Top Nintendo Switch Games: Must-Play Titles In 2024

Nintendo Switch, the hybrid console that lets you play both at home and on the go, has become a favorite among gamers of all ages. With its unique design and impressive library of games, the Switch offers something for everyone. Whether you're into action-packed adventures, engaging RPGs, or family-friendly party games, the Switch has got you covered. In this comprehensive guide, we'll explore some of the top games available for the Nintendo Switch, diving deep into what makes each title special and why you should consider adding them to your collection. So, grab your Joy-Cons, and let’s jump into the exciting world of Nintendo Switch gaming!

1. The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild

When we talk about top games on the Nintendo Switch, it's impossible not to start with The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild. This game isn't just a title; it's an experience. It completely redefined the open-world genre with its expansive Hyrule, brimming with secrets, challenges, and breathtaking vistas. From the moment you step out into the vast world, you’re given the freedom to explore at your own pace. You can climb any mountain, swim across any river, and glide through the air, making every journey feel uniquely yours. The sheer scale and attention to detail in Breath of the Wild are astounding, making it easy to lose yourself for hours as you uncover hidden shrines, battle formidable foes, and unravel the mysteries of Hyrule’s past. What makes Breath of the Wild truly special is its emergent gameplay. The game doesn't hold your hand; instead, it encourages you to experiment and discover. You might use the environment to your advantage, setting fire to grassy fields to create updrafts for your glider, or using metal weapons to attract lightning during a storm. The physics engine is incredibly robust, allowing for countless creative solutions to puzzles and combat scenarios. This sense of freedom and player agency is something that few games have managed to replicate, making Breath of the Wild a landmark title in gaming history. The story is captivating, too, though it unfolds non-linearly, allowing you to piece together the narrative at your own pace. Link's quest to defeat Calamity Ganon and save Princess Zelda is filled with poignant moments and memorable characters. The dungeons, known as Divine Beasts, are intricate and challenging, requiring you to use all of Link's abilities to solve their puzzles. Beyond the main quest, there are hundreds of side quests and challenges to tackle, ensuring that you’ll always have something new to discover. Breath of the Wild is a masterpiece that deserves all the accolades it has received. It’s a game that you can play again and again, always finding new ways to enjoy its vast and vibrant world. If you own a Nintendo Switch, this is an essential title that should be in your library.

2. Super Mario Odyssey

Next on our list of top games for the Nintendo Switch is Super Mario Odyssey. This game is a joyous celebration of everything that makes Mario great. It’s a vibrant, inventive, and endlessly charming adventure that takes the iconic plumber to new heights. In Super Mario Odyssey, Mario embarks on a globetrotting journey to rescue Princess Peach from the clutches of the nefarious Bowser, who plans to forcibly marry her. This time, Mario is joined by Cappy, a sentient hat that allows him to "capture" various creatures and objects, granting him their unique abilities. This capture mechanic is the heart of Odyssey, and it opens up a world of possibilities. You can capture everything from a T-Rex to a Goomba, a Bullet Bill to a taxi, and each capture provides a fresh and exciting way to traverse the game's diverse kingdoms. The kingdoms in Odyssey are a highlight, each one bursting with personality and creativity. From the bustling New Donk City, inspired by New York, to the sunny shores of the Seaside Kingdom, and the eerie Luncheon Kingdom, every world is a visual and gameplay treat. Exploring these kingdoms is a joy in itself, as they are packed with hidden secrets, challenging platforming sections, and quirky characters to meet. The game's level design is simply brilliant, encouraging you to experiment and think outside the box. The sheer variety of challenges and objectives ensures that you’re always engaged, and the sense of discovery is ever-present. Collecting Power Moons, the game’s main collectible, is addictive, and there are hundreds of them scattered throughout the world, rewarding thorough exploration. Super Mario Odyssey is also a technical marvel, running flawlessly on the Switch and showcasing the console’s capabilities. The game is visually stunning, with vibrant colors and detailed environments, and the soundtrack is equally impressive, featuring catchy tunes that will stick in your head long after you’ve put the game down. The controls are tight and responsive, making Mario a joy to control, and the game is accessible to players of all skill levels, while still offering plenty of challenge for seasoned platforming veterans. Super Mario Odyssey is a must-have for any Nintendo Switch owner. It's a game that will put a smile on your face from start to finish, and it’s a perfect example of Nintendo’s commitment to creating fun, innovative, and unforgettable gaming experiences.

