Amongst all the consoles out there, the Nintendo Switch still maintains a solid hold on the market as a capable handheld. No matter what kind of games you want, the Switch has it all. If you happen to be among the many who purchased a Nintendo Switch, I’m sure you’d be looking for some cool games to play on the console. To help you out, we have created an extensive roster of the best Nintendo Switch games you must play. So with that, let’s begin!
1. Super Mario Bros. Wonder
- Released: October 20, 2023
- Developer(s): Nintendo
- Genre: Platformer, Action
Of course, it won’t be a Nintendo games list without Super Mario Bros. While all the games are good, the latest edition to the series won the best family game at The Game Awards 2023 for a reason. The Wonder Flowers, throughout the levels, completely change the gameplay, from music and movement to level design. The game maintains a great balance between surprises while keeping the core Mario levels intact. So, if you want nostalgia and action, check this game out.
2. The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom
- Released: May 12, 2023
- Developer(s): Nintendo
- Genre: Adventure, Action, Role-Playing
While Breath of the Wild is undoubtedly a must-try, Tears of the Kingdom deserves its own place. The game adds many new mechanics that feel fresh and challenging. Gamers who are into open worlds and puzzles will especially love it. Besides the fresh additions, this Zelda game also comes with the familiar lore and visual appeal you’ve come to love.
3. Hogwarts Legacy
- Released: November 14, 2023
- Developer(s): Avalanche Software
- Genre: Role-Playing
Although Hogwarts Legacy will not give you the best visual experience compared to other consoles, it’s still one of the best games for Nintendo Switch. The game faithfully carries over the world of Harry Potter and livens it up by letting you explore everything! Whether you want to flick your wand at the dementors or explore new potions, you get it all in Hogwarts Legacy. So, grab your joy cons and swing it saying “Ridiculous”, or well, the forbidden spells.
4. Animal Crossing: New Horizons
- Released: March 20, 2020
- Developer(s): Nintendo
- Genre: Simulation
There aren’t many original life simulators on Switch that give you countless creativity, like Animal Crossing: New Horizons. In this game, you can create your community from scratch on a deserted island. The game resembles many real-life elements, including seasons, characters, and more! New Horizons also has many multiplayer modes you can try with friends. So, if you want a fun game to play with friends, check this one out!
5. DAVE THE DIVER
- Released: October 26, 2023
- Developer(s): NEXON
- Genre: Adventure, Role-Playing, Simulation, Action
DAVE THE DIVER joined Switch one year after its initial release. The game fit right into Nintendo Switch thanks to its core gameplay. The game’s mechanics are simple and fun for any kind of player. The story revolves around Dave as he tries to help run a restaurant while fishing for ingredients in the deep sea! While packing simple aesthetics, this game packs a lot of RPG mechanics, making it an amazing choice for the Switch!
6. Suika Game
- Released: October 20, 2023
- Developer(s): Aladdin X, Han Song Ey Jo
- Genre: Puzzle, Party
Suika Game might be a great pick on the Nintendo Switch if you’re looking for a fun and relaxing puzzle game for yourself or your kids. It’s easy to learn, with a simple concept of merging fruit to create watermelons. The adorable art style and catchy music make it enjoyable, and the pick-up-and-play nature is perfect for short bursts of fun. If you want to find a game that is simple yet fun, check it out!
7. Another Crab’s Treasure
- Released: April 25, 2024
- Developer(s): Aggro Crab
- Genre: Action, Adventure, Platformer, Role-Playing
Another Crab’s Treasure can be a good choice if you love challenging games. It offers Soulslike-inspired combat that’s tough but fair, with the option for accessibility features to make it easier for newcomers to the genre. Plus, the underwater world is full of colorful creatures to fight and secrets to uncover, making exploration rewarding. While there are some performance issues, the game is great if you can look past that.
8. Little Kitty, Big City
- Released: May 9, 2024
- Developer(s): Double Dagger Studio
- Genre: Adventure, Simulation
Little Kitty, Big City is a charming adventure where you play as a kitten exploring a bustling city. The adorable visuals and realistic cat animations bring the world to life. Plus, the controls are designed for feline fun as you’ll be swatting objects, leaping across rooftops, and zooming around corners like a real cat. So, if you’re bored of playing Stray on PC, check this game out on your Switch.
