The Nintendo Switch has had a lot of success in the nearly six years since its release. The console-handheld hybrid has been on the market since 2017, and a slew of fantastic games from first- and third-party developers have launched over the course of the system’s life cycle. Recently, heavy hitters such as Metroid Dread, Pokémon Scarlet and Violet, and Kirby and the Forgotten Land have boosted the system’s appeal, while a healthy list of upcoming Switch games continue to drum up excitement.
There are plenty of incredible games to enjoy on the Switch right now. But which ones should you check out? These are the best Nintendo Switch games (including free-to-play titles) for 2023.
Action
Neon White
T
Platforms
PC (Microsoft Windows), Nintendo Switch
Genre
Shooter, Platform, Adventure, Indie
Developer
Ben Esposito
Publisher
Annapurna Interactive
Release
June 16, 2022
Neon White offers a unique blend of first-person shooter mechanics and puzzle elements, serving as one of the most fascinating releases of 2022. Your goal is to zip around the game’s beautiful stages as quickly as possible while clearing all the enemies throughout. The catch? You have access to a selection of cards that grant special abilities to help you get through each stage. Speed is the name of the game in Neon White, and your performance yields different rankings, motivating players to strive to earn better times. Tying the entire thing together is a gorgeous, vibrant art style that truly makes it pop from the screen.
Read our full Neon White review
Fire Emblem Warriors: Three Hopes
T
Platforms
Nintendo Switch
Genre
Role-playing (RPG), Simulator, Strategy, Tactical, Hack and slash/Beat 'em up
Developer
Omega Force, Team Ninja
Publisher
Nintendo
Release
June 24, 2022
Following in the footsteps of the previous Warriors games, Fire Emblem Warriors: Three Hopes doubles down on the fast-paced action gameplay while implementing many features from Three Houses. This fundamentally feels like a Dynasty Warriors game, sending you into large-scale battles against hundreds of enemies, but also offers plenty to keep Fire Emblem fans onboard. Three Hopes takes place in the universe introduced in Fire Emblem: Three Houses, allowing you to pick between Black Eagles, Blue Lions, and Golden Deer — each with their own branching paths that unfold differently. Even if you aren’t wild about the Warriors-style gameplay, you might still enjoy this game if you’re a Fire Emblem fan since it ties so closely to Three Houses. This is Omega Force at its best, sticking close to the source material without ridding itself of its Dynasty Warriors roots.
Read our full Fire Emblem Warriors: Three Hopes review
Bayonetta 3
M
Platforms
Nintendo Switch
Genre
Hack and slash/Beat 'em up
Developer
PlatinumGames
Publisher
Nintendo
Release
October 28, 2022
If you’re looking for the most over-the-top gaming experience you can find on Nintendo Switch, look no further than the Bayonetta trilogy. All three games in PlatinumGames’ excellent hack-and-slash series are now on Nintendo Switch, including its most recent release: Bayonetta 3. The third installment is a multiverse-jumping adventure that sees Bayonetta and her eclectic crew (including new protagonist Viola) trying to stop a nefarious villain from destroying reality. And of course, Bayonetta does that in style by using a massive collection of moves and wielding the power of demons. A raucous blockbuster from start to finish, Bayonetta 3 is an excellent way to cap off Bayonetta’s story and a strong addition to the Switch’s list of character-based action hits.
Read our full Bayonetta 3 review
Hades
T
Platforms
PC (Microsoft Windows), Mac, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S
Genre
Role-playing (RPG), Hack and slash/Beat 'em up, Adventure, Indie
Developer
Supergiant Games
Publisher
Supergiant Games
Release
September 17, 2020
The latest from indie hit factory Supergiant Games, Hades is a rogue-lite action RPG that puts players in the shoes of the prince of … wait for it … Hades. As it turns out, you’re not so keen on the place. It’s dark, cramped, depressing, and your dad is a real peach. So, naturally, you want to do the impossible — escape. Hades feels positively electric to play. You’ll often die, but you’ll also often feel like an absolute rock star. Even when you die, you’re swiftly returned to the start, giving you a chance to try again after only a brief pause to check out any upgrades you might’ve unlocked. It doesn’t hurt that Hades, like past Supergiant Games efforts, has stellar production values. The art, voice acting, and music are without peer, and they give Hades a blinding sheen of polish that even big-budget AAA games often lack. That fact is especially apparent in Hades taking home the Game Award for Best Action game, beating out massive titles like Doom Eternal.
Hyrule Warriors: Age Of Calamity
T
Platforms
Nintendo Switch
Genre
Fighting, Hack and slash/Beat 'em up, Adventure
Developer
Omega Force
Publisher
Nintendo, Koei Tecmo
Release
November 19, 2020
When the first Hyrule Warriors game was originally released on the Wii U, it didn’t seem like much more than a niche spinoff. The hack-and-slash game turned Zelda into Dynasty Warriors with larger-than-life battles. It wasn’t a replacement for mainline Zelda adventures, but it showed that the franchise had some untapped potential when it came to side games. Nintendo capitalized on that promise with Hyrule Warriors: Age of Calamity, a more fully realized entry that opens the doors wide open for the series’ future. Unlike the first game, Age of Calamity is part of the actual Zelda cannon. It acts as a pseudo-prequel to The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild and tells the story of the Great Calamity. While the game presents itself as a Zelda version of Rogue One, where you know that Hyrule is doomed, the story takes some unexpected twists that make for an exciting Zelda side story. With more characters, weapons, and secrets to uncover, Age of Calamity is a high-quality action game that sets a new bar for Nintendo spinoffs.
