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Nintendo’s biggest selling point is its incredible library of fan-favorite games in all genres and the intuitive controls that follow.
Whether you’re looking for a competitive time with your friends or a relaxing getaway from reality, Nintendo Switch is the go-to place.
Recommended Read: Best Nintendo Switch Games to Play as a Family
With the vast number of games you can play on the Switch, it can be difficult to find the best ones.
Even though giving some games the title of being the best is subjective, there are some titles that stand out and are loved by most.
In this guide, we give you eleven of the best games to play on Nintendo Switch that you must give a try!
Table of contents
- Mario Kart 8 Deluxe
- The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild
- Super Mario Odyssey
- Super Smash Bros. Ultimate
- Monster Hunter Rise
- Stardew Valley
- Animal Crossing: New Horizons
- Super Mario 3D World + Bowser’s Fury
- Hollow Knight
- Fire Emblem: Three Houses
- Splatoon 3
Mario Kart 8 Deluxe
Supporting up to 4 players in split-screen mode, the racing classic Mario Kart 8 Deluxe is one of the best multiplayer games that Switch has to offer.
You’ve got 48 different tracks, each crazier than the next, and 42 playable characters with their own distinctive looks and stats.
Whether you’ll be racing your friends and family locally or testing your skills online, you’re sure to be in for a fun and competitive time.
As far as the graphics go, it looks much sharper than the original Wii version.
Given the easy controls, vibrant graphics, element of competitiveness, and fun gameplay, this might just be the best Switch title ever.
Give it a try, and you can see for yourself – there’s nothing quite like racing through familiar maps Mario-style!
The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild
You know that a game is good when people will buy the Switch console just to play it!
The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild brings an ‘open sandbox’ feel to the classic series that somehow never gets boring.
You start off as Link, of course, who has been in an enchanted sleep for 100 years and must once again save the kingdom of Hyrule.
The open-world aspect of the game works well, as you can play for dozens of hours without getting bored.
Foods that you find can be eaten or used as an ingredient to concoct new and useful items, and you can upgrade Link’s hearts and stamina via ‘spirit orbs’ that you will find scattered throughout the game.
Graphic-wise, it’s definitely a treat, with colorful and stylish animations like you’ve come to expect from the franchise.
While you might be able to finish this title in 40 hours if you rushed it, the odds are that you’ll be enjoying it much longer.
The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild is one adventure that you cannot miss!
Super Mario Odyssey
If you love the weird and wacky world of Mario, then Super Mario Odyssey is a definite must-have to add to your collection.
In this game, Mario has set out to free Princess Peach from the clutches of Bowser once again, and this time he’s traveling in style.
With a hat-shaped ship, Mario travels from kingdom to kingdom on his quest, and the sheer creativity and weirdness is something that really must be experienced.
In one part, you might be guiding a herd of sheep through a desert landscape, dressed as a clown. And in another area, Mario might be driving a massive vehicle.
Instead of standard power-ups, you can use ‘Cappy’, a magic hat that lets Mario steal abilities from whomever he tosses his hat on. Throw it on a frog, for instance, and Mario gets a super jumping ability.
Did we mention that this title is a 3D-sandbox-style game?
Super Mario Odyssey has a little something for everyone, and with around 30 hours of gameplay, on average, this is one title that you’ll be taking with you everywhere you go!
Super Smash Bros. Ultimate
When it comes to brawler games, everyone loves a good crossover, and Super Smash Bros. Ultimate is arguably the best.
Playable as single-player or multiplayer with up to 8 on your Switch, this title gives you an amazing assortment of 74 playable characters and 108 different stages.
The fighting system is intuitive, which means that novice players can still have a fun time while experts can perform amazing combos.
Best of all, each character has its own unique feel and set of moves.
The game offers everything from fast characters like Pichu that can dart around the screen easily to hard-hitting monsters like Bowser.
With so many characters, it is guaranteed that you’ll find a couple that suits your playing style.
So be sure to jump in and find out which characters are your favorites!
In the mood for a good brawl? Super Smash Bros. Ultimate has got you covered!
Monster Hunter Rise
One of the best-looking games on the Switch, Monster Hunter Rise, is an RPG adventure that you can play alone or with up to 4 friends in multiplayer, and it’s an action-adventure treat!
If slaying giant creatures wasn’t fun enough, you’ve also got ‘wirebugs’, which let your characters sling silken lines to move around like spiderman.
These silken lines work well in attacks, as you can use your wirebug without sheathing your weapon.
The wirebug’s usefulness doesn’t end there, however, as it also lets you get on top of a surprised beast’s back to hitch a ride!
As you gain new skills, you’ll learn to use the Switch Skill system, which lets you personalize your monster-hunter to match your playing style, allowing you to unlock flying attacks like ‘Demon flight’ and more.
We also like that this is not a game that you will beat overnight.
With the many different types of armor, weapons, and creatures, you and your friends will be hunting monsters happily for a good, long time!
Stardew Valley
Sometimes you just want to get away from it all with some relaxing gameplay and a world that is just yours, and Stardew Valley fits that description to a ‘T’.
