Best Nintendo Switch Games: Top Picks & Must-Haves
Hey guys! If you're a Nintendo Switch owner, you know the joy of gaming on the go or kicking back on the couch. But with a massive library of games, deciding what to play can feel overwhelming. Don't worry; I've got you covered! This guide dives into the top games for Nintendo Switch, spanning various genres and playstyles, ensuring there's something for everyone. So, grab your Joy-Cons, and let's explore the must-have titles that will keep you glued to your Switch!
The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild
The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild is not just a game; it's an absolute masterpiece and a system-seller for the Nintendo Switch. Seriously, if you own a Switch and haven't played this, you're missing out big time! This game completely reinvents the Zelda formula, offering an expansive open world that's ripe for exploration. From the moment you step out into Hyrule, you're free to roam, discover hidden secrets, and tackle challenges in any order you choose. This level of freedom is incredibly liberating and makes each playthrough feel unique.
The gameplay in Breath of the Wild is nothing short of brilliant. The physics engine is incredibly detailed, allowing for creative problem-solving and emergent gameplay moments. Want to set fire to a field of grass to create an updraft? Go for it! Want to use metal objects to conduct electricity during a thunderstorm? You can do that too! This interactivity adds a whole new layer of depth to the gameplay experience. Combat is also engaging, requiring strategic thinking and skillful execution. You'll need to master different weapon types, learn enemy attack patterns, and utilize environmental elements to your advantage. Trust me; defeating a challenging enemy after a hard-fought battle is incredibly satisfying. The story is also compelling, though it's presented in a non-linear fashion, encouraging you to piece together the narrative through exploration and discovery. You'll encounter memorable characters, uncover ancient lore, and ultimately strive to defeat the menacing Calamity Ganon. But the beauty of Breath of the Wild is that you can tackle this final boss whenever you feel ready, even right from the start of the game!
The sheer scope and scale of Hyrule are breathtaking, filled with diverse landscapes, hidden shrines, and challenging dungeons. Whether you're scaling towering mountains, traversing vast plains, or exploring dense forests, there's always something new to discover. And the game constantly rewards curiosity, with hidden treasures, secret quests, and stunning vistas waiting around every corner. The sense of adventure and discovery is truly unparalleled. And let's not forget the graphics! Breath of the Wild is a visually stunning game, especially when played in docked mode on a large screen. The art style is vibrant and colorful, and the environments are incredibly detailed. But even in handheld mode, the game looks fantastic, showcasing the Switch's impressive capabilities. So, if you're looking for a game that will captivate you for hours on end, The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild is an absolute must-have. It's a true masterpiece that deserves all the praise it has received and is easily one of the best games on the Nintendo Switch.
Super Mario Odyssey
Super Mario Odyssey is another must-have title for any Nintendo Switch owner. It's a joyful, imaginative, and endlessly creative platformer that captures the classic Mario magic while introducing fresh and innovative gameplay mechanics. If you're a fan of the 3D Mario games, like Super Mario 64 and Super Mario Sunshine, you're going to absolutely adore this one. Super Mario Odyssey takes Mario on a globe-trotting adventure to rescue Princess Peach from the clutches of the evil Bowser, who's planning a forced wedding. But this isn't your typical damsel-in-distress story. The game is packed with surprises, twists, and turns, and the characters are more charming and expressive than ever before.
One of the key gameplay innovations in Super Mario Odyssey is the introduction of Cappy, a sentient hat that becomes Mario's new companion. Cappy allows Mario to capture enemies and objects, effectively taking control of them and using their unique abilities. This mechanic opens up a whole new world of possibilities, allowing you to traverse environments in creative ways, solve puzzles, and battle enemies with a diverse range of skills. Imagine controlling a T-Rex, soaring through the air as a Bullet Bill, or swimming through lava as a Lava Bubble! The sheer variety of capture abilities is staggering, and it's always a blast to experiment and discover new ways to use them. The level design in Super Mario Odyssey is also top-notch. Each kingdom is a vibrant and unique world filled with secrets, challenges, and collectibles. From the bustling streets of New Donk City to the sandy beaches of the Seaside Kingdom, there's always something new to explore. And the game constantly encourages exploration, rewarding you for venturing off the beaten path and discovering hidden areas. You'll find Power Moons scattered throughout the kingdoms, which are required to power the Odyssey, Mario's airship, and progress through the game. But collecting these Power Moons is not just about completing the game; it's about the joy of discovery and the satisfaction of solving a challenging puzzle. The game is also packed with post-game content, including new challenges, hidden areas, and even a whole new kingdom to explore. So, even after you've finished the main story, there's still plenty to keep you coming back for more.