Read our full Hyrule Warriors: Age Of Calamity review
Dead Cells
T
Platforms
Linux, PC (Microsoft Windows), Mac, Android, iOS, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch
Genre
Platform, Adventure, Indie
Developer
Motion Twin, Evil Empire
Publisher
Motion Twin
Release
August 06, 2018
Taking a look at the sidescrolling gameplay and dark 2D art style of Dead Cells may stir up some memories of times spent playing Metroid or Castlevania. Motion Twin, the developers of this highly rated indie game on the Switch, call it a Roguevania due to the inspiration it takes from those games. For a clearer picture of what to expect, add in a Dark Souls-level of combat difficulty, roguelike castle setting, and unforgiving permadeath (short for permanent death), and you get Dead Cells. When you combine themes like roguelike and permadeath, you’ll know that every playthrough of Dead Cells is different. But that doesn’t mean you have to die to have some fun. There’s an endless amount of weapons, hidden rooms, and passageways that will require a bit of work and skill to find. Did we forget to mention the punishing boss battles that will have you searching for the closest save point? Spoiler alert — there are none!
Read our full Dead Cells review
Luigi's Mansion 3
E
Platforms
Nintendo Switch
Genre
Adventure
Developer
Next Level Games
Publisher
Nintendo
Release
October 31, 2019
The original Luigi’s Mansion for GameCube didn’t seem to understand what its best ideas were but by the time Luigi’s Mansion: Dark Moon was released more than a decade later, new developer Next Level Games had a firm grasp on what made the spooky adventure so charming. In Luigi’s Mansion 3, our titular anxious hero must rescue his brother and friends from a haunted hotel, using his trusty Poltergust G-00 vacuum and new viscous pal Gooigi. Luigi’s Mansion 3 mixes environmental puzzles with creative combat against several different types of ghosts, and the themed floors vary from a botany-themed area to a medieval arena. All of them are hilarious, and the game’s self-referential jokes and zany animations only make it more entertaining.
RPG
Metroid Prime Remastered
T
Platforms
Nintendo Switch
Genre
Shooter, Platform, Adventure
Developer
Retro Studios
Publisher
Nintendo
Release
February 08, 2023
This Gamecube launch-title has been reworked for the Nintendo Switch after 20 years and, boy, is it worth a replay. Samus’ first 3D adventure plays out exactly how you remember it, but with modernized visuals. In an industry where new games are churned out quickly, it’s impressive that this adventure still holds up.
Sea of Stars
E10
Platforms
PC (Microsoft Windows), PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S
Genre
Role-playing (RPG), Turn-based strategy (TBS), Adventure, Indie
Developer
Sabotage
Publisher
Sabotage
Release
August 28, 2023
Those looking for a throwback RPG more similar to Chrono Trigger and Super Mario RPG than to Baldur’s Gate 3, Dragon Age: Origins, and The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim will love Sea of Stars. A prequel story set in The Messenger’s universe, it tells the story of two Children of the Solstice who will combine the powers of the sun and moon to perform Eclipse Magic, the only force capable of fending off the monstrous creations of the evil alchemist known as The Fleshmancer.
Read our full Sea of Stars review
Fire Emblem Engage
T
Platforms
Nintendo Switch
Genre
Role-playing (RPG), Strategy, Turn-based strategy (TBS), Tactical, Adventure
Developer
Intelligent Systems
Publisher
Nintendo
Release
January 20, 2023
Fire Emblem Engage is a turn-based strategy game that offers a deep and rewarding gaming experience. Players take on the role of a leader of an army, managing resources and making strategic decisions to defeat enemy forces. The game features a complex and compelling story, as well as a wide variety of characters from the series with unique abilities and personalities. With its challenging gameplay, rich world-building, and memorable characters, Fire Emblem Engage is a must-play for fans of the genre, as well as newcomers looking for an engaging and satisfying gaming experience.
Read our full Fire Emblem Engage review
Xenoblade Chronicles 3
T
Platforms
Nintendo Switch
Genre
Role-playing (RPG), Adventure
Developer
Monolith Soft
Publisher
Nintendo
Release
July 29, 2022
Monolith Soft has yet another hit on its hands, this time with JRPG Xenoblade Chronicles 3. This massive open-world game features many familiar mechanics from previous entries, but with some new additions, like the ability to have parties of up to seven members. This gives each battle plenty of variety, especially since you can swap between party members whenever you’d like. The combat is unique in that it occurs in real time, but each of your attacks must be selected, with cooldown timers between your strikes. Xenoblade Chronicles 3 also has a tremendously engaging story that is bolstered thanks to its lovable characters. If you’re looking for a huge JRPG to sink your teeth into, look no further.
Read our full Xenoblade Chronicles 3 review
The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt - Complete Edition
M
Platforms
PC (Microsoft Windows), PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S
Genre
Role-playing (RPG), Adventure
Developer
CD Projekt RED
Publisher
CD Projekt RED
Release
August 29, 2016
As one of the great games from the PS4/Xbox One generation, The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt is also available on Nintendo Switch — which is a small miracle, in and of itself. Of course, the visuals don’t look anywhere near as good as they do on PC and consoles, but the fact that the entire experience mostly remains intact on Switch is still incredible. This game is one of the best action RPGs of all time, featuring beloved characters, nearly endless things to do, and a beautiful world to explore. The Complete Edition also comes with all the previously released DLC, meaning you’ll have even more things to do in this massive RPG.