This incredible farming simulator supports one or two players, and it goes so far beyond farming that it’s almost like living a second life.
You’ll meet NPCs in other towns, helping them with their quests and even marrying one someday if it strikes your fancy.
The real draw, however, is the sheer size of it all.
Two or three weeks in, you’ll be finding mines that were hidden right under your nose, and if you don’t feel like exploring them for ore, you can do one of the many other tasks in the game like fishing or building homes for increasing your livestock.
The diversity of what you can do in the game helps to keep things exciting, so if you are looking for a simulator that gives you an occasional break from the norm, then Stardew Valley might just be a perfect fit for you.
Animal Crossing: New Horizons
Speaking of games that you can get lost in, Animal Crossing is back, and New Horizons is a title that is definitely worth your while.
In this game, you have purchased a vacation package from Tom Nook that takes you to a deserted island.
You start off with tents and two random animal assistants, building up from there.
It’s a fun and relaxing experience that is perfect for immersing yourself in a world of your own.
Animal Crossing keeps things fresh by ensuring that there are new and interesting things to do every day.
Whether it’s fishing, catching bugs, or digging for fossils, there’s always something to do, and as you get new tools and start customizing your island, you’ll unlock even more options.
As far as playability time, this is absolutely a title that you can play all year, and since there’s no pressure to play it a certain way, you can always do whatever you feel like.
Sometimes it’s nice just to escape the world a little, so if you’re in the mood for a charming and relaxing experience that you can take wherever you go, then this is the Switch title for you!
Super Mario 3D World + Bowser’s Fury
If it’s got ‘Mario’ in the title, you know it’s good. Super Mario 3D World + Bowser’s Fury is no exception to this rule.
While Super Mario 3D World is very close to the original Wii version, the graphics and gameplay are polished for the Nintendo Switch.
You’ll find platforms that flip when you jump on them, shadow realms, and even rideable dinosaurs, all of which keep the game fun and fresh.
For double the fun, there’s also ‘Bowser’s Fury’ included, and this allows one or two players to explore several islands while being chased by a giant Bowser (who keeps setting things on fire and, if he’s mad enough, unlocking new areas for you!).
Super Mario 3D World is one of the most colorful Mario adventures out there, and with the addition of Bowser’s Fury, you’ll be getting twice the fun in one package.
Hollow Knight
One of the biggest draws of Nintendo has always been the strange and distinctive styles, and Hollow Knight is an excellent example of this.
This game is an adventure that is definitely well worth your while.
You take the role of a bug-knight (you read that right) in the insect kingdom of Hallownest.
Despite the cartoony artwork of this amazing world, it has a dark feel to it that is immersive.
You really get to see imagination at its best here, and the developers work hard to keep your attention.
The combat system combines magic and swordplay, as your knight wields a needle for a sword.
The control system is fantastic, too, with your first special ability being a dash that will allow you a range of quick and interesting maneuverability that will keep you on your toes as you explore and face your foes.
Best of all, this isn’t a ‘one-nighter’ game, as you are looking at a minimum of 30 hours to complete your main quests.
If you’re looking for an escape that is all about action and exploration, then take a visit to the kingdom of Hallownest in Hollow Knight!
Fire Emblem: Three Houses
Fire Emblem: Three Houses is a single-player tactical roleplaying game at its best, and it’s got an immersive story that will make you grow attached to the characters you meet along the way.
It’s an RPG with a flavor of its own. Aside from strategy, you’ll find yourself flirting, giving gifts, and building relationships that will affect the game’s outcome.
You start the game as a professor, tutoring your students on the art of war on a continent called Fodlan, where three rival nations have been living in peace thus far.
We won’t spoil the story for you because that’s the best part of games like this, and you’ll want to experience it for yourself.
Let’s just say that there is a staggering 100 hours of story and exciting gameplay waiting for you.
Fire Emblem: Three Houses is nothing short of epic, and if you like an adventure with a rich storyline, then you owe it to yourself to get this title today.
Splatoon 3
Playable as a single-player or up to eight players in multiplayer mode, Splatoon 2 is weird, fun, and, frankly, quite awesome.
As in the first release, you play as squid kids who’s got ink weapons galore and who is ready to use them.
You can play different game modes in Splatoon 2, including the classic ‘color everything in your team’s color’.
This title features way more weapons and clothing than the original, too, allowing you to take customization to a new level.
New levels of play get unlocked as you advance in this Squid-themed paintball-type adventure, giving you access to more complex games like tower control and splat zones.
Did we mention that they switch up the maps every 2 hours to keep it fresh?
While you can play this title single-player, we highly recommend giving it a try with friends or family.
With all of the customization and the increasingly varied levels of play, it’s a game that you won’t get tired of anytime soon.
Give Splatoon 2 a try and see what you think!
UPDATE: Splatoon 3 has now been released, which is the third installment in the Splatoon series. The game is the same as Splatoon 2, just with many new features and upgrades – therefore, we recommend getting Splatoon 3 instead!
Those are our picks on the best Nintendo Switch games that you must give a try!
Have any other great Switch titles in mind that you believe should be included in this list? Let us know in the comment section.
