List of the top 10 best Nintendo Switch games currently available

Do you own a Nintendo Switch but have no idea what to play? Or maybe you want to buy one but aren’t sure if it’s worth it. The following are the top ten best Nintendo Switch games released to date.

Nintendo’s home-handheld console hybrid, released in March 2017, offers thousands of games for a variety of playstyles. However, with such a large library, deciding what to play can be difficult.

As of December 2021, the following are the best Switch titles of all time. Whether you’re a seasoned veteran or a newcomer to the system, you’ll find something to your liking here.

The best Nintendo Switch games to play

The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild

Zelda

Breath of the Wild is Zelda’s first truly open-world title. It takes place at the end of the series’ timeline, 100 years after the world has fallen into a state of despair.

You play as Link, as in previous games in the series, and your mission is to save Princess Zelda from evil. There isn’t much of a linear path, so players can go at their own pace.

The world of Hyrule is teeming with monsters, mini-dungeons known as Shrines, boss battles, and more. You even get a paraglider to fly around in! It has a Metacritic score of 97 for a reason – it should not be overlooked. If you only take one game from this list, make it this one.

Super Smash Bros. Ultimate

Pyra hits Mario

Ultimate is the definitive Smash game, and it is recommended for both long-time fans and newcomers interested in fighting games.

There are 89 playable fighters, including Mario, Link, and Jigglypuff; most are available in-game, but some require payment to play as. Each character has their own fighting style and moves, and you can fight against NPCs or other players locally or online.

You battle in various stages and can even create your own to share with fans all over the world. It’s also a great party game – anyone up for a Smash family Christmas tournament?

Animal Crossing: New Horizons

New Horizons transports players to a deserted island where they must construct it from the ground up in order to become the ultimate destination. You can earn Bells by fishing, catching bugs, selling fruit, and other activities.

There’s a museum where you can donate your catch, a clothing store, mystery island tours, and other attractions. You can also renovate your home to create more space and rooms that you can furnish with furniture.

You can also befriend up to ten other villagers. Animal Crossing is a very laid-back game, so if you’re looking to unwind, it’s ideal.

Pokemon Sword & Shield

Screenshot of Pokemon Sword & Shield Wild Area.

The eighth generation of the Pokemon franchise is Sword & Shield. It takes place in the Galar region, which is based on the United Kingdom. You get to pick one of three starters: Grookey, Sobble, or Scorbunny.

Your goal is to defeat all eight Galar League Gym Leaders as well as Leon, the current Champion. Along the way, you must also fill up the region’s Pokedex by seeing and catching Pokemon.

It’s an experience that no Pokemon fan should pass up, especially if you enjoy catching and battling. The Isle of Armor and The Crown Tundra are optional paid DLC that expand the region.

Mario Kart 8 Deluxe

mario kart 8

The eighth installment of Mario Kart is the ultimate party game. You race to win Cups as characters from both Super Mario and other Nintendo franchises.

You can customize your kart to fit the racetrack, and the more you play, the more characters you unlock. You don’t even have to play with other people; there’s a single-player mode as well.

Just be aware that playing with friends and family may result in a friendly rivalry or two.

Super Mario Odyssey

super mario odyssey screenshot

If you enjoyed Super Mario Sunshine or the Galaxy games, you’ll enjoy Super Mario Odyssey. It has the feel of a classic 3D title, but with a new feature: Cappy.

The Italian plumber uses his hat to travel through multiple Kingdoms in order to rescue Princess Peach, who has been kidnapped by Bowser and forced to marry him. You can use it to capture and control various enemies in order to solve puzzles, and it can even help you reach previously inaccessible areas.

Power Moons, like Power Stars in previous entries in the series, are collected along the way to power your ship. It is one of the best Mario games ever made and should not be overlooked.

Minecraft

minecraft nintendo switch

While Mojang’s beloved title first appeared on PC, there’s something special about playing it on the go with the Nintendo Switch. The worlds you create are literally at your fingertips.

If you’ve never played Minecraft, it’s a sandbox game in which you can build whatever you want out of blocks. You collect materials from all over the world to turn into building blocks, and the possibilities are limitless!

The Switch version includes the Super Mario Mash-Up Pack, which includes skins from the franchise such as Mario, Peach, and Donkey Kong as well as some worlds.

Stardew Valley

stardew valley content

Stardew Valley, like Animal Crossing: New Horizons, is a relaxing game. After your grandfather’s death, you are tasked with managing his farm in Pelican Town. It’s a complete mess at first, so you’ll have to work on cleaning it up.

You can do typical farm activities such as growing crops and raising animals, as well as go fishing, mining, and adventuring to other locations such as the desert. There are also side quests and the option to marry and have a child.

There is a story, but you can read it at your own pace, so there is no rush. It truly is the ultimate stress reliever.

Metroid Dread

metroid dread emmi encounter

After 20 years, Metroid has returned to its roots with an original 2D sequel to Fusion from 2002. Metroid Dread is more than just a return to form; it’s a modernized revival that takes the series to new heights.

With its thrilling story and incredible mix of gameplay and exploration, Samus Aran’s latest adventure on ZDR will keep you on the edge of your seat. Not only does this game feature some of the most difficult boss battles in the series, but exploring the map is now a heart-pounding experience, with the new E.M.M.I. boss stalking you around every corner.

Dread isn’t just a return to form for a series that has been dormant for far too long; it’s also proof that the Metroid is the best in the genre. It’s also very approachable for new players.

Xenoblade Chronicles 2

screenshot of xenoblade 2 battle

If you enjoy JRPGs, especially open-world ones, Xenoblade Chronicles 2 is one of the best on the Nintendo Switch. And the best part is… You don’t need to have played the first game to play this one because it’s a completely separate entity.

The plot follows Rex on his quest to reach Elysium, a fabled paradise said to be located atop the World Tree in the center of Alrest, the game’s world. He discovers the Legendary Aegis blade, which houses Pyra, the female protagonist, along the way.

You fight with Blades that can be leveled up. It has an active battle system, so fights are fluid and fast-paced, and the mechanics can be intimidating at first, but once mastered, it’s one of the best JRPGs of all time, not just on the Switch. There’s also DLC if you enjoy it.

Jake

Jake works as a freelance journalist for NerdNews covering a wide range of anything nerdy. He's been writing about technology for ten years and also enjoys writing books as a hobby.

Related Articles

Leave a Reply

Back to top button