Looking for the best Nintendo Switch games? We can help you as there are absolutely loads. Can you believe Nintendo released the Switch five whole years ago! Since then the console has sold an incredible amount, over 80 million units at the time of writing, and has been home to some of Nintendo’s best games in years. With so many Switch owners out there hungry for games, developers are bringing a bevvy of fantastic titles to the hybrid platform.
The Switch has seen a golden era for Nintendo releases, but other developers haven’t been slacking either. With such a huge install base, both indie and AAA devs have worked hard to make their games work on Nintendo Switch. That means even more great stuff for you to play. so what are the best Nintendo Switch games?
So, whether you’ve been a Switch owner since day one, or are just picking one up now. There are so many unmissable games on the system that you should spend some time with. If you want a grand adventure, to share a game with the kids, or simply a way to unwind after a long day, the Nintendo Switch has everything you need and more.
Without any further delay, let’s get into the list.
Best Nintendo Switch Games
The Legend Of Zelda: Breath Of The Wild
Obviously. Launching the same day as the Nintendo Switch itself, this genre-defining adventure changed the series and video games forever. A vast, stunning world to explore is matched by incredibly deep mechanics, to deliver the most satisfying toolbox in video games to date. Simply finding weapons and exploring, while playing with Link’s many new abilities, is more fun than almost any other video game.
Breath of the Wild also manages to elevate the series in other ways, introducing voice acting for the first time, and it brings a true sense of grandiosity to its story. Characters like Urbosa and Daruk are fantastic new additions, and while we don’t get to interact with them directly, BotW is filled with interesting characters intertwined with their stories. Honestly, the Zelda series has never been better, and there’s an argument that video games haven’t either. If you only have the money for one Nintendo Switch game, this is what we’d recommend. Well at least until the sequel comes out in 2022…
Check out our Breath Of The Wild amiibo guide to find everything you need to know about the figures
Super Mario Odyssey
Not content with releasing the best Zelda game ever made in 2017, Nintendo outdid themselves and also gave us possibly Mario’s best adventure less than a year later. Returning to the ‘sandbox’ style of the world seen in Super Mario Sunshine, Super Mario Odyssey has our portly plumber exploring huge levels to find hidden challenges, and earn the literal hundreds of Power Moons needed to power his hat-shaped ship, The Odyssey, and rescue peach.
The difference here is that Mario can copy the abilities of almost any enemy in the game. No, he hasn’t been taking lessons from Kirby, but instead made friends with a hat with magical abilities. Cappy allows Mario to possess enemies, NPCs, and even random objects, giving him skills and moves unlike anything before. With so many fun ways to move, and so many things to do, Mario’s latest adventure should keep children happy for weeks.
Animal Crossing: New Horizons
Remember when Animal Crossing was a niche Gamecube game? The one with the weird villagers and wobbling gyroids. Well, Animal Crossing: New Horizons has now sold over 30 million units on Nintendo Switch, and it became a phenomenon in the months after its release in 2020. Through some serendipitous timing, and a truck full of new ways to customise not just your house, but your island, the series took the world by storm.
New Horizons looks absolutely gorgeous in shiny HD. The villagers are cuter than ever, bugs can be seen wandering around, and the atmosphere provided by the gorgeous night sky is untouchable. This fantastic game is also about to receive a hefty update and some paid DLC. So, check out our Animal Crossing October Direct guide for more information.
Astral Chain
Platinum knows how to make action games like Gordon Ramsey knows how to shout at people and cook things. It’s an art form at this point and they always deliver. Astral Chain is a console exclusive for Nintendo Switch and shows Platinum flexing its action muscles in some interesting ways, while providing possibly the best graphics on the system to date.
You play as Akira, a cop in a future-noir city who must use monsters known as Legion as weapons. The Legion are bound to you by the Astral Chain, and you can attack not only by yourself and with your Legion, but also by combining your attacks with the chain itself. Part detective story, all bonkers, Astral Chain is an incredible action game stuffed with style, and any action fan owes it to themselves to give it a try.
Fire Emblem: Three Houses
Another niche series now more popular than ever, after the success of Fire Emblem Awakening on 3DS, the series has continued to improve and grow, with Fire Emblem: Three Houses delivering the best game in the decades-old series, according to many. Think of it as anime chess, Fire Emblem is a strategy game where you control a team of characters and battle opposing armies while levelling up and gaining new weapons and abilities.
You play as Byleth, a professor at a school that is home to different factions, and the relationships between these characters, and the world, have far-reaching consequences. With an incredible cast of heroes, three different stories to play through, and some fantastic refinements to the series’ RPG elements, Fire Emblem: Three Houses is a huge adventure and an easy recommendation for any strategy or RPG fan.
Luigi’s Mansion 3
Poor Luigi. For someone so easily scared, he sure does end up in a lot of frightening places! This entry is no different, as after receiving a suspiciously generous invitation to stay in a plush hotel, things go awry and soon Luigi is chasing ghosts through the many floors of this creepy building. Developer Next Level Games learned some great lessons from Luigi’s Mansion 2 on 3DS, and this entry not only plays smoother, but looks like an animated movie brought to life.
