51 best Nintendo Switch games to buy in 2024
There may be over 10,000 games to choose from but these are the stand outs - and one in particular is unmissable.
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Since its release back in 2017, the Nintendo Switch has become one of the most popular gaming consoles of all time – and it’s showing no signs of slowing down.
With more than 10,000 game titles now available across the Nintendo Switch, Nintendo Switch OLED Model and Nintendo Switch Lite, there’s a lot to choose from whether you’re new to the platform or just looking for your next game to play.
While deciding which games are ‘the best’ is, of course, entirely subjective, we’ve rounded up 51 games we recommend checking out the next time you’re stuck for something to play.
We’ve included all kinds of genres, as well as both indies and bestsellers, so you can easily find something to suit your preferences.
51 BEST NINTENDO SWITCH GAMES
51. Princess Peach: Showtime!
Genre: Adventure, action
No. of players: One player
Despite appearing in over 100 Mario titles, Showtime! is just the second time we’ve seen Peach get the spotlight. The colourful game is a delight to play, pairing the best elements of a standard 2D side-scrolling Mario adventure with a nice dose of puzzle solving in its snack-size levels. The attention to detail is gorgeous, with the storyline unfolding through a series of theatrical acts that see Peach transformed into everything from a ninja to a cake-maker.
Controls are limited to just three buttons and the gameplay itself is fairly simplistic, making this one better suited to younger players. However, each level rewards the curiosity of more experienced fans, with hidden Sparkle Gems encouraging you to explore further.
50. Pokemon Sword/Pokemon Shield
Genre: Role-playing game, adventure
No. of players: Up to four players
Pokémon Sword/Shield is easily one of the best games in the Pokémon series. Set in the Galar region, the game features all of the catching and battling we’ve come to expect from the franchise, while offering some great new features like Wild Area.
The big, open landscapes meanwhile give trainers plenty to explore, while post-launch expansion packs, The Isle of Armor and The Crown Tundra, include new and classic Pokémon to add to your collection.
49. Advance Wars 1 + 2: Re-Boot Camp
Genre: Strategy
No. of players: Up to four players
After several pushbacks, Advance Wars 1 + 2 finally made it to the Switch. Nintendo chose not to go for a straight port of these two classic Game Boy Advance games, instead pairing the gameplay of the original with a modern graphic overhaul. Bringing solid strategic combat and varied gameplay, it’s plenty of fun and an incredible upgrade to an all time great game.
48. Gris
Genre: Adventure, platformer, action, puzzle
No. of players: One player
Everything about Gris is gorgeous and compelling. From its beautiful exploration of grief to its gradual movement from greyscale to colour, every scene is an absolute work of art. Add in an elegant score and clever puzzle-solving elements that tie into the emotional development of the game, and this indie title will take your breath away.
47. Theatrhythm Final Bar Line
Genre: Music, role-playing game
No. of players: Up to four players
Released for the 35th anniversary of the franchise, Theatrhythm: Final Bar Line is bigger and better than ever. Bringing together the music of Final Fantasy and other Square Enix games, the rhythm action game will have you putting together a team of four Final Fantasy characters to engage in fun, rhythm-based battles.
The game also includes three game modes, four-player online play and a massive 385 Final Fantasy songs, giving fans plenty to love.
46. Monster Hunter Rise
Genre: Action
No. of players: Up to four players
Considered the most accessible game in the Monster Hunter world, Rise is a great starting point for first-time players. While the game may still be a little intimidating to start with, features are better explained and gameplay is more fluid, helping you to embrace your newly appointed status of Hunter. And just in time too, with a mysterious calamity known as “The Rampage” on its way.
Dare to go it alone as a single player or team up with others online to hunt down the biggest, baddest monsters in the game.
45. Super Mario Maker 2
Genre: Platformer
No. of players: Up to four players
If you’re not content with the vast range of Mario games available on the Switch, you can go ahead and make your own in Super Mario Maker 2. Featuring brand new tools and course parts, this sequel game offers endless creative possibilities for building your own levels. If you have a Nintendo Switch Online Membership, you can also publish your levels online for others to play, access levels made by other players, and enjoy online multiplayer.
