The 20 BEST Nintendo Switch Games

The 20 Best Nintendo Switch Games

Welcome to MojoPlays. Today we’re going to be taking a look at the 20 best Nintendo Switch games to enjoy right now on your favorite beloved hybrid system.

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“Super Mario Bros. Wonder” (2023)

Nintendo really knows a thing or two about providing new experiences and keeping things fresh with their games. This point is extremely evident in Super Mario Bros. Wonder, a game that exudes whimsy and delight around every color-soaked corner. You might think another 2D Mario game would just be repetitive or stale but Wonder proves that Nintendo always has another ace up its sleeve. The game adds in just enough spice and flair, this time around in the form of highly playable new levels, a badge system, the wonder flower, and heck, even transforming into a pummeling elephant to charge through enemies. There’s just so much joy in this case, especially when platforming across its runtime with a co-op pal in tow.

“Metroid Dread” (2021)

Metroid Dread might just be the pinnacle metroidvania experience. From developer MercurySteam, Dread, shines a new light on Samus, one that ensures this game feels completely brand new and inventive while still paying homage to older titles in the series. Deep, robust, and extensive are the words that come to mind when playing through Dread. From the meticulously designed areas to the plethora of exciting upgrades for Samus to the harrowing new stalking enemies such as the E.M.M.I robots. With brisk pacing and near constant action and fun exploration, Metroid Dread is a real treat and deserves a place in your Switch collection.

“Kirby and the Forgotten Land” (2022)

Despite the relentless pace that Nintendo seems to push out Kirby games at, Kirby and the Forgotten Land came out swinging and truly knocked it out of the park in all regards. The Forgotten Land does for Kirby what Super Mario Odyssey did for Mario, namely, take a beloved series and character, and completely transform the experience and people’s expectations of a 3D platforming adventure. Ya, sure, it’s super bizarre to see Kirby suck up a car or a vending machine, but when new gameplay elements such as these, in tandem with strong world and level design, brings such a smile to your face, it all just comes together splendidly. Kirby and the Forgotten Land will surely hoover up a good chunk of your gaming time on Switch.

“The Legend of Zelda: Link’s Awakening” (2019)

Nintendo really loves cranking out the remakes and remasters, but, as is generally the case, they do it so well that no one seems to mind. Take Link’s Awakening for example. This remake of a beloved Zelda game from the Game Boy truly feels new game, completely rebuilt from the ground up with new content, a gorgeous and endearing art style, excellent puzzles and dungeons, and a lengthy adventure that will keep you hooked all throughout its runtime. Even for those fans who played the original game, this remake managed to completely exceed expectations while bringing newcomers to the game who never had the privilege to play the older title. There’s just a palpable sense of playfulness all throughout Link’s journey on Koholint Island. And yes, worry not, the puzzles and dungeons are still just as devious as you remember. But, the game always pushes you forward with some tantalizing reward, item, or incentive so you never get bored. Don’t sleep on this one; it’s a real gem.

“Donkey Kong Country: Tropical Freeze” (2018)

Do you thoroughly love the Donkey Kong Country games from the Super Nintendo days? If so, and, if you missed this game on the Wii U, then do yourself a favor and pick up a copy of Tropical Freeze on the Switch; you won’t regret it. Easily one of the best 2D/2.5D platformers on the hybrid console, Tropical Freeze is both challenging and deeply engaging. Exploring each and every stage while collecting bananas, puzzle pieces, and Kong letters, while vending off the Snowmad goons is so much fun. Plus, the crazy platforming madcaps that you can get up to with each of the various playable Kongs never gets old. Don’t get too comfortable, however. The boss fights in this game will truly test your Kong skills, especially you, giant Viking owl from Mountaintop Tussle. You sir, are a real doozy.

“Mario Party Superstars” (2021)

It’s party time baby! The uber long-running Mario Party franchise has certainly had its fair share of ups and downs like any good roller coaster. Fortunately, for Switch fans, Superstars is the real deal, mostly because it pays loving homage to the original N64 games with high-quality remakes of game boards such as Woody Woods, Yoshi’s Tropical Island, and fan favorite, Horror Land. While the RNG elements of Mario Party certainly aren’t to everyone’s tastes, there’s no denying that plopping down on a couch together to duke it out with Mario and pals isn’t an utter blast each and every time. Superstars is the pinnacle party game on the Switch, so get your thumbs ready for some mini-game goodness.

“Splatoon 3” (2022)

How the heck do you follow-up the incredible success of Nintendo’s third-person ink-em-up Splatoon 2? Well, take everything that made that game so darn fun and engaging and up the ante with even more ink splashing weapons, game-changing items, and a bevy of single-player modes to keep things fresh throughout. The short and frenetic multiplayer matches never get stale since the game is always throwing new rewards and challenges your way. And, if for some reason you get tired of the online multiplayer shenanigans, simply hop (or swim) your way over to modes such as Salmon Run, Side Order, and the Story Mode: ‘Return of the Mammalians.’

