Top Best Nintendo Switch Games Guide

As a seasoned Switch player, I've carefully selected the most worthwhile Switch games. These games have been rigorously screened and evaluated across multiple dimensions including gameplay, graphics, sound, and story to help you find games that suit your taste. With news of the Nintendo Switch 2 gradually emerging (Learn more about Switch 2 launch details), whether these classic games will run on the new console has also become a focus of player attention.

Nintendo First-Party Masterpieces

1. The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild

Basic Information:

• Genre: Open World Action-Adventure RPG
• Publisher: Nintendo
• Developer: Nintendo EPD
• Release Date: March 3, 2017
• Supported Languages: English, Japanese, Chinese, etc.
• Game Size: 13.4 GB
• Players: 1
• Suggested Retail Price: $59.99

Game Introduction:
The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild is the series' first true open-world title. Set in the vast kingdom of Hyrule, protagonist Link awakens from a hundred-year slumber to find the world devastated by Calamity Ganon. Players must explore this vast land, gather resources, solve puzzles, and battle enemies to ultimately save the sealed Princess Zelda.

The game employs a new physics engine system that allows players to interact with the environment in various creative ways. Whether gliding using terrain, climbing, or solving puzzles using physical properties, all showcase the ingenuity of the game's design.

Authority Score:

• Metacritic: 97/100 (link)
• IGN: 10/10 (link)

Core Play Features:

• Completely open exploration freedom
• Innovative temple puzzle system
• Rich collection and production elements
• Dynamic weather and environment system
• Diverse combat methods

Pros:

1. Game system:

   • Revolutionary open world design, truly realizing "see and go"
   • Innovative physics engine system, supporting diverse game methods
   • Highly free puzzle solution, encouraging creative thinking
   • Dynamic weather system has a substantive impact on gameplay

2. Exploration experience:

   • Large and refined map design, full of surprises
   • 120 temples provide unique puzzle experience
   • Rich collection elements and side tasks
   • Carefully designed ecosystem

3. Combat system:

   • Flexible combat mechanism
   • Diverse weapon selection
   • Innovative bullet time system
   • Tactical enemy design

4. Graphics and sound:

   • Unique cel-shaded style graphics
   • Detailed environment sound design
   • Infectious music
   • Excellent scene switching effect

Cons:

1. Game mechanism:

   • Weapon durability system may affect game experience
   • Sliding when climbing in the rain is easy to slide, and some players feel烦躁
   • Collecting Kukurokko seeds is too cumbersome

2. Content design:

   • Main story relatively simple
   • Late challenge slightly insufficient
   • Temple maze style too uniform
   • Some areas relatively thin

3. Technical aspects:

   • Specific scenes may experience frame rate drop
   • Some areas may load for a long time
   • Occasionally, there may be screen tearing

Recommendation Reason:
As the flagship work of the Switch platform, The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild completely revolutionized the design concept of open world games. The game perfectly balances freedom of exploration and guidance, allowing players to maintain curiosity and exploration desire in the vast world. The innovative physics engine system and puzzle design provide players with almost unlimited gameplay possibilities. Although there are some minor defects, they are not covered by the jade, and it is a true masterpiece that changes the game industry.

It's worth mentioning that, according to the latest news, The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild is likely to receive quality upgrade and performance improvement on Switch 2 (check out the Switch 2 first look report to learn more). This will bring players a better game experience.

