30 Best Nintendo Switch Games You Must Play

Even though mobile gaming may have put a huge dent in the handheld console market, the Nintendo Switch remains a popular choice for a number of consumers looking for a portable console that they can carry around wherever they go. As of January 2020, Nintendo had shipped over 61.91 million units of the Nintendo Switch which makes it stand out of the rest. If you happen to be among the many who purchased a brand new Nintendo Switch, I’m sure you’d be on the lookout for some cool games to play on the console. Well, we’ve got you covered with an extensive roster of the 30 best Nintendo Switch games you must play.

Best Games for Nintendo Switch in 2020

In this roundup, we have chosen a variety of games for Nintendo Switch. From power-packed shooting games to action-filled adventure games to fun-loving farming games, the roundup has got the variety to appeal to your gaming fantasy.

And yes, we have also included a few quirky games into the games so that you can take them on when wish to take on completely different challenges. So, choose your top bet and set it on a long roll on your Nintendo Switch for hours of fun. With that in mind, let’s see what these top games for Nintendo Switch have in store!

Note: The games are in no particular order as people have different tastes. Check out all the games on the list and choose the ones that meet your desire.

1. The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild

The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild is one of Nintendo’s most popular releases on any console to date, and for good reason. The game takes the Zelda franchise to a whole new level, offering players a stunning open world where they can choose to do whatever they please.

Of course, there’s a great storyline that you can follow, but Breath of the Wild isn’t just about sticking to the plot. In the game, you can do a whole lot more, including a bunch of different side quests that will reward you with some cool items.

Breath of the Wild also introduces some new game mechanics, the like of which you might not have seen in any previous Zelda game, which makes it a must-have for everyone who owns a Nintendo Switch.

Buy from Amazon ($49.94)

2. Super Smash Bros Ultimate

The Nintendo Switch is the perfect device to experience some of the best Nintendo exclusive titles out there and if you’re on the lookout for any such titles, then you should definitely consider checking out Super Smash Bros Ultimate.

The latest addition to the Mario franchise, Super Smash Bros Ultimate offers players 74 familiar characters from the Nintendo universe, including 11 brand new characters, in the standard game itself.

SSBU is the best Super Smash Bros title yet, offering not only the best overall graphics out of the lot but also a great selection of intricately designed stages, new animations, and a fleshed-out single-player story.

Buy from Nintendo ($59.99)

3. Mario Kart 8 Deluxe

Another great offering from the Mario universe, Mario Kart 8 Deluxe is another must-have game for the Nintendo Switch. The game will appeal to all of you who love fun, action-packed racing games, packing in some new characters, new karts, and unlocked DLC content.

Since the game was initially released for the Wii U, you can expect it to run even better on the newer console, and thanks to the Joy-Con controllers, you’ll even be able to play it like you’re actually driving a kart. The gameplay remains pretty much the same, so if you’ve played the game on the Wii U before, you’d already know what you’re getting yourself into.

Buy from Amazon ($49.94)

4. Celeste

If fighting or racing games aren’t really your thing and you’d rather play a great platformer on your Nintendo Switch, then you should consider purchasing Celeste. The game follows the story of a girl named Madeline as she makes her way up a mountain while avoiding deadly obstacles.

Besides, you control Madeline and can make her jump, climb up walls or dash mid-air, which is fairly easy to get a hang of but difficult to master. Do you think you have what it takes to help Madeline reach the summit?

Buy from Nintendo ($19.99)

5. Splatoon 2

Splatoon 2 is another great game that has made its way from the Wii U to the Nintendo Switch, offering players a fun multiplayer shooting experience on the popular handheld console. The game packs in a ton of different characters for you to choose from, along with a great selection of wacky guns.

Moreover, the game supports both online and offline multiplayer mode, but what really helps it stand apart from other games in the genre is that you shoot ink instead of bullets. The objective of the game, therefore, is to get the most ink blots on the arena, either by shooting enemy players or using unique special abilities.

