Summary
- Nintendo's IPs provide a plethora of engaging exclusive games for the Switch, catering to a variety of gaming preferences.
- Various non-Nintendo developed games like Kirby and Xenoblade offer unique experiences and gameplay mechanics for Switch users.
- Finding the right Nintendo game can save money and maximize gaming enjoyment with titles like Kirby, Xenoblade, and Super Smash Bros. Ultimate.
If characters such as Mario, Pikachu, and Link are any indication, Nintendo has no shortage of interesting IPs at their disposal. With players having decades’ worth of games to choose from for their Nintendo consoles, it might be difficult to find the “perfect” Nintendo game to play - even if it’s just finding the “best” title for their Nintendo Switch.
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As players wait for the Nintendo Switch 2, there are actually worthwhile games that players can sink their teeth into that combine the best of the Switch’s mechanics and riveting gameplay. Considering how a lot of modern games can be priced close to USD 70, finding worthwhile titles for a fan-favorite console can not only save gamers money but also ensure they get the most out of their time with the title. However, just what are must-play Nintendo Switch games that are going to be worth the purchase?
Free games will not be taken into account.
10 Kirby And The Forgotten Land
A Breath Of Fresh Air From Intense Experiences
Kirby and the Forgotten Land
- Released
- March 25, 2022
WHERE TO PLAY
- Developer(s)
- HAL Laboratory
- Publisher(s)
- Nintendo
- Platform(s)
- Switch
- Genre(s)
- Platformer
- OpenCritic Rating
- Mighty
- Price: $59.99
Just because Kirby and the Forgotten Land doesn’t offer a joystick-breaking experience as those frustrated with the likes of Elden Ring doesn’t mean the 2022 action-platformer should be shrugged off as a “simple” game. While it’s indeed true that the Kirby game’s major mechanics involve Kirby eating enemies and copying their abilities to save Waddle Dees from the Beast Pack, it offers engaging-enough gameplay and narrative to keep players going. When Kirby is sucked by a dark vortex alongside other Waddle Dees, he finds himself in a “new world” much like the “real” one but in ruins - and it’s up to Kirby to discover why.
The game is the first platformer in the Kirby series to be in a fully-3D environment, and the pink protagonist’s Copy Abilities blend well in inspiring players to get extra creative when trying to overcome each level’s challenges. Thanks to Mouthful Mode, Kirby can even swallow and “control” objects like vending machines and cars, all of which give him new ways of encountering the environment. Copy Abilities may be upgraded to have more effects or deal more damage - an essential quality once players take Kirby to surprisingly challenging and intuitive fights.
9 Xenoblade Chronicles 2
A Gripping Return To A Story-Driven Premise
Xenoblade Chronicles 2
- Released
- December 1, 2017
WHERE TO PLAY
- Developer(s)
- Monolith Soft
- Publisher(s)
- Nintendo
- Platform(s)
- Switch
- Genre(s)
- RPG
- OpenCritic Rating
- Strong
- Price: $59.99
Unlike previous Xenoblade titles, Xenoblade Chronicles 2 not only boasts a different setting but also a return to the series’ classic story-based approach. Set in a cloud-covered world named Alrest where humans live on top of creatures called Titans, salvager Rex becomes a Blade-summoning Driver after meeting the powerful Blade named Pyra. In their journey to the fabled Elysium, they are pursued by the mysterious organization named Torna. Thanks to the game’s unique summoning mechanics, Rex and other characters get a “Class” depending on the combination of Blades equipped to them.
Although technically an open-world title, Xenoblade Chronicles 2 largely takes place on sprawling environments of different Titans. Enemies are fought with an action-based system, allowing characters to use skills called Arts and perform precise but powerful Driver Combos and Chain Attacks. Aside from the game’s gripping story, Xenoblade Chronicles 2 is praised for the depth of its combat and gameplay system, making it quite the engaging experience for fans who want deeper stories.
8 Mario Kart 8 Deluxe
A Classic Wii U Title Reinvigorated Into A Switch Hit
Mario Kart 8 Deluxe
- Released
- April 27, 2017
WHERE TO PLAY
- Developer(s)
- Nintendo
- Platform(s)
- Switch
- Genre(s)
- Racing
- OpenCritic Rating
- Mighty
- Price: $59.99
There’s a reason 2014’s Mario Kart 8 was re-released as Mario Kart 8 Deluxe for the Nintendo Switch, and it’s mostly for its engaging battle modes and quite the addictive presentation. Now including more characters, around 40+ new circuits, and revamped mechanics, Mario Kart 8 Deluxe is a modern reimagining of a fan-favorite kart racer. As with other Mario Kart entries, Mario Kart 8 Deluxe features the same flair of power-ups and item boxes, alongside a Mirror Mode that essentially reverses a map for a thrilling alternative experience.