3. Animal Crossing: New Horizons

Moving on with our list of the top games for the Nintendo Switch, we have Animal Crossing: New Horizons. This game offers a relaxing and endlessly engaging escape to a deserted island where you can create your own little paradise. If you are looking for a game that you can play at your own pace, with no pressure and plenty of charm, then Animal Crossing: New Horizons is a perfect choice. In New Horizons, you arrive on a deserted island as part of Nook Inc.’s Deserted Island Getaway Package. From there, it’s up to you to build your home, develop your island, and create a thriving community. You can gather resources, craft tools and furniture, catch bugs and fish, and decorate your island to your heart’s content. The game operates in real-time, meaning that the seasons change, the days turn into nights, and special events occur according to the actual calendar. This real-time aspect gives the game a unique rhythm and makes every day feel fresh and new. There’s always something to do, whether it’s fishing for rare catches, digging up fossils, or designing the perfect outfit for your villager. One of the biggest draws of Animal Crossing: New Horizons is the ability to customize everything. You can design your home inside and out, create custom clothing and patterns, and even terraform the island to create rivers, cliffs, and pathways. This level of customization allows you to truly make the island your own and express your creativity. The villagers in New Horizons are another highlight. Each villager has their own unique personality and quirks, and building relationships with them is a rewarding experience. You can chat with them, give them gifts, and help them with their requests, and over time, they’ll become your close friends. The game also features robust multiplayer options, allowing you to visit your friends’ islands, trade items, and participate in special events together. Animal Crossing: New Horizons is more than just a game; it’s a lifestyle. It’s a relaxing and rewarding experience that you can enjoy for hours on end. Whether you’re a long-time fan of the series or new to Animal Crossing, New Horizons is a must-have for the Nintendo Switch.

4. Pokémon Sword and Shield

For Pokémon fans, Pokémon Sword and Shield are essential additions to the top games list for the Nintendo Switch. These games take you to the Galar region, a land inspired by Great Britain, where you'll embark on a new Pokémon adventure filled with exciting battles, new creatures to catch, and a compelling story to uncover. Pokémon Sword and Shield introduce a variety of new features and mechanics that enhance the classic Pokémon gameplay formula. One of the most notable is the Dynamax and Gigantamax phenomena, which allow Pokémon to grow to enormous sizes during battles, adding a new layer of strategy and spectacle. The Wild Area, a vast open-world area, is another standout feature, offering a seamless and dynamic environment where you can encounter a wide range of Pokémon and participate in Max Raid Battles with other players. The story in Sword and Shield is engaging, as you compete in the Gym Challenge to become the Champion of the Galar region while also uncovering a mysterious plot involving the legendary Pokémon Zacian and Zamazenta. The characters are memorable, and the Galar region itself is beautifully designed, with diverse landscapes ranging from lush grasslands to snowy mountains. Catching and training Pokémon is as addictive as ever, and the new Pokémon introduced in Sword and Shield are a welcome addition to the Pokédex. From the adorable Wooloo to the powerful Zacian and Zamazenta, there’s a wide variety of creatures to collect and battle with. The online multiplayer features in Sword and Shield are robust, allowing you to trade and battle with players from around the world. Max Raid Battles, in particular, are a fun and challenging way to team up with others to take on powerful Dynamax Pokémon. Pokémon Sword and Shield may have had a mixed reception initially, but they have become beloved entries in the Pokémon franchise, offering hundreds of hours of gameplay and a compelling Pokémon adventure on the Nintendo Switch. Whether you’re a longtime Pokémon trainer or new to the series, these games are worth checking out.

5. Super Smash Bros. Ultimate

No list of top games for the Nintendo Switch would be complete without mentioning Super Smash Bros. Ultimate. This game is a massive crossover celebration of gaming history, bringing together an unprecedented roster of characters from various franchises for epic battles. If you love fighting games, or just enjoy seeing your favorite characters duke it out, Super Smash Bros. Ultimate is a must-have for your Switch library. Super Smash Bros. Ultimate boasts the largest roster in the series history, featuring over 80 playable characters, including everyone who has ever appeared in a Smash Bros. game, as well as new additions like Joker from Persona 5, Banjo-Kazooie, and Steve from Minecraft. Each character has their own unique moveset and playstyle, making for a diverse and engaging fighting experience. The game's gameplay is easy to pick up but difficult to master, with a simple control scheme that allows anyone to jump in and start battling. However, the depth of the combat system and the intricacies of each character's moveset provide plenty of room for strategic play and competitive battles. The game features a wide variety of modes, including Classic Mode, World of Light (a sprawling single-player adventure), and the iconic Smash mode, where you can battle with up to eight players. The online multiplayer is robust, allowing you to battle with friends and other players from around the world in both casual and competitive matches. Super Smash Bros. Ultimate is a visual and audio spectacle, with stunning graphics and a soundtrack that features hundreds of tracks from various gaming franchises. The game is a love letter to gaming history, and the sheer amount of content on offer is staggering. Whether you’re a casual player or a competitive enthusiast, Super Smash Bros. Ultimate offers something for everyone. It’s a game that you can play for years and always find new challenges and experiences.