Buy from Amazon ($49.94)

6. Super Mario Odyssey

Super Mario Odyssey is another great title you absolutely shouldn’t miss as it’s the first Mario game that is set in a realistic world. Even though you’re still on a quest to find Princess Peach, the beloved mushroom kingdom has been replaced by dense forests, urban areas, or a desert in Super Mario Odyssey.

Compared to other Mario games, Super Mario Odyssey offers players the largest sandbox and the open world has a variety of different levels in which you need to fight off familiar enemies to get to Princess Peach.

Buy from Amazon ($54.99)

7. Undertale

For those of you who appreciate a good role-playing game, take look at Undertale – a retro-style RPG for the Nintendo Switch that puts you in the shoes of a child who has fallen into the Underground. The Underground is a large, secluded region under the surface of the Earth which is separated from the surface by a magical barrier and you have to find a way back to the surface.

On your quest to find your way back, you’ll encounter a variety of monsters, with the game giving you the choice to either kill the monsters or spare them. Whatever decisions you make will affect how the game unfolds further.

Buy from Amazon ($43.63)

8. Bayonetta 2

Another Wii U game to make it to the Nintendo Switch, Bayonetta 2 follows the story of Bayonetta – a witch who is capable of shapeshifting and using a variety of different firearms. The game follows the same action-adventure hack and slash gameplay of its predecessor and is set on the fictional sacred mountain of Fimbulventr and the nearby town of Noatun.

What’s different, however, is that the newer title introduced a new gameplay element called Umbran Climax which strengthens Bayonetta’s attacks and combos for a short period of time. Furthermore, Bayonetta 2 is a must-have for all of you who want to experience a great action title on your Nintendo Switch.

Buy from Amazon ($59.99)

9. The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim

One of the most popular RPG titles out there, The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim, is also available on the Nintendo Switch and you should definitely get it if you haven’t played the game before.

The game features everything you’d find in the PC version of Skyrim, right from the character creation to killing the dragon, along with a ton of side quests that you can embark on if you’re not too keen on completing the main questline. Even if you’ve played Skyrim before, I’d recommend you to try it out once again on the Nintendo Switch, I’m sure you’re gonna love it.

Buy from Nintendo ($59.99)

10. Dragon Ball FighterZ

One of the best arcade-style fighting games released of late, Dragon Ball FighterZ is definitely worth purchasing on the Nintendo Switch. In the game, you can form a squad of any three of your most favorite characters from the Dragon Ball universe and go head-to-head against another player in an action-packed 3v3 match.

The game’s mechanics are quite simple to pick up, with no complicated special move commands, but it’s still a bit difficult to master because you have to control three characters at the same time. Combined with the stunning visuals, the fights look just epic and I’m sure fans of the Dragon Ball franchise will just love the title.

Buy from Nintendo ($59.99)

11. Hollow Knight

Rightly described as an atmospheric adventure through a surreal bug-infested world, Hollow Knight is another epic platformer that you can enjoy on your Nintendo Switch. The game features some stunning hand-painting style visuals and coupled with the amazing soundtrack, Hollow Knight offers one of the best sensory experiences ever.

In the game, you play as a knight who’s on a mission to uncover the secrets of the long-abandoned insect kingdom of Hallownest. On your way, you will explore a complex labyrinth of underground areas, fight a litany of strange creatures and befriend bizarre bugs.

Buy from Amazon ($14.99)

12. Sonic Mania Plus

Sonic Mania Plus is a side-scrolling adventure in which you can play as the beloved hedgehog Sonic or one of his friends. As with most Sonic the Hedgehog games, the objective of Sonic Mania is to collect as many rings as possible, while also taking down the bosses at the end of each level.

Sonic Mania is based on the classic Sonic game and features a number of levels like those in the original game. If you’ve enjoyed playing a Sonic the Hedgehog title in the past, then I can confidently say that you’ll enjoy this one as well.

Buy from Amazon ($35.52)

13. NBA 2K20

I’m not a huge fan of sports games but I liked NBA 2K20, which speaks volumes about how good the game actually is. The game is the first NBA title to make it to any Nintendo console since NBA 2K13 and it’s definitely worth checking out if you’re a fan of sports games or basketball games to be more specific.