9. Cuphead
- Released: April 18, 2019
- Developer(s): Studio MDHR
- Genre: Action, Arcade, Platformer
While most play look for relaxing Switch games, you might be looking for the hardest video games out there. Cuphead is a fantastic run-and-gun game with gorgeous 1930s cartoon visuals and a catchy big-band soundtrack. Moreover, the portability of the Switch lets you play Cuphead in short bursts, which is perfect for its challenging boss battles. You can die and retry a boss without feeling like you must dedicate a lot of time to the game.
10. Overcooked Special Edition
- Released: July 27, 2017
- Developer(s): Ghost Town Games
- Genre: Strategy, Party, Simulation
There have been a handful of Overcooked games over the years but you can’t deny the nostalgic drive of Overcooked Special Edition. Thanks to its fun and frantic co-op gameplay, it is a perfect fit for the Nintendo Switch. It includes all the base game levels plus two DLC packs, giving you a ton of kitchens to conquer with friends. The controls are simple, making it easy to play in both Switch modes. But don’t let that fool you into thinking it’s easy as the kitchens get harder with each level.
11. Grounded
- Released: April 16, 2024
- Developer(s): Obsidian Entertainment
- Genre: Action, Adventure, Role-Playing
If you are the kind who loves survival games, Grounded will prove to be a scary and funny combination. The game shrinks you down to the size of an ant in a backyard, turning everyday objects into giant obstacles and insects into dangerous foes. You’ll explore, gather resources, build a base, and battle bugs for survival. Despite the game feeling a bit cartoonish compared to the game on other consoles, it’s still a lot of fun on the Nintendo Switch.
12. Poppy Playtime: Chapter 1
- Released: December 25, 2023
- Developer(s): Mob Entertainment
- Genre: Puzzle, Horror
Playing horror games on Switch can be a little too much for many. However, when it comes to Poppy Playtime, it is a must-try. The core gameplay of using your unique grabby hands to solve puzzles and avoid creepy toys translates well to the Switch’s controls. The only downside about the game is its length as it’s a bit too short. However, Poppy Playtime: Chapter 1 can be a good fit for your Switch for a bite-sized dose of horror and puzzling fun.
13. Pokemon Legends: Arceus
- Released: January 28, 2022
- Developer(s): Game Freak
- Genre: Action, Role-Playing
Pokemon Legends: Arceus is something new for the Pokemon games series on Nintendo Switch. Instead of the traditional gym challenge formula, Arceus offers an open-world experience. You throw Pokeballs directly at wild Pokemon instead of battling first, making catching them more streamlined and exciting. Although the turn-based battles of classic Pokemon games are not there, Arceus’ faster, action-oriented combat is a welcome change. So try this Pokemon game out and you just might forget Pokemon GO.
14. Prince of Persia The Lost Crown
- Released: January 18, 2024
- Developer(s): Ubisoft
- Genre: Action, Adventure
If you read our love letter for Prince of Persia The Lost Crown (review), you will know how much we loved the game’s overall style. Considering the game is a platformer, it’s one of the best picks ofr the Nintendo Switch. The game rewards mastery with new abilities that open up new areas and let you pull off stylish moves in combat. The difficulty is well-balanced, making it fun for both newcomers and experienced gamers. So strap up and control Sargon now.
15. Hades
- Released: September 17, 2020
- Developer(s): Supergiant Games
- Genre: Action, Adventure, Role-Playing
I already know that Hades 2’s early access is on every gamers mind right now. Although Switch players cannot join the fun yet, you can enjoy the predecessor before it arrives here too. Zagreus’ fast-paced action and dungeon-crawling gameplay translates well to the Switch. Additionally, the addictive loop of trying to escape the underworld will keep you coming back for more, even if you don’t have a lot of time. It’s perfect for those shorter gaming sessions on the Switch.
Honorable Mentions: Before ending the list, we must mention some classics like Stardew Valley and Minecraft. If you are looking for some exciting sports fun then Nintendo Switch Sports is perfect for fitness freaks. Pentiment is another underrated strategy game recently joined the Switch store.
That concludes our list of best Nintendo Switch games. What game are you going to get? Let us know in the comments below!