44. Shin Megami Tensei V
Genre: Role-playing game
No. of players: One player
The fifth instalment of Shin Megami Tensei is, mechanically, the best in the franchise. While the storyline feels undercooked, the gameplay and exploration more than make up for it. Like its predecessors, the game brings high difficulty and heavy narrative themes as you battle through a decimated Tokyo and decide the fate of the world.
43. Unpacking
Genre: Puzzle, simulation
No. of players: One player
It comes as no surprise to me that Unpacking won two BAFTA game awards back in 2022. The gorgeous indie takes the form of a cozy puzzle game, where you unpack moving boxes and try to put the items in their correct places. Where it really shines though, is in the details.
Despite never seeing your character, the game paints a picture of who you are and what’s happening in your life through tiny pieces of information that are surprisingly emotional.
The game is quite short (it took me just over four hours to make my way through it), but it’s definitely worth a play through – especially if you spot it on sale.
42. Tunic
Genre: Strategy
No. of players: One player
If you’re a longtime Zelda fan, Tunic should be the next game on your wishlist. Starring an adorable cartoon fox, the game clearly draws inspiration from the Zelda games, bringing surprisingly challenging gameplay and complex puzzles. The enemies and dungeons are great, the music is beautiful, and the whole thing is just clever and thoroughly satisfying to play.
41. Triangle Strategy
Genre: Role-playing game, strategy
No. of players: One player
If you’re a fan of Final Fantasy Tactics or Fire Emblem, Triangle Strategy is a must-play. Developed by the same team that gave us Octopath Traveler, the game combines a superb campaign narrative with great tactical battles. Every decision you make decides your story’s path, greatly increasing the game’s replayability, with new characters to unlock and new scenarios to explore.
40. Donkey Kong: Tropical Freeze
Genre: Platformer
No. of players: Up to two players
Bringing impressive level designs and well-crafted characters, Donkey Kong Country: Tropical Freeze sees a Wii classic make a return for the Nintendo Switch. Playing as Donkey Kong and friends, you’ll overcome obstacles and defeat enemies to reclaim your home island from an invasion of frosty foes.
There’s also a new Funky mode, which helps dial the difficulty down a notch without making things too easy, allowing more players to jump in and enjoy the great gameplay and stellar art style.
39. Octopath Traveller II
Genre: Role-playing game
No. of players: One player
If you enjoy traditional turn-based JRPGs, Octopath Traveler II is for you. Featuring the same gorgeous HD-2D art and visual style as the original, the adventure-RPG will have you battling townspeople, securing items, uncovering mysteries and forging your own path in an exciting new world.
Delivering engaging combat, fantastic storytelling and an incredible music score, the entry is a true standout in its genre.
38. Live A Live
Genre: Role-playing game, adventure
No. of players: One player
Originally released in Japan in 1994, Live A Live was finally brought to the west when it was resurrected for the Switch in 2022 – and it was worth the wait. Split into seven chapters, the game tells a nonlinear story of seemingly unrelated characters, with each taking place in a vastly different setting and period of time.
The revived version has also been reanimated using Square Enix’s 2D-HD engine, lending the game a gorgeous look that’s similar to Octopath Traveler and Triangle Strategy. It’s not without its faults, but it’s well worth booting up if you’re a fan of the genre.
37. Stardew Valley
Genre: Role-playing game, simulation
No. of players: Up to four players
If you’ve racked up too many hours on Animal Crossing: New Horizons, Stardew Valley should be the next cosy game on your list. The laid-back role playing game sees you inherit your grandfather’s old farm plot and set out to forge your own path in the countryside.
Fish, farm, restore community buildings, fall in love and even battle monsters as you pass the time in this open-ended farming sim.
36. Metroid Dread
Genre: Action
No. of players: One player
Almost two decades after the last 2D Metroid, Samus Aran makes her return in Metroid Dread. You’ll embrace the role of intergalactic bounty hunter once more, and dive into action on a dangerous new planet teeming with E.M.M.I robots and formidable foes.
As a continuation of the 2D Metroid canon, the game captures the essence of its lineage, while incorporating enough new elements to keep it exciting and fresh.
35. Paper Mario: The Origami King
Genre: Adventure, action
No. of players: One player
It may not be a return to the originals, but Paper Mario: The Origami King is an imaginative 2D adventure RPG with plenty of charm. Featuring well-balanced characters, beautiful set designs and a great sense of humour, there’s plenty of high points that will keep you entertained.