Super Mario Odyssey is a visual feast, with stunning graphics, vibrant colors, and incredibly detailed environments. The game runs smoothly in both docked and handheld modes, and the character animations are fluid and expressive. But what truly sets Super Mario Odyssey apart is its sheer sense of joy and creativity. The game is filled with whimsical moments, surprising encounters, and a constant stream of fresh ideas. It's a game that will make you smile from ear to ear and remind you why you love video games in the first place. If you're looking for a platformer that's both challenging and rewarding, and that will capture your imagination, Super Mario Odyssey is an absolute must-play. It's a true masterpiece and easily one of the best games on the Nintendo Switch.
Animal Crossing: New Horizons
Animal Crossing: New Horizons is the perfect game for anyone looking for a relaxing, charming, and endlessly engaging experience. This game took the world by storm when it was released in 2020, and for good reason. It's a delightful escape from the stresses of everyday life, offering a peaceful and creative world where you can build your own personal paradise. If you're new to the Animal Crossing series, the premise is simple: you move to a deserted island and gradually develop it into a thriving community. You'll build your house, decorate your island, interact with adorable animal villagers, and engage in various activities like fishing, bug catching, and crafting. But what makes Animal Crossing: New Horizons so special is its open-ended gameplay and its focus on player freedom. There's no set objective or end goal; you're free to play the game at your own pace and in your own way. Want to spend your days fishing and filling up your museum? Go for it! Want to focus on designing the perfect island layout? That's an option too! The possibilities are endless, and the game is constantly evolving with seasonal events and updates, ensuring there's always something new to discover.
One of the key features of Animal Crossing: New Horizons is its real-time clock, which means that the game world changes based on the time of day and the current season. This adds a sense of realism and immersion to the gameplay, and it also means that there's always something new to see and do. You'll encounter different bugs and fish depending on the time of day, and the scenery will change with the seasons, with snow falling in winter and cherry blossoms blooming in spring. The game also has a strong social element, allowing you to visit your friends' islands and interact with other players online. You can trade items, share designs, and even participate in online events together. This social aspect adds another layer of enjoyment to the game, and it's a great way to connect with other Animal Crossing fans. But even if you prefer to play solo, there's plenty to keep you entertained in Animal Crossing: New Horizons. The game is packed with charming characters, delightful dialogue, and a constant stream of new content. You'll form bonds with your animal villagers, each with their own unique personalities and quirks, and you'll look forward to chatting with them each day.
Animal Crossing: New Horizons is a visual treat, with a colorful and charming art style that's perfectly suited to the game's relaxed and whimsical tone. The game runs smoothly in both docked and handheld modes, and the environments are incredibly detailed. But what truly makes Animal Crossing: New Horizons special is its ability to bring people together and create a sense of community. The game has become a cultural phenomenon, with players sharing their creations online, hosting virtual events, and even using the game to celebrate real-life milestones. If you're looking for a game that will help you unwind, spark your creativity, and connect with others, Animal Crossing: New Horizons is an absolute must-play. It's a true gem and easily one of the best games on the Nintendo Switch. Guys, this game is seriously addictive in the best way possible!
Super Smash Bros. Ultimate
Super Smash Bros. Ultimate truly lives up to its name – it's the ultimate crossover fighting game and a must-have for any fighting game fan or Nintendo enthusiast. This game brings together a massive roster of characters from across the gaming universe, creating a truly epic and unforgettable experience. If you've ever dreamed of seeing Mario battle Pikachu, or Link fight against Cloud Strife, this is the game for you! Super Smash Bros. Ultimate features a staggering number of playable characters, stages, and items, making it the most content-rich Smash Bros. game to date. The roster includes every character from previous Smash Bros. games, as well as a host of new additions, such as Inkling from Splatoon, Ridley from Metroid, and King K. Rool from Donkey Kong. This incredible variety ensures that there's a character for every playstyle, and it's always a blast to experiment and find your favorites.