Read our full The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt - Complete Edition review
Dark Souls: Remastered
M
Platforms
PC (Microsoft Windows), PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch
Genre
Role-playing (RPG), Hack and slash/Beat 'em up, Adventure
Developer
QLOC, Virtuos, FromSoftware
Publisher
Bandai Namco Entertainment
Release
May 23, 2018
Next up is yet another hugely important RPG, none other than Dark Souls. Considering this is a remaster of the PlayStation 3/Xbox 360 game on Switch, Nintendo’s handheld hybrid system doesn’t have much trouble running this game. What else can be said about Dark Souls? It’s simultaneously terrifying and rewarding, and it has made a mark on the video game industry thanks to its deep lore and incredible level design. It’s full of memorable moments, such as the first time you gaze eyes upon the stunning city of Anor Londo. The fact that Dark Souls is playable in its entirety on a handheld device is pretty surreal, so we highly recommend giving it a try if you like tough action RPGs.
Monster Hunter Rise
T
Platforms
PC (Microsoft Windows), Nintendo Switch
Genre
Role-playing (RPG), Hack and slash/Beat 'em up, Adventure
Developer
Capcom
Publisher
Capcom
Release
March 25, 2021
Pardon the pun, but the Monster Hunter franchise is on the rise. Go back just a few years ago, and Capcom’s action RPG franchise was a bit of a niche experience. It was wildly popular in certain parts of the world, but the west simply hadn’t caught on. The tides started changing in 2018 with the release of Monster Hunter World. The game was a wider hit that started piquing more people’s interests. Now Capcom has capitalized on that success with Monster Hunter Rise, bringing the franchise to the Nintendo Switch. The latest installment is one of the best entries yet. New features like the wirebug and Rampage quest types bring fresh content for fans who have already played hundreds of hours of World. The real key to the game’s success is that it’s a little friendlier for newcomers. The main problem with the series has always been its complex RPG systems that can totally alienate anyone who’s never played a Monster Hunter game before. Rise is a better entry point, making it one of the best games in the series for both old and new players.
Read our full Monster Hunter Rise review
Ring Fit Adventure
E10
Platforms
Nintendo Switch
Genre
Role-playing (RPG), Sport, Adventure
Developer
Nintendo EPD
Publisher
Nintendo
Release
October 18, 2019
When Ring Fit Adventure launched in 2019, Nintendo’s quirky fitness RPG was more of an oddity than anything. Critics praised it for its creative approach to exercise, but the peripheral-based game felt niche in comparison to holiday Switch releases like Pokémon Sword and Shield. The perception of the game quickly changed when the COVID-19 pandemic forced the world into lockdown. It suddenly became a hot commodity, providing players a fun way to work out at home while gyms were closed down. Fortunately, it’s not just a game that’s popular because of circumstances. Ring Fit Adventure is a genuinely enjoyable spin on the fitness genre that makes clever use of its RPG components.
Read our full Ring Fit Adventure review
Xenoblade Chronicles: Definitive Edition
T
Platforms
Nintendo Switch
Genre
Role-playing (RPG)
Developer
Monolith Soft
Publisher
Nintendo
Release
May 28, 2020
If you’re in the mood for a new role-playing game that combines human and machine elements, Xenoblade Chronics Definitive Edition might be a good place to start. The game puts players in the position of Shulk, who attempts to understand his place in the world as he battles with others in his party against machine enemies. The game, which is exclusive to the Nintendo Switch, has an open-world feel but generally follows a traditional role-playing game feel with a variety of battle maneuvers, health points that grow with XP boosts, and more. Xenoblade Chronicles Definitive Edition also features more than 90 music tracks.
Monster Hunter Stories 2: Wings of Ruin
E10
Platforms
PC (Microsoft Windows), Nintendo Switch
Genre
Role-playing (RPG), Adventure
Developer
Capcom
Publisher
Capcom
Release
July 08, 2021
We can’t talk about Monster Hunter Rise without discussing its foil, Monster Hunter Stories 2: Wings of Ruin. While the former is a big-action RPG full of hacking and slashing, the latter is more tactical. It’s a turn-based RPG where players befriend monsters instead of slicing them up. That makes it more akin to something like Pokémon, as players collect and train monsters. For those who wish the Pokémon series would offer up some difficulty alongside its creature collecting, Monster Hunter Stories 2 might scratch that itch. The game is most notable for its excellent combat system, which builds on Fire Emblem’s “rock, paper, scissors” mechanics. Players can counter an incoming hit by picking the right attack. It’s a game that rewards observation, as studying monsters can help prepare players for any combat encounter. The action goes even deeper than that, too, as players can raise their kinship with their monster companions to unleash combo attacks. Whether you’re a fan of Monster Hunter, Pokémon, or Fire Emblem, Monster Hunter Stories 2 covers a lot of bases.
Read our full Monster Hunter Stories 2: Wings of Ruin review
Undertale
E10
Platforms
Linux, PC (Microsoft Windows), Mac, PlayStation Vita, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch
Genre
Role-playing (RPG), Turn-based strategy (TBS), Adventure, Indie
Developer
tobyfox
Publisher
tobyfox, 8-4
Release
September 15, 2015
Undertale is not what it seems. The heralded and emotional indie looks like an old-school JRPG with blocky visuals, minimalist character models, and a rudimentary combat system. Then you start talking to the monsters in the world, and everything changes. You begin to see the strange underworld you’re trapped in a bit differently, and you begin to wonder what Undertale is all about. The beauty of Undertale is in its writing. Often funny with undertones of solemn sadness, the conversations you have with the monsters around you will stick with you. As with other indie games on this list, Undertale‘s top-down look makes it a perfect game to play in handheld mode on Switch.