While the battle system could definitely be improved, it’s a fun and innovative game that’s definitely worth your time.
34. Cuphead and the Delicious Last Course
Genre: Action, platformer, shooter, indie
No. of players: Up to two players
If you feel like getting your heart rate up, we recommend grabbing Cuphead and its DLC, The Delicious Last Course. While its cute, hand-drawn graphics might fool you into thinking the game is child’s play, it's absolutely ruthless in its execution.
Operating on the ‘three strikers and you’re out’ principle, it will take even the most skilled players multiple attempts to master its levels. Nevertheless, there’s plenty to love about it, including its insane artistic design and the elation you feel when you finally prevail over its hellish bosses.
33. Kirby and the Forgotten Land
Genre: Action, platformer
No. of players: Up to two players
It’s the age old adage – you are what you eat. In the case of Kirby and The Forgotten Land, this means you could be anything from a vending machine to a car. After being pulled into a strange portal in the sky, our favourite pink puffball sets out on a quest to save the Waddle Dees by inhaling, spitting, hovering and transforming into any number of surrounding objects and absorbing their abilities.
It’s ridiculous, it’s cute, it’s fun and it’s the first Kirby title to feature 3D gameplay, making it an engaging game for players of all ages.
32. Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown
Genre: Platformer, action
No. of players: One player
Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown is one of the more recent releases on this list and we already think it’s one the best Metroidvanias around. It’s so well-crafted, dare we say it’s every bit as good as Metroid Dread?
The game brings an impressive combat system that’s as challenging as it is fun, while the narrative is surprisingly engaging. Playing as the valiant warrior Sargon, you’ll embark on an epic journey through a realm steeped in Persian mythology, bending the fabric of space and time to save a captive prince.
31. Death’s Door
Genre: Action, adventure, indie
No. of players: One player
Blending vibrant colours with moody environments, Death’s Door is both a visual delight and a refreshing take on the action-adventure genre. Set in a world where crows act as reapers and collect the souls of the dead, you’ll play as a young crow tasked with retrieving the stolen soul of a giant, immortal creature.
Solve puzzles, defeat enemies and navigate treacherous terrain to track down your thief and save your very own soul in this beautifully told title.
30. Cult of the Lamb
Genre: Rougelike, fighting game
No. of players: One player
Expertly uniting the ominous with the adorable, Cult of the Lamb sees you play as the titular lamb after you’re resurrected by a heretic deity and asked to start a cult in his name.
You’ll fight your way through roguelike levels, massacring the nonbelievers as you go, and then come home to your cosy cult where you’ll cook, clean, craft, perform sermons and sacrifice dissenting followers. They had it coming anyway.
Read our full Cult of the Lamb review.
29. Pokémon Legends: Arceus
Genre: Adventure, role-playing game, action
No. of players: Up to two players
Taking place in the expansive Hisui region (later known as Sinnoh), Pokémon Legends: Arceus is set in an older era where Pokémon are still largely feared by humans. The game is the first from the franchise to offer fans a mostly open-world exploration experience, as you set about soothing rampaging “noble” Pokémon and search for the mythical Arceus.
Featuring new battle mechanics, new trainers and new ways to explore, the title offers a different take on the Pokémon games, even if the visuals are a tad lacklustre.
28. NieR: Automata – The End of YoRHa Edition
Genre: Action, role-playing game
No. of players: One player
Frequently hailed as a masterpiece, NieR: Automata is best known for its unique blending of genres. The game features traditional action RPG elements, hack-and-slash combat, and even text adventure and shoot ‘em up elements, giving players a varied gameplay experience with lots of different mechanics.
Add in a compelling female lead, a complex storyline, and an unbelievable music score and it’s easy to see why fans are so passionate about it. The port also holds up surprisingly well on the Switch, making it an easy recommendation for both new and returning players.
27. Fire Emblem: Three Houses
Genre: Role-playing game, strategy
No. of players: One player
If you’re looking for a game that will drag you in and hold your attention, Fire Emblem: Three Houses is for you. The ambitious turn-based strategy game offers a vast adventure, which brings new twists depending on which of the three titular houses you join.
