25 Best Nintendo Switch Games You Must Play Now

The best Nintendo Switch games combine portability with deep, engaging experiences, offering something for every type of player. Whether you crave epic adventures, relaxing simulations, or frantic multiplayer battles, this curated list of the best Nintendo Switch games highlights the must-play titles that define the console's incredible library.

25 best Nintendo Switch games you must play now: A brief introduction to the Nintendo Switch's popularity and the criter

Its massive library spans every genre imaginable, from sprawling open-world RPGs to quick puzzle games perfect for short sessions. To create this definitive list, we evaluated each title based on critical acclaim, lasting popularity, innovative gameplay mechanics, and overall fun factor, ensuring a diverse selection that caters to hardcore veterans and casual newcomers alike. These aren't just good games, they're essential experiences that showcase the very best of what the Switch has to offer.

The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild

Genre/s: Action RPG | Release Date: March 3, 2017

If you’re a fan of the Zelda series, then The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild will excite you in many ways. It’s an open-world adventure game that never ceases to amaze gamers with new and fun surprises despite its three-year release. You don’t have to read and understand countless tutorials just to play the game. You’re free to do things in your own way while exploring the vast world of Hyrule. Ride a horse, glide, boat, or battle enemies, it’s all up to you! Unlike Grand Theft Auto, this game doesn’t limit you on what you can do, you can always back out from a fight and not be chased by cops. Plus, it’s more subtle in nature so you can just play it when you want to relax. This is the gold standard for open-world design, rewarding curiosity at every turn.

Animal Crossing: New Horizons

Genre/s: Social Simulation | Release Date: March 20, 2020

As one of the best Nintendo Switch games in the market, Animal Crossing: New Horizons is a hype worth checking out. New Horizons is the first Animal Crossing game on Nintendo Switch. Spanning over ten years in the making, the game did not disappoint fans and gamers after being released in March. It allows you to build your town from the bottom up and create characters with a wide range of customization options. Also, it employs a real-time system so it follows your area’s date, time, and season accordingly. The best part? It’s suitable for all ages so every member of the family, young and old, can play it anytime without minding inappropriate comments or graphics. This is the ultimate escape, offering a gentle, rewarding loop of fishing, bug-catching, and island decorating that evolves in real-time.

Super Mario Odyssey

Genre/s: Action Adventure | Release Date: October 27, 2017

If you love Mario’s adventures, then Super Mario Odyssey is your cup of tea. It’s one of the highly anticipated Mario games in 2017 and to date. The game gives you a nostalgic feeling of the classic Mario game in beautiful graphics. It has fresh twists and employs exploration as one of the major keys to solve the game. Travel through many kingdoms and use many of Mario’s new moves to save Princess Peach and Tiara, the sister of Cappy. What’s more, it has enough content to make you keep playing after you finish it. The innovative capture mechanic lets you possess enemies and objects, turning every level into a playground of creative possibilities.

Pokemon Sword and Shield

Genre/s: RPG | Release Date: November 15, 2019

Entering our list of the best Nintendo Switch games is the Pokemon Sword and Shield. This game boasts new features to enhance your Pokemon experience. Explore the expansive region of Galar and take note of its highly detailed surroundings. There are over 100 new monsters to catch and a new combat feature to use, namely, Dynamax. The Wild Area is a standout addition, offering a seamless open-world zone where you can encounter Pokemon in the overworld and participate in Max Raid Battles with friends. It’s the mainline Pokemon experience you’ve been waiting for on a home console.

Legend of Zelda: Link’s Awakening

Genre/s: Action Adventure | Release Date: September 20, 2019

The Zelda Switch series bagged a massive hype after it was released on the said platform. The Legend of Zelda: Link’s Awakening is another example of the series’ unrelenting feat. Classic soundtrack with new arrangements, fresh navigational system, revisiting past conversations, multiple item equipment, and more. There are also modern mini-games to help you earn dolls or Chamber Stones. It’s a faithful yet fresh retelling that captures the original’s quirky charm while modernizing its controls and visuals.

Luigi’s Mansion 3

Genre/s: Action Adventure | Release Date: October 31, 2019

There are many things to love about Super Mario, and one of them is his brother Luigi. In this game, the adorable Luigi brave a haunted hotel to save Mario and his friends. The game is a masterclass in animation and atmosphere, with each floor of the hotel presenting a unique theme and puzzle. With your help, Luigi can find Mario and his friends. The Gooigi mechanic adds a clever co-op twist, allowing a second player to join in or helping Luigi solve puzzles that require a second, gooey copy of himself. It’s spooky, hilarious, and endlessly inventive.