Pokémon Scarlet and Pokémon Violet Double Pack
RP
Platforms
Nintendo Switch
Genre
Role-playing (RPG), Adventure
Developer
Game Freak
Publisher
Nintendo
Release
November 18, 2022
There is no shortage of great Pokémon games on the Nintendo Switch, as you’ll see throughout this list. If you’re looking to pick up the best the console has to offer, though, Pokémon Scarlet and Violet are currently the way to go. While they certainly aren’t the Switch’s prettiest games, they’re the most refreshing mainline series entry in a decade. The open-world pivot completely shakes up the standard Pokémon formula, giving players more freedom to explore the Paldea region and complete its gyms in any order. With fewer restrictions in place, Scarlet and Violet give longtime players more space to create their own story while still being friendly for kids. Plus, the games feature an excellent and diverse Pokédex, which makes it one of the best experiences for those who simply want to catch ’em all.
Read our full Pokémon Scarlet and Pokémon Violet Double Pack review
Pokémon Legends: Arceus
E
Platforms
Nintendo Switch
Genre
Role-playing (RPG), Adventure
Developer
Game Freak
Publisher
Nintendo, The Pokémon Company
Release
January 28, 2022
We’ve got one more Pokémon for you here, and it’s a surprising entry to the list. Pokémon Legends: Arceus is one of the most unique installments in the long-running series, as it retains many of the core mechanics from past iterations while doing something completely new. This game is presented from an over-the-shoulder perspective, ditching the isometric view you know and love. With more of an action spin, this game feels like a modern evolution with a grittier feeling. Its visuals are lackluster, but in terms of gameplay and story, it’ll likely grab your attention fast. It takes many cues from Pokémon Go, emphasizing research instead of battles. Though, you’ll still have the traditional turn-based battles in Pokémon Legends: Arceus. This game is fun in and of itself, but what’s even more exciting is the possibility for the series going forward. Could we see this style of game take place in a busy city? We sure hope so.
Read our full Pokémon Legends: Arceus review
Hollow Knight
E10
Platforms
Linux, PC (Microsoft Windows), Mac, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch
Genre
Platform, Hack and slash/Beat 'em up, Adventure, Indie
Developer
Team Cherry
Publisher
Team Cherry
Release
February 24, 2017
In Hollow Knight, you play as a beetle-like knight wielding a nail, exploring an underground labyrinth known as Hallownest. Like many Metroidvania-style games, Hollow Knight has an emphasis on player discovery and secrets. Each section in Hollow Knight requires a map purchased from the mapmaker, typically located in a hard-to-find spot. That means you stumble into new biomes and encounter new enemies without much sense of direction. It’s thrilling and ups the sense of discovery. Hallownest is a sprawling world that takes dozens of hours to fully uncover. With great, minimalistic platforming mechanics and tough boss fights galore, Hollow Knight is as fun to look at and explore as it is a great combat experience. Look out for the upcoming sequel, Hollow Knight: Silksong.
Strategy
Pikmin 4
E10
Platforms
Nintendo Switch
Genre
Real Time Strategy (RTS), Strategy, Adventure
Developer
Nintendo
Publisher
Nintendo
Release
July 21, 2023
Pikmin 4 has all the same gameplay hooks as its predecessors, yet it feels like a very different game. Players take control of a custom-designed astronaut sent out on a mission to find Captain Olimar, the series’ usual hero, who is marooned on a mysterious planet alongside his crew. To track down the missing explorers, players team up with the planet’s adorable Pikmin population to improve their ship’s radar by collecting gobs of treasure. While the gameplay is similar to previous entries in the series, the puzzles are brand-new, there are new Pikmin to discover, and the control scheme has been streamlined. Even if this is your first foray into the world of Pikmin, you’ll enjoy this entry.
Read our full Pikmin 4 review
Fire Emblem: Three Houses
T
Platforms
Nintendo Switch
Genre
Role-playing (RPG), Strategy, Turn-based strategy (TBS), Tactical, Adventure
Developer
Intelligent Systems
Publisher
Nintendo
Release
July 25, 2019
The first traditional entry in the series to hit Nintendo Switch, Fire Emblem: Three Houses manages to improve just about every element, ranging from combat to character development. Taking a page out of the Path of Radiance playbook, the game stars a mercenary-turned-professor rather than the endless number of princes we’ve seen in other games. It’s your responsibility to pick one of the titular three houses and train them, building relationships and learning about the situations that brought them to the game’s central monastery. When things pop off, however, the Three Houses is classic Fire Emblem game goodness. Turn-based strategy combat has rarely been this polished, providing you with numerous options in how you approach any scenario based on the way you have developed your roster. Special “Combat Arts” and the new Battalion system are two more tools in your chest, and the normal difficulty strikes a balance between challenging and accessible.
Mario + Rabbids Sparks of Hope
E10
Platforms
Nintendo Switch
Genre
Strategy, Turn-based strategy (TBS), Tactical, Adventure
Developer
Ubisoft Paris
Publisher
Ubisoft Entertainment
Release
October 20, 2022
During the Switch’s launch year, Ubisoft shocked Nintendo fans with Mario +Rabbids: Kingdom Battle — a quirky strategy game that combined two unlikely properties. It was a surprise success, offering an all-ages-friendly spin on the tactics genre. Its sequel, Mario + Rabbids: Sparks of Hope, is even better. Doing away with the first game’s grid-based combat, Sparks of Hope opts for more fluid strategy gameplay that lets players freely roam around the arena and chain together abilities in wild ways. That system is rock solid, but even the exploration outside of battles is improved. Mario and his Rabbid pals can explore different planets and find various secrets throughout, giving it a bit of a Super Mario Odyssey feel. It might be the best Nintendo game that Nintendo didn’t actually make.
