You are in the right place if you are looking for the top Nintendo Switch games. At Next Levvels, we are seasoned gamers with a wealth of experience in the portable platform realm. From thrilling adventures alongside Link to the tranquil island escapades with Tom Nook, we have seen it all. While preferences may vary, we have curated a list of 20 picks that we believe offer something for everyone.
No matter which Nintendo Switch model you own—standard, OLED, or Lite—the system boasts a plethora of must-play games. Whether you are into captivating RPGs or engaging multiplayer experiences, we have compiled a complete overview to cater to all player preferences.
1. Animal Crossing: New Horizons
One of the most well-liked and family-friendly Nintendo Switch games is still Animal Crossing: New Horizons. In the midst of global lockdowns, Animal Crossing: New Horizons beckoned users to a serene island where they could unwind with leisurely pursuits like fishing, bug-catching, and refining the layout of their virtual homes. Together with a tonne of free content and the enormous Happy Home Paradise DLC, Nintendo has been gradually adding new features to New Horizons.
A new terraforming function that allows you total control over your island’s environment is only one of the many customization options available in New Horizons. Animal Crossing: New Horizons is always entertaining, whether yo a’re chatting with other inhabitants, working on your museum catalog, or visiting your friends’ islands.
2. Super Mario Odyssey
Not satisfied with just delivering the groundbreaking Zelda game in 2017, Nintendo went above and beyond by offering what is not only one of the finest Mario games on Switch but also one of the plumber’s greatest adventures to date. Super Mario Odyssey revisits the beloved ‘sandbox’ style of gameplay seen in Super Mario Sunshine, as our mustachioed friend embarks on a journey through expansive levels to uncover hidden challenges and collect the multitude of Power Moons necessary to fuel his hat-shaped vessel, The Odyssey, and save Princess Peach.
Mario can mimic the skills of practically every enemy in the game, which makes a difference in this situation. No, he hasn’t been learning from Kirby; instead, he has become pals with a hat that can cast spells. Mario is able to possess random objects, NPCs, and foes thanks to Cappy, which grants him abilities and maneuvers that have never been seen before. With so much to do and so many entertaining ways to move (plus a variety of Super Mario Odyssey Amiibo to improve the game), kids will be occupied for weeks with Mario’s most recent adventure.
3. Dead Cells
Rogue-likes and metroidvanias collide in Dead Cells, creating a game that’s going to be remembered as one of the greatest in its own genres for years to come. You take control of a reanimated mass of cells that are grabbing possession of a prisoner’s body in this randomly generated castle game. There are many deadly foes and hidden mysteries within the maze-like castle that just need to be discovered. Every time you pass away, which happens rather frequently, you have to start over.
Critically, there are ongoing improvements that let you advance and discover new regions with every playthrough. Dead Cells entices you to play through to the very end with its well-balanced and fashionable action combat, a wide variety of interesting abilities and weapons, and a cleverly constructed environment that changes with every game. Dead Cells is a roguelike that, like all good ones, makes you want to go through it repeatedly. There’s a tonne of amazing DLC for Dead Cells, one of which is a Castlevania-themed pack that feels like the ideal complement.
4. Divinity: Original Sin 2 – Definitive Edition
The Nintendo Switch version of Divinity: Original Sin 2 plays so smoothly that it’s almost miraculous. Original Sin 2 runs smoothly even though the resolution is lower than on other platforms, especially in handheld mode. With its expansive turn-based fantasy world, exquisite storytelling, and a fighting system with unmatched detail, Larian Studios’ huge turn-based role-playing game is a contemporary masterpiece in the genre. One of your greatest options if you’re looking for a classic role-playing game to play on the go or at home is Divinity: Original Sin 2. Even after playing it for dozens of hours, it remains huge and bold while still delivering surprises and fresh layers.