Minecraft Dungeons

Genre/s: Dungeon Crawler | Release Date: May 26, 2020

If you want to spice up the traditional Minecraft game, then try Minecraft Dungeons. It’s a new game that utilizes a dungeon crawler concept set in the Minecraft universe. It’s a family-friendly action RPG that strips away the building and crafting, focusing instead on hack-and-slash combat and loot collection. Each level takes about ten to 15 minutes long, and they’re all filled with zombies, skeletons, and creepers. With its accessible difficulty settings and charming blocky aesthetic, it’s a perfect gateway into the genre for younger players.

Super Mario Maker 2

Genre/s: Level Editor, 2D Platformer | Release Date: June 28, 2019

The Mario game isn’t only limited to saving Princess Peach. In Super Mario Maker 2, you can play and create the world of Mario in your own way. You can play the game in two modes. The Story Mode lets you play built-in courses, while the Course Maker gives you the ability to construct your courses using available parts and tools. If you wish to access additional content, you can apply for a Nintendo Switch Online membership. The possibilities are endless, with millions of player-created levels offering an infinite supply of fresh challenges, from precision platforming to puzzle-filled adventures.

Hollow Knight

Genre/s: Metroidvania | Release Date: June 12, 2018

Hollow Knight is an amazing action-adventure game whose soundtrack and the game’s atmosphere, in general, adds up to the overall impact of the game. Defeat strange creatures and befriend bugs along the way. This Metroidvania drops you into the vast, interconnected ruins of Hallownest, a kingdom of insects. The hand-drawn art is hauntingly beautiful, and the combat is tight and challenging. With its deep lore, memorable boss fights, and sense of discovery, it’s a modern masterpiece that offers dozens of hours of exploration.

Stardew Valley

Genre/s: Simulation | Release Date: October 5, 2017

If you have played Harvest Moon before and loved it, then Stardew Valley is worth checking out. It’s a farming simulation game in which you raise crops and livestock, mine, talk to villagers, establish relationships, and a lot more. The game is incredibly relaxing, but it also has surprising depth, with a full fishing mini-game, combat in the mines, and a robust crafting system. It’s a charming, pixel-art escape that respects your time and rewards your efforts.

Splatoon 2

Genre/s: Action, Shooter, Multiplayer | Release Date: July 21, 2017

Splatoon 2 doesn’t adopt the traditional concept of shooting games. What makes it different is that it lets you team up with your fellow inklings and instead of shooting bullets, you shoot paint to your enemies and the surroundings. The goal is to cover the most ground in ink, not just get the most kills. The motion controls are surprisingly precise, and the game’s vibrant style, catchy music, and regular updates keep the multiplayer fresh. It’s a unique and colorful team-based shooter that stands out from the crowd.

Dragon Ball FighterZ

Genre/s: Action, Fighting | Release Date: September 28, 2018

Dragon Ball FighterZ has all the good things you can get from a casual fighting game, only even better. The visuals are a stunning 2D recreation of the anime, with super moves that look like they were pulled straight from the show. You also don’t have to worry about awkward controls just to let Goku unleash the best moves, yet. Moreover, the fighting part is balanced enough to engage new players. It’s fast-paced, accessible, and deeply satisfying, making it one of the best anime fighting games ever made.

Darkest Dungeon

Genre/s: RPG, Adventure | Release Date: January 18, 2018

If you prefer a turn-based tactic game that gets trickier as you progress, consider Darkest Dungeon. It’s one of the best Nintendo Switch games that utilize a deep combat system that makes you think through before attacking. The game is notorious for its difficulty, focusing on stress management and the psychological toll of adventuring. Your heroes have quirks and flaws that can affect their performance, and death is permanent. It’s a challenging gothic RPG that tests your strategic thinking and stress management as you lead a team of flawed heroes.

Yoshi’s Crafted World

Genre/s: Action, Platformer | Release Date: March 29, 2019

Charming is the right word to describe Yoshi’s Crafted World. It’s a colorful and cute game that lets you hurdle over 40+ levels in a loosely-themed world. It’s a low-pressure game that appeals to players of all ages. The game has vivid graphics, as well as adorable animations and sounds that make every moment entertaining. It’s a delightful and easy-going 2.5D platformer set in a world made of household crafts, perfect for younger players.

Pokemon Let’s Go!

Genre/s: RPG, Adventure, Multiplayer | Release Date: November 16, 2018

If you’re looking for another Pokemon Switch game, Pokemon Let’s Go! is a great choice. It’s geared towards new fans and younger audiences who haven’t experienced playing the original games. Pokemon Let’s Go is set in the Kanto region, following a simple storyline from Pokemon Yellow. You can play it alone or with a friend through co-op couch play. The game is simply everything you expected from a Pokemon game, bringing nostalgia to older players. It uses Pokemon GO-style catching mechanics, making it a beginner-friendly Pokemon RPG that blends classic Kanto region exploration with modern catching.