Read our full Mario + Rabbids Sparks of Hope review
Platformer
Kirby and the Forgotten Land
E10
Platforms
Nintendo Switch
Genre
Platform, Adventure
Developer
HAL Laboratory
Publisher
Nintendo
Release
March 25, 2022
Serving as Kirby’s first fully 3D adventure since the Crystal Shards on N64, Kirby and the Forgotten Land is a major change of pace for the series. Sure, it still feels like a Kirby game, allowing you to consume enemies to gain new powers, but its presentation is more polished than ever. You might not realize it at first, but this game is actually set in a post-apocalyptic world, mirroring the likes of popular AAA games like Horizon Forbidden West. But of course, this is a Nintendo game, so you won’t be battling creepy zombies or anything like that. Instead, you’ll enjoy new mechanics like Kirby’s Mouthful Mode, which causes the character to take the shape of objects he consumes. For instance, you can eat a car, and in doing so, Kirby is sort of molded around the vehicle in a humorous way. As expected, Kirby and the Forgotten Land is absolutely brimming with personality and is an approachable platformer that will no doubt make you smile.
Read our full Kirby and the Forgotten Land review
Super Mario 3D World + Bowser's Fury
E
Platforms
Nintendo Switch
Genre
Platform, Adventure
Developer
Nintendo EAD Tokyo
Publisher
Nintendo
Release
February 12, 2021
Super Mario 3D World was already an excellent game before its Switch rerelease. The Wii U platformer was among the best games the system and the franchise itself had to offer. It features creative level design, chaotic multiplayer fun, and some of the best power-ups Mario has ever gotten his hands on. The downside was always that it was stuck on a console that few players bought. Nintendo could have simply ported this game onto Switch without making any tweaks, and fans still would have been happy. On its own, it would have been one of the best games on the console. Nintendo upped the ante, though, by bundling it with Bowser’s Fury. The pack-in game is a brand new adventure that’s a mini open-world game. Think Super Mario Odyssey on a smaller scale. Bowser’s Fury is a fantastic entry in the franchise that goes well above and beyond its freebie status. That makes Super Mario 3D World + Bowser’s Fury one of the absolute best values money can buy on Switch. Players are getting two excellent Mario games in one that brings over 50 hours of content between them. The package is every bit of a must-own as Breath of the Wild for Switch owners.
Read our full Super Mario 3D World + Bowser's Fury review
Super Mario Maker 2
E
Platforms
Nintendo Switch
Genre
Platform
Developer
Nintendo EPD, Nintendo
Publisher
Nintendo
Release
June 28, 2019
The original Super Mario Maker was one of the best games on the Wii U and practically defined the system before also making its move to the 3DS. With Super Mario Maker 2, Nintendo has improved the level-creating formula with new items and tricks like sloping platforms. Players have quickly embraced the game and have created some truly dastardly and innovative courses. Though the Switch doesn’t include a stylus, you can purchase capacitive styluses for very little cash to make designing easier in handheld mode. If you’re more in the mood to play levels than make them, the new story mode is perfect. Filled with Nintendo-designed courses that are far weirder and more puzzle-based than traditional Mario levels, it’s the ideal opportunity to learn just what is possible in Super Mario Maker 2.
Read our full Super Mario Maker 2 review
Yoshi's Crafted World
E
Platforms
Nintendo Switch
Genre
Platform
Developer
Good-Feel
Publisher
Nintendo
Release
March 29, 2019
Yoshi’s Crafted World follows the tradition of previous Yoshi platformers. Yoshi can swallow enemies, turn them into eggs, and use said eggs to capture collectibles and take out other enemies. Where it differs is scope. Each level is longer than the traditional Mario platformer, and the set pieces are adorably crafted out of cardboard and paper. Levels have more depth, too, meaning that Yoshi periodically travels into the backdrop and routinely interacts with objects both far away and close to the player. Yoshi’s Crafted World is leisurely platforming experience that focuses heavily on uncovering all of the many secrets scattered throughout each level. Cute costumes let Yoshi turn into a cow or truck or even a juice box. Local co-op lets two Yoshis scour the levels together, making it a great choice for parents who want to play with their youngsters.
Read our full Yoshi's Crafted World review
Super Mario Odyssey
E10
Platforms
Nintendo Switch
Genre
Platform, Adventure
Developer
Nintendo
Publisher
Nintendo
Release
October 27, 2017
Not since Super Mario 64 came out more than two decades ago have we seen a Mario game as fun and whimsical as Super Mario Odyssey. Taking place across several unique kingdoms, Mario’s adventure to rescue Princess Peach from Bowser and his gang of wedding planners offers something unexpected at practically every turn. From zippers that open up to reveal secrets in walls to retro-style 2D platforming sections, the game is always only a few minutes away from amazing you with something.
Read our full Super Mario Odyssey review
Kirby’s Return to Dream Land Deluxe
E10
Platforms
Nintendo Switch
Genre
Platform, Adventure
Publisher
Nintendo
Release
February 24, 2023
Kirby’s Return to Dream Land Deluxe is a faithful but very much improved remake of one of our favorite little pink blob’s best 2D adventures. The game’s plot centers around finding missing pieces for the alien Magolor’s ship, which crash-landed on Planet Popstar. You can find these missing pieces with friends and play as Kirby, Meta Knight, King Dedede and Bandana Waddle Dee. As a bonus in this remake, there’s a new post-game campaign called Magolor Epilogue where you’ll get to play as the strange new alien character in his own distinct platformer.
