The Nintendo Switch has amassed an impressive library of games since its launch in 2017, making it difficult to choose which games to buy. This article will guide you through the 10 best Nintendo Switch games perfect for all types of gamers.
The Nintendo Switch is a versatile console that offers unique gaming experiences whether playing on your TV or on-the-go. With so many titles to choose from, narrowing it down can be tough. This list encompasses some of the highest rated and most beloved Nintendo Switch games that are great for families, adventure seekers, creative gamers, and indie fans alike.
From the expansive world of [The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild] to the relaxing gameplay of [Animal Crossing], there’s something for everyone. Keep reading to discover games perfectly catered to your interests and play style preferences.
Top Nintendo Switch Games for Families & All Ages
Family friendly games that all ages can enjoy together make up some of the best couch co-op and multiplayer experiences on the Nintendo Switch. These are wholesome, engaging games suitable for kids that parents will enjoy too.
1. Mario Kart 8 Deluxe
[Mario Kart 8 Deluxe] is an essential multiplayer game for the Nintendo Switch. Race as beloved Nintendo characters across vibrant, gravity-defying tracks in this definitive kart racing game. With improved gameplay and all previous DLC included, Mario Kart 8 Deluxe is infused with even more content and replay value for exciting battles and races with up to 4 players on a single console.
Mario Kart 8 Deluxe
2. Animal Crossing: New Horizons
The wildly popular [Animal Crossing: New Horizons] tasks players with developing an island paradise while building friendships with charming animal villagers. This social simulation offers wholesome fun for all ages as you decorate homes, create your own designs, collect materials, and complete quests at your own pace. With regular updates adding new items and events, there’s always something relaxing to do in this world brimming with creativity.
Animal Crossing: New Horizons
3. Stardew Valley
In the charming indie farming RPG [Stardew Valley], inherit your grandfather’s old farm near sleepy Pelican Town to grow crops, raise animals, and befriend townsfolk. This laidback game offers fun for all ages with family-friendly gameplay centered around developing the farm of your dreams. The pixel art style and soundtrack only add to this game’s wholesome appeal.
Stardew Valley
Top Action & Adventure Games on Nintendo Switch
For epic quests, lands to explore, and battles to overcome, these action adventure games promise thrilling single player campaigns.
4. The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild
Considered one of the Nintendo Switch’s best games, [The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild] revolutionized the long running Legend of Zelda series with a massive open world full of mystery and adventure. The sprawling lands of Hyrule can be freely explored while you solve puzzles, take in gorgeous vistas, discover hidden secrets, and overcome enemies and dungeons. This game redefines the adventure genre and provides endless epic exploration.
Breath of the Wild
5. Metroid Dread
In this intense side scrolling action platformer, bounty hunter heroine Samus crash lands on a hostile alien planet plagued by a mechanical parasite. With smooth movement and combat, [Metroid Dread] balances moments of quiet isolation and environmental puzzles with heated battles against vicious enemies. It’s a standout in the iconic Metroid franchise.
Metroid Dread
6. Hades
[Hades] is a roguelike dungeon crawler based on Greek mythology with fluid combat and eye catching visuals. As the immortal Prince of the Underworld Zagreus, escape the ever changing and unpredictable Underworld in this addictive, fast-paced game. With fun power ups, rewards for repeated runs, and fully voiced characters, Hades always offers an exciting challenge with its quick gameplay loops.
Top Creative & Strategic Games on Nintendo Switch
For gamers who enjoy world-building, strategic thinking, and collecting monsters or items, these immersive games make exercising your creative and tactical muscles engaging.
7. Minecraft
The ultimate sandbox game, [Minecraft] provides endless opportunities for creation and customization across randomly generated worlds. Craft weapons, build shelters, farm resources, breed animals, or explore hidden dungeons either alone or with friends. With surprises around every corner, Minecraft’s open ended gameplay cultivates problem solving skills and creativity for gamers of all ages and interests.
Minecraft
8. Pokémon Legends: Arceus
The Pokémon franchise hits new heights with [Pokémon Legends: Arceus] and its exciting new take on catching and battling Pokémon. Set long ago in the feudal Sinnoh region, this action RPG/adventure game features stealth and observation mechanics to study wild Pokémon behaviors before engaging them in battle. With an immersive open world and a compelling storyline, this game provides a wonderfully fresh Pokémon experience.
Pokémon Legends: Arceus
9. Fire Emblem: Three Houses
In [Fire Emblem: Three Houses], take the role of a professor tasked with teaching students in one of three prestigious academy houses. Guide your students in grid-based tactical battles before bringing one of 4 story paths to fruition. With side activities like teaching students individual skills and deep relationship building, Fire Emblem: Three Houses provides a uniquely engrossing tactical RPG experience.
Fire Emblem: Three Houses
Best Indie Games on Nintendo Switch
Sometimes the best gaming experiences come from smaller indie developers creating unique game worlds outside the mainstream. The Nintendo Switch features some of the best indie games ever made.
10. Hollow Knight
Explore the hauntingly beautiful, interconnected world of [Hollow Knight] – an expansive Metroidvania action adventure game set in the ruins of an ancient bug kingdom. The hand drawn art and animations pair beautifully with the atmospheric score as you battle tainted creatures, conquer challenging bosses, and slowly unlock mysteries about the lost kingdom of Hallownest. Hollow Knight is considered one of the best modern Metroidvanias with its tight combat and explorative gameplay.
Hollow Knight
Hidden Gems and Upcoming Nintendo Switch Games
Beyond the most popular Switch games lie hidden gems yet to gain more widespread recognition. And with upcoming 2023 releases, the Switch game library continues expanding.
Hidden Gems
- DAVE THE DIVER – In this pixel art scuba diving game, explore the ocean depths while documenting marine life. Charming and educational.
- Sea of Stars – This upcoming indie prequel to classic SNES RPG Chrono Trigger features nostalgic turn based combat and moving, hand drawn visuals.
- The Cosmic Wheel Sisterhood – Players control a witch traversing 2D pixel art worlds based on the phases of the moon in this mystical Metroidvania platformer.
2023 Anticipated Releases
- Pikmin 4 – The beloved real time strategy franchise finally gets a new main series entry on Nintendo Switch in 2023, continuing Captain Olimar’s adventures.
- Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown – Ubisoft brings back the acrobatic Prince of Persia series from hiatus with this time manipulating adventure.
Conclusion
The Nintendo Switch has games for all interests and play styles. This list highlights must-have titles across various genres that showcase the versatility of the console. Iconic Nintendo franchises, engrossing indie projects, acclaimed action adventures, strategic RPGs, and family friendly games fill out the Switch library.
Whether you enjoy open world exploration, tactical combat and storytelling, pixel perfect platforming, or relaxing social simulators, the Nintendo Switch provides an excellent selection of games to choose from 2022 and beyond.
