Since the Nintendo Switch first released in 2017, millions of gamers have been captivated by the amazing stories and addictive gameplay available on the platform.
And though rumours suggest that the Switch’s life cycle will soon draw to a close, there are still plenty of great games to experience untiil the time comes for Nintendo to release their next console.
But what are the must-play titles for anyone who has a Nintendo Switch? Here is a list of our favourites.
- The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild/Tears of the Kingdom
- Super Mario Odyssey
- Hades
- Luigi’s Mansion 3
- Metroid Dread
- Grindstone
- Super Mario Bros. Wonder
- Animal Crossing: New Horizons
- Super Smash Bros. Ultimate
- Mario Kart 8 Deluxe
- Mario Party Superstars
The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild/Tears of the Kingdom
This dynamic duo spearheads our roundup, as they are both simply a must-play for any gamer, let alone Switch users. The Legend of Zelda has always been one of Nintendo’s flagship franchises, alongside Mario. However, Breath of the Wild and Tears of the Kingdom take the popular series to new heights.
Taking Link’s adventures into the open world in Breath of the Wild has truly revitalised the franchise, inspiring others to do the same. When Tears of the Kindgom arrived 6 years later, many were expecting a similar experience, but Nintendo managed to expand on the format even further, leading to another incredible journey.
If you haven’t already, do yourself a favour and venture into the land of Hyrule, you won’t regret it!
Purchase The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild for Switch on:
Purchase The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom for Switch on:
Super Mario Odyssey
While Link’s journeys have taken most of the plaudits during the Nintendo Switch era, our favourite plumber has also had a number of great games on the platform. However, Super Mario Odyssey is easily the best of the bunch, as it is 3D Mario at its best.
With multiple fascinating worlds to explore, challenging puzzles to tackle, and Mario’s latest companion adding another dimension to gameplay, this adventure is a joy from start to finish.
Mario Odyssey is another must-play on the Switch, especially for long-time fans of the jumpman and his friends.
Purchase Super Mario Odyssey on:
Hades
2020’s Indie Game of the Year, Hades, is arguably one of the best indie games of all time. A tale inspired by greek mythology, you follow Zagreus, son of hades, as he tries to escape the underworld and reveal the true secrets of the Olympians.
As part of Zagreus’ journey to the summit, you’ll experience a lot of death, challenging foes, and intriguing conversations with various familiar faces. All of these elements contribute to this game’s addictive nature, leading to just one more run.
Whilst this game is available on most platforms, I really enjoyed playing Hades in handheld mode, as it is a perfect pick up and go title while travelling or during lunch breaks.
Purchase Hades for Nintendo Switch on:
Luigi’s Mansion 3
Possibly one of the most underrated titles on the Switch, Luigi’s Mansion 3 is a spooktacular journey that showcases the best elements of the platform. Despite various hardware limitations, this game looks absolutely stunning, while offering smooth gameplay and a substantial story.
With the likes of Mario and Peach being trapped in paintings, it’s up to Luigi to save the day, with some help from his gooey sidekick and trusted four-legged friend. There are some really fun boss battles thrown in here as well, all of which require some thought.
If you’re looking for a Mario game that offers something a little different, especially around spooky season, it’s hard to go wrong with this title.
Purchase Luigi’s Mansion 3 for Switch on:
Metroid Dread
One franchise that has experienced somewhat of a revival during the Switch’s lifetime is Metroid. After roughly 20 years of the series that inspired a whole genre lay dormant, Metroid Dread allowed Samus to finally come back with a vengeance.
This challenging 2D platformer is a perfect pickup for gamers that love fast-paced action with lots of pathways to explore. Whilst this game certainly isn’t for the faint-hearted, Switch users looking to test their skills will feel plenty of accomplishment after finishing Samus’ latest battle.
