When it comes to gaming consoles, Nintendo Switch remains a tough competition against PS4 and Xbox One. Released in 2017, this hybrid electronic device is considered as the “King of Portability” since you can use it at home as a traditional console system or bring it with you on your trips as a handheld gadget. Apart from rendering extreme portability, this hybrid electronic also has a wide range of games available, be it Super Mario Odyssey or The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild.
25 Best Nintendo Switch Games You Must Play Now
From the greatest action RPG to adventure, racing, and horror, we’ve deeply scoured the web to search for the best Switch games that will blow your mind and heart away. Here’s our list of the best Nintendo Switch games you should download and play this year.
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.
Also, the actions are endless so there’s never a dull moment in the game. You can buy The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild for $54.99 on Amazon.
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. Get Animal Crossing: New Horizons for $58.87 on Amazon.
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. Grab your copy now for $57.90 on Amazon.
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 game has a big emphasis on story, so expect tons of cute character cast and powerful dialogue. Buy Pokemon Sword and Shield for $59.99 on Amazon.
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.
In this remake version of the game, everything has been reimagined in a detailed manner. 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. The game is available for $56.95 on Amazon.
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.
Go on a haunted adventure alone or with your friends while catching ghosts and solving puzzles. Luigi can also clone himself into Gooigi that can slip through tiny spaces, walk on killer spikes, and help Luigi in general.
With your help, Luigi can find Mario and his friends. Buy your copy for $58.75 on Amazon.
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.
Of course, you will take a break from traditional mining and crafting. You’re playing to kill monsters and loot from them to earn items and equips. Each level takes about ten to 15 minutes long, and they’re all filled with zombies, skeletons, and creepers.
Grab your copy now for $37.48 on Amazon.
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.
Buy the game for $47.95 on Amazon.
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. In the course of your journey, you gain abilities and power until you uncover the game’s secrets.
Buy the game for $39.48 on Amazon.
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 pretty much yours to enjoy, no mind-boggling puzzles or quests. If you need an upgrade, learn how to download these Stardew Valley Mods to elevate your gameplay.
Grab your copy now for $14.99 on Nintendo’s website.
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 team that paints most of the map wins. Basically, it emphasizes territory control with a fun twist.
Buy the game for $61.70 on Amazon.
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. From the visuals and the soundtrack to the voice acting for the English and Japanese languages, everything is solid. 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. So, what are you waiting for? Grab yours now for $29.83 on Amazon.
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. One wrong strategy and your team will get defeated. Also, be careful with your actions for your characters may die from a heart attack if they get too stressed out.
The game also employs outstanding narration that intensifies every scene, adding more impact to the gameplay.
Grab Darkest Dungeon for $39.99 on Amazon.
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. You can also watch as Yoshi eat enemies to turn them into egg ammo.
Buy your copy for $50.96 on Amazon.
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 fun 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.
Buy yours now for $66.59 on Amazon.
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. You can also unravel tons of secrets and collectibles as you fight your way to the peak.
Get your copy now for $51.29 on Amazon.
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.
Get Super Smash Bros. Ultimate for $59.99 on Amazon.
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.
Grab your copy now for $54.99 on Amazon.
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. Compared to other Dark Souls installments, this game boasts sharper graphics, improved lighting, and better framerate.
So, what are you waiting for? Buy your copy now for $39.45 on Amazon.
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. Instead, it requires great timing, skill, and experimentation to achieve success in the end. Octopath Traveler is available on Amazon for $58.49.
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. Either way, it’s a game you shouldn’t miss. Buy your copy now for $64 on Amazon.
Genre/s: July 13, 2018
Release Date: Puzzle, Platformer
Captain Toad’s Treasure Tracker remains to be one of the best Nintendo Switch games to date. It’s a cute game with adorable soundtrack and graphics that will blow your heart away as you solve the puzzles headed on your way.
Playing the game is pretty simple. You need to help Captain Toad find his way through the end by avoiding enemies. There are also hidden gems that you need to collect throughout the course so watch out for them.
The game is available on Amazon for $48.40.
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.
Grab your copy now for $68.21 on Amazon.
Gris
Genre/s: Action, Adventure, Platformer, Puzzle
Release Date: December 13, 2018
Gris is not your ordinary game. It’s one of the best Nintendo Switch games that wasn’t built in a traditional anime studio. It’s the very first game created by an indie developer, Nomada Studio, and it has been making rounds in the Switch world for having the most beautiful graphics and concept.
Gris is a French word for gray, and it’s the name of the character in the game. The game starts with her losing her voice until her world is stripped with all the colors, thus Gris. The game doesn’t have any narration; the interpretation is left to the player which is one of the greatest edges of the game.
Buy your copy now for $16.99 on Nintendo’s official website.
Genre/s: Puzzle
Release Date: April 24, 2017
If you’re looking for the best Nintendo Switch games similar to the old Tetris, then put Puyo Puyo Tetris at the top of your list. It’s basically a combination of the original Tetris and Puyo Puyo from SEGA, resulting in a fun, adorable, and fast-paced competitive party game like no other.
The game has many twists, including unique challenge boards and puzzle fights. Get your copy now for $19.99 on Amazon.
Final Word
There you have it, the best Nintendo Switch games you must play now. From old to new games, Nintendo Switch has infinite games to choose from. It also caters to all genres so the fun is available to everyone from all walks of life.
What do you think of our list? Don’t forget to follow us for the latest news about upcoming Switch games.
