Best Nintendo Switch Games: Top Picks For 2024

Hey guys! If you're a proud owner of a Nintendo Switch, or thinking about joining the club, you've come to the right place! This console is an absolute game-changer (pun intended!) offering a unique blend of home console power and handheld portability. But with a massive library of games, where do you even start? Don't worry, I've got your back. Let's dive into the top games for Nintendo Switch that will keep you hooked for hours on end. We're talking about titles that not only define the Switch experience but also showcase the console's versatility and charm. From epic adventures to brain-teasing puzzles, there's something here for everyone. So, grab your Joy-Cons, and let's get this show on the road!

The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild

Alright, let's kick things off with a true masterpiece – The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild. This isn't just a game; it's an experience. If you're looking for top games for Nintendo Switch, this is where your search should begin and probably end, because you will not be disappointed by this title. Breath of the Wild completely reinvents the Zelda formula, throwing you into a massive open world Hyrule that's begging to be explored. Forget linear storylines; here, you're free to roam, discover hidden secrets, and tackle challenges in any order you choose. The sense of freedom is incredible. Imagine this: you wake up as Link, our hero, after a century-long slumber, with amnesia and a kingdom in ruins. The looming threat of Calamity Ganon hangs heavy in the air, but the world is yours to explore. You can climb towering cliffs, paraglide across vast landscapes, cook up delicious meals, and battle all sorts of quirky creatures. The gameplay is incredibly dynamic. The physics engine is just mind-blowing. Everything interacts with everything else. You can set fire to grass, create updrafts to fly higher, and even use metal weapons to attract lightning during thunderstorms. Seriously, it's these little details that make the world feel so alive and engaging. Combat is another highlight. You'll scavenge weapons and armor, learn different fighting styles, and master the art of dodging and parrying. Each enemy encounter feels like a puzzle in itself, requiring you to think strategically and use your environment to your advantage. But beyond the gameplay, Breath of the Wild is a story about hope, resilience, and the power of friendship. You'll meet a cast of memorable characters, each with their own stories and motivations. And as you journey across Hyrule, you'll piece together the fragments of Link's past, uncovering the secrets that led to the kingdom's downfall. This game has an emotional depth that's rare to find. I can't emphasize enough how Breath of the Wild is essential to the top games for Nintendo Switch. It's a game that will stay with you long after you've rolled the credits. If you haven't played it yet, what are you waiting for? Go grab it now, and prepare to lose yourself in one of the greatest games ever made.

Super Mario Odyssey

Next up on our list of top games for Nintendo Switch is Super Mario Odyssey, and let me tell you, this game is pure joy in a cartridge! If Breath of the Wild is a sprawling epic, Odyssey is a non-stop party, a celebration of everything that makes Mario so iconic. This game is an absolute must-have for any Switch owner, young or old. Super Mario Odyssey takes the classic Mario formula and injects it with a shot of pure creativity. The story is simple enough: Bowser, the big bad, has kidnapped Princess Peach (again!) and plans to force her into marriage. But this time, Mario has a new companion – Cappy, a sentient hat from the Cap Kingdom. Cappy is not just any hat; he can be thrown at enemies and objects, allowing Mario to "capture" them and take control of their bodies. And this is where the magic happens. Imagine controlling a T-Rex, a Goomba, a Bullet Bill, or even a taxi! Each capture has unique abilities, opening up a world of possibilities for exploration and puzzle-solving. The levels in Super Mario Odyssey are not your typical linear stages. They're sprawling kingdoms, each with its own distinct theme, culture, and secrets. You'll explore bustling cities, sandy beaches, lush forests, and even the moon! The level design is absolutely brilliant, with hidden pathways, challenging platforming sections, and tons of collectibles to find. Speaking of collectibles, Super Mario Odyssey is packed with Moons – the game's equivalent of stars. There are hundreds of them scattered throughout the kingdoms, rewarding you for exploration, completing challenges, and even just messing around. Finding all the Moons is a seriously addictive task. But beyond the gameplay mechanics, Super Mario Odyssey is just a blast to play. The controls are tight and responsive, the graphics are vibrant and colorful, and the music is catchy and upbeat. It's a game that constantly surprises and delights, with new ideas and challenges around every corner. Mario's move set is incredible in this game, offering a crazy range of ways to move around the levels. From his classic jump and run to his hat throw and capture abilities, it's all a joy to control. Super Mario Odyssey definitely earns its spot on the list of top games for Nintendo Switch. It's a masterpiece of game design, a love letter to the Mario franchise, and a game that will put a smile on your face every time you play it.