The game is a hardcore sports simulation and requires players to put in some time and effort to get good at shooting hoops. But once you do get good, I’m sure you’re gonna have a ton of fun making some sick dunks on the court.

Buy from Nintedon ($4.99)

14. Dead Cells

Dead Cells is another great action platformer that you can play on your Nintendo Switch. Set in an ever-changing castle, Dead Cells puts you in the role of a body of cells that have taken control over a corpse in a dungeon. You now have to fight your way out of the dungeon and collect weapons, loot, and other tools on the way.

Be careful of your actions, however, as there are no checkpoints and if you die, you’ll have to start all over again. Frustratingly challenging is a good way to define Dead Cells.

Buy from Amazon ($31.36)

15. Rayman Legends: Definitive Edition

Rayman Legends is one of the best platformers out there and it’s been ported to the Nintendo Switch with a few new features in tow. The colorful visuals, coupled with the fun, fast-paced gameplay, make Rayman Legends a worthwhile buy for you.

And even if you’ve played the side-scrolling game before, I’d strongly recommend you to try it on the Switch because it just looks stunning on the handheld console.

Buy from Amazon ($19.99)

16. Wolfenstein II: The New Colossus

It’s 1961, the Nazi army dominated World War II and has now set up a totalitarian regime in America. You take the role of William B.J. Blazkowicz, a war veteran who’s still making an effort to overthrow the Nazi regime.

Lead the revolution, take down the enemies, and do whatever it takes to put an end to the Nazi rule in this first-person shooter. The game is a must-have for the fans of the Wolfenstein franchise and playing it on the Nintendo Switch is a unique experience altogether. Taking everything into account, Wolfenstein II: The New Colossus belongs to the elite collection of the best Nintendo Switch games.

Buy from Amazon ($35.95)

17. Into the Breach

If strategy games are your jam, you need to check out Into the Breach – a retro-style strategy title in which you have to protect the human civilization using powerful mechs.

The game features a turn-based combat system, allowing you to carefully think through each move and analyze your opponent’s movements to emerge victorious. Be careful of your moves however, because one wrong move and you might have to start afresh. No checkpoints.

Buy from Nintendo ($14.99)

18. Moonlighter

Moonlighter is a great game to pick up if you’re a fan of dungeon crawlers and enjoy exploring, fighting enemies and collecting loot. In Moonlighter you play as Will, an adventurous shopkeeper who has to tend to his shopkeeping duties during the day and give in to his fantasies of becoming a hero by night.

As a result, you have to juggle both the objectives quite efficiently and play the game in a way that all of your actions are mutually beneficial for both the objectives. The game’s retro graphics might not be a match for some of the other titles on this list, but they’re quite charming and play along well with other aspects of the gameplay.

Buy from Nintendo ($8.49)

19. Minecraft

Minecraft really doesn’t need any introduction. It’s a vast sandbox world made up of a variety of different blocks and there’s no set objective. You’re free to do whatever you want and there’s actually quite a lot you can do.

If you’ve never played Minecraft before, now would be a good time to start and in case you have, there’s no harm having a portable version of the game that you can carry along with you at all times.

Buy from Amazon ($27.99)

20. INSIDE

Rounding off the list is INSIDE, a chilling horror game that you can enjoy on your Nintendo Switch. INSIDE isn’t your run of the mill horror game, instead, it’s a puzzle-platformer in which you play as a young boy lost in a dystopic world. Hunted and alone, you have to keep moving ahead by solving mind-bending puzzles.

Even the slightest of mistakes will cost you your life, and death in INSIDE doesn’t come easily. One misstep and you’d be killed in unimaginably gruesome ways, so stay alert.

Buy from Nintendo ($19.99)

21. Animal Crossing: New Horizons

“Animal Crossing: New Horizons” is the sort of game that you will never get tired of playing. The game is all about collecting bugs, decorating your paradise, and exploring the amazing island. Probably the most fascinating thing about this game is the freedom to live your life on your own terms.