Purchase Metroid Dread for Switch on:
Grindstone
Every gamer needs a way of unleashing some pent-up aggression from time to time, in a title that is simple and lets you take control without having to concentrate too much. If you’re looking for a game like this on the Switch, allow us to introduce you to Grindstone!
This puzzle-based titles puts a Hack’N’Slash twist on the gem-based collect-a-thons of the past, resulting in a form of controlled carnage. However, the unforgiving power-ups and killer combinations allow this game to maintain the ‘just one more level’ addictive nature this genre is known for.
Purchase Grindstone for Switch on:
Super Mario Bros. Wonder
It took a while for Mario to get a dedicated 2D adventure on this console, with Nintendo deciding to release ports of Wii U games instead. However, the wait for Super Mario Bros. Wonder has certainly been worth it.
For the past decade, the Super Mario Bros. series has felt fairly stagnant, but this game has provided a new lease of life when it was needed most. Undoubtedly taking inspiration from the transformation mechanics in Mario Odyssey, Wonder adds new dimensions to the Super Mario levels we’ve come accustomed to.
No matter how they got there, the results are truly wonderful. As far as co-op games on the Switch are concerned, Mario and friends may have taken the crown here.
Purchase Super Mario Bros. Wonder for Switch on:
Animal Crossing: New Horizons
Picture this, it’s 2020 and the world has gone into lock-down. Gamers and non-gamers alike are wishing for any way to return to normality. Then, Nintendo release the next installment in their beloved life-simulator series, Animal Crossing: New Horizons.
It’s safe to say that this game truly took the world by storm when it first released in 2020, even if it may have been helped by unforeseen circumstances. However, this isn’t to discredit New Horizons, as the game has proven to be a outstanding title in its own right.
With a whole island at your disposal, full of interesting characters that can’t wait to chat, it’s easy to see why so many people chose this game to comfort them during a difficult time. If you’re looking for a cosy game to get lost in, look no further than Animal Crossing.
Purchase Animal Crossing: New Horizons on:
Super Smash Bros. Ultimate
Ever since the original game released on N64, Super Smash Bros. has been a mainstay within Nintendo’s arsenal. Because of this, it was no surprise to see the iconic all-star lineup of Nintendo icons duke it out once again on the Switch.
However, Super Smash Bros. Ultimate had plenty of surprises for long-time fans, as the tagline ‘Everyone is Here’ would foreshadow. Not only were many fan-favourites brought back for this installment, but a number of beloved gaming icons from outside of Nintendo’s catalogue were introduced, such as Banjo Kazooie and Sephiroth.
No matter what Nintendo console you plan on picking, if it has a Smash Bros. game, it should be at the top of your wishlist.
Purchase Super Smash Bros. for Switch on:
Mario Kart 8 Deluxe
Another Nintendo classic that every Switch gamer should pick up is Mariokart. More specifically, Mario Kart 8 Deluxe. But unlike Smash Bros. Ultimate, Mario Kart has not received a new installment on the Switch, as Nintendo decided to port the Wii U version over instead.
However, this hasn’t stopped Mario Kart 8 Deluxe from being the highest-selling game on the console, and by quite some margin. However, its not completely fair to say this is the same game that arrived on the Wii U platform, as the numerous expansions has made it into the ultimate Mario Kart experience.
If the sound of racing against friends and ruining relationships with a well-timed blue shell sounds appealing to you, then don’t miss out on the most popular title on the Switch.
Purchase Mariokart 8 Deluxe on:
Mario Party Superstars
Not to be mistaken with the fairly lackluster Super Mario Party, Mario Party Superstars brings back a selection of the classic Mario Party boards, mini-games, and nonsensical rules in one neat package.
As the name would suggest, Mario Party Superstars is the ultimate party game that is fun for all the family -most of the time! Battle it out in various mini-games to collect the most stars to win the ultimate prize- bragging rights.
If you need a game that anyone can pick up, even if they don’t play many games themselves, then Mario Party Superstars is a reliable addition to your Nintendo Switch Library.
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