Animal Crossing: New Horizons

Now, for something completely different, let's talk about Animal Crossing: New Horizons. If you're looking for a relaxing, charming, and endlessly engaging game, this is it. Animal Crossing: New Horizons isn't about epic quests or challenging battles. It's about creating your own little paradise, making friends, and enjoying the simple pleasures of life. This is the kind of game you can play for 15 minutes or 5 hours, and you'll always find something to do. In New Horizons, you move to a deserted island and start building a new life from scratch. You'll gather resources, craft tools, build houses, and decorate your island to your heart's content. You can invite villagers to move in, each with their own unique personalities and quirks. You'll fish, catch bugs, dig for fossils, and even grow your own garden. The possibilities are endless. The game operates on real-time, meaning the seasons change, holidays come and go, and the villagers live their lives even when you're not playing. This gives the game a sense of realism and makes you feel truly connected to your island and its inhabitants. One of the best things about Animal Crossing: New Horizons is the level of customization. You can design your own clothes, furniture, and even the layout of your island. There are millions of ways to express your creativity and make your island truly unique. You can even visit your friends' islands and show off your creations. The social aspect of Animal Crossing: New Horizons is a big part of its appeal. You can trade items with friends, go on fishing trips together, and even participate in special events. The game has a strong online community, with players sharing tips, designs, and just generally being friendly and supportive. But Animal Crossing: New Horizons isn't just about collecting and decorating. It's about building relationships with your villagers, helping them out, and making them feel at home. You'll develop genuine bonds with these characters, and they'll become like friends. The dialogue is hilarious, the characters are charming, and the whole experience is just incredibly heartwarming. If you're feeling stressed or overwhelmed, Animal Crossing: New Horizons is the perfect escape. It's a game that encourages you to slow down, relax, and enjoy the little things in life. It's a must-have for any Switch owner and a definite contender for the top games for Nintendo Switch of all time. It's a game that will keep you coming back for more, day after day, year after year.

Super Smash Bros. Ultimate

Alright, gamers, let's crank up the energy with Super Smash Bros. Ultimate! If you're looking for a fighting game that's packed with content, characters, and pure, unadulterated chaos, this is it. Super Smash Bros. Ultimate is not just a game; it's a crossover event of epic proportions, bringing together characters from all corners of the gaming universe. This game is a dream come true for any fighting game fan and an absolute blast to play with friends. The roster in Super Smash Bros. Ultimate is insane. We're talking about over 80 playable characters, from Mario and Pikachu to Link and Samus, and even characters like Solid Snake, Cloud Strife, and Sephiroth. Each character has their own unique moveset and playstyle, so there's someone for everyone. But Super Smash Bros. Ultimate is more than just a massive character roster. The gameplay is fast, fluid, and incredibly fun. The goal is to knock your opponents off the stage using a variety of attacks, specials, and items. The more damage an opponent takes, the easier they are to launch, leading to some seriously intense and strategic battles. The game features a huge variety of stages, each inspired by different games and franchises. You'll fight on classic stages like Final Destination and Battlefield, as well as new stages like Dracula's Castle and the Great Plateau Tower. Each stage has its own unique layout, hazards, and gimmicks, adding another layer of strategy to the battles. But Super Smash Bros. Ultimate isn't just about multiplayer mayhem. The game also features a robust single-player mode called World of Light. In this mode, you'll explore a massive world map, battling spirits, unlocking new fighters, and upgrading your abilities. It's a surprisingly deep and engaging single-player experience that will keep you busy for hours. And if you're looking to test your skills against the best players in the world, Super Smash Bros. Ultimate has a thriving online community. You can battle friends, compete in tournaments, and climb the leaderboards. The online play is smooth and responsive, making for some seriously competitive matches. Super Smash Bros. Ultimate is a game that's easy to pick up and play but difficult to master. There's so much depth and strategy to the gameplay, and you'll constantly be learning new things. It's a game that will keep you coming back for more, whether you're playing with friends or competing online. This game undoubtedly secures its spot as one of the top games for Nintendo Switch. It's a must-have for any Switch owner and a true celebration of gaming history.