Suitable Player Groups:

• Open world game enthusiasts
• Puzzle exploration game players
• Action adventure game fans
• Players with a pursuit of game innovation

Unsuitable Player Groups:

• Players who like linear story experience
• Players who are particularly sensitive to weapon durability system
• Players who expect traditional Zelda mode

2. Super Mario Odyssey

Basic Information:

• Genre: 3D Platform Action Adventure
• Publisher: Nintendo
• Developer: Nintendo EPD
• Release Date: October 27, 2017
• Supported Languages: English, Japanese, Chinese, etc.
• Game Size: 5.7 GB
• Players: 1-2
• Suggested Retail Price: $29.99

Authority Score:

• Metacritic: 97/100 (link)
• IGN: 10/10 (link)
• GameSpot: 10/10 (link)

Game Introduction:
Super Mario Odyssey is the latest breakthrough in the Mario series. This time, Mario and his new partner Cappy, boarded the Odyssey ship to travel around the world, crossing deserts, forests, and cities with different characteristics. The game's biggest innovation is the "possession" system - through Cappy's hat, Mario can possess enemies and objects, gaining their abilities, bringing unprecedented game experience.

Each kingdom is full of unique cultural styles and carefully designed levels, from modern urban New Dune City to the cooking kingdom full of delicious food, each scene is unforgettable. The game maintains the joyful atmosphere of the classic Mario series while adding more modern elements.

Core Play Features:

• Innovative Cappy possession system
• Diverse level design
• Rich moon collection elements
• Unique clothing collection system
• Novel photo mode

Pros:

1. Game design:

   • Revolutionary possession mechanism to bring new gameplay
   • Precise level design full of creativity
   • Highly free exploration experience
   • Perfect control feel

2. Content richness:

   • More than 17 unique kingdoms to explore
   • Nearly 1000 moons waiting to be collected
   • Rich clothing and souvenir system
   • A lot of hidden levels and Easter eggs

3. Graphics and sound:

   • Precise and detailed graphics
   • Energetic music
   • Excellent animation effect
   • Stable 60fps performance

4. Playability:

   • Suitable for all ages
   • Support for two-player cooperative mode
   • Beginner-friendly difficulty curve
   • Rich post-game collection elements

Cons:

1. Game difficulty:

   • Main story difficulty is slightly low
   • Some moon collection is too simple
   • Boss challenge insufficient

2. Content design:

   • Some moon collection tasks are repetitive
   • Some kingdoms are relatively small
   • Two-player mode experience is general

3. Other:

   • Some clothing unlocking conditions are relatively strict
   • Post-game collection elements may seem boring
   • Online ranking function is relatively simple

Recommendation Reason:
Super Mario Odyssey perfectly inherits the essence of the Mario series while injecting new vitality into the series through innovative possession system. The game is fast, smooth, and cleverly designed, making it a masterpiece that can make everyone happy. Although the main story difficulty is not high, the rich collection elements and exploration experience are enough to make players spend dozens of hours.

Suitable Player Groups:

• Platform action game enthusiasts
• Players who like to collect elements
• Players who want to relax and enjoy games
• Family players who like to play together

Unsuitable Player Groups:

• Players who pursue high difficulty challenges
• Players who prefer serious story
• Players who don't like to collect elements

3. Animal Crossing: New Horizons

Basic Information:

• Genre: Life Simulation
• Publisher: Nintendo
• Developer: Nintendo EPD
• Release Date: March 20, 2020
• Supported Languages: English, Japanese, Chinese, etc.
• Game Size: 6.2 GB
• Players: 1-8 (online) / 1-4 (local)
• Suggested Retail Price: $29.99

Authority Score:

• Metacritic: 90/100 (link)
• IGN: 9/10 (link)

Game Introduction:
Animal Crossing: New Horizons is the first game to land on the Switch platform. Players will be the new settlers to an uninhabited island, starting from the most basic tent, gradually developing the island into their ideal paradise. The game runs completely according to real time, with the environment, the creatures that can be caught, and the activities held on the island changing with the seasons.

The game does not have a clear goal or level, players can freely choose the activities they want to do, whether collecting insects, fishing, planting flowers, designing clothes, decorating rooms, or interacting with islanders, there is infinite possibility.