“Pokemon Legends: Arceus” (2022)

The Pokemon Company and Game Freak took a big bet on Legends: Arceus, effectively shifting away from the tried-and-true, yet arguably stale formula of many Pokemon games, into a vast, open, more RPG-centric world. Fortunately, this bet paid off…big time. Arceus is easily one of the very best Pokemon games out there. Pokemon fans jumped at the chance to explore an open world teeming with Pokemon to catch and battle. Sure, the visuals might be lacking somewhat in this release; however, the sheer fun factor Arcesus affords players more than makes up for its visual shortcomings. Add in a bunch of new regional Pokemon, fun ways to traverse the world, and plenty of exciting battles, and this is one Pokemon game that will stay on top for the long haul.

“Xenoblade Chronicles 3” (2022)

Xenoblade Chronicles 3 is a gargantuan game, a true behemoth in the RPG space, one that sees you teaming up with Noah and his adventurous pals as they explore vast open spaces, taking part in over-the-top battles, discovering all manner of secret goodies, and pushing along a narrative about nations at war, the power of friendship, sacrifice, and untold mysteries. Multiple party members can take part in battles with each character offering different weapons skills, abilities, and movement options, on top of, classes themselves having the option to be swapped out. It’s a meaty and robust game that will keep you glued to your Switch for hundreds of hours.

“Princess Peach Showtime!” (2024)

While certainly being marketed to a younger audience, Princess Peach’s latest provides all of the Nintendo charm and whimsy that you would expect from the company. This time around, Princess Peach is in the spotlight, taking center stage with a suite of unique and dazzling transformations. With a mysterious theater setting as the backdrop, the beloved princess is tasked with saving the theater from the dastardly Grape and the Sour Bunch. Along with her ally, Stella, Peach will transform into the likes of a figure skater, a dashing thief, a mermaid, and even a swordfighter, with each transformation acting as a new stage, offering up a new way for players to engage with the experience. Sure, the game is very simple and won’t provide too much challenge; but, it’s a purely fun and engaging adventure that will surely stick a big ol’ smile on your face from beginning to intermission to curtain call.

“Mario + Rabbids: Sparks of Hope” (2022)

Building off of what made Kingdom Battle an enjoyable spinoff Mario game, Sparks of Hope once again sees Mario and pals team up with the quirky Rabbids as they seek to take down a new threat, that of Cursa and the Darkness energy. What Kingdom Battle did with turning a Mario-adjacent game into a strategy game was nothing short of brilliant, and here, Sparks of Hope takes each aspect of its predecessor and refines them into a comedic, polished, flexible, and highly playful strategy experience. The biggest change this time around is the ability to freely move your character in a designated zone as opposed to the grid-based system of Kingdom Battle. This, in combination with more goofy writing, a cast of fun characters, plenty of new locales to explore, and new abilities from the Lumas, make Sparks of Hope an easy recommendation on the Switch.

“Super Mario 3D World + Bowser’s Fury” (2021)

There’s simply no denying that Nintendo has thoroughly enjoyed bringing a host of Wii U titles to Nintendo Switch, since, well…you know…no one played the Wii U. Enter Super Mario 3D World plus Bowser’s Fury, a combo game that features an upgraded version of the 2013 Wii U 3D platformer, Super Mario 3D World, as well as Bowser’s Fury; a completely new 3D platforming Mario game with open-world elements and a persistent, dynamic boss in the form of a giant Bowser. For those of us that sadly didn’t get to play 3D World the first time around, the sheer joy of experiencing this top-notch platformer on the Switch was sublime, especially in co-op. Then, diving into Bowser’s Fury, you are treated to some more masterclass platforming as Mario searches for shines, collects fun power-ups, bashes Bowser over and over again, and even transforms as a gargantuan version of cat Mario. Good times had by all!

“Luigi’s Mansion 3” (2019)

Gosh darnit, Luigi deserves so many more exclusive game experiences if Luigi’s Mansion 3 is anything to go by. While the OG GameCube Luigi’s Mansion and the Nintendo 3DS’ Dark Moon are loved by many, it’s Luigi’s third outing in yet another spooky location that stands as one of the very best in the series. This time around, Mario and pals are conned into accepting a luxury hotel resort package deep in some picturesque, yet creepy mountains. Aptly named The Last Resort, this haunted hotel sees Mario and friends captured by King Boo with no one but Luigi and Polterpup to save the day. The game sets a truly fantastic stage as you explore a plethora of hotel floors, with each one acting as a distinct zone, brimming with secrets and goodies, oh, and plenty of scares for our duo. The same ghost-vacuuming gameplay is back, but this time around players are introduced to Gooigi, a literal green goo version of Luigi, that makes for some unique and challenging puzzles.