Mario Kart 8 Deluxe

Let's shift gears and talk about another essential title on our list of top games for Nintendo Switch: Mario Kart 8 Deluxe. If you're looking for a racing game that's fun, accessible, and endlessly replayable, look no further. Mario Kart 8 Deluxe is the ultimate party game, perfect for playing with friends and family, whether you're on the couch or online. This game is pure, unadulterated kart-racing chaos, and it's a blast from start to finish. Mario Kart 8 Deluxe takes the already excellent Mario Kart 8 from the Wii U and adds a ton of new content, including all the DLC tracks and characters, as well as some new additions. The result is a massive game with tons of content to keep you busy for hours. The gameplay in Mario Kart 8 Deluxe is simple but addictive. You race around a variety of colorful and creative tracks, collecting items, dodging obstacles, and trying to outmaneuver your opponents. The controls are easy to pick up, but there's a surprising amount of depth to the gameplay. You'll need to master drifting, item usage, and track knowledge to become a true kart-racing champion. The tracks in Mario Kart 8 Deluxe are some of the best in the series. They're imaginative, visually stunning, and packed with twists, turns, and surprises. You'll race through underwater ruins, across a haunted mansion, and even on the backs of giant dragons. Each track is a joy to race on, and you'll constantly be discovering new shortcuts and strategies. The item system in Mario Kart 8 Deluxe is what makes the game so chaotic and unpredictable. You'll collect items by driving through item boxes, and these items can be used to attack your opponents, defend yourself, or even boost your own speed. The items range from classic Mario Kart staples like the Green Shell and the Red Shell to more powerful items like the Blue Shell and the Bullet Bill. The online multiplayer in Mario Kart 8 Deluxe is smooth and reliable, allowing you to race against players from all over the world. You can compete in ranked matches, play with friends in private lobbies, or even participate in tournaments. The online community is active and friendly, making for some seriously fun and competitive races. Mario Kart 8 Deluxe is a game that's perfect for players of all skill levels. Whether you're a casual gamer or a hardcore racer, you'll find something to love in this game. It's a must-have for any Switch owner and a definite contender for the top games for Nintendo Switch. It's a game that will bring people together and create memories that will last a lifetime. The thrill of drifting around corners, dodging banana peels, and unleashing a perfectly timed Blue Shell is unmatched. If you're looking for a game that's guaranteed to put a smile on your face, Mario Kart 8 Deluxe is the one.

Conclusion

So there you have it, folks! My rundown of the top games for Nintendo Switch. This console is a treasure trove of incredible gaming experiences, and these titles are just the tip of the iceberg. Whether you're into epic adventures, creative sandboxes, chaotic multiplayer battles, or relaxing simulations, the Switch has something for you. Remember, this is just my personal list, and there are tons of other amazing games out there waiting to be discovered. So, grab your Switch, dive in, and start exploring! Happy gaming, guys! I hope this guide has helped you find your next favorite game on the Nintendo Switch. This console is truly special, and I can't wait to see what the future holds for it. Keep gaming, keep exploring, and most importantly, keep having fun!