As a travelling mercenary-turned-teacher, you’ll divide your time between leading your chosen house in their academic lives and out on the battlefield. With plenty of great character development, fun strategy and much-loved tactical elements, prepare to sink a lot of hours into this one.
26. Super Mario 3D World + Bowser’s Fury
Genre: Platformer
No. of players: Up to four players
Offering two great titles in one, this combination package is well worth the purchase. Super Mario 3D World starts things off with a blend of 2D and 3D platforming, well-designed levels, Mario Cat Suits and kid-friendly fun.
The Bowser’s Fury expansion then kicks things up a notch with a new open-world experience that sees you team up with Bowser Jr. to collect the mysterious Cat Shines and save them from a colossal Fury Bowser.
25. Into The Breach
Genre: Strategy, role-playing game, puzzle
No. of players: One player
Turn-based strategy game Into The Breach is a title that feels truly rewarding to play. The captivating port packs in plenty of tactical depth as you work to command a squad of three mech pilots and stop giant monsters called Vek from destroying humanity.
With intuitive controls, crisp graphics and a new randomly generated challenge each time you play, the game will have you scratching your head as you frantically try to adapt and survive.
24. Dead Cells
Genre: Action, platformer
No. of players: One player
Metrodvania and roguelike are two genres that should be at odds with each other, but Dead Cells manages to make the pairing work. The fast-paced action-platformer begins with your nameless warrior coming back to life in an ever-changing jail cell, where you’ll fight it out for your survival.
Once you’re out of the starting area, the dark world opens up and allows you to combine weapons, abilities and techniques to create your own unique playstyle. The storyline, though simple, is also well-executed, with an overarching mystery slowly unfolding as you progress.
23. Sea of Stars
Genre: Role-playing game, adventure
No. of players: One player
Taking a huge amount of inspiration from the classic JRPGs of the 90s (think Chrono Trigger and Super Mario RPG), Sea of Stars is a true gem of a game. It has an engaging battle system and a ton of secrets to discover, along with nostalgic appeal and emotional depth. You play as two chosen heroes who use the power of the moon and sun to fight an immortal alchemist and his evil creations.
22. Animal Crossing: New Horizons
Genre: Simulation, multiplayer
No. of players: Up to eight players
Animal Crossing: New Horizons was possibly the most popular game during the COVID-19 pandemic for one good reason: it’s basically therapy in video game form. The wholesome game sees you move to an island paradise, where you while away the hours collecting, crafting, cooking, fishing, decorating and exploring. With no real goal to the game, you can do exactly what you want to do when you want to do it, making it the perfect title to de-stress with.
In fact, the only thing you’ll have to contend with is a shady fox that wants to sell you ‘legitimate’ works of art and a business-savvy raccoon with questionable financial measures.
While there are, sadly, no more content updates scheduled for the game, the Happy Home Expansion DLC is a nice addition to the game that sees you create vacation homes for your anthropomorphic animal clients.
21. Super Mario RPG
Genre: Role-playing game, action
No. of players: One player
2023 saw not one, but two Mario games land on the Switch. The second was Super Mario RPG – a revamp of the 1996 classic that’s been revitalised for newer players. Like Mario + Rabbids: Sparks of Hope, you’ll be met with plenty of humour and personality as you form an unexpected alliance between Mario, Bowser, Peach, and more, to save Star Road and defeat the Smithy Gang.
20. Mario + Rabbids: Sparks of Hope
Genre: Strategy, role-playing game, adventure
No. of players: One player
Building on the absolute chaos of Mario + Rabbids: Kingdom Battle, Sparks of Hope is somehow even better than its wacky predecessor. Packed with zany characters, more customisable combat and a truly absurd storyline, things are bigger, weirder and funnier than ever.
You’ll play as a mixed character team once more, as you visit five vibrant worlds on a quest to stop the mysterious and malevolent monster Cursa from consuming the energy of the Sparks.
19. Pikmin 4
Genre: Adventure
No. of players: Up to two players
Pikmin has had an interesting journey in terms of popularity, starting out as a niche franchise, but steadily growing in popularity with Pikmin 3 and, now, Pikmin 4. The kid-friendly strategy game is a delight to play, especially with some new additions in this latest instalment. There’s new Pikmin types, new features like Night Expedition, and (most importantly) your very own puppy pal, Oatchi, who can be taught some handy tricks.