Read our full Kirby’s Return to Dream Land Deluxe review
Celeste
E10
Platforms
Linux, PC (Microsoft Windows), Mac, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, Google Stadia
Genre
Platform, Adventure, Indie
Developer
Extremely OK Games
Publisher
Extremely OK Games
Release
January 25, 2018
The Nintendo Switch’s portability makes it ideal for “pick up and play” games you can start and stop at a moment’s notice, and few titles meet that bill better than Celeste. A tremendously well-designed platformer with simple controls that feel ideal on the Joy-Cons, it’s a game that continually surprises you with new level design decisions. This forces you to think on (and off) your feet and attempt maneuvers that seem impossible at first glance. Don’t worry, though, if the going gets too tough, you can turn on the comprehensive “assist” function that lets you take complete control of the difficulty to get through particularly grueling sections. And did we mention that Celeste is frequently laugh-out-loud funny? With fantastic, hand-drawn character designs during dialogue scenes and surprisingly deep storytelling, Celeste bucks the trend of platformers focusing exclusively on gameplay, and it gives you more motivation to keep playing than seeing “just one more level.”
Read our full Celeste review
Shooter
Metroid Dread
T
Platforms
Nintendo Switch
Genre
Platform, Adventure
Developer
MercurySteam, Nintendo EPD
Publisher
Nintendo
Release
October 07, 2021
There have been a handful of Metroid games since Metroid Fusion launched in 2002, but none of those games were actually direct sequels. The Metroid Prime trilogy is its own series, Metroid: Samus Returns and Zero Mission were remakes, and the less we say about Metroid: Other M, the better. That means that Metroid Dread was the first original 2D Metroid game to launch in 19 years, which is staggering to think about. Luckily, it was worth the wait. It’s one of Samus’ most memorable adventures yet and one of the best Nintendo Switch shooters to play. Metroid Dread picks up precisely where Fusion left off narratively, but it’s a much more mechanically modern title. Developer Mercury Steam, the team behind Samus Returns, heavily refined movement and combat for this game. Samus can now freely melee enemies with her arm cannon, slide through gaps, and free-aim in every direction. That allows her to move around like her Super Smash Bros. self during tough boss fights and tricky puzzles that require a mastery of movement. Dread also ups the series’ horror tendencies as Samus must escape from the robotic E.M.M.I., which stalks her like Alien‘s xenomorphs. It all comes together to form one of the scariest, toughest, and most stylish games Nintendo has made in a very long time. Take a look at our Metroid Dread beginner’s guide to get started.
Read our full Metroid Dread review
New Pokémon Snap
E
Platforms
Nintendo Switch
Genre
Simulator, Adventure
Developer
Bandai Namco Studios
Publisher
Nintendo
Release
April 29, 2021
For over two decades, Nintendo fans begged the company to make a sequel to Pokémon Snap. The N64 classic was a beloved hit thanks to its intuitive photography gameplay and charming use of the franchise. It was a long wait, but it was worth it in the end. New Pokémon Snap is a delightful follow-up that feels right at home on the Nintendo Switch. For fans of the original, it doesn’t stray from what made that version work. It features relaxing, on-rails gameplay that lets players lay back and take some cute snaps. The sequel really shines when it comes to content. The original game was extremely short, making it a perfect Blockbuster rental. This new version is much more robust. There are over 210 Pokémon to snap, each of which has four distinct poses. There are way more courses to explore, which have several variants. Side requests give players around 200 bonus goals to complete on top of the already beefy 12-hour story. To top it all off, the game has a photo editor and an online social component where players can share their best snaps. For those who just want to live in the world of Pokémon, it’s a much more fully realized version of Snap that’s perfect for lazy Sundays on the couch.
Read our full New Pokémon Snap review
Splatoon 3
E10
Platforms
Nintendo Switch
Genre
Shooter, Platform
Developer
Nintendo
Publisher
Nintendo
Release
September 09, 2022
Splatoon 3 is everything we could have wanted from a sequel. Instead of feeling like a 1.5 iteration of its predecessor, this installment feels like a true sequel, with plenty of improvements and new features to enjoy. Of course, the star of the show is the game’s competitive online multiplayer mode, consisting of quick three-minute matches that are easily digestible. The frequent map rotation encourages players to keep checking in — as do the regular Splatfest events. But beyond that, Splatoon 3 has an incredible single-player mode, arguably the best the series has ever had. We won’t spoil it here, but be sure to play through the very end because the final showdown is absurd. Splatoon 3 is arguably the best in the series, and we’re glad Nintendo stuck with it after the dreadful Wii U era.
Read our full Splatoon 3 review
Cuphead
E10
Platforms
PC (Microsoft Windows), Mac, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch
Genre
Shooter, Platform, Adventure, Indie, Arcade
Developer
Studio MDHR
Publisher
Studio MDHR
Release
September 29, 2017
Cuphead‘s 1930s cartoon visuals dazzled Xbox One and PC players when it launched in 2017. Amazingly, StudioMDHR produced a flawless port for Switch, allowing gamers to take the adventures of Cuphead and Mugman on the go as well. Cuphead is an immaculately designed action game that focuses heavily on boss battles. Though six run-and-gun platforming levels exist, the brunt of your time with Cuphead is spent squaring off in grand battles against wondrously designed and challenging bosses. Cuphead is punishing but fair, and the art and sound design help to keep you engaged even when you’ve been fighting the same boss for hours on end. There is nothing quite like Cuphead. If you own a Switch, you shouldn’t miss out on this ambitious and sublime experience.
Fortnite
T
Platforms
PC (Microsoft Windows), Mac, Android, iOS, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S
Genre
Shooter, Role-playing (RPG), Strategy
Developer
Epic Games
Publisher
Epic Games
Release
July 25, 2017
Fortnite is one of the biggest games in the world. The full battle royale game is available on the console, and it supports cross-play with PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, Mac, Android, and iOS. Unlike the virtual analog sticks on the mobile version, however, you’ll be able to play it on the Switch with a traditional control scheme and compete against skilled players, and if you want to pop it on the big screen, you’re free to do so like you can with almost every Switch game.
