong is for the player who enjoys a measured challenge, likes seeing how obstacles fit together, and wants a game that can be played in individual level-sized sessions.
10. Nintendo Star Fox Switch 2: Best Space Combat
Pros
- Reimagines the Star Fox 64 story with voiced dialogue
- Includes an orchestral soundtrack and visual overhaul
- Adds first-person cockpit mode and mouse controls
- Supports a second player as a gunner
- Includes four-on-four online team battles
Cons
- Requires Nintendo Switch 2
- Several multiplayer features depend on GameChat or GameShare
- Amiibo extras are optional rather than core content
Best for: Nintendo Switch 2 owners who want cinematic flying and team combat.
Nintendo Star Fox Switch 2 is the most specialized game in the roundup. It is built around a high-octane mission to save a star system from invasion, with flying, planetary travel, and constant aerial combat. The feature set also describes it as a cinematic take on the Star Fox 64 story, with fully voiced dialogue, an orchestral soundtrack, and a visual overhaul for Nintendo Switch 2.
The first-person mode changes how the cockpit feels, and mouse controls can be used to fly. That is a meaningful distinction from the traditional third-person action implied by the rest of the description. A second player can join as a gunner using Nintendo Switch 2 mouse controls, which gives local cooperative play a clear role instead of limiting the game to solo missions.
Online options broaden it further. Four-on-four team battles support varied objectives, while GameShare can provide the multiplayer experience locally or online through GameChat. Character Avatars, AR filters, and GameChat features add a social layer around the action. Amiibo figures from Star Fox characters can also provide in-game extras, including backgrounds and emblems for a multiplayer Battle Banner.
The biggest limitation is hardware compatibility. This is not the right recommendation for someone with a standard Nintendo Switch who wants a game they can play immediately. It is also more dependent on specific multiplayer features than Nintendo Super Smash Bros. Ultimate. For a Nintendo Switch 2 owner who wants a dramatic space shooter with cockpit play and team modes, Nintendo Star Fox Switch 2 is the most distinctive option here.
How to choose best games for nintendo switch
The right game depends less on a famous character than on how you expect to play. Start with the structure that matches your household, then look at multiplayer support, control demands, content type, and system compatibility.
Multiplayer modes
Local multiplayer is not one thing. Nintendo Super Smash Bros. Ultimate supports two to four player battles, SEGA Sonic Racing CrossWorlds offers local split-screen, and Nintendo New Super Mario Bros. U Deluxe turns cooperation into part of the platforming. Those formats create very different group experiences.
Online support matters if the people you play with are not in the same room. Sonic Racing supports up to 12 players online in World Match, while Nintendo Star Fox Switch 2 offers four-on-four team battles. Check whether a game supports the exact type of gathering you have planned rather than assuming every multiplayer label means the same thing.
A game earns a place in a shared library when its multiplayer rules are clear before the first controller is handed over.
Game structure
Open-ended games such as Nintendo Zelda Tears of the Kingdom and Nintendo Minecraft reward curiosity and self-directed goals. Structured games such as Nintendo Mario Vs. Donkey Kong and Nintendo New Super Mario Bros. U Deluxe provide a clearer sequence of stages or puzzles. Neither approach is automatically better, but the difference determines whether you feel guided or left to invent your own objectives.
A sports game takes another route. 2K NBA 2K26 divides play among MyCAREER, MyTEAM, and MyLEAGUE, so it is a better fit for someone who wants progression and management alongside matches. Choose a structure you will return to rather than one that only sounds broad on a feature list.
Difficulty and assistance
Platformers can vary sharply in how much they help the player recover from mistakes. Nintendo Super Mario Galaxy Collection includes Assist Mode with additional health and fall recovery. Nintendo New Super Mario Bros. U Deluxe adds Toadette, Nabbit, hints, reference videos, and a Super Guide. Nintendo Mario Vs. Donkey Kong offers Classic Style and Casual Style.
These tools matter for families, newcomers, and anyone who does not want one difficult section to end a session. Competitive games use a different learning model. Super Smash Bros. Ultimate can be accessible in a casual match, but its techniques reward practice. Decide whether you want assistance built into the game or a challenge that expects repetition.