18. Dragon Quest: XI S: Echoes of an Elusive Age – Definitive Edition
Genre: Role-playing game, adventure
No. of players: One player
If you’re looking for the ultimate JRPG fantasy, Dragon Quest: XI S: Echoes of an Elusive Age should be firmly on your wishlist. The game is a rewarding Hero’s journey, full of monsters to slay and secrets to discover, set amid the charming world of Erdrea.
The game excels in its presentation and comes packed full of references and Easter eggs for long-time fans. For newcomers to the series, its magical world and memorable characters also make it an appealing choice.
17. Luigi’s Mansion 3
Genre: Adventure, action
No. of players: Up to eight players
The third instalment of the GameCube original title, Luigi’s Mansion 3, is still one of the best looking Switch games to date. Delighting Ghostbusters fans everywhere, the game will take you spectre-hunting through a spooky hotel/haunted mansion as you search for Mario and your other kidnapped friends.
You may be a reluctant hero, but at least you have your handy ghost-hunting vacuum and the help of Gooigi – your slimy doppelganger who can be controlled by another player or used to help you solve puzzles along the way.
16. Celeste
Genre: Action, adventure, indie
No. of players: One player
There’s a reason why Celeste fans love the game as much as they do. The gorgeous title not only supplies challenging gameplay and impressive level design – it also tells a beautiful and emotional story about the pressures of modern life.
Exploring the mental health and identity of the mountain-climbing titular character, the top-rated title is one of the best indie games on the Nintendo Switch – and one we absolutely recommend checking out.
15. Splatoon 3
Genre: Shooter
No. of players: Up to eight players
While it isn’t wildly different from the first two editions, Splatoon 3 is easily one of Nintendo’s best shooters. Bringing more weapons, more fashion and more mess, the team-based game succeeds in turning a usually violet genre into a fun, family-friendly experience.
Rather than being a graphic shoot-em-up, the game sees you race to cover battlefields and opponents in ink, in either co-op challenges or a solo campaign. To this day, it’s still getting seasonal updates and DLCs too, making it well worth the buy.
14. Hollow Knight
Genre: Adventure, action, platformer
No. of players: One player
Look, I’m a sucker for games with a gothic-y aesthetic and Hollow Knight delivers it in spades. Set in a sprawling 2D world with classic side-scrolling action, you’ll take the form of an adorably creepy bug as you make your way through the expansive subterranean kingdom of Hallownest.
Forge your own path as you avoid intricate traps, battle or befriend fellow bugs and enjoy the stunning hand-drawn artwork and appropriately moody theme music.
13. Bayonetta 2
Genre: Action
No. of players: Up to two players
Originally released on Wii U, Bayonetta 2 now plays better than ever on Switch, thanks to its smooth controls and improved frame rate. Armed with deadly weapons and abilities, you’ll play as the witch Bayonetta once again, as she sets out to rescue her friend’s soul after she’s dragged into an Inferno.
Delivering a crazy storyline, stunning visuals and excellent gameplay, Bayonetta 2 might just be one of the best action games we’ve come across.
12. Portal: Companion Collection
Genre: Action, adventure, puzzle
No. of players: Up to two players
With their fresh, original ideas and great execution, Portal and Portal 2 have long been two of the best puzzle games around. Now compiled into the Companion Collection, you can explore both titles on Switch, working your way through Aperture Science Laboratories using a highly experimental portal device to solve physical puzzles and challenges.
The ports also run flawlessly on the Nintendo console, making now a great time to dive in if you haven’t played before.
11. Xenoblade Chronicles 3
Genre: Role-playing game
No. of players: One player
Bringing together the futures of Xenoblade Chronicles and Xenoblade Chronicles 2, Xenoblade Chronicles 3 might just be one of the greatest JRPGs ever made. Join Noah and Mio, members of the two opposing nations of Keves and Agnus, as they make their way through a warring world, engage in real-time combat and expose the true enemy behind the scenes.
Between the beautiful visuals, great gameplay and heart-wrenching interrelationships, this is one not to miss.
10. Ori and the Will of the Wisps
Genre: Adventure, platformer, Metroidvania
No. of players: One player
Simply put, Ori and The Will Of The Wisps is the most visually stunning game I’ve ever played. Set in a gorgeous open-world that comes to life as you interact with it, Will Of The Wisps is the sequel to Moon Studios’ emotional Metroidvania, Ori and the Blind Forest – and it’s exceptional.
