Summary
If characters such as Mario, Pikachu, and Link are any indication, Nintendo has no shortage of interesting IPs at their disposal. With players having decades’ worth of games to choose from for their Nintendo consoles, it might be difficult to find the “perfect” Nintendo game to play - even if it’s just finding the “best” title for their Nintendo Switch.
As players wait for the Nintendo Switch 2, there are actually worthwhile games that players can sink their teeth into that combine the best of the Switch’s mechanics and riveting gameplay. Considering how a lot of modern games can be priced close to USD 70, finding worthwhile titles for a fan-favorite console can not only save gamers money but also ensure they get the most out of their time with the title. However, just what are must-play Nintendo Switch games that are going to be worth the purchase?
Just becauseKirby and the Forgotten Landdoesn’t offer a joystick-breaking experience as those frustrated with the likes ofElden Ringdoesn’t mean the 2022 action-platformer should be shrugged off as a “simple” game. While it’s indeed true that theKirbygame’s major mechanics involve Kirby eating enemies and copying their abilities to save Waddle Dees from the Beast Pack, it offers engaging-enough gameplay and narrative to keep players going. When Kirby is sucked by a dark vortex alongside other Waddle Dees, he finds himself in a “new world” much like the “real” one but in ruins - and it’s up to Kirby to discover why.
The game is the first platformer in theKirbyseries to be in a fully-3D environment, and the pink protagonist’sCopy Abilities blend wellin inspiring players to get extra creative when trying to overcome each level’s challenges. Thanks to Mouthful Mode, Kirby can even swallow and “control” objects like vending machines and cars, all of which give him new ways of encountering the environment. Copy Abilities may be upgraded to have more effects or deal more damage - an essential quality once players take Kirby to surprisingly challenging and intuitive fights.
Unlike previousXenobladetitles,Xenoblade Chronicles 2not only boasts a different setting but also a return to the series’ classic story-based approach. Set in a cloud-covered world named Alrest where humans live on top of creatures called Titans, salvagerRex becomes a Blade-summoning Driverafter meeting the powerful Blade named Pyra. In their journey to the fabled Elysium, they are pursued by the mysterious organization named Torna. Thanks to the game’s unique summoning mechanics, Rex and other characters get a “Class” depending on the combination of Blades equipped to them.
Although technically an open-world title,Xenoblade Chronicles 2largely takes place on sprawling environments of different Titans. Enemies are fought with an action-based system, allowing characters to use skills called Arts and perform precise but powerful Driver Combos and Chain Attacks. Aside from the game’s gripping story,Xenoblade Chronicles 2is praised for the depth of its combat and gameplay system, making it quite the engaging experience for fans who want deeper stories.
There’s a reason 2014’sMario Kart 8was re-released asMario Kart 8 Deluxefor the Nintendo Switch, and it’s mostly for its engaging battle modes and quite the addictive presentation. Now including more characters, around 40+ new circuits, and revamped mechanics,Mario Kart 8 Deluxeis a modern reimagining of a fan-favorite kart racer. As with otherMario Kartentries,Mario Kart 8 Deluxefeatures the same flair of power-ups and item boxes, alongside a Mirror Mode that essentially reverses a map for a thrilling alternative experience.
However, new offerings include 12-player racing, alternate racing modes (hang gliders, motorbikes, underwater racing), vehicle customization, and even anti-grav racing that lets players race on ceilings and walls. The improved battle mode inDeluxeincludes exclusive courses for easier play, as well as new rulesets to further customize the experience. Whether playing competitively or just want to set up a fun game for friends and family,Mario Kart 8 Deluxedoesn’t disappoint.
When players create their character inSplatoon 3, they’re immediately nudged towards the game’s exciting multiplayer offerings. However, players shouldn’t be fooled by getting in on the action immediately, asSplatoon 3has quite the satisfying single-player experience. Taking five years after the events ofSplatoon 2, players ofSplatoon 3are accompanied by their new Salmonid Smallfry as they use the game’s various weapons and mechanics to navigate bite-sized chunks of 3-to-5-minute missions that feature tidbits of the franchise’s overarching arc. Despite its disguise as semi-tutorial missions, each level in this single-player mode is seemingly geared towards giving players some tips they can take in their multiplayer matches.
And whilemultiplayer is rather familiar territory forSplatoonvetswith its regular Turf Wars and ranked Anarchy Battles with different modes, new features such as PVE Salmon Run Next Wave and Tableturf Battle card games can give players much-needed breaks from high-octane gameplay. The game also features 15 new weapons, giving players a lot of opportunities to brush up on theirSplatoonexpertise or use these new tools of mayhem to dominate.
Fans of tactical RPGs will not just enjoyFire Emblem: Three Housesfor its signatureFire Emblemformula of in-depth stories, engaging gameplay, and gripping permadeath - but now also for its premise. Set on the continent of Fodlan, players take on the role of ex-mercenary-turned-teacher Byleth of the Garreg Mach Monastery, a military school for Fodlan’s three ruling powers. Depending on the player’s choice of class (one of the powers) and choices during class, the game’s narrative shifts its focus, objectives, and endings based on these dynamics.