Read our full Fortnite review
Driving
Mario Kart 8 Deluxe
E
Platforms
Nintendo Switch
Genre
Racing
Developer
Nintendo EPD
Publisher
Nintendo of America, Nintendo of Europe
Release
April 28, 2017
The original Wii U version of Mario Kart 8 is one of the best games in the entire series, with inventive, gravity-defying courses, beautiful graphics, and a surprisingly competent online multiplayer mode. The game also launched with a Battle mode that did away with open-ended maps in favor of more race-oriented ones, rendering the style significantly less fun than it was in games like Mario Kart 64. Mario Kart 8 Deluxe brings with it not only a revamped Battle mode but also every single character and map released as downloadable content — for the Wii U version. A few new characters, like the Inkling Boy and Inkling Girl from Splatoon, also join the fun this time around. In addition to using the Joy-Con Grip and Switch Pro Controller to race, each player can also use one Joy-Con, and up to eight Switch owners can connect their systems for a local multiplayer party, even if they’re on the go.
Read our full Mario Kart 8 Deluxe review
Rocket League
E
Platforms
Linux, PC (Microsoft Windows), Mac, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S
Genre
Racing, Sport, Indie
Developer
Psyonix
Publisher
Psyonix
Release
July 07, 2015
No one could’ve predicted Rocket League‘s runaway success. After all, its premise — soccer with cars — seemed like an odd experiment that would be cool to try out but would likely fizzle shortly thereafter. Instead, Rocket League became an instant success when it launched in 2015. It has remained popular ever since, and the Switch version offers perhaps the greatest asset of all: Portability. Though you need to be connected to Wi-Fi to experience Rocket League how it’s meant to be played, with broadband access popping up on transits, in businesses, and elsewhere, it’s not so much of a problem to find a place to get an exciting match in on Switch. Couple that with the fact that Switch users are playing with both Xbox One and PC user bases, and you’re unlikely ever to have a hard time finding a game. Plus, the Switch version has Nintendo-themed vehicles and decorations. Pretty cool, right? Best of all, it’s free to play now.
Simulation
Stardew Valley
E10
Platforms
Linux, PC (Microsoft Windows), Mac, Android, iOS, PlayStation Vita, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch
Genre
Role-playing (RPG), Simulator, Indie
Developer
ConcernedApe
Publisher
ConcernedApe, Chucklefish Games
Release
February 26, 2016
Few indie games have ever been as successful as Eric Barone’s Stardew Valley. The first-time developer spent five years creating a spiritual successor to the farming RPG Harvest Moon, and when he finally completed the game, what he had made was even more impressive than its influences. Mixing classic farming mechanics with exploration, relationships, and even some combat, Stardew Valley is much more ambitious than its 16-bit visuals indicate. It also happens to be one of the best Nintendo Switch games to play in handheld mode during commutes, as there is always something you can do to pass the time. Whether you’re interested in fishing, finding a husband or wife, or mining for minerals, it’s possible in Stardew Valley, and you can just feel the love that went into the game’s development.
Animal Crossing: New Horizons
E
Platforms
Nintendo Switch
Genre
Simulator
Developer
Nintendo EPD, Nintendo
Publisher
Nintendo
Release
March 19, 2020
The long-awaited Animal Crossing: New Horizons is now almost two years old, and it just might be the series’ best game yet. Set on a deserted island that players must develop from scratch as part of a vacation getaway package, New Horizons gives unprecedented freedom and customization options. Furniture and decorations can be placed anywhere on the island, and custom patterns can be created for flags and even face paint. It’s one of the best multiplayer games on the Switch and has already moved over 31 million units, making it one of the Switch’s top sellers.Animal Crossing: New Horizons continues the series’ online multiplayer tradition with support for up to eight players, and players can still trade items such as fruit back and forth to help each other build up their homes. Tom Nook remains in charge and wants mortgage payments, but the joy of New Horizons gameplay means it won’t even seem like a big deal. With regular updates on the way and seasonal fish to catch, New Horizons is certain to stick around for a while.
Read our full Animal Crossing: New Horizons review
Party
Overcooked! 2
E
Platforms
Linux, PC (Microsoft Windows), Mac, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch
Genre
Simulator, Strategy, Tactical, Indie, Arcade
Developer
Ghost Town Games
Publisher
Team17
Release
August 07, 2018
Overcooked 2 is the sequel to the hectic cooking co-op game, Overcooked. It doesn’t change much of the stress-inducing yet deeply satisfying formula we saw in the first game, but it does refine it. Added features include a new throwing ability, more chefs, different recipes, and online multiplayer. If you enjoyed the first game, then you’ll likely love Overcooked 2. If you didn’t play the original game, then starting with Overcooked 2 will ease you into what you missed since it’s not as frustratingly difficult and has more intuitive controls. This time around, you’ll be facing a new foe called the “Unbread” (zombie bread — get it?), and the only way to save the Onion Kingdom is to don your tallest chef hat, travel to crazy locations, and cook up complex recipes in really impractical kitchens. Overall, we’d say Overcooked 2 is one of the best Nintendo Switch games to bring to a party. The kind that will bring you closer to your friends or have you hurling insults at each other.
Adventure
The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom
E10
Platforms
Nintendo Switch
Genre
Adventure
Developer
Nintendo EPD Production Group No. 3
Publisher
Nintendo
Release
May 12, 2023
Everyone was nervous about how Nintendo was going to follow-up Breath of the Wild, but Tears of the Kingdom delivered an evolution of that game’s open world and mechanics that made the previous entry feel like a beta. Not only do players have two new open worlds to explore with the Sky Islands and underground Depths, but systems like Fuse and Ultrahand ask players to embrace their creativity to solve puzzles and traverse around the open world.