Once again, you’ll play as little spirit Ori as you search for a lost friend through mountainous peaks, lively forests and pitch-black tunnels. You’ll also run into plenty of other friends and foes along the way as you pick up side quests, discover your destiny and help reunite a family.
9. Mario Kart 8 Deluxe
Genre: Racing game, party
No. of players: Up to 12 players
Mario Kart 8 Deluxe takes all the best parts of the original game and then adds in a bunch of great new twists and turns. With plenty of single and multiplayer fun, all-new tracks and a stack of dirty tricks available to you, this is one to boot up the next time your friends come over.
If you have a Nintendo Switch Online Expansion Pass, or purchase a Season Pass, you can also access additional DLC tracks, including Rosalina’s Ice World from the 3DS.
8. Hades
Genre: Action, adventure, role-playing game
No. of players: One player
Offering a fresh take on Greek mythology, Hades is a truly phenomenal roguelike. Levels are procedurally generated (so no area is the same as the last time you entered it), and there’s something to do after every death, making it an endless game you can dive into again and again.
With a compelling storyline, great music and interesting characters, it’s a must-have for those who are fans of the genre. For those who aren’t, it’s still a hell of a good time.
7. Super Mario Bros. Wonder
Genre: Action
No. of players: Up to four players
Super Mario Bros. Wonder is easily my favourite Mario entry after Super Mario Odyssey. The traditional 2D side-scroller brings in new mechanics that will surprise even longtime fans in the most creative ways – such as a power-up that turns you into an elephant or a Wonder Seed that sends you on a psychedelic trip.
And then there’s the singing piranha plants you just can’t help but find weirdly adorable. Even if they are trying to murder you.
6. Persona 5 Royal
Genre: Role-playing game
No. of players: One player
Remixing 2016’s Persona 5, Persona 5 Royal continues the ‘cool’ factor of the original. You play as Joker, a Japanese high school student who transfers to a new school after he’s falsely accused of assault and put on probation. The storyline unfolds the same way as the original for the most part, but with small gameplay tweaks, new additions and new content that gives returning players more to love.
5. Super Smash Bros. Ultimate
Genre: Action, fighting, multiplayer
No. of players: Up to eight players
Whether you’re playing with friends on the couch or against strangers online, this really is the ultimate Super Smash Bros. It brings the beloved tactical combat of its predecessors while introducing an expansive roster of playable characters from franchises like Splatoon, The Legend of Zelda and Animal Crossing.
The vibrant and chaotic game remains a staple in Nintendo’s top ten bestsellers, offering endless fun with a dash of nostalgia.
4. Metroid Prime Remastered
Genre: Action, first-person shooter
No. of players: One player
Metroid Prime was already incredible to play back in 2002, but the remastered version brings impressive visual details that weren’t possible the first time around. Almost every aspect of the original game, including the visuals, audio and controls, have been improved, and yet it still feels like the original.
With its polished makeover, the game is also now one of the nicest looking options on Switch, making it worth the buy for new and returning players alike.
Once again, you’ll play as intergalactic bounty hunter Samus Aran as she travels to planet Tallon IV to explore the planet’s interconnected regions and investigate the Space Pirate’s activity.
3. The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild
Genre: Action, adventure
No. of players: One player
It wouldn’t be a best Switch games list without The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild. The action-RPG swaps out its predecessors’ dungeon-exploration structure for a revolutionary open-world design that went on to influence a whole generation of games.
While some open-world titles overwhelm you with endless quests and possibilities, or offer a giant world with relatively little variety in activities, Breath of the Wild tells you the endpoint right from the start and then offers something to do around every corner.
Whether you’re a Zelda fan or not, with its genuinely challenging gameplay and mix of adventure, secrets and rewards, BOTW is a truly fantastic game that deserves a spot on your shelf.
The average playthrough of the main story alone also takes around 50 hours – and that’s not including all of the extra bits – making it perfect for those who want a game with plenty of substance.