Although its “simpler” difficulty might turn off hardcoreFire Emblemfans,Three Housesdoes boast an interesting battalion mechanicand a school system that was a refreshing take for the franchise. Thanks to the school system, players can organize lessons to improve specific students' stats and use Byleth to get close with them - which can then affect Support actions. Players can even inter-mix students from different Houses for unique dynamics, and character Classes that can be customized depending on a student’s “certification” that can be modified through class activities.
Perhaps considered as everyone’s pandemic chill game for the Nintendo Switch,Animal Crossing: New Horizonsproves there’s no shortage of fans for social simulation titles. While nowhere near the sarcastic (and sometimes downright bizarre)previousAnimal Crossingtitles,New Horizonsis quite the enjoyable experience. At its core, players can populate their Village (of different formats) with 10 Villagers, all of which they develop relationships with. The game’s unique weather and seasonal systems, combined with an addictive soundtrack, have madeNew Horizonsthe perfect game to chill during the tense days of the pandemic and today’s busy post-pandemic era.
The game also has a robust collectible system, where players can collect any number of things through the game’s activities such as fishing, picking up items, or even trading exclusive items with other players. Its rather intricate marketplace has also created a “trading” frenzy at the time for players who want to get rich in the title. Each Island’s customizable nature has inspired players to create gimmick Islands for others to visit, and the random nature of Villagers who can arrive and stay at a player’s Village means the 413 Villagers alone could be reasons for countless replays.
Fans of fighting games knowSuper Smash Bros. Ultimatetakes a different kind of patience to tackle, especially when its mainstay mechanics from the coreSuper Smash Bros.franchise involves either scoring points through knockouts or being the last player standing - mechanics not often included in traditional fighting games. However, aside fromSuper Smash Bros. Ultimategenerating appeal as perhaps the biggestSuper Smash Bros.title yet, this feature-packed offering can make the arena fighter one of the most exciting games a Switch fan can own.
Set in a world devastated by the evil Galeem, the game’s Adventure Mode will now task players to accompany Kirby in the World of Light to rescue captured fighters as Spirits and “unlock” them in the core game through Spirit Battles. With 70-ish fighters and more than 1,300 Spirit Characters to collect across 108 Stages, there’s enough content inSuper Smash Bros. Ultimateto keep players glued to their screens.Characters with similar movesetsare now called “Echo Fighters” with slight differences in gameplay and animations, adding thrill to even the most “basic” match-ups.
The Nintendo Switch is not a Nintendo console without Mario, andSuper Mario Odysseyis the Switch’s version of the plumber’s platform-hopping adventure. Set after yet another kidnapping of Princess Peach, Mario teams up with Cappy to save both the Mushroom and Cap Kingdoms from Bowser. As with otherMariogames,Super Mario Odysseyneeds players to explore Kingdoms- this time aboard the hat-shaped Odyssey ship. However, the game twists theMarioformula with a fully-3D world (except 2D Flat Zones that mimic the classic games) and a unique Capture Mechanic.
Thanks to Cappy, Mario can now throw this hat creature to become platforms or perform multi-attacks. Not only that, Cappy can possess NPCs, enemies, and even specific objects, giving him access to unique abilities. For example, Bullet Bills now let Mario fly across areas or Sherms to destroy blocked passages. With many creatures to possess and mechanics to tinker with,Super Mario Odysseyis the perfect chill game… or the perfect puzzle platformer for folks who want to beat their best times.
A fully open-worldPokemongame has been much closer to fans since the release of fully-3DScarlet & Violetthat still had Trainers play within the constraints of traditional zones. As such, the release ofPokemon Legends: Arceusswept players off their feet towards a near-open-world setting complete with moving and breathing Pokemon. Complete with a rather crazy plot involving time travel and warring factions,Arceusis perhaps the bestPokemonoffering in the series with more of an action RPG take instead of the franchise staple’s turn-based gameplay.
Thanks to this structure, players can now traverse entire open areas with Pokemon around them - all available for them to look at, avoid, capture, and even fight. Whenengaging a Pokemon in battle, players now switch to the traditional turn-based combat of the game. However, the seamless transition between open world to intense action has madeArceus“the” Pokemon game to play - at least, until the arrival ofZ-Athat promises combat that involves fully controlling Pokemon.
Released as a launch title that arrived alongside the revolutionary Nintendo Switch,The Legend of Zelda: Tears Of The Kingdomis a refreshing take on the open-world concept that perfectly demonstrates the Switch’s capabilities and the potential of bothZelda’s story and gameplay. Set along the end of theZeldatimeline,Tears of the Kingdomwill have Link and Zelda explore the “origins” of Hyrule as well as its connection to the mysterious Zonai race, as well as the consequences of having the Master Sword shattering into pieces.
Unlike otherZeldatitles, the game’s unstructured layout encourages exploration - with its nonlinear story allowing players to enjoy the game’s pacing however they like. Perhapsthe most interesting feature inTears of the Kingdomis its gameplay, taking cues fromBreath of the Wildbut this time letting players explore Hyrule on land, islands in the sky, and the dangerous underground Depths. The game also introduces Zonai devices that let players create various objects as well as vehicles that inspire full-blown “mecha”-like designs. Instead of the Sheikhan Slate fromBreath of the Wild, gameplay inTears of the Kingdomfeatures brand new powers that fuse objects together (Ultrahand, Fuse), rewind movement (Recall), move through solids (Ascend), and recreating items automatically (Autobuild).