“Fire Emblem: Three Houses” (2019)

The uber-long running tactical role-playing franchise maintains its place in the genre with this juggernaut. In Three Houses, you are tasked to play as a group of unique characters that include the likes of Byleth, Edelgard, Dimitri, Hilda, and so many more. As you might have gleaned from the moniker, this game’s plot surrounds three distinct nations, namely, the Adrestian Empire, the Holy Kingdom, and Leicester Alliance, all situated on the continent of Fodlan. The deep and immersive, strategically tactical gameplay is a massive focus, with, once again, thoughtful turn-based battles. However, it’s between these challenging battles where things really get interesting as you can flesh out the storyline and character arcs with classes, side activities, and field exercises; plus so much more.

“Animal Crossing: New Horizons” (2020)

For pure distilled coziness and charm, look no further than Animal Crossing latest offering. This series, which started life back on the GameCube, has come a long way, with New Horizons offering players an utterly intoxicating life sim game to get sucked into for the long haul. As long as you are okay with taking things day by day (quite literally), New Horizons provides players with an island getaway package from none other than Tom Nook himself. Spend your time here befriending villagers, setting up shops and museums, collecting bugs, fish, and materials, and creating and crafting the island paradise of your dreams. The game released at a perfect time where people had to hunker down which led to returning Animal Crossing fans and new players alike hopping into a game that wants you to take your time, whether you like that slowburn or not. So, go out there and customize your home, make friends with a host of super quirky animal pals, and tend to your island to your heart’s content.

“Mario Kart 8 Deluxe” (2017)

I mean come one, it’s freakin’ Mario Kart…of course it’s going to be here. Yes, I know, it’s technically another Wii U game brought to the Switch. However, there’s simply no denying just how much content is jam-packed into this Deluxe version. Boatloads of characters, tracks, customization options, and more are constantly at your fingertips. Plus, even people that are casual gamers or those who don’t even play video games; they at least know about Mario Kart. This is one of the greatest kart racers, full stop, and there’s no better platform to experience it on than the Switch.

“Super Smash Bros. Ultimate” (2018)

Super Smash Bros has come a long way since its humble origins back on the Nintendo 64. Ultimate, is just that, the ultimate, definitive version of the venerable franchise to date. Even half a decade after its release on Switch, fans are still pouring hundreds of hours into this game, whether it's pummeling opponents with friends or competing the myriad tournaments around the globe. If for some reason you aren’t familiar with Super Smash Bros Ultimate, it’s essentially a solo or multiplayer brawler game featuring dozens upon dozens of Nintendo characters and third-party mascots. Fast, fluid, challenging, and utterly enjoyable, Ultimate deserves your time and attention.

“Metroid Prime Remastered” (2023)

Nintendo took quite the gamble moving a once beloved 2D series into a first-person perspective way back in the day on the GameCube. Well, it pretty much universally paid off since fans loved this shift. Enter 2023, Nintendo shadow dropped Metroid Prime Remastered from Retro Studios. To say it was a homerun would be quite the understatement. This remaster of the beloved first Prime game is actually more akin to a full-on remake given how much love and attention was poured into every sci-fi crevice, nook, and cranny. If you missed out on the OG Metroid Prime then it’s high time you check out this top-notch remaster.

“Super Mario Odyssey” (2017)

“It’s a me, Mario. Wahoooo!” Boy howdy, Odyssey is a firecracker of a game, one that outshines and outpaces every other 3D platformer on the market. Yes, it’s that darn good and needs to be played and experienced right away! Odyssey features a unique gameplay mechanic where Mario and his sentient hat, Cappy, can possess…er…I mean ‘capture’ random enemies and objects alike to solve puzzles. You can even capture and become a sentient hunk of meat. Just because. Silliness aside, the sheer platforming prowess on display in Odyssey is something to behold, especially since Nintendo opted for larger, open zone worlds to explore to your heart’s content. And my goodness, the music in this game is the thing of auditory dreams!

"The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom” (2023)

The follow-up to the critically acclaimed and universally beloved Breath of the Wild, is a masterclass of a game. Instead of just resting on its laurels, Tears of the Kingdom completely reinvents the wheel (sometimes quite literally) with a brand new fusion system where almost anything can be merged together to create something thrilling and exciting to test out. From crazy weapons to vehicles to bizarre concoctions that can be used to solve the game’s many puzzles and shrines, Tears of the Kingdom perfectly blends creativity, player agency, nuance, and fun into a seamless package. If all that wasn’t enough, there’s also a whole sky section to explore and an underground world to delve into, on top of the expansion base-level Hyrule regions. Nintendo once again proves why they are the best at making pure, distilled enjoyment!