The gameplay in Super Smash Bros. Ultimate is fast-paced, chaotic, and incredibly fun. The goal is to knock your opponents off the stage, using a combination of attacks, special moves, and items. The more damage an opponent takes, the easier it is to launch them off the stage, leading to tense and exciting battles. The game also features a variety of different modes, including a single-player campaign, local multiplayer, and online multiplayer. The single-player campaign, World of Light, is a massive adventure mode that sees you battling against hordes of enemies and unlocking new characters and spirits. Spirits are collectible characters from various games that can be equipped to boost your fighter's stats and abilities, adding another layer of customization to the gameplay. The local multiplayer mode is perfect for playing with friends and family, and the online multiplayer mode allows you to battle against players from around the world. Whether you're a casual player or a competitive gamer, there's a mode in Super Smash Bros. Ultimate that will suit your needs. The game also has a thriving competitive scene, with tournaments and events held around the world. If you're looking to test your skills against the best, Super Smash Bros. Ultimate is the perfect platform.
Super Smash Bros. Ultimate is a visual spectacle, with stunning graphics, vibrant colors, and incredibly detailed character models. The game runs smoothly in both docked and handheld modes, and the character animations are fluid and expressive. But what truly sets Super Smash Bros. Ultimate apart is its sheer sense of scale and its celebration of gaming history. The game is a love letter to video games, featuring characters, stages, and music from countless classic titles. If you're a fan of video games, you'll find something to love in Super Smash Bros. Ultimate. It's a true masterpiece and easily one of the best games on the Nintendo Switch. The sheer amount of content and replayability is insane, guys! You'll be playing this one for years to come.
Mario Kart 8 Deluxe
Mario Kart 8 Deluxe is the definitive version of the beloved kart racing game and a must-have for any Nintendo Switch owner, period. It's the perfect game for parties, family gatherings, or just a fun night in with friends. This game takes the already excellent Mario Kart 8 from the Wii U and adds a host of new features, characters, and tracks, making it the most complete and enjoyable Mario Kart experience to date. If you're a fan of the series, you're going to absolutely love this one. Mario Kart 8 Deluxe features a massive roster of playable characters, including all your favorites from the Mushroom Kingdom, as well as some new additions, such as the Inklings from Splatoon. Each character has their own unique stats and abilities, allowing you to choose the racer that best suits your playstyle. The game also features a wide variety of karts, bikes, and tires, which can be customized to further enhance your performance. This level of customization adds a strategic element to the gameplay, as you'll need to experiment with different combinations to find the perfect setup for each track.
The gameplay in Mario Kart 8 Deluxe is fast-paced, chaotic, and incredibly addictive. The races are filled with power-ups, obstacles, and shortcuts, ensuring that every race is unpredictable and exciting. You'll need to master drifting, boosting, and item usage to stay ahead of the competition, and even the most skilled drivers can be taken down by a well-timed blue shell. The game also features a variety of different modes, including Grand Prix, Time Trials, Versus Race, and Battle Mode. Grand Prix mode sees you racing through a series of tracks, earning points based on your finishing position. Time Trials mode allows you to race against your own best times, or the times of other players online. Versus Race mode allows you to customize your races, choosing the tracks, items, and rules. And Battle Mode offers a variety of different challenges, such as Balloon Battle, Bob-omb Blast, and Shine Thief. Whether you're a competitive racer or a casual player, there's a mode in Mario Kart 8 Deluxe that will keep you entertained. The game also supports local and online multiplayer, allowing you to race against friends and family or players from around the world.
Mario Kart 8 Deluxe is a visual delight, with stunning graphics, vibrant colors, and incredibly detailed tracks. The game runs smoothly in both docked and handheld modes, and the environments are bursting with life. But what truly sets Mario Kart 8 Deluxe apart is its sheer sense of fun and its ability to bring people together. The game is easy to pick up and play, but it also has a surprising amount of depth and strategy. It's the perfect game for players of all ages and skill levels, and it's guaranteed to provide hours of entertainment. If you're looking for a game that's fun, accessible, and endlessly replayable, Mario Kart 8 Deluxe is an absolute must-have. It's a true classic and easily one of the best games on the Nintendo Switch. Guys, prepare for some serious karting action!
Conclusion
So, there you have it, folks! My rundown of the top games for Nintendo Switch. This is just the tip of the iceberg, of course, as the Switch library is constantly growing and evolving. But these titles represent some of the best that the system has to offer, and they're sure to provide you with countless hours of gaming enjoyment. Whether you're a fan of epic adventures, creative platformers, relaxing simulations, intense fighting games, or thrilling racing games, there's something on this list for you. So, grab your Switch, pick a game, and get ready to have some fun! And don't forget to keep an eye out for new releases, as the Switch is always surprising us with fresh and exciting experiences. Happy gaming, everyone!
