The Library Vault

Save money – check out games from the library.

Anyone who’s purchased video games knows how expensive they can be. For a long time, the biggest games would run between $50-60. Nowadays, new games, including some of the most popular Nintendo Switch 2 games, can cost $70 or even up to $80.

Did you know you can check out video games from the Russell Library? As of February 2026, we have over 100 games to check out across Nintendo, PlayStation, and Xbox platforms. And here’s the best part: borrowing games from the library is completely free. You’ll just need your library card, which is also free.

All of our games are located on the 1st floor of the library, in The Space. You can find the cases for each game on one of two wall displays. Once you’re ready to check out, bring the case to the front desk, and the staff will provide you with the cartridge or disc.

Nintendo Switch 2 vs Nintendo Switch 1

Nintendo Switch 2 games are easily identifiable by the large red band on the top of the case. These games can only be played on the Nintendo Switch 2 system – they will not work on an original Nintendo Switch, Switch Lite, or Switch OLED systems.

The Switch 2 system is backwards compatible, meaning games made for the original Switch family of systems can also be played on your Switch 2. It’s just like how your DVD player can’t play Blu-ray discs, but your Blu-ray player can read both.

The PlayStation 5 is also backwards compatible- it can play most PS4 games. Similarly, the Xbox Series X is backwards compatible with games made for the older Xbox One system. When in doubt, check the label at the top of the case for any given game, especially for games which exist for both systems.

Switch 2 Editions of older games

Speaking of which, you may notice some Switch 2 games say “Nintendo Switch 2 Edition” on the cover. These are full, standalone versions of older games remade specifically for the Switch 2 system. Usually, they include significant graphical and performance updates, and sometimes additional content. Since these are Switch 2 games, they are only playable on Nintendo Switch 2 systems.

What To Play Next?

Whether you’re wanting multiplayer fun with friends, an immersive RPG to sink your teeth into, or your very first video game, there’s something to play for everyone! Check out these new games for Nintendo Switch 2 and Nintendo Switch:

• Mario Kart World
• Donkey Kong Bananza
• Kirby Air Riders
• Hyrule Warriors: Age of Imprisonment
• Hades II
• Final Fantasy Tactics: The Ivalice Chronicles
• Pokemon Legends: Z-A (Switch 2)
• Pokemon Legends: Z-A (Switch)
• Super Mario Party Jamboree (Switch)
• Super Mario Party Jamboree: Nintendo Switch 2 Edition + Jamboree TV
• Super Mario Galaxy + Super Mario Galaxy 2 (Switch)
• Pac-Man World 2: Re-Pac
• Snoopy & The Great Mystery Club
• The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild (Nintendo Switch 2 Edition)
• The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom (Nintendo Switch 2 Edition)
• Kirby and the Forgotten Land: Nintendo Switch 2 Edition + Star-crossed World

You can also place holds online for the games you want, for pickup at the Russell Library. When the game is available, our staff will put the empty case on the holds shelf for you, under your last name. You’ll then bring the case up to the front desk for checkout to receive the actual game.

Happy Gaming!