Core Play Features:

• Real time system
• Highly free island planning
• Rich collection and production system
• Seasonal activities and festivals
• Multi-player online access function

Pros:

1. Game system:

   • Completely free game rhythm
   • Rich DIY production system
   • Deep environment customization function
   • Perfect multi-player online experience

2. Content design:

   • Four-season environment change
   • Rich collection elements
   • Diverse NPC interaction
   • Continuous update of festival activities

3. Social function:

   • Support for multi-screen game
   • Convenient online access system
   • Custom pattern sharing function
   • Rich social interaction methods

4. Graphics and sound:

   • Precise and cute graphics
   • Comforting and healing music
   • Detailed environment sound
   • Excellent light and shadow effect

Cons:

1. Game mechanism:

   • Early development is relatively slow
   • Some operation processes are cumbersome
   • Tool durability setting is inconvenient
   • Multi-player mode restrictions are more

2. Content limitations:

   • Daily tasks are relatively repetitive
   • NPC dialogue is easy to repeat
   • Some furniture is difficult to obtain
   • Strict save backup restrictions

3. System design:

   • Single island can only create one save
   • Some interface operations are not convenient
   • Online function stability is insufficient

Recommendation Reason:
Animal Crossing: New Horizons is a life simulation game that can completely relax people. It does not have tense battles or complex stories, but it can bring players endless fun in developing their small island. The game is slow and suitable for relaxing after work and learning. It is a leisure masterpiece that can be played for a long time.

Suitable Player Groups:

• Players who like to relax and relax
• Players who love life simulation games
• Players who enjoy collecting and creating
• Players who want to socialize and interact

Unsuitable Player Groups:

• Players who pursue story and challenge
• Players who like fast-paced games
• Players who cannot accept slow development
• Players who don't like repetitive tasks

4. Mario Kart 8 Deluxe

Basic Information:

• Genre: Racing/Party Game
• Publisher: Nintendo
• Developer: Nintendo EPD
• Release Date: April 28, 2017
• Supported Languages: English, Japanese, Chinese, etc.
• Game Size: 6.8 GB
• Players: 1-4 (local) / 1-12 (online)
• Suggested Retail Price: $29.99

Authority Score:

• Metacritic: 92/100 (link)
• IGN: 9.3/10 (link)
• Eurogamer: Essential (link)

Game Introduction:
Mario Kart 8 Deluxe is the culmination of the Mario Kart series. The game includes all the content of the Wii U version and adds new characters, new tracks, and a completely new battle mode. The unique anti-gravity track design makes the game full of surprises, and the rich item system makes every game full of surprises.

The game currently has an additional track pack DLC, which will bring players an additional 48 classic track remakes, greatly enriching the game content. Whether it's single-player or multiplayer, it can bring players a happy game experience.

With the gradually clear compatibility of Switch 2 (Learn more about Switch 2 compatibility details), Mario Kart 8 Deluxe is expected to achieve higher quality and smoother multiplayer game experience on the new console.

Core Play Features:

• Innovative anti-gravity track system
• Rich character and vehicle combination
• Diverse game modes
• Balanced item system
• Perfect online battle function

Pros:

1. Game system:

   • Precise and smooth control feel
   • Perfect drift acceleration system
   • Rich vehicle modification options
   • Innovative anti-gravity gameplay

2. Content richness:

   • 48 original tracks + 48 DLC tracks
   • 40 optional characters
   • Diverse vehicle parts combination
   • Rich game mode selection

3. Multi-player experience:

   • Support for up to 4 people to screen battle
   • Perfect online battle system
   • Convenient local wireless connection
   • Suitable for party game design

4. Graphics and sound:

   • Precise and detailed graphics
   • Stable 60fps performance
   • Classic music remake
   • Excellent sound design

Cons:

1. Game content:

   • Innovation insufficient for old players
   • Single-player mode is relatively monotonous
   • Simple unlocking system
   • Some track design is repetitive

2. Game balance:

   • Item system is largely based on luck
   • Some character combinations are too strong
   • Chase mode experience is general

3. Online system:

   • Online stability needs to be improved
   • Matching system is not perfect
   • Lack of ranking competition mode

Recommendation Reason:
Mario Kart 8 Deluxe is currently the most complete and refined kart racing game. The game maintains the series' consistent joyful atmosphere while enhancing the game depth through innovative gameplay. The rich content and perfect multiplayer mode make it one of the best party games on the Switch platform. Although it lacks innovation for old players, it is still a masterpiece that can make everyone happy.

