The Nintendo Switch is the console of our generation. It’s on pace to outsell all competition despite the fact that it started behind, and Nintendo has not seen this kind of success since the Nintendo Wii. With so many quality first-party titles, it’s hard to pick out a handful of the best on the platform, but this is our best attempt to name, definitively, the top Nintendo Switch games.
The Legend of Zelda: Link’s Awakening
Link’s Awakening was not only one of the best 2D Zelda games, but one of the best games to come out on the Nintendo Switch as well. Grezzo put great care into the remake and while it was the same game we know and love, they added something extra to it. A spark. A glimmer. While being one of the darkest Zelda games story-wise, it was contrasted by the vibrant Koholint Island. The gameplay is superb and it is a must-have for any Nintendo Switch owner. It even has its very own dungeon maker, a brand new feature added just for the Link’s Awakening remake.
Mario Kart 8 Deluxe
Mario Kart 8 was one of the best games on the Nintendo Wii U. Despite the system’s colossal failure, the game still sold incredibly well. It was a no-brainer to bring it over to the Nintendo Switch. With all the DLC from the original title, in addition to some new multiplayer modes, what could possibly go wrong? Nothing as it turns out, as it’s one of, if not the best-selling game on the platform. It’s non-stop fun and at this point, there’s really no need for another Mario Kart game in the near future; if they really wanted to, they could add old tracks via DLC. Regardless, it ranks up there as one of the top games for the Nintendo Switch.
The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild
While we still maintain that Breath of the Wild is the most overrated game of all-time, that doesn’t mean it’s not one of the best games on the Nintendo Switch, nor does it mean that it’s not a good game. It’s fantastic; it simply lacks a few things to catapult it into excellence. Regardless, it redefined a franchise that was stagnating and revolutionized open-world games. With Breath of the Wild 2 on the horizon, we may have three Zelda games on this list come holiday 2020 (which is when we believe the sequel will release.) Breath of the Wild had excellent gameplay, intriguing puzzles, massive exploration, and innovative dungeons. It was only a shame that the story was lackluster, there were no “traditional” dungeons, and the bosses left a lot to be desired. Regardless, it’s still one of the best games to grace the Nintendo Switch.
Super Smash Bros. Ultimate
Super Smash Bros. Ultimate is a no-brainer. It’s not only the best Super Smash Bros. game, but one of the best Nintendo Switch games. In fact, I would go so far as to say that it’s one of the best fighting games in existence. It’s not too hardcore and is tons of fun, which is what every game should be about. Yes, it’s not fun when you’re getting your butt kicked, but, things can change drastically from match-to-match. With a plethora of fighters and stages to choose from, Super Smash Bros. Ultimate not only stands as one of the best Nintendo Switch games, but one of the best multiplayer games of all-time.
Splatoon 2
Splatoon was the surprise IP for the Nintendo Wii U which was whacky, fun, and bursting with creativity. In a way, it re-defined the third-person competitive shooting genre. Splatoon 2 took this to another level. Although it may have seemed like a reskin of the original, there was enough to differentiate it from the first installment in the series. It is by far one of the most fun games to hit Nintendo consoles in years, especially the Switch iteration. With tons of weapons and strategies to choose from, its variety gives it plenty of replayability. Not only that, but your character is completely customizable and the contests Nintendo has, such as two teams of Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles pitted up against one another, is ingenious. Another wonderful part of Splatoon is that it isn’t based on kill-to-death ratio. Whichever team covers the majority of the map wins. This makes it accessible to all and is one of the many reasons it is a top-tier game on the Nintendo Switch.
Octopath Traveler
Octopath Traveler is one of the classics on the Nintendo Switch and takes our number two spot as the best Nintendo Switch game. The RPG by Square Enix follows eight protagonists, each with seemingly different stories, and follows them along their paths as their journies bring them together. It eventually becomes evident that their paths are intertwined and their fates bound by one another. It brings back turn-based combat and is reminiscent of Final Fantasy of old. It’s also a difficult game. If anyone’s ever played Final Fantasy IV on the DS, think that level of difficulty. Despite this though, the characters are memorable with each having several missions of their own as the narrative comes together, the overworld is vast, the NPCs are memorable, and the artstyle is adorable. Although it is somewhat of a niche game, that doesn’t take away from the fact that it is one of the best games to grace Nintendo’s flagship system.
Super Mario Odyssey
Super Mario Odyssey may very well be the best 3D Mario game to be released, even beating out Mario 64. While the story is simple, the gameplay is nothing short of fantastic and even surpasses Super Mario Galaxy in this respect, one of the most beloved games in the Mario franchise. Each kingdom is diverse and adds something new to the series, something not seen in any Mario game up to this point. Cappy is a wonderful addition and adds a new gameplay mechanic which not only innovates but drives the game forward. Mario has never been about story, but Super Mario Odyssey has a decent one. With so many collectibles and secrets abound, the replayability value is endless, making Super Mario Odyssey not only one of the most underrated Mario games, in addition to the best 3D Mario game, but one of the best games to be released on the Nintendo Switch.
Xenoblade Chronicles 2
Boy meets girl
It’s hard to put into words how good Xenoblade Chronicles 2 is. It has superb combat, a cast of incredible characters, complex villains, and a heartfelt story. At its core, it’s about the relationship between a boy and a girl and their journey of self-discovery together. It’s one of the best, if not the best RPG of all-time. The music, story, combat, and characters are what truly make it so special. Tetsuya Takahashi’s career seemed to be over after Xenosaga was a commercial failure, but Satoru Iwata had faith in him and allowed him the freedom to follow his vision. The culmination of this was Xenoblade 2. It’s a once in a generation title and the fact that it’s a Nintendo Switch exclusive makes it all the better. It has brought RPG fans back to Nintendo. Xenoblade 2 will make you laugh, it will make you cry, and it will induce catharsis, a term coined by the Greek philosopher Aristotle. It’s not only one of the best games of our time, but one of the best stories of our time, which is why it is the best game on the Nintendo Switch.