The physical comedy of Luigi running away scared is sold through incredible animation work, and the gameplay feels satisfying and rewarding to master. You’ll love exploring every inch of the hotel to find hidden treasures and piles of cash, all while defeating the many ghosts and wonderful bosses in Luigi’s way.
Monster Hunter Rise
Switch fans may have felt a bit jealous when Monster Hunter World was released, as that title brought some much-needed refinements to the series as well as shiny HD graphics. Well, the argument for the best Monster Hunter game is now much more difficult, as Monster Hunter Rise blew fans away on Nintendo Switch this year.
Adding some acrobatics to proceedings, as well as a trusty new pet with the palamute, Monster Hunter has never felt quicker, or sharper, than with Rise. There’s even the new rampage mode if you enjoy cutting down hordes of enemies, and multiplayer is a joy with buddies. Rise also has a massive expansion on the way, with Monster Hunter Rise Sunbreak bringing even more content to the massive package in summer 2022. Check out our Monster Hunter Rise Sunbreak release date guide for everything you need to know.
You can also use our Monster Hunter Rise skills guide to stay ahead of the competition.
Stardew Valley
Ah, the quiet life. There probably isn’t a more relaxing game on Switch than Stardew Valley. This cosy agriculture simulator tasks you with building and maintaining an adorable pixelated farm. It’s up to you to choose your crops, protect them, and do your best to make some money as well.
You can also get married, decorate your house, make friends with the villagers, rebuild the community centre, explore the mines, and even go fishing. Play Stardew Valley however you want, and at whatever pace you want. But however you play, there are hundreds of hours of fantastic, calming gameplay if you want it. Be sure to check out our Stardew Valley fish guide when you do eventually dive in.
Hollow Knight
If you’ve ever played and enjoyed a Metroidvania game (Metroid, Castlevania, Axiom Verge, Ori & The Will of the Wisps etc) you owe it to yourself to play Hollow Knight. It’s tougher than most, taking some cues from Dark Souls with difficult bosses tucked away in most corners, a long trek back to them, and a battle with yourself to reclaim any of the souls you lose upon death.
Where Hollow Knight excels though is in world-building and game feel. Hollow Knight feels absolutely incredible to control, and every additional ability unlocked only further strengthens your arsenal. Then the mystery of the world and strength of the visual style pushed me to explore every single corner I could. I’m still astonished at the quality of this game, and hopefully Team Cherry is working hard on the sequel so we don’t have long to wait for the Hollow Knight Silksong release date.
Metroid Dread
Talk about fashionably late. A sequel to the 2011 GBA title Metroid Fusion, Samus finally returns in Metroid Dread, though it feels like she never left. With slick movement, satisfying weapons, and an incredibly atmospheric world to explore, Dread could be the best entry in the 35-year-old series and has us hoping we never have to wait this long again.
Dread wraps up the epic story of Metroid after so many years, and there’s plenty of lore to tuck into for the fans that have been waiting. But if you’re a first time Metroid player, you’re about to play an incredible action exploration game that just so happens to finish a story. This is as good a place to start as any, and if Dread eventually makes you a Metroid fan, then welcome aboard!
Check out our Metroid Dread review for more information on this stellar sci-fi title.
Super Mario Maker 2
With so many Mario games over the years, it was getting difficult to imagine where the 2D sidescrolling series could go in the future. So Nintendo instead gave the tools to fans, and we couldn’t be happier. Create your own levels in the style of classic Mario games, but make them as devious and difficult as you can possibly imagine.
Super Mario Maker 2 adds a lot of exciting new elements to the formula (slopes, worlds, new styles) and even gave us a taste of a Zelda Maker with an NES Link power-up that copied the hero of time’s abilities. Where could Mario go next? Who knows. But we’ve got literally thousands of fantastic Mario levels to play until then, so there’s no rush.
Xenoblade Chronicles: Definitive Edition
A sprawling open-world RPG with a gargantuan story, spanning worlds built on the bodies of dead gods. Xenoblade is as JRPG as it gets. However, with some fantastic active-battle systems, it manages to mix strategy with skill in some really smart ways.
The main characters are still likeable, even if you get a bit sick of hearing “It’s Reyn time” repeatedly, and this port brings the Wii classic to life with beautiful visuals that finally do this huge world justice. There’s never been a better way to play this JRPG classic than on your Switch.
Bayonetta 2
What do you call a witch that loves explosions? Michael Bayonetta… Anyway, Bayonetta 2 is a prime example of PlatinumGames firing on all cylinders, and luckily it wasn’t stuck on the WiiU forever. Both entries in the series are on Switch and both are stellar action games with a chaotic flair for detail, but the sequel is just inches ahead for us thanks to its gigantic set-pieces and the occasional Nintendo nod. Utterly unmissable action games that any fans of the genre have to experience. Now, let’s hope we hear more about the Bayonetta 3 release date soon.
