The Nintendo Switch has been changing the game in the world of consoles and handheld gaming systems since its release in March 2017. Many amazing games are exclusively made for it with combined TV ability and portability. Whether you're a fan of platformers, fitness, or the classics, Nintendo has made a little something for everyone on our best Nintendo Switch games list.
Featured favorite
Nintendo has been doing Mario games since the beginning and finding new ways to make them fresh. Super Mario Odyssey is no exception! It offers even more new cities to explore and a fun way to play with your surroundings and takeover different characters.
Relax, craft, build
You arrive on a deserted island filled with trees, rivers, and other vegetation. You get to build your life among your animal residents. Spend your time fishing, crafting, bug hunting, and building your dream home. You've got to pay off that loan to Tom Nook, so be sure to make as many Bells as you can.
A reimagined classic action-adventure
Link's Awakening is a popular favorite among fans of the Legend of Zelda series initially released in 1993 for Game Boy. The reawakening for the Nintendo Switch made for a charming and fun new way to play an old favorite.
Spooky adventure with multiplayer options
What's better than Luigi and Professor E. Gadd teaming up to capture ghosts? Adding more Luigi - or more accurately, Gooigi! This is a fun continuation of the Luigi's Mansion story that allows players to enjoy the game together either locally or online in the ScareScraper and ScreamPark minigames.
Tactical RPG
In the latest of the Fire Emblem games, as a professor, you will want to choose your house and your strategy wisely as you help your students build up their battle skills. While Three Houses has the same turn-based battles fans love, it also offers a little bit more of an open-world feel.
Local play co-op
This gameboard style Mario game is back with more game modes and a new online minigame component! Battle other players in the tests of the minigames and walk the board your way as you try to get the most stars to win.
Open world
Although this was also released on the Wii U, we couldn't make a best games list for the Nintendo Switch without including The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild. This game took the open world to a new level by creating a beautiful Hyrule to explore as you fight to save it from Calamity Ganon.
Fitness and fun
Combine a daily workout with an adventure game in Ring Fit Adventure. This customizable workout won't feel like just work as you go through more than 100 levels controlling in-game movements with real-life motions.
It's ok to make a mess
Nintendo might not be known for its shooters, but when they make one, they go all out. Splatoon 2 is a wacky shooter with lots of style and a unique gameplay premise that requires you to not kill the most opponents but cover the most ground in your team's ink. Don't get cooked, stay off the hook!
Embark on a epic journey
Xenoblade Chronicles 2 is a vast and epic journey across a world that is struggling to survive on the backs of Titans. Play as Rex, a young scavenger who discovers Pyra, an ancient blade who only wants to return home, to Elysium. What follows is an amazing adventure that is one of the Nintendo Switch's best RPGs.
The race never stops
Mario Kart 8 Deluxe is the ultimate version of Mario Kart 8 and is the perfect introduction to the Switch. Its colorful visuals, creative race tracks, and easy to learn controls make this game a 1st place winner.
Videogame all-stars collide!
Super Smash Bros. continues to be Nintendo's premier fighting franchise, and it has only grown bigger in this installment. With over 70 characters spanning 35+ year history of videogame history, Super Smash Bros. Ultimate is the perfect party game for competitive brawlers or casual combatants.
Your favorite superheroes in one place
Assemble your dream team of over 30 Marvel superheroes and mix and match their powers to defeat Thanos and the Black Order.
Three classic Mario adventures in one package
Three of Mario's greatest adventures are available now in one complete package. Enjoy Super Mario 64, Super Mario Sunshine, and Super Mario Galaxy in high definition for the first time.
Chained by fate, bound to slay
One of the best action games on the Nintendo Switch comes courtesy of Platinum Games, the developers responsible for Bayonetta 1 and 2. Work in tandem with a special weapon called Legion to chain together stylish combos.
To be the very best
Pokémon Sword and Shield continue Pokémon's two decades of massive success. Catch, trade, and battle new pokémon and explore the new wild areas. Dynamax your pokemon to inflict massive damage on your foes.
Build it yourself
With 100 insanely creative levels out the gate, Super Mario Maker 2 would be a great game in its own right, but once you start crafting your own unique levels, the possibilities are endless. Share and download levels online and play them with your friends.
Fold up a new paper adventure
The Mushroom Kingdom is under siege by an origami menace and it's up to Mario to save it. Join Paper Mario on a new craft-filled adventure complete with new friends, new enemies, and a new battle system.
A new take on strategy
Mario has taken a lot of jobs, but you've never the plucky plumber in a game like this. Borrowing from the gameplay conventions of X-COM, Mario + Rabbids is a silly adventure with the surprising depth of a real-time strategy game.
Survive the calamity
This action-packed game that is both a prequel to Breath of the Wild and a sequel to Hyrule Warriors. Take control of Link, Zelda, and the rest of the champions as they fight to save Hyrule.
Feel free to extend yourself
Arms is a unique fighting game that features fighters with longer than life reach. Use both Joy-Cons to throw punches and come out on top.
The Best of the Best
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Nintendo has done a pretty good job of getting great exclusives to the Nintendo Switch with a variety of game options. Of the games highlighted, Animal Crossing: New Horizons is one of the most relaxing and happy games on this list. You'll be able to build a life on a deserted island and make plenty of animal friends along the way.
If you want something with a little more action, Hyrule Warriors: Age of Calamity is a thrill ride that explores the mythos touched upon in The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild.
If you're looking for something completely new, Super Mario Odyssey offers a great game in a way it's never been done before. The interaction you get to have as you play through these new worlds is a fun way to enjoy classic characters, and some unfamiliar ones! Enjoy roaming, and take some time to explore.