However, new offerings include 12-player racing, alternate racing modes (hang gliders, motorbikes, underwater racing), vehicle customization, and even anti-grav racing that lets players race on ceilings and walls. The improved battle mode in Deluxe includes exclusive courses for easier play, as well as new rulesets to further customize the experience. Whether playing competitively or just want to set up a fun game for friends and family, Mario Kart 8 Deluxe doesn’t disappoint.
7 Splatoon 3
A Worthwhile Update To Splatoon 2, With A Stronger Story
Splatoon 3
- Released
- September 9, 2022
WHERE TO PLAY
- Developer(s)
- Nintendo
- Platform(s)
- Switch
- Genre(s)
- Third-Person Shooter
- OpenCritic Rating
- Strong
- Price: $59.99
When players create their character in Splatoon 3, they’re immediately nudged towards the game’s exciting multiplayer offerings. However, players shouldn’t be fooled by getting in on the action immediately, as Splatoon 3 has quite the satisfying single-player experience. Taking five years after the events of Splatoon 2, players of Splatoon 3 are accompanied by their new Salmonid Smallfry as they use the game’s various weapons and mechanics to navigate bite-sized chunks of 3-to-5-minute missions that feature tidbits of the franchise’s overarching arc. Despite its disguise as semi-tutorial missions, each level in this single-player mode is seemingly geared towards giving players some tips they can take in their multiplayer matches.
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And while multiplayer is rather familiar territory for Splatoon vets with its regular Turf Wars and ranked Anarchy Battles with different modes, new features such as PVE Salmon Run Next Wave and Tableturf Battle card games can give players much-needed breaks from high-octane gameplay. The game also features 15 new weapons, giving players a lot of opportunities to brush up on their Splatoon expertise or use these new tools of mayhem to dominate.
6 Fire Emblem: Three Houses
A School Setting With Quite The Gripping Story
Fire Emblem: Three Houses
- Released
- July 26, 2019
WHERE TO PLAY
- Developer(s)
- Intelligent Systems
- Platform(s)
- Nintendo Switch
- Genre(s)
- Strategy, RPG
- OpenCritic Rating
- Mighty
- Price: $59.99
Fans of tactical RPGs will not just enjoy Fire Emblem: Three Houses for its signature Fire Emblem formula of in-depth stories, engaging gameplay, and gripping permadeath - but now also for its premise. Set on the continent of Fodlan, players take on the role of ex-mercenary-turned-teacher Byleth of the Garreg Mach Monastery, a military school for Fodlan’s three ruling powers. Depending on the player’s choice of class (one of the powers) and choices during class, the game’s narrative shifts its focus, objectives, and endings based on these dynamics.
Although its “simpler” difficulty might turn off hardcore Fire Emblem fans, Three Houses does boast an interesting battalion mechanic and a school system that was a refreshing take for the franchise. Thanks to the school system, players can organize lessons to improve specific students' stats and use Byleth to get close with them - which can then affect Support actions. Players can even inter-mix students from different Houses for unique dynamics, and character Classes that can be customized depending on a student’s “certification” that can be modified through class activities.
5 Animal Crossing: New Horizons
The Pandemic’s Chillest Game Is Still The Perfect Comfort Title
Animal Crossing: New Horizons
- Released
- March 20, 2020
WHERE TO PLAY
- Developer(s)
- Nintendo EPD
- Platform(s)
- Nintendo Switch, Nintendo Switch 2
- Genre(s)
- Simulation
- OpenCritic Rating
- Mighty
- Price: $39.99
Perhaps considered as everyone’s pandemic chill game for the Nintendo Switch, Animal Crossing: New Horizons proves there’s no shortage of fans for social simulation titles. While nowhere near the sarcastic (and sometimes downright bizarre) previous Animal Crossing titles, New Horizons is quite the enjoyable experience. At its core, players can populate their Village (of different formats) with 10 Villagers, all of which they develop relationships with. The game’s unique weather and seasonal systems, combined with an addictive soundtrack, have made New Horizons the perfect game to chill during the tense days of the pandemic and today’s busy post-pandemic era.
The game also has a robust collectible system, where players can collect any number of things through the game’s activities such as fishing, picking up items, or even trading exclusive items with other players. Its rather intricate marketplace has also created a “trading” frenzy at the time for players who want to get rich in the title. Each Island’s customizable nature has inspired players to create gimmick Islands for others to visit, and the random nature of Villagers who can arrive and stay at a player’s Village means the 413 Villagers alone could be reasons for countless replays.
4 Super Smash Bros. Ultimate
The Biggest Version Of The Crossover Fighter Yet
Super Smash Bros. Ultimate
- Released
- December 7, 2018
WHERE TO PLAY
- Developer(s)
- Bandai Namco Entertainment
- Publisher(s)
- Nintendo
- Platform(s)
- Switch
- Genre(s)
- Fighting
- OpenCritic Rating
- Mighty
- Price: $19.99
Fans of fighting games know Super Smash Bros. Ultimate takes a different kind of patience to tackle, especially when its mainstay mechanics from the core Super Smash Bros. Franchise involves either scoring points through knockouts or being the last player standing - mechanics not often included in traditional fighting games. However, aside from Super Smash Bros. Ultimate generating appeal as perhaps the biggest Super Smash Bros. Title yet, this feature-packed offering can make the arena fighter one of the most exciting games a Switch fan can own.
