Hold on to your Joy-Cons! We’re taking a tour of the 12 crown jewels of the Nintendo Switch. From timeless classics that tug at the heartstrings of nostalgia to groundbreaking new releases that revolutionize the genre, the Switch is packed with videogame treasures.
We break down the crème de la crème of Nintendo’s Switch must-have game.
Mario + Rabbids Sparks of Hope
We start this list with Mario and the Rabbids: Sparks of Hope. Comfortably installed in our top Switch picks, this game is like the result of a wild brainstorming session after too much espresso.
Remember the first Mario and Rabbids collaboration? Yes, the one where Ubisoft’s zany rabbits invaded the Mushroom Kingdom.
Well, they’re back, but this time they’ve set their sights beyond our world, diving into space. The scenario is as zany as it gets: Mario, the Rabbids and the usual heroes of the Mushroom Kingdom team up against a dark cosmic entity.
In terms of gameplay, the turn-based battles are even more elegant. Characters can move around freely in specific areas, making strategic battles even spicier. But the highlight of the show is the writing. The developers have let loose! From the hilarious, offbeat dialogue to the absurd antics of the game, this title promises – and delivers – laugh-out-loud moments.
Mario + Rabbids Sparks of Hope is like your favorite Saturday morning cartoon transformed into a video game but with more lasers, space travel and deranged rabbits. A mix of strategy, humor and unexpected crossovers makes this game a bright spark in the Switch range. It’s hard to miss out on this cosmic comedy adventure for your game library.
Super Mario 3D World + Bowser’s Fury
Let’s talk about the mash-up we didn’t know we needed, but are so happy to have got: ‘Super Mario 3D World + Bowser’s Fury’. Part of the Nintendo Switch must-have list, this game is like a double dose of your favorite ice cream on a summer’s day. “Super Mario 3D World” is a real gem. Classic Mario charm, cat costumes that still make us purr, and good old-fashioned jumping and running action are spread across a collection of vibrant and creative stages.
‘Bowser’s Fury’ has the most surprises in store for you. It’s as if Nintendo said to itself, “How about another open-world Mario adventure with a kaiju-sized Bowser rampaging in the background? Brilliant. Mario teams up with Bowser Jr. (twist!) in a dynamic, rainy setting littered with exciting challenges and where the monstrous molten Bowser makes occasional appearances to turn up the heat.
So, in the sea of titles, ‘Super Mario 3D World + Bowser’s Fury’ stands out. It’s a double delight, bringing together a familiar platformer with a zesty, unexpected adventure on the side.
Fire Emblem: Three Houses
Tactical Role-playing fans, Fire Emblem: Three Houses is the juicy high school drama everyone needed. Think Hogwarts and medieval warfare, with a hint of anime.
You’re Byleth, a mercenary turned teacher (I know, it’s a radical career move) at the monastery of Garreg Mach. This is no ordinary school, it’s divided into three distinct houses: The Black Eagles, the Blue Lions and the Golden Deer. Each house is filled with eccentric teenagers, representing different regions of the Fódlan continent. Your job? Teach them, build relationships with them and, of course, lead them in tactical battles.
With a turn-based combat system and breathtaking intensity, every choice matters. And speaking of choices, the dialogue options aren’t just for show. They help weave the narrative and give your adventure a unique character. Character development is dazzling. Train your pupils, develop their skills and watch them grow from enthusiastic youngsters to powerful warlords. Or the opposite if you don’t play your cards right.
Build relationships, forge alliances and maybe even find love, all while trying not to get ambushed. It’s all good fun.
Fire Emblem: Three Houses is like immersing yourself in Games of Thrones: complex plots, engaging characters and drama so dense you could slice it with a sword. This game offers an intricate and captivating experience that tactical RPG fans shouldn’t miss.
Animal Crossing: New Horizons
Ever wanted to escape to your own piece of paradise? “Animal Crossing: New Horizons” on Switch lets you do just that, without the sunburn. Imagine crash-landing on a desert island, but instead of being a castaway, you’re primping Tom Nook style.
It’s not just a game, it’s a real atmosphere. Customize your cot, make friends with cute (and sometimes quirky) animals and literally watch the seasons change. Want to catch bugs? Well, you can. Want to fish at midnight? Why not? Dreaming of paying off a never-ending mortgage? It’s strangely specific, but yes, you can do it too!
Everyone’s island tells a unique story. One pal has a five-star resort vibe while another has built a spooky cult shrine.
For moments of relaxation or when the world gets a little too heavy, ‘Animal Crossing: New Horizons’ is a cozy blanket and hot chocolate in game form. Trust the advertising, dive into the game and soon you’ll be humming the tunes of K.K. Slider every Saturday night.