5. Fire Emblem: Three Houses
Fire Emblem: Three Houses is the best game in the adored strategy series. It is incredibly varied and relentlessly engrossing. In this enigmatic monastery, you take on the role of a professor supervising one of three houses. There, you build bonds with your students and prepare them for the struggles that lie ahead. Three Houses expands on the social simulation element of previous Fire Emblem games, but it also has some well-thought-out management sim elements.
It does a fantastic job of balancing the narrative, getting ready for the next fight, and providing the consistently amazing tactical combat scenarios that have made this series so popular. Fire Emblem: Three Houses is an incredible experience from beginning to end because to its cleverly designed battle system, exceptionally well-written characters, and amazing story. Furthermore, Three Houses promotes several playthroughs to see the entire plot, and each playthrough is unique, more so than any other Fire Emblem game.
6. Astral Chain
Like Gordon Ramsey, who can cook and yell at people, Platinum is a master at creating action games. They consistently produce what is now considered an art form. Astral Chain, a Nintendo Switch-only title, may have the greatest visuals on the platform to date while both Platinum off its action game prowess in some intriguing ways.
In Astral Chain, you assume the role of Akira, a police officer in a futuristic noir city. Your primary arsenal consists of powerful creatures called Legion, which are tethered to you by the Astral Chain. In combat, you have the ability to unleash attacks independently, with your Legion, or by combining your strikes with the chain itself. Blending elements of detective narrative with thrilling action, Astral Chain offers a uniquely stylish gaming experience. It’s an absolute must-try for any action aficionado.
7. Hollow Knight
It’s fortunate that Hollow Knight is a fantastic Metroidvania that you can easily dip into whenever the mood takes you since it makes the wait for Silksong, the sequel, much more tolerable. While there were some rough spots in the original game, these were eventually worked out, and the bug’s life adventure was nothing short of extraordinary. Ethereal and refined, Hollow Knight is a forceful mix of fighting and exploration that fits perfectly on the Switch. This edition also includes every piece of DLC, which adds a significant amount of content to the game and improves its stunning visual design.
8. Monster Hunter Rise
Monster Hunter World, which debuted with dazzling HD graphics and much-needed series improvements, may have made Switch owners a little envious. Given that our Monster Hunter Rise review explains why the game wowed players on the Nintendo Switch this year, the debate for the greatest Monster Hunter game is now far more intense.
Introducing acrobatics into the mix and accompanied by a loyal new companion, the Palamute, Monster Hunter has reached new heights of speed and precision with Rise
If you enjoy taking down waves of adversaries, there’s even a new mode called “rampage mode.” Playing multiplayer games with friends is also enjoyable. Monster Hunter Rise Sunbreak, which just added even more content to the already enormous package, is another huge expansion for Rise. We’ve been completely amazed by it.
9. Into The Breach
Into the Breach by Subset Games is a unique kind of game that performs and feels unlike anything you’ve ever played. Into the Breach is a roguelike tactics game played on microscopic grids, created by FTL studio Subset Games. The terrifying Vek are posing a threat to civilization in the far future. You must put together a group of three mechs to fight the Vek in close quarters on eight-by-eight grids in order to defend the planet from monsters. Every combat only lasts a few turns, and your objective is to prevent the Vek from attacking and minimize damage to vital infrastructure rather than defeating them.
At the beginning of each round, you may also see a sneak peek at what each Vek will do, giving you the opportunity to plan ahead for the greatest result. You’d be shocked at how complicated the matches can get in Into the Breach, a game that is more akin to chess than a conventional tactics game. More than any other game in recent memory, Into the Breach innovates on the format.
10. Kirby and the Forgotten Land
In a nutshell, the greatest game in the history of the series is Kirby and the Forgotten Land. Forgotten Land is Kirby’s first 3D platforming adventure, and it’s remarkably deeper and more varied than the other games in the series. In 3D, Kirby’s well-known Copy ability shines, giving puzzles and battles a deeper level of complexity. One of those platformers that never ceases to amaze is Kirby and the Forgotten, which has six distinct worlds with levels full of hidden passageways and creative design elements. The gameplay is further spiced up by Kirby’s charming new skill, Mouthful Mode.