2. Super Mario Odyssey
Genre: Platformer
No. of players: Up to two players
There’s a ton of Mario games to play on the Switch, but Super Mario Odyssey beats out the rest. Fusing classic-style 2D gameplay with a 3D world, Odyssey is teaming with colour and opportunities for exploration. Once again, you’ll embark on a grand adventure to save Peach from Bowser’s clutches, transforming into a range of creatures – from frogs to dinosaurs – as you go. It’s charming, smart and a superb tribute to Super Mario 64.
1. The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom
Genre: Action, adventure
No. of players: One player
Absolutely no one should be surprised to see Tears of the Kingdom at the top of this list. The successor to enormously popular Zelda game, Breath of the Wild, TOTK was one of last year’s most anticipated games – and it definitely doesn’t disappoint.
The game takes everything we loved about BOTW and then adds in improved mechanics, a more narrative driven story and a bunch of additional surprises. The themed temples and bosses are exceptional and the expansion of the already massive open world is both awe-inspiring and handled with care.
While we would recommend starting with Breath of the Wild if you’re a newcomer to Zelda games, Tears of the Kingdom is a truly worthy successor, and packs even more action into the story. Once again, you play as Link as he searches for Princess Zelda and tries to stop Ganondorf from destroying the world of Hyrule.
One five-star reviewer on Amazon simply called it a “masterpiece”, while another said: “Tears Of The Kingdom absolutely blows me away EVERY SINGLE TIME I OPEN IT.
“I was expecting a stunning game when I pre-ordered, but the moment I started playing, I knew I was in store for more than I could have ever imagined.
“There’s always something new around the corner and the DEPTH … that is such an amazing part of the game that I was not expecting since I kept away from spoilers.
“I cannot recommend this game enough to anyone who loves to game and to people who have never played a game in their lives.”
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What are the best Nintendo games to start with?
So, you’ve got yourself a shiny Switch console and you can’t wait to get stuck into your new Nintendo life. Only problem is, there are so many games to choose from that you don’t quite know where to start. We’ve got you covered.
Nintendo is home to some of the most iconic gaming franchises, including Mario, Zelda, Animal Crossing, and Kirby – all of which happen to be a great jumping off point for newcomers.
If you’re brand new to gaming or just want something cosy and fun to start with, we recommend picking up Animal Crossing: New Horizons. The wholesome game sees you move to an island where you spend your days harvesting materials, planting flowers and crops, catching bugs and fish, decorating your home, making friends with other villagers, and more. There’s no real goal to the game, leaving you to choose what you want to do at your own pace. If you’ve got friends who play the game, you can even catch a seaplane to their islands to pay them a visit.
If you’re new to the Switch but not to gaming, Super Mario Odyssey is our top pick. It’s arguably one of the best Mario games out there, as it allows you to move Mario in a full 3D world, rather than through a traditional side-scroller. There’s plenty of maps to explore, hidden collectibles to pick up and fun critters to turn into – including a giant T-Rex.
If you’re a more experienced player, or just after the ultimate adventure, you should pick up The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild. The title is the most highly-rated of all the Zelda games on Metacritic (and is also the highest-rated Switch game, period), thanks to it’s vast open world and fluid and engaging gameplay. While you can also choose to dive into it’s successor, The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom, Breath of the Wild is where this iteration of Link’s story starts – so you’ll get the best experience by playing them in order.
Kirby and the Forgotten Land, Mario Kart 8 Deluxe, Splatoon 3, and Pikmin 3 and Pikmin 4 are also great first games for newcomers to the Nintendo Switch.
What are the best indie games to play on Switch?
While franchise games like Zelda and Mario are easy recommendations for Switch players, indie developers have made a ton of great games you can play on the console.
If you’re looking for a challenge, games like Hades, Hollow Knight, Dead Cells, Cuphead, Celeste, Into The Breach and Neon White are all well worth checking out.
Those looking for something a little more chilled out should meanwhile pick up Gris and Stardew Valley.
What is the number 1 best selling Switch game?
Nintendo last updated it’s top ten best-selling Switch games list in February, 2024. The list ranked Mario Kart 8 Deluxe as it’s number one seller, having now sold over 60 million copies.
Also in the top five are Animal Crossing: New Horizons (44.79 million units sold), Super Smash Bros. Ultimate (33.67 units sold), The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild (31.61 units sold) and Super Mario Odyssey (27.65 units sold).
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