Mario Kart 8 Deluxe
Where do you start with Mario Kart 8 Deluxe? It’s the quintessential Mario Kart experience, but turbocharged and decked out in all its glory for Nintendo Switch. The game takes you on gravity-defying aerial tracks, underwater escapades and even lava-filled caverns. Not forgetting the nostalgic tracks, masterfully brought up to date.
The cast of Mario Kart 8 Deluxe is bigger than a reunion dinner. From the classic duo of Mario and Peach to unexpected guests like the Inklings from Splatoon. The variety doesn’t stop with the characters. As well as the traditional karts, you can use bikes and ATVs. All of these vehicles can even be fully customized in style.
But the real mayhem (and fun) happens with the iconic power-ups. Throw a red carapace, dodge a banana or savor the pure joy of hitting your enemies with the blue carapace.
And with local and online multiplayer, the fun never stops.
Mario Kart 8 Deluxe is the kind of game you’ll end up playing for “just one more race” until it’s suddenly 3 am.
Super Smash Bros. Ultimate
Super Smash Bros. Ultimate is, quite frankly, the craziest party you’ll ever attend. Imagine getting every legendary gaming character you know, throwing them into a digital blender, then watching the chaos unfold as they clash. Mario punching Sonic in the face? That’s possible. Pikachu zapping Link? Yes, of course. Ryu vs Sephiroth? Yup, even that combo.
Comprising over 70 fighters from a multitude of franchises. The objective is simple. Eliminate your opponents from the scene in the most spectacular way possible. Whether you’re a casual button-masher or a fanatic who’s memorized every combo, this game has something for you. Battles are frenetic, unpredictable and hugely entertaining, with scenes that morph and hazards that can totally change the game.
The best part is the multiplayer feature. Whether you’re with your friends on the sofa or on the other side of the world, you’ll never be left indifferent.
In short: “Super Smash Bros. Ultimate” is the videogame equivalent of that epic party you never want to leave. It’s loud, chaotic, full of icons and 100% addictive.
Xenoblade Chronicles 3
RPG fans, if you’re browsing this list in search of a juicy, epic tale, look no further than ‘Xenoblade Chronicles 3’.
This game is breathtaking. The landscapes are vast and jaw-dropping, not to mention the well-developed characters.
Xenoblade Chronicles 3 is no ordinary adventure. We’re plunged into the heart of a world filled with complex politics, gigantic mechs and battles.
Real time, strategy and a hint of chaos: just the way we like it. Immerse yourself in a vast world, with mysteries lurking around every corner. The plot has plenty of twists and turns to keep you guessing.
Special mention for the soundtrack: every track elevates the experience. From dark melodies to adrenaline-pumping ones during intense battles – pure musical genius.
In the sea of Nintendo Switch titles, “Xenoblade Chronicles 3” is a must-have for anyone craving a sprawling narrative and a captivating world. If you’ve experienced the first two, you know the drill. If not, get ready for an epic rollercoaster ride.
Metroid Dread
Released in 2021, Metroid Dread is still a real adventure. This title marks the epic return of Samus after a long hiatus, and she’s back in a big way. This isn’t your average Metroid game; it’s darker, tenser and makes you feel like you’re on the edge of your seat.
So you find yourself on the planet ZDR, which isn’t exactly the ideal holiday destination. Scary corridors, alien creatures and mind-boggling puzzles await you. And let’s not forget the E.M.M.I. robots. These relentless stalkers are on the hunt for Samus, and when they get close, you’d better be ready to duck or run.
The gameplay is perfect and Samus is agile and powerful. But it’s not all about firing on all cylinders: strategy is key. Each area you discover allows you to acquire new abilities and weapons. Classic Metroid, isn’t it?
Visually, Dread is stunning (in the Switch department). Every location is highly detailed, from glowing caverns to ancient ruins.
If you’ve got a Switch and you like sci-fi challenges, Metroid Dread is the game for you.
Super Mario Odyssey
“Super Mario Odyssey” redefines 3D platforming with a captivating and innovative gameplay mechanic. Although it was released in October 2017, the game managed to breathe new life into the famous plumber. You still have to rescue the princess, but Super Mario Odyssey brings a contemporary touch to it. As Mario chases Bowser through a world filled with eclectic realms, from the bubbling Metro Kingdom to the tranquil Snow Kingdom, its innovative gameplay dazzles players.