Pokemon Legends: Arceus
Who knew that goings backwards was the key to moving forwards! Pokemon Legends: Arceus flings our protagonist into the past to the land of Hisui, centuries before it became Sinnoh. But this quasi-open-world adventure managed to deliver the freshest take on Pokemon in Ponyta’s years.
Exploring the different regions of Hisui and seeing Pokemon in the wild is a thrill, but just the ability to actually throw poke-balls and catch the many different ‘mon on offer was a simple, but essential revelation. If you’re still roaming around Hisui, why not check out our many different guides such as; Pokemon Legends: Arceus mystery gift codes, Pokemon Legends: Arceus shiny pokemon, and Pokemon Legends: Arceus Eevee guide.
Splatoon 2
It’s always nice to see Nintendo tackle a new IP, but even in our wildest dreams, I don’t think we expected Splatoon 2 to be as good, or as successful, as the series has ended up being. A frantic 4v4 shooter where the goal is to paint the most of your opponent’s turf (though taking out opponents is also encouraged), this tentacle-stuffed twist on the shooter genre is incredibly refreshing, and it also features outstanding visual design and music that carve out a strong sense of identity for the fledgling franchise. While we patiently wait for news on the sequel, have a read of our article about the Splatoon 3 soundtrack and what makes it so interesting.
Donkey Kong Country: Tropical Freeze
They say that most great art isn’t appreciated in the artist’s lifetime, and back in 2014 the first reactions to Retro Studios making ‘just another’ Donkey Kong game ranged from underwhelmed to downright angry. Well, luckily they were all wrong to judge the power of Retro, as Donkey Kong Country: Tropical Freeze has withstood the test of time and is now considered one of the finest 2D platformers ever to grace a Nintendo console.
Intricate, satisfying level design is laced with absolutely bags of personality thanks to the bright and colourful visuals and the genius soundtrack of the legendary David Wise. Yes, it’s tough as nails, but if you’re really struggling there is the fantastic new funky mode to aid the younger players and let you experience this title in all its glacial glory.
Mario Party Superstars
There ain’t no party like a Mario Party, and thankfully Mario Party Superstars returned the floundering franchise to its previous glory, stripping the mistakes of Super Mario Party and throwing in a hefty dose of nostalgia.
Featuring a solid 100 minigames from past entries, but layered with some of the most consistent and convenient online features in a Nintendo game to date, this is a brilliant title to play with a few pals over, and thanks to the many online modes even have hours of gameplay if you just want to get better on your own. You can check out our full thoughts in our Mario Party Superstars review.
Triangle Strategy
Look, we don’t like the name either, but just give it a chance. Lovers of classic titles like Final Fantasy Tactics, Fire Emblem, and Tactics Ogre, will find so much to love from Triangle Strategy. Underneath the strategic hood is a tense political thriller, and one where almost every single decision plays a part in the path your story takes. Who you talk to, who you save, who you kill, and the choices along the way, all of these test your resolve and inform your decisions in meaningful ways. The combat is also absolutely stellar, so if you know the strategy is your thing, this is a must-play from us. Check out our full thoughts in our glowing Triangle Strategy review.
Hades
The rogue-like genre seems to have exploded in popularity over the last few years, and Switch is home to dozens of fantastic picks. But, if you only had the money for one, we’d recommend Hades. Combining slick action gameplay with a stylish world and great dialogue, Hades is a joy to play in every single moment.
Zagreus must escape from Hell, and the overbearing pressure from his father Hades, and his climb through the many layers are aided by the gods of Olympus. Each death is part of the journey though, as characters comment on your failures and help you to build up the skills you need. It’s a masterclass in combining narrative and game design, that just happens to play like a dream. Utterly essential.
Mario Kart 8 Deluxe
At nearly 40 million copies sold (for Mario Kart 8 Deluxe alone, not including the Wii U version), there is a very good chance that if you own a Switch, you already own this masterpiece. Nintendo never drops the ball when it comes to their flagship racing franchise, but 8 especially hit it out of the park.
The Switch version takes the gravity-defying antics and adds a substantial battle mode, includes all the DLC such as new tracks and new racers (Link, Isabelle, Inklings, & more) and couples it all with the ease of use the Nintendo Switch offers. It runs buttery smooth and has a swathe of online options, so even so many years later, this is a game you simply have to own.
Super Smash Bros Ultimate
Now the best selling fighting game of all time, and recently finishing up its mammoth DLC with a twelfth addition fighter in Sora from Kingdom Hearts, Super Smash Bros Ultimate is an absolute behemoth of a game and a monument to video games as a whole.
Smash Bros works so well because anyone can pick it up and either just have a giggle while throwing items around as Steve from Minecraft and Bowser, or you can play skilfully online and truly have your abilities tested. It’s easy to understand but tough to master, and with over 80 characters, you’ll never run out of things to learn anyway.
So, there we have it, the best Switch games worth your time and money, though we could go on much longer…
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