Suitable Player Groups:

• Players who like casual racing games
• Players who often hold game parties
• Players who want to have fun with their families
• Nintendo IP fans

Unsuitable Player Groups:

• Players who pursue hardcore racing experience
• Players who prefer single-player game
• Players who require high competitiveness

Excellent Third-Party Works

5. Xenoblade Chronicles 2

Basic Information:

• Genre: Japanese Role-Playing (JRPG)
• Publisher: Nintendo
• Developer: Monolith Soft
• Release Date: December 1, 2017
• Supported Languages: English, Japanese, Chinese, etc.
• Game Size: 13.2 GB
• Players: 1
• Suggested Retail Price: $59.99

Authority Score:

• Metacritic: 83/100 (link)
• IGN: 8.5/10 (link)

Game Introduction:
Xenoblade Chronicles 2 is a grand JRPG epic. The story takes place in the world called "Cloud Sea", where humans live on the back of a huge life form "Gigantech". The protagonist Rex encounters a mysterious girl Yen while salvaging a task, and the two set out on an adventure to find "Paradise".

The game uses a unique "driver" and "blade" partner combat system, enhancing combat power by cultivating the bonds between characters. The vast plot, complex combat system, and magnificent scene design bring players a shocking adventure experience.

Core Play Features:

• Unique driver and blade system
• Deep combat combo mechanism
• Broad open world exploration
• Rich side task system
• Complex character cultivation elements

Pros:

1. Story design:

   • Grand world view setting
   • Deep and moving main story
   • Rich character interaction
   • Complete side story system

2. Combat system:

   • Deep combo mechanism
   • Rich blade collection
   • Strategy team combination
   • Unique element counter system

3. Game content:

   • More than 100 hours of game time
   • A lot of areas to explore
   • Rich collection elements
   • Complete side task

4. Audio and visual performance:

   • Shocking music
   • Beautiful scene design
   • Excellent character modeling
   • Outstanding voice acting

Cons:

1. Game rhythm:

   • Early story rhythm is slow
   • Combat system learning curve is steep
   • Some mechanisms are not clear enough

2. Technical issues:

   • Portable mode quality drop is obvious (looking forward to improvement on Switch 2, Learn more about performance improvement details
   • Some scenes are unstable
   • Long loading time

3. System design:

   • Low blade extraction probability
   • Some task guidance is not clear
   • Map system is not convenient

Recommendation Reason:
Xenoblade Chronicles 2 is a game that can make players spend hundreds of hours in a grand JRPG epic. Although the early rhythm is slow, once the learning period is passed, players can experience extremely deep combat system and deeply moving story. For JRPG fans, this is a masterpiece that cannot be missed.

Suitable Player Groups:

• JRPG fans
• Players who like complex combat system
• Players who pursue story experience
• Players who are willing to invest a lot of time

Unsuitable Player Groups:

• Players who like fast-paced games
• Players who are not interested in anime style
• Players who do not have patience to learn complex systems

6. Fire Emblem: Three Houses

Basic Information:

• Genre: Strategy Role-Playing
• Publisher: Nintendo
• Developer: Intelligent Systems/Koei Tecmo
• Release Date: July 26, 2019
• Supported Languages: English, Japanese, Chinese, etc.
• Game Size: 11.9 GB
• Players: 1
• Suggested Retail Price: $59.99

Authority Score:

• Metacritic: 89/100 (link)
• IGN: 9.5/10 (link)
• GameSpot: 9/10 (link)

Game Introduction:
Fire Emblem: Three Houses is the first game to land on the Switch. Players will play as a new teacher at the Garreg Marok Monastery, choosing to lead one of the three grades, training students' combat and life skills. The game integrates both strategy chess battle system and college life simulation system, training students through teaching, social activities, and commanding them in battle.