The heart of Super Mario Odyssey is Cappy, Mario’s hat. More than just a stylish accessory, Cappy introduces a transformative “capture” mechanism. With a simple throw, Mario can inhabit objects and enemies, from the Bullet Bill rocket to the Uproot sky extender. This fluidity of movement and interaction makes every challenge a delightful enigma and every corner of the game’s vast expanses an invitation to playful experimentation.
Visually, each realm is an enchantment, brimming with vivid colors and intricate details that bring the Mario universe to life.
Super Mario Odyssey has been crafted with meticulous care and obvious passion, cementing its place not only as one of the best games in the Mario series, but also as a benchmark for platform games.
Pokemon Legends: Arceus
What would a “Top of” list on Nintendo Switch be without a Pokemon game? Pokémon Legends: Arceus isn’t just a Pokémon adventure, it’s THE game that redefines what a Pokémon world can look like. Think Breath of the Wild vibes, but in the Pokémon universe. Yes, we dared to make that comparison.
Taking place in the ancient region of Sinnoh, as you’ve never seen it before, long before the days of Pokémon leagues and fancy Poké Balls. It’s wild, raw and absolutely stunning. This time, you’re not looking for badges, you’re looking for the FIRST Pokédex in history.
Gameplay-wise, the days of blindly bumping into tall grass waiting for a wild Pokémon to attack are over. Instead, you’ll be sneaking up on these creatures and studying them in their natural habitat. And the battles? The battles take place in real-time, are highly dynamic and, believe me, you won’t be able to get enough of them.
And then there’s the crafting. Roll up your sleeves and get your hands dirty making your own Poké Balls from apricots. It’s very old-fashioned and very satisfying.
But let’s not forget Arceus. There’s a reason this divine Pokémon’s name is in the title. Without giving away the secrets of this legendary creature, expect an epic story and plenty of mysteries to unravel.
Pokémon Legends: Arceus offers an open-world Pokémon experience with a delightful mix of survival, exploration and story. If there should only be one open-world Pokemon left between Pokemon Scarlet & Violet and Arceus…we’re going for Arceus.
The Legend of Zelda: Breath of The Wild
Let’s take a moment to remember ‘The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild’. Although ‘Tears of the Kingdom‘ has been in the news recently, the magic of Breath of the Wild remains unrivaled and can’t be ignored on this list of the best games on the Nintendo Switch.
Think of Breath of the Wild as the legendary rock album from a band that’s just released a new hit. It’s an adventure not to be missed. The game has revolutionized open-world exploration with its vast landscapes and inventive gameplay mechanics. Whether it’s sliding off cliffs, cooking wild recipes or using the physics engine (yes, rolling rocks over Bokoblins is still fun), it’s a journey that never ceases to surprise and entertain.
‘Breath of the Wild’ has a charm that’s hard to match, and it’s impossible to miss if you own a Switch. The sunrises over the Hylian plains remain iconic. The sensation of standing atop a peak, overlooking a world full of infinite possibilities is simply indescribable.
While the latest Zelda hits the headlines, don’t forget the classic Breath of the Wild. Whether you’re diving in for the first time or taking a nostalgic trip, it is and always will be, a must-have.
The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom
“The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom” isn’t just riding the coattails of its predecessor. It’s carving out its own legacy, setting the bar even higher for open-world adventures. While “Breath of the Wild” broke boundaries, “Tears of the Kingdom” seems to dissolve them entirely. Sky islands that beckon exploration, deeper dives into the lore of Hyrule, and Link’s amped-up abilities ensure that this isn’t just “another Zelda game.”
With a richer world that feels alive and brimming with secrets, and an even more intricate puzzle system, it’s evident that Nintendo put their heart and soul into every pixel. And the narrative? It grips you, pulling you deeper into the intricacies of the Zelda universe.
Now, to call it a masterpiece might sound like a bold claim, but play it and you’ll get it. It isn’t about recreating the magic of “Breath of the Wild.” It’s about taking that magic and turning it up a notch, or ten. Got a Switch? Then there’s no excuse. Dive in, and let “Tears of the Kingdom” sweep you off your feet. It’s not just a game; it’s an experience that’ll be remembered for ages.
Conclusion
In wrapping up this gaming tour, it’s clear the Nintendo Switch isn’t just another console; it’s a universe brimming with adventures of every kind. From adrenaline-pumping action to soul-soothing narratives, these top 12 titles epitomize the breadth and depth of experiences the Switch offers. So, whether you’re seeking a nostalgic trip or a groundbreaking new journey, rest assured there’s a game on this list that’s got your name on it. Dive in, and may your adventures on the Switch be as unforgettable as the stories these games tell.