Read our full The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom review
The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild
E10
Platforms
Wii U, Nintendo Switch
Genre
Role-playing (RPG), Adventure
Developer
Nintendo
Publisher
Nintendo
Release
March 03, 2017
It’s one of the best Zelda games of all time — do we need to say more? . While the Zelda name alone is enough to intrigue most buyers, Breath of the Wild still seeks to innovate the series’ classic formula and bring Link’s adventures into the modern era. The lands of Hyrule have opened up, giving you the freedom to explore and complete quests as you please. Weapons and items now have temporary lifespans, meaning you will have to search for and craft items to assist you on your adventure. The game’s physics — from Link’s movements to his weapons — has also received a drastic overhaul, so expect actions to have increased fluidity and realism. The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild takes the series in a welcome new direction without shedding the iconic Zelda charm.
Read our full The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild review
The Legend of Zelda: Link's Awakening
E
Platforms
Nintendo Switch
Genre
Adventure
Developer
GREZZO Co.,Ltd.
Publisher
Nintendo
Release
September 20, 2019
Throwback Zelda with an overhauled art style, The Legend of Zelda: Link’s Awakening is an exemplary remake of the 1993 Game Boy classic. As the weirdest game in the franchise, Link’s Awakening taps into its mysterious personality even more with the cutesy art style that makes everyone and everything look like toys in a playset. Koholint Island remains the best setting not named Hyrule in franchise history thanks to fun characters and a mysterious story revolving around a giant egg. Nintendo thoroughly improved Link’s Awakening in the remake, tweaking the inventory system to make gameplay better, adding map pins for exploration, and significantly increasing the number of Heart Pieces, Secret Seashells, and other collectibles scattered across the island. The Legend of Zelda: Link’s Awakening holds up remarkably well and is arguably one of the best top-down Zelda games ever made. Excellent dungeon design and a brilliantly conceived overworld make it an absolute joy to revisit more than 25 years after its initial launch.
Read our full The Legend of Zelda: Link's Awakening review
Fighting
Super Smash Bros. Ultimate
E10
Platforms
Nintendo Switch
Genre
Fighting
Developer
Sora, Bandai Namco Studios
Publisher
Nintendo
Release
December 07, 2018
The Nintendo Switch game that could become your sole obsession, Super Smash Bros. Ultimate is one of those fighting games so comprehensive that it’s worth buying a Switch for it alone. The latest universe-melding fighting game features every character ever included in the series’ nearly 20-year history, and more than 100 stages are available as soon as you boot it up for the first time. Nostalgic for Nintendo of the past without seeming dated, Super Smash Bros. Ultimate plays with the speed of a competitive fighting game, but it is easy enough for less-experienced players to enjoy, as well. The character roster has something for everyone, and newcomers like Incineroar and Simon Belmont feel perfect alongside classics like Mario and Jigglypuff. A hefty single-player campaign mode and new local multiplayer options are just icing on the cake.
Read our full Super Smash Bros. Ultimate review
Sandbox
Minecraft
E10
Platforms
PC (Microsoft Windows), Android, iOS, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Windows Phone, Nintendo Switch, Amazon Fire TV
Genre
Simulator, Adventure, Arcade
Developer
Mojang Studios
Publisher
Mojang Studios
Release
September 20, 2017
One of the most influential and culturally significant games ever made, Mojang’s Minecraft is a perfect fit for Nintendo’s console. The Switch version contains both the building-focused Creative mode as well as the traditional Survival mode, which tasks you with building shelter to survive nature’s most dangerous elements, all while digging deeper into the planet’s surface. The Bedrock Edition update lets Switch players connect to friends on Xbox, PC, Mac, iOS, Android, and even VR platforms. You’ll also be able to earn Xbox Gamerscore for any achievements you earn in Minecraft on Switch, and you can purchase additional skins or maps from the game’s marketplace.
Puzzle
TETRIS 99
E
Platforms
Nintendo Switch
Genre
Puzzle, Arcade
Developer
Arika Co., Ltd., Alper Sarıkaya
Publisher
Nintendo, Nintendo of America, Nintendo of Europe
Release
February 13, 2019
On paper, Tetris 99 sounds ridiculous. It’s a puzzle battle royale game where 99 strangers try to out-Tetris one another in a massively multiplayer versus round. Players can eliminate one another by targeting struggling players and dumping trash into their Tetris well. It has many of the basic principles of an elimination game like Fortnite but boiled down into a completely different genre. The weird thing about Tetris 99? It absolutely works. In fact, it’s one of the tensest battle royale games available today, thanks to its fast-paced gameplay that ramps up as players get closer to the number one spot. The best part about it is that it’s free to all Nintendo Online subscribers, so anyone can start playing today. Those who want to sharpen their skills further can purchase additional single-player content for the game, adding more traditional modes to the game.
Sports
Nintendo Switch Sports
E10
Platforms
Nintendo Switch
Genre
Simulator, Sport
Developer
Nintendo
Publisher
Nintendo
Release
April 29, 2022
Taking us back to 2006, Nintendo Switch Sports is a follow-up to Wii Sports, a game that needs no introduction. On Nintendo Switch, though, the motion controls work better, the visuals are much improved, and the gameplay is far more defined. Offering bowling, tennis, badminton, chambara, volleyball, and soccer (and possibly more down the line), Nintendo Switch Sports is once again an example of a game that nearly anyone can play. Even non-gamers can find enjoyment in earning a strike in bowling or scoring a goal in soccer, making it one of the most approachable games on the platform. Sadly, this installment isn’t bundled with a console, meaning you’ll have to shell out additional cash to buy it, but thankfully, Nintendo isn’t charging full price for this one.
Read our full Nintendo Switch Sports review
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