Treasure Road time trials are brief, tasty, and serve as a counterpoint to the lengthy mainline stages. Completing these optional levels feeds into the larger cycle that forces you to upgrade Copy powers to make them even cooler. These optional levels make interesting and enjoyable use of Kirby’s Copy and Mouthful abilities. Playing Kirby and the Forgotten Land in a local cooperative with a friend or loved one, or on your own, is a genuine joy from beginning to end.
11. Mario Maker 2
It was growing harder to see where the 2D sidescrolling series may go in the future after so many Mario games over the years. Instead, Nintendo provided the fans the tools, and we are overjoyed about it. Make your own challenging and clever levels in the vein of the old-school Mario games.
In addition to adding many fascinating new features to the formula (such as slopes, planets, and new styles), Super Mario Maker 2 also gave us a sneak peek at a Zelda Maker with a NES Link power-up that mimicked the powers of the hero of time. Where might Mario go after this? Who knows? However, there’s no urgency because there are thousands of amazing Mario levels for us to play till then.
12. Xenoblade Chronicles: Definitive Edition
Xenoblade is the epitome of a JRPG, a massive open-world role-playing game with a massive tale that spans realms constructed on the corpses of deceased gods. It does, however, manage to cleverly combine skill and strategy with some excellent active-battle elements.
Even though you grow a little tired of hearing “It’s Reyn time,” the primary characters are still endearing, and this transfer beautifully brings the Wii classic to life with stunning visuals that finally do this vast world credit. Using your Switch to play this beloved JRPG is the best experience yet.
13. The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild
Years after its release, The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild is still regarded as one of the greatest games on the Switch. While there is a compelling case to be made for the following game on this list, many fans have deemed this one to be the greatest in the entire series. One of the greatest open-world games ever made is Breath of the Wild, which was Nintendo’s first serious attempt at the genre. There’s a sense of discovery in Breath of the Wild that is unmatched in the series. Link has his own little playground in the magnificent, expansive open world of Hyrule. There’s an amazing sense of size and freedom since he can climb almost anything.
This fundamental shift also extends to the core progression. Instead of intricate dungeons, numerous small-scale Shrines provide flexibility, enabling players to tackle the adventure according to their preferences. Breath of the Wild stands out among open-world games for its streamlined approach, devoid of superfluous systems and objectives. It boasts a leisurely pace and a picturesque, uninhabited world brimming with exploration opportunities, whether you’re traversing on foot, horseback, or scaling cliffs in search of new discoveries. Breath of the Wild offers a breathtaking and immersive adventure like no other.
14. Mario + Rabbids Sparks of Hope
Who would have guessed that Ubisoft’s Rabbids and a tag team of superstars from Mushroom Kingdom could create such a masterpiece? Sparks of Hope improves turn-based strategy with genuinely ingenious innovations, building on the ridiculous strategy of Kingdom Battle in 2017. Ubisoft Milan and Paris make significant adjustments that contribute to a better game with an even greater sense of pacing, so other games in the genre should take note of this one.
In addition, playing this sequel is a lot of fun because every pixel is infused with pure excitement. Sparks of Hope is a disorganized but brilliant little masterpiece on the Switch, from Luigi’s barely controllable fear to the comic stupidity of the Rabbids.
15. Metroid Dread
Following an almost twenty-year hiatus, Metroid made a comeback to its side-scrolling origins for a mission that concluded the current Metroid narrative. Amazingly, Metroid Dread meets and exceeds the high standards set by ardent fans. Metroid Dread, created by Mercury Steam (Metroid: Samus Returns), is an amazing adventure that stays true to its origins. With its fast-paced action, extensive upgrade options, and a stream of enemies that will test your stamina and counterattack abilities, Dread excels mechanically. Additionally, Dread introduces the EMMI, eerie robots that patrol specific areas and instantly end games if they catch you.