Donkey Kong Country: Tropical Freeze

Genre/s: Action, Platformer | Release Date: May 04, 2018

There’s never a dull time in Donkey Kong Country: Tropical Freeze. As one of the best Nintendo Switch games, it boasts action-packed courses and challenging yet fair boss fights. It’s a masterfully designed 2D platformer with tight controls, inventive levels, and a fantastic soundtrack composed by David Wise. The Switch version adds Funky Kong as an easier playable character, making it more accessible while still offering a stiff challenge for veterans. It’s a must-have for any platforming fan.

Super Smash Bros. Ultimate

Genre/s: Action, Fighting, Multiplayer | Release Date: December 07, 2018

There are many reasons why you should play Super Smash Bros. Ultimate. It’s a step-up from the Super Smash Bros. series, with new characters and stages to enhance your ultimate brawling experience. Plus, the aesthetic additions make the game an ideal sequel for the Switch version. With every character in series history, including fighters from third-party franchises like Banjo-Kazooie and Joker, it’s the ultimate crossover fighting game. The sheer amount of content, from Spirits mode to classic battles, is staggering.

Mario Kart 8 Deluxe

Genre/s: Racing, Multiplayer | Release Date: April 28, 2017

If you’re a fan of racing games, don’t pass up your chance to try Mario Kart 8 Deluxe. The game offers a solid racing experience that you and your friends will definitely love. Packed with tons of upgrades, you can choose from 42 Nintendo-themed characters, including those from Splatoons. Other features include third-level on the turbo boost and the smart steering to help inexperienced gamers play with great ease. Another thing you’ll love about the game is that it touts crisp and vibrant graphics. Combine all these features together and you’ll have one of the best Nintendo Switch games in the market right now. It’s the definitive version of the best-selling kart racer, packed with characters, tracks, and accessible driving options.

Dark Souls Remastered

Genre/s: Action, Adventure, RPG, Multiplayer | Release Date: October 19, 2018

Dark Souls Remastered is another thrilling action-adventure game that lets players explore an epic dark fantasy world stricken by the Curse. Defeat bizarre monsters, discover secrets and dungeons, and unlock extraordinary weapon, armor, magic, and crafting combinations to personalize the gameplay in your own way. The punishingly difficult but rewarding action RPG that started a genre, now with enhanced visuals for the Switch. It’s a challenging but fair experience that rewards patience and mastery, and being able to play it on the go is a fantastic bonus.

Octopath Traveler

Genre/s: Adventure, RPG | Release Date: July 13, 2018

Octopath Traveler is not your run-of-the-mill RPG. Instead, it offers stunning gameplay with a deep battle system that will hook you for hours and hours. The characters are in 2D but they move and explore around a 3D world with beautiful details and realistic seasons. While playing, you may think you’re playing an old-school game with unparalleled modern twists. Unlike most 2D RPG, this game deflects from the traditional turn-based combat. It tells eight distinct stories that you can experience in any order.

Xenoblade Chronicles 2

Genre/s: JRPG | Release Date: December 01, 2017

Xenoblade Chronicles 2 is Switch’s first exclusive RPG Adventure, and it’s currently one of the best Nintendo Switch games you can play right now. After the success of the Xenoblade series, this game didn’t disappoint in every way. It employs vivid graphics and incredible gameplay that will make your play for hours, literally because the storyline takes up a little more time to finish compared to other JRPG on this list. You can play this game at home or on the go. It’s a massive, story-driven JRPG with a complex combat system and a sprawling world to explore on living Titans.

Captain Toad’s Treasure Tracker

Genre/s: Puzzle, Platformer | Release Date: July 13, 2018

Captain Toad’s Treasure Tracker remains to be one of the best Nintendo Switch games to date. Playing the game is pretty simple. You need to help Captain Toad find his way through the end by avoiding enemies. The game is a collection of diorama-like levels where you can’t jump, but instead must solve puzzles by rotating the camera and manipulating the environment. It’s a charming puzzle-platformer that’s clever, bite-sized, and perfect for handheld mode.

Bayonetta 2

Genre/s: Action | Release Date: February 16, 2018

Bayonetta 2 possesses the same characteristics as God of War or Devil May Cry. You will spend most of your time in combat, with some exploration as you go along the story. The best part of the game is that it is fluid, so there’s a high chance you won’t be frustrated trying to defeat enemies as you play. It’s a stylish and over-the-top action game with fluid, fast-paced combat and a powerful witch protagonist. The game is a spectacle from start to finish, with insane set pieces and a combat system that’

25 Best Nintendo Switch Games You Must Play Now