Whether you want to beautify your garden, hunt for bugs, or know the animal residents, you have the full liberty to play the game at your own pace. With eye-catching graphics and engaging gameplay, Animal Crossing is a treat to play. One of my favorite features of this game is the fishing and catching insects that play a key role in keeping your engrossed.

Buy from Nintendo ($59.99)

22. Paper Mario: The Origami King

If you are fond of Paper Mario, you shouldn’t miss out on Paper Mario: The Origami King. Set in the 2D paper version of Mario, the comedy-filled adventure. After the kingdom has been destroyed by an origami menace, Mario and his partner Olivia are left with no choice but to fight out the evil soldiers.

Faced with a huge task, Mario and Olivia have to not only give their utmost to take on the evil forces but also repair the damaged landscape. Besides, they also have to free Princess Peach’s castle from the clutches of King Olly.

What I have loved the most in this game are the ring-based battles that require plenty of strategies to succeed. As for the graphics and visual elements, they look pleasing to the eyes.

Buy from Nintendo ($59.99)

23. Untitled Goose Game

If you have set your sight on a light-hearted game to play on your Nintendo Switch, I would recommend you to give a shot to Untitled Goose Game. The game is about a terrible goose (that’s you!) that’s hell-bent on making life extremely difficult for everyone around him.

The slapstick-stealth sandbox may have easy gameplay that doesn’t require any learning curve. However, once you are into it, you would enjoy every bit of it. As a horrible goose, your task is to set up pranks, steal hats, and honk a lot to become a nightmare for one and all.

In a nutshell, as long as you relish playing the villain’s role in a light-hearted role, you would never get tired of playing Untitled Goose Game.

Buy from Amazon ($19.99)

24. Pokemon Sword & Shield

This one is primed for the pokemon fans! And if you are one of them, you should give it a shot. In Pokemon Sword & Shield, you would enjoy catching, battling, and trading pokemon in the Galar region. To get going, you need to choose from three new partner Pokemon and then set out to unravel the secrets behind the iconic Pokémon Zacian and Zamazenta.

Besides, you can team up with other Trainers to participate in Max Raid Battles to showcase your prowess. Personally, I have found the battle with wild Dynamax Pokémon in Max Raid Battles super exciting. They not only test your gaming skill but also offer a lot of fun.

Buy from Amazon ($58.98)

25. Luigi’s Mansion 3

Developed by Next Level Games, Luigi’s Mansion 3 is a top-notch action-adventure game. The game is about Luigi who has to explore a haunted hotel and rescue his friends from the ghosts. Aside from featuring several gameplay elements from the previous installments, the game has also got a range of new features.

What has appealed to me the most in Luigi’s Mansion 3 is the ghost-catching. With a good mix of mystery and hilarious moments, the gameplay is quite gripping.

Notably, it also has a great multiplayer mode where players have to engage in cooperative yet highly competitive gaming. Thanks to the interesting gameplay, Luigi’s Mansion 3 has won many awards including the Best Family Game.

Buy from Nintendo ($41.99)

26. Mario + Rabbids Kingdom Battle

For the folks who never seem to get enough of adventure games on Nintendo Switch, Mario + Rabbids Kingdom Battle seems to be a fantastic choice. The game revolves around the huge clash between Mario and Rabbis. Mario, Luigi, Princess Peach, and Yoshi team up with four Rabbis heroes to take on the challenges head-on.

Though the gameplay seems quite easy. You will need to spend some time to master it due to a range of twists and turns. Besides, it features both solo and co-op turn-based combat so that you can select the right mode to fight.

Packed with a solid arsenal of weapons and four new worlds to explore, the game never fails to surprise you. Keeping in mind everything that Nintendo Switch, Mario + Rabbids Kingdom Battle has to offer, it deserves to be included in your long roster of the top Nintendo Switch games in 2020.