6. Mario Kart 8 Deluxe

When discussing the top games for the Nintendo Switch, Mario Kart 8 Deluxe is an essential title that deserves a spot on the list. This game isn't just a racing game; it's a party experience, a competition starter, and a friendship tester all rolled into one. If you're looking for a game that’s easy to pick up and play with friends and family, Mario Kart 8 Deluxe is the perfect choice. Mario Kart 8 Deluxe is the definitive version of Mario Kart 8, which was originally released on the Wii U. It includes all the tracks and characters from the original game, as well as additional characters, new karts, and a revamped battle mode. The game features 48 tracks in total, spanning various themes and locales from the Mario universe and beyond. From the colorful Mario Kart Stadium to the treacherous Bowser's Castle, each track is meticulously designed and packed with obstacles, shortcuts, and surprises. The gameplay in Mario Kart 8 Deluxe is fast, frantic, and endlessly entertaining. The controls are tight and responsive, making it easy to drift, boost, and throw items at your opponents. The game's item system is a key element of the gameplay, allowing you to use power-ups like shells, bananas, and stars to gain an advantage over your rivals. The battle mode in Mario Kart 8 Deluxe is a significant improvement over the original Wii U version, featuring a variety of modes, including Balloon Battle, Bob-omb Blast, and Shine Thief. The battles take place in specially designed arenas, adding a new dimension to the Mario Kart experience. Mario Kart 8 Deluxe is a visual treat, with vibrant graphics and smooth performance on the Nintendo Switch. The game looks stunning in both docked and handheld modes, and the frame rate remains consistently high even during the most chaotic races. The multiplayer options in Mario Kart 8 Deluxe are robust, allowing you to play with up to four players locally or 12 players online. The online multiplayer is smooth and reliable, making it easy to race against friends and other players from around the world. Mario Kart 8 Deluxe is a game that’s easy to pick up and play, but difficult to master. It’s perfect for casual gamers and competitive racers alike, and it’s a game that you can enjoy for years to come.

7. Metroid Dread

Another standout title among the top games for the Nintendo Switch is Metroid Dread. This game marks the long-awaited return of the classic Metroid series, delivering a thrilling and atmospheric adventure that fans have been craving for years. If you're a fan of action-packed platformers with a focus on exploration and tense moments, Metroid Dread is a must-play. Metroid Dread continues the story of bounty hunter Samus Aran as she investigates a mysterious transmission on the remote planet ZDR. The game is a 2D side-scroller, in the classic Metroidvania style, with a focus on exploration, combat, and puzzle-solving. The atmosphere in Metroid Dread is incredibly tense and unsettling, thanks to its detailed environments, haunting sound design, and the constant threat of the E.M.M.I. robots. These nearly indestructible robots patrol certain areas of the map, and Samus must use stealth and her limited resources to evade them. The E.M.M.I. encounters are some of the most thrilling and memorable moments in the game, creating a sense of dread and urgency that is rarely seen in other games. The gameplay in Metroid Dread is smooth and responsive, with tight controls that make Samus a joy to control. She can run, jump, shoot, and use a variety of abilities to navigate the environment and defeat enemies. As you progress through the game, Samus gains new abilities, such as the Morph Ball and the Grapple Beam, which allow her to access new areas and overcome obstacles. The level design in Metroid Dread is exceptional, with a sprawling interconnected map that encourages exploration and discovery. The game is full of secrets and hidden areas, rewarding players who take the time to thoroughly explore their surroundings. The boss battles in Metroid Dread are challenging and intense, requiring you to use all of Samus's abilities and skills to emerge victorious. Metroid Dread is a visual and audio masterpiece, with stunning graphics and a haunting soundtrack that perfectly complements the game's atmosphere. The game runs smoothly on the Nintendo Switch, both in docked and handheld modes. Metroid Dread is a triumphant return for the Metroid series, offering a thrilling and atmospheric adventure that is sure to please fans of the franchise and newcomers alike. It’s a game that you won’t want to miss if you’re a Nintendo Switch owner.

8. Conclusion

The Nintendo Switch is home to a plethora of incredible games, and the titles listed above represent just a fraction of what the console has to offer. From epic open-world adventures to relaxing life simulators, there’s something for every type of gamer on the Switch. Whether you're exploring the vast landscapes of Hyrule in The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild, creating your own island paradise in Animal Crossing: New Horizons, or battling it out with friends in Super Smash Bros. Ultimate, the Nintendo Switch provides endless hours of entertainment. These top games showcase the versatility and appeal of the Nintendo Switch, making it a must-have console for gamers of all ages. So, pick up a Switch, grab some of these amazing games, and dive into the wonderful world of Nintendo gaming!