The story is divided into two parts, college and war, and the choices of players will affect the fate of the entire Fudora continent. The four different storylines of the game provide a high re-play value.

Core Play Features:

• Deep strategy chess battle system
• Rich character cultivation elements
• College life simulation system
• Multi-ending branch story
• Social interaction and cultivation elements

Pros:

1. Game system:

   • Perfect strategy chess battle system
   • Rich troop transfer system
   • Unique college training play
   • Diverse tactical choices

2. Story design:

   • Mature story theme
   • Multi-line story branch
   • Deep character shaping
   • Outstanding voice acting

3. Training system:

   • Highly free character cultivation
   • Rich skill learning
   • Diverse social activities
   • Interesting tea party interaction

4. Content richness:

   • Four main storylines
   • A lot of side tasks
   • Rich character interaction
   • High re-play value

Cons:

1. Technical performance:

   • General graphics
   • Some scenes are unstable
   • Long loading time

2. Game design:

   • Some combat map is repetitive
   • Late task is relatively monotonous
   • Difficulty curve is not smooth

3. Other issues:

   • Some system explanations are not clear
   • Combat animation is repetitive
   • High DLC price

Recommendation Reason:
Fire Emblem: Three Houses successfully integrates strategy chess battle system and college simulation, creating a unique game experience. The mature story theme, rich character interaction, and deep strategy system make this game a peak of the series. Although there are some technical issues, they are not covered by the jade.

Suitable Player Groups:

• Strategy game enthusiasts
• Players who like character cultivation
• Players who pursue story experience
• Players who enjoy social interaction

Unsuitable Player Groups:

• Players who don't like turn-based games
• Players who are not interested in anime style
• Players who do not want to invest a lot of time

Excellent Independent Games

7. Hollow Knight

Basic Information:

• Genre: Action Adventure/Metroidvania
• Publisher: Team Cherry
• Developer: Team Cherry
• Release Date: June 12, 2018
• Supported Languages: English, Chinese, etc.
• Game Size: 5.9 GB
• Players: 1
• Suggested Retail Price: $59.99

Authority Score:

• Metacritic: 90/100 (link)
• IGN: 9.4/10 (link)

Game Introduction:
Hollow Knight is a game full of artistic atmosphere in the Metroidvania type. Players will play as a mysterious small knight, exploring the underground kingdom of the Holy Nest, which has been invaded by the plague. The game creates a fascinating world by using a delicate level design and rich exploration elements, as well as a deep story background.

The game uses a unique hand-drawn artistic style, combined with excellent music, creating a highly infectious atmosphere. The rigorous combat system and challenging Boss battles bring players an extreme game experience.

Core Play Features:

• Precise combat system
• Large map exploration
• Unique charm combination
• Rich skill unlocking
• High difficulty Boss battle

Pros:

1. Game design:

   • Precise level design
   • Smooth combat feel
   • Rich exploration elements
   • Perfect upgrade system

2. Artistic performance:

   • Precise hand-drawn style
   • Excellent music
   • Unique artistic design
   • Detailed animation effect

3. Content depth:

   • Large map world
   • Rich story details
   • Diverse Boss design
   • A lot of hidden elements

4. System mechanism:

   • Flexible charm combination
   • Diverse combat skills
   • Reasonable difficulty curve
   • Precise level mechanism

Cons:

1. Game difficulty:

   • Overall difficulty is high
   • Some Bosses are extremely challenging
   • Newcomer threshold is high

2. Exploration experience:

   • Early navigation is difficult
   • Map purchase mechanism is inconvenient
   • Some areas are complex

3. Other:

   • Story is relatively obscure
   • Death penalty is heavy
   • Some achievements are difficult

Recommendation Reason:
Hollow Knight is one of the best independent games, winning countless players with its precise production and deep content. Although the game difficulty is high, the sense of achievement after overcoming challenges is unparalleled. For players who like challenges and exploration, this is a must-play masterpiece.