Buy from Amazon ($27.99)

27. Cadence of Hyrule

Developed by Brace Yourself Games, Cadence of Hyrule is a rhythmic action-adventure. What makes this game fun-loving is the gameplay of Crypt of the Necrodancer in the setting of The Legend of Zelda series.

Featuring randomly generated overworld with a number of surprising elements coupled with the intriguing gameplay, it’s up to the task for hours of fun.

Your ultimate goal is to save Hyrule from evil forces. But bear in mind, the wrongdoers are equally powerful, so you will need to plan your attack smartly to snatch the victory.

From the power-packed Lynels to the Hyrulean Soldiers, you must find a way to get the better of each pixel-art enemy. Be sure to empower your arsenal of weapons as well as magical spells so that you can stay ahead of the battle.

Buy from Nintendo ($24.99)

28. Doom

If action-packed gaming is what you are after, Doom is the one name that should be on your radar. Developed by id Software, it’s designed to provide a scintillating shooting experience. With the mighty powerful demons, robust guns, and challenging gameplay, it’s got everything covered to make for a strong case on your Nintendo Switch.

As a brave shooter, your task is to eliminate demon hordes or fight against your friends in several multiplayer modes. With an impressive roster of weapons, you can choose from a variety of weapons to unleash chaos in the enemy’s camp.

What’s more, Doom also offers a lot of opportunities to customize weapons for a personalized experience. Long story short; Doom stands out as the best game for shooting experience.

Buy from Nintendo ($59.99)

29. Stardew Valley

Look no further than Stardew Valley, if you are willing to indulge in a fun-filled farming game. In this game, you have inherited your grandfather’s old farm plot which you have to use to not only earn your livelihood but also fulfill all of your dreams.

Though it’s quite challenging to restore the greatness of Stardew Valley, you can make it happen through your hard work. So, give your best to grow a lot of crops and sell them to earn loads of money. And then use the money to make an amazing home and buy modern facilities.

The game has got a new multiplayer mode where you can invite up to 3 players to join you in the mission. Then, work together with your friends to create a great farm. In a nutshell, Stardew Valley can safely claim to be a top-notch farming game for Nintendo Switch.

Buy from Nintendo ($14.99)

30. Super Mario Maker 2

If you have tried your hands on the Super Mario game, chances are pretty high that you would find Super Mario Maker 2 highly appreciable. With over 100 built-in courses in the single-player story mode at disposal, it has got you fully covered both in terms of numbers and varieties.

Super Mario Maker 2 offers plenty of interesting tools and customization options to deliver a fully personalized experience. It features a course world where you can explore a ton of courses and even share some nice ones with your buddies.

What’s more, it also has a multiplayer mode where you would relish locking horns with your friends. Overall, Super Mario Maker 2 is one of the best Nintendo Switch games that you can play in 2020.

Buy from Amazon ($57.45)

Frequently Asked Questions

What Nintendo Switch Games Should I Buy?

It all boils down to what appeals to your gaming fantasy. If you are fond of farming, a game like Stardew Valley could be a great choice. And if you are fond of shooting, Doom should be the way to go.

What are the Best Nintendo Switch Games for Adults?

There are so many games that deserve the tag of the best games for Nintendo Switch for adults. However, I find The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild and Super Smash Bros Ultimate more appealing.

Are 2020 Switches Worth It?

Undoubtedly yes! Switches have always been top-notch. And they continue to be one of the most loved video game consoles even in 2020. However, if you can wait a few months, you might want to wait for the 2021 refresh of Nintendo Switch.

Why are Switch Games So Expensive?

The main reason why Nintendo Switch games are so expensive is the comparatively high cost of development. Notably, the cartridges that the Switch features cost more to make than Blu-ray discs.

Then there’s also the factor of exclusive games. There are many games on Nintendo Switch that you can not play anywhere else. This exclusivity also ramps up the price.

Try Out These Nintendo Switch Games ASAP!

If you’ve just picked up a new Nintendo Switch or have one lying around unused, get one of the aforementioned titles and put it to some good use. Have you played any of these games before? Which one of these Nintendo Switch games features at the top on your list? Let us know in the comments section below.

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