Content and replay
Look for the type of replay that suits your habits. Two adventures make Nintendo Super Mario Galaxy Collection a substantial platforming package, while Nintendo Minecraft generates worlds and lets players create their own projects. Sonic Racing uses tracks, characters, vehicles, gadgets, items, online play, and Time Trials to keep races varied.
A game can also replay well because its systems interact in surprising ways. Zelda's Ultrahand, Fuse, Ascend, and Recall abilities encourage players to revisit problems with a different idea. Nintendo Mario Vs. Donkey Kong takes the opposite approach, offering over 130 compact puzzles that reward solving rather than experimentation across a giant map.
System and format compatibility
Compatibility should be checked before choosing a game. Nintendo Star Fox Switch 2 is described specifically for Nintendo Switch 2, while the listed Nintendo Minecraft edition is compatible with Nintendo Switch only. Nintendo Super Mario Galaxy Collection includes a free update for improved visuals on Nintendo Switch 2, but it is also presented as a Nintendo Switch collection.
The physical format varies too. Several listings identify a CD-ROM format, Nintendo Zelda Tears of the Kingdom identifies a software key card, and Nintendo Mario Vs. Donkey Kong lists its format as Nintendo. That distinction may affect how you plan to store, lend, or use the game, so confirm the listing details for your console.
Frequently asked questions
Which game is best for local multiplayer?
Super Smash Bros. Ultimate is the most flexible local multiplayer choice because it supports two to four player battles and works in TV, tabletop, and handheld modes. SEGA Sonic Racing CrossWorlds is a better fit if your group specifically wants split-screen racing.
Which game is best for a child or new player?
Nintendo New Super Mario Bros. U Deluxe has the strongest set of assistance features for beginners. Toadette and Nabbit offer extra help, and the game includes hints, reference videos, and a Super Guide.
Which game offers the most creative freedom?
Nintendo Zelda Tears of the Kingdom gives players creative problem-solving tools through Ultrahand, Fuse, Ascend, and Recall. Nintendo Minecraft offers more direct building freedom, with Creative mode providing unlimited resources.
Which game is best for solo play?
That depends on the preferred genre. Nintendo Super Mario Galaxy Collection is the most broadly approachable solo platforming pick, while Nintendo Metroid Prime 4 Beyond is aimed at players who want a focused science fiction exploration adventure.
Can these games be played on Nintendo Switch 2?
The listings specifically mention Nintendo Switch 2 support or updates for Nintendo Super Mario Galaxy Collection and Nintendo Star Fox Switch 2. The Nintendo Minecraft listing says it is compatible with Nintendo Switch only. Check the individual game listing and your console before ordering.
Which game is best for basketball fans?
2K NBA 2K26 is the clear fit. It includes enhanced controls, MyCAREER, MyTEAM, and MyLEAGUE, covering player progression, roster building, and franchise management.
Which game is best for short play sessions?
Nintendo Mario Vs. Donkey Kong is a strong choice because its design is divided into individual puzzle levels. Nintendo Super Smash Bros. Ultimate also works well for short sessions because a match can begin quickly without committing to a long campaign.
The bottom line
The Best best games for nintendo switch start with Nintendo Super Smash Bros. Ultimate because it covers the widest range of situations. It is the one to choose for local parties, online matches, computer opponents, and players who want room to improve. Nintendo Zelda Tears of the Kingdom is the better choice for a solo player who wants creative exploration, while Nintendo Super Mario Galaxy Collection is the strongest two-adventure platforming package.
Choose SEGA Sonic Racing CrossWorlds for split-screen and online racing, Nintendo Minecraft for open-ended building, or Nintendo New Super Mario Bros. U Deluxe for accessible family play. Nintendo Switch 2 owners who specifically want cinematic space combat should look at Nintendo Star Fox Switch 2, while puzzle fans have a focused alternative in Nintendo Mario Vs. Donkey Kong.
If you are undecided, start with Nintendo Super Smash Bros. Ultimate unless you already know you want a solo adventure, a sandbox, or a sports game.
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