Suitable Player Groups:

• Action game enthusiasts
• Players who like to explore and solve puzzles
• Players who pursue challenges
• Players who appreciate artistic design

Unsuitable Player Groups:

• Players who are not good at action games
• Players who like to relax and enjoy games
• Players who are not interested in high difficulty

8. Hades

Basic Information:

• Genre: Action Roguelike
• Publisher: Supergiant Games
• Developer: Supergiant Games
• Release Date: September 17, 2020
• Supported Languages: English, Chinese, etc.
• Game Size: 5.8 GB
• Players: 1
• Suggested Retail Price: $98.99

Authority Score:

• Metacritic: 93/100 (link)
• IGN: 9/10 (link)
• GameSpot: 9/10 (link)

Game Introduction:
Hades is a game that integrates Roguelike elements with action gameplay. Players will play as the prince of the underworld, Zagreus, trying to escape from the underworld. The game cleverly combines Greek mythology elements with modern game design, advancing the story through a delicate narrative and Roguelike mechanism, making each failure advance the story.

The game's biggest feature is that death is an important element for story advancement, and each failure brings new dialogue and story development, making players feel fresh in the repeated challenges.

Core Play Features:

• Smooth action combat
• Diverse weapon selection
• Rich deity blessing
• Unique narrative method
• Roguelike random elements

Pros:

1. Game system:

   • Smooth combat feel
   • Rich weapon combination
   • Diverse skill combination
   • Perfect growth system

2. Story design:

   • Excellent story narration
   • Rich character dialogue
   • Exciting story development
   • Complete world view construction

3. Artistic presentation:

   • Unique artistic style
   • Excellent voice acting
   • Excellent music
   • Beautiful character design

4. Game content:

   • High re-playability
   • Rich unlocking elements
   • Diverse challenge mode
   • Perfect achievement system

Cons:

1. Game mechanism:

   • Some weapon balance is insufficient
   • Late unlocking progress is slow
   • Some blessings are too strong

2. Content design:

   • Room change is relatively limited
   • Some dialogue is repetitive
   • Boss types are less

3. Other:

   • True ending unlocking conditions are high
   • Some achievements are difficult
   • Mid and late stages are repetitive

Recommendation Reason:
Hades is the peak of Roguelike type games, perfectly balancing game and narrative. Smooth combat system, excellent story design, and excellent artistic performance make this game a benchmark in independent games. Even if you are not a fan of Roguelike games, you are likely to be attracted by its excellent quality.

Suitable Player Groups:

• Action game enthusiasts
• Roguelike game players
• Players who like Greek mythology
• Players who pursue game experience

Unsuitable Player Groups:

• Players who don't like repeated games
• Players who pursue story experience
• Players who are not good at action games

Purchase Suggestions

• Beginner recommendation: Super Mario Odyssey, Mario Kart 8 Deluxe
• Like adventure exploration: The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild
• Want to relax and relax: Animal Crossing: New Horizons
• Like story experience: Xenoblade Chronicles 2, Fire Emblem: Three Houses
• Pursue challenges: Hollow Knight, Hades

Each game has its unique charm, suggesting choosing a game that suits your personal preferences and game time. For players with limited budgets, it is recommended to prioritize Nintendo first-party works, which are generally completed, providing longer game time.

For players who are waiting for the Switch 2 release, it is recommended to pay attention to the compatibility and optimization of these games on the new console (check out the Switch 2 compatibility list to learn more). However, even on the current Switch console, these games can still bring excellent game experience.