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Set in a world devastated by the evil Galeem, the game’s Adventure Mode will now task players to accompany Kirby in the World of Light to rescue captured fighters as Spirits and “unlock” them in the core game through Spirit Battles. With 70-ish fighters and more than 1,300 Spirit Characters to collect across 108 Stages, there’s enough content in Super Smash Bros. Ultimate to keep players glued to their screens. Characters with similar movesets are now called “Echo Fighters” with slight differences in gameplay and animations, adding thrill to even the most “basic” match-ups.
3 Super Mario Odyssey
Remixing Old And New Mario Mechanics For Immense Replay Value
Super Mario Odyssey
- Released
- October 27, 2017
WHERE TO PLAY
- Developer(s)
- Nintendo
- Platform(s)
- Switch
- Genre(s)
- Platformer
- OpenCritic Rating
- Mighty
- Price: $59.99
The Nintendo Switch is not a Nintendo console without Mario, and Super Mario Odyssey is the Switch’s version of the plumber’s platform-hopping adventure. Set after yet another kidnapping of Princess Peach, Mario teams up with Cappy to save both the Mushroom and Cap Kingdoms from Bowser. As with other Mario games, Super Mario Odyssey needs players to explore Kingdoms - this time aboard the hat-shaped Odyssey ship. However, the game twists the Mario formula with a fully-3D world (except 2D Flat Zones that mimic the classic games) and a unique Capture Mechanic.
Thanks to Cappy, Mario can now throw this hat creature to become platforms or perform multi-attacks. Not only that, Cappy can possess NPCs, enemies, and even specific objects, giving him access to unique abilities. For example, Bullet Bills now let Mario fly across areas or Sherms to destroy blocked passages. With many creatures to possess and mechanics to tinker with, Super Mario Odyssey is the perfect chill game… or the perfect puzzle platformer for folks who want to beat their best times.
2 Pokemon Legends: Arceus
A Fully Open-World Adventure Where Pokemon Truly Take Center Stage
Pokemon Legends: Arceus
- Released
- January 28, 2022
WHERE TO PLAY
- Developer(s)
- Game Freak
- Publisher(s)
- Nintendo, The Pokemon Company
- Platform(s)
- Nintendo Switch
- OpenCritic Rating
- Strong
- Price: $59.99
A fully open-world Pokemon game has been much closer to fans since the release of fully-3D Scarlet & Violet that still had Trainers play within the constraints of traditional zones. As such, the release of Pokemon Legends: Arceus swept players off their feet towards a near-open-world setting complete with moving and breathing Pokemon. Complete with a rather crazy plot involving time travel and warring factions, Arceus is perhaps the best Pokemon offering in the series with more of an action RPG take instead of the franchise staple’s turn-based gameplay.
Thanks to this structure, players can now traverse entire open areas with Pokemon around them - all available for them to look at, avoid, capture, and even fight. When engaging a Pokemon in battle, players now switch to the traditional turn-based combat of the game. However, the seamless transition between open world to intense action has made Arceus “the” Pokemon game to play - at least, until the arrival of Z-A that promises combat that involves fully controlling Pokemon.
1 The Legend Of Zelda: Tears Of The Kingdom
A Launch Title Sequel Worthy Of The Praise
The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom
- Released
- May 12, 2023
WHERE TO PLAY
- Developer(s)
- Nintendo
- Cross Save
- N/A
- Platform(s)
- Nintendo Switch, Nintendo Switch 2
- Genre(s)
- Adventure, Action, Open-World
- OpenCritic Rating
- Mighty
- Price: $74.99
Released as a launch title that arrived alongside the revolutionary Nintendo Switch, The Legend of Zelda: Tears Of The Kingdom is a refreshing take on the open-world concept that perfectly demonstrates the Switch’s capabilities and the potential of both Zelda’s story and gameplay. Set along the end of the Zelda timeline, Tears of the Kingdom will have Link and Zelda explore the “origins” of Hyrule as well as its connection to the mysterious Zonai race, as well as the consequences of having the Master Sword shattering into pieces.
Unlike other Zelda titles, the game’s unstructured layout encourages exploration - with its nonlinear story allowing players to enjoy the game’s pacing however they like. Perhaps the most interesting feature in Tears of the Kingdom is its gameplay, taking cues from Breath of the Wild but this time letting players explore Hyrule on land, islands in the sky, and the dangerous underground Depths. The game also introduces Zonai devices that let players create various objects as well as vehicles that inspire full-blown “mecha”-like designs. Instead of the Sheikhan Slate from Breath of the Wild, gameplay in Tears of the Kingdom features brand new powers that fuse objects together (Ultrahand, Fuse), rewind movement (Recall), move through solids (Ascend), and recreating items automatically (Autobuild).
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