The maze-like areas are a complete delight to explore, and Dread’s vast amount of secrets to discover make it worthwhile to play through several times. One of the best side-scrolling games on the Switch is Metroid Dread, which serves as a reminder that returning to your roots can sometimes be a very good decision.
16. Donkey Kong Country: Tropical Freeze
Since most great art isn’t acknowledged during the creator’s lifetime, back in 2014, responses to Retro Studios’ creation of “just another” Donkey Kong game ranged from disinterested to outright hostile. Fortunately, Donkey Kong Country: Tropical Freeze has endured the test of time and is today regarded as one of the best 2D platformers to ever grace a Nintendo system, proving that those who doubted the power of Retro were mistaken. Naturally, even if DK isn’t a monkey, it makes our list of the greatest monkey games as well.
The vibrant, colorful graphics and the brilliant soundtrack by the renowned David Wise provide an intricate and exciting level design that is bursting with individuality. It’s challenging, no doubt, but if you’re having a lot of trouble, there’s the awesome new funky mode to help the less experienced players and allow you to really enjoy this game’s glacial splendor.
17. Octopath Traveler 2
Octopath Traveller II is one of the best examples of how the Switch has developed into a central location for classic JRPG goodness. The sequel to the original game by Square Enix blends modern and retro gaming aesthetics while retaining all the timeless appeal of the SNES era. Thanks to its blend of freeform exploration, strategic fighting, and non-linear storytelling, Octopath Traveller II is more than simply an attractive game. It offers a difficult journey recounted from several points of view.
It expands upon the concepts that the original game introduced, refining and expanding upon its distinctive features, much like the best sequels. Octopath Traveller II is an enjoyable JRPG that will easily take up several hours of your time if you are searching for one.
18. Pokemon Sword & Shield
Pokemon Sword & Shield introduces the Galar region, a vast and diverse locale teeming with new Pokemon and a refined gameplay loop. Aspiring to be the ultimate Pokemon Trainer, you embark on a journey with just one Pokemon and no badges, gradually building your team and completing your Pokedex to claim the title of Pokemon League Champion. The Galar region features numerous Wild Areas, including DLC expansions, offering expansive open sections where various Pokemon species roam freely in plain sight.
The streamlined missions of earlier games are well broken up by these portions, and there’s, even more, to appreciate with the addition of rotating raids and the new Dynamax mechanic. Pokemon Sword & Shield is a wonderful addition to the well-loved brand, offering a terrific assortment of new Pokemon, more customization options at your disposal, and an abundance of material that only gets more substantial when you include the two expansions.
19. Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown
The venerable platformer series returned as Metroidvania, and it did incredibly well. The protagonist of this novel Prince of Persia is Sargon, the youngest of the Immortals, a specialized Persian royal guard. When one of their own kidnaps the prince of the realm, Sargon becomes entangled in a web of deceit and intrigue. This brings his group to the enigmatic and supposedly cursed Mount Qaf, the setting for the adventure.
Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown, with its superb new Metroidvania quality-of-life elements, thrilling platforming, and well-tuned fighting, is a genre leader and a victorious comeback for the beloved series. It’s definitely worth a look, and the Switch’s portability makes exploring possible while watching your favorite baking program.
20. Shin Megami Tensei V
Although the Persona series is more well-known in North America than the Shin Megami Tensei mainstream series, JRPG fans shouldn’t pass up Shin Megami Tensei V. The distinct aura of the series is captured in this Nintendo Switch exclusive, which is enhanced with clever combat that demands players to make calculated choices. Although the plot is slow to get going, it is full of compelling characters and choice-driven moments that keep the reader interested the entire time. Shin Megami Tensei V is a fantastic option for a JRPG on the Switch that you can spend countless hours playing—you don’t even need to have played the earlier games in the series to enjoy it.
