We've been playing our Nintendo Switch since it first launched in March 2017, and have been addicted ever since. If you're on the fence about buying a Switch, Xbox, or PlayStation, or even if you just bought a Switch and need some Nintendo Switch games to play, we have you covered. The Nintendo Switch has a highly extensive game library that's a bit intimidating given the fact that there are so many titles to choose from.
After the first Nintendo Direct of 2023, it's clear the selection of Nintendo Switch games will only continue to grow. Although we are counting down the days to The Legend of Zelda Tears of the Kingdom just like everyone else, you should know that there are plenty of amazing indie games, numerous third-partyadventure titles, RPGs, and party games worth playing as well.
Rest assured that you can find the latest and greatest Nintendo Switch games that you can play anywhere right here. This list is spread across a wide variety of genres and although we love best-sellers like Breath of the Wild, Super Mario Odyssey, and Mario Kart 8 Deluxe, we tried to highlight lesser-known titles that are well worth your time. We also made sure to include video games that appeal to players of all ages, as well as some multiplayer games that you can play with your friends and family.
Death's Door is a fabulous RPG game. The game perfectly blends exploration and combat and reminds me a bit of a Zelda title. The more you play, the stronger you'll become, so you can take on (and hopefully defeat) the big bosses.
Death's Door is a unique title with humor, a great story, an exciting soundtrack, and simple controls. It's charming and I can't recommend it enough.
Xenoblade Chronicles is one of those titles with a humungous world that you immediately get sucked into and next thing you know you've put close to 200 hours into playing it. We're huge fans of this game's engaging but emotional story, its lovable characters, and its upgraded graphics.
The latest installment of Animal Crossing is perfect for anybody searching for a form of escape. The game is delightful and great for fans of The Sims or Stardew Valley. It’s simple, friendly, and packed full of customization options. You have full control of your character’s appearance, their home, and even the geography of the island that you live on.
Players can invite their friends and family to interact within the game. If you’ve been searching for a peaceful, creative, and colorful game to relax and have a good time playing, look no further!
Pokémon Violet and Scarlet give fans of the franchise a gorgeous open world that lets trainers explore and catch all the Pokémon you could ever dream of.
In the game, you play as a student in the Naranja or Uva Academy (depending on what game you get) where you'll learn about gameplay mechanics when you need a break from exploring the great outdoors in search of Pokémon. Of course, you could just cut class and participate in battles! We won't judge!
Splatoon 2 is my favorite Switch game, so it shouldn't come as a surprise that I'm a huge fan of the latest installment.
The premise is a bit like paintball — your character is equipped with a unique paint-filled weapon, which could be anything from a giant paint roller to a rifle, and you go around and color a map and take out your opponents. The winner is determined by who paints the largest portion of the map before time runs out.
The game is highly competitive and is so much fun. Reader, I truly can't put it down.
Don’t let the “3D” in the name confuse you — in Super Mario 3D World,the levels in the game are very much sidescrollers like the Mario games you grew up with. You can move in all directions, but in this title, you won't be exploring large open worlds collecting items, but rather running through colorful environments stomping on enemies, and collecting coins before time runs out.
It's a formula that works and this game is as addicting and entertaining as past titles in the franchise. We also love that it's multiplayer so kids can join in on the fun.
Spiritfarer is a gorgeously animated adventure game with a bit of a heavy premise. In it, you have to care for the spirits of the recently dead. Spirits can ask you to do anything, from building them a house, collecting items, or visiting specific areas. If you love Animal Crossing, I'm confident you'll enjoy Spiritfarer.
I grew up playing Tony Hawk games, and although OlliOlli World appears much more simplified on the surface, I was surprised how true to skateboarding the game actually was.
This is one of those games where you'll oftentimes want to rage-quit and throw your console at the wall, but if you love a good challenge you'll appreciate this game. It's fantastic with its impressive animation and intrinsic-level design.
Despite its zany storyline, this well-polished game manages to keep you entertained thanks to its challenging X-Com-style mechanics, storytelling, and impressive musical score.
It’s a funny, imaginative, and enjoyable strategy game that’s difficult to put down. I enjoyed it more than the first game in the series, but don’t worry — you don’t need to play the original game before picking this one up!
I first discovered Shredder’s Revenge in the Wirecutter's Best Couch Co-op game roundup. Their video game writer said the game is a “fantastic refresh of the classic arcade games from the late ’80s and early ’90s,” and as someone who loves playing The Simpsons game at arcades, I couldn't agree more.
What separates it from other multiplayer Switch titles is this one lets you play with six players total on a single screen (most other multiplayer games limit you to just four players.)
“The color spectrum evolves the more you play, and as you unlock colors and move through the game you’ll be introduced to different areas and locales that are just so pretty I can’t help but spam the screenshot button,” wrote senior staff writer Heather Wald.
If you're in search of a game with detailed animation, original eye-catching art, and an elegant original score, you found your match!
Unlike the majority of past Sonic titles. Frontiers has an open world brimming with dense forests, waterfalls, and plenty of ground for you to cover. I was sucked right in and found that the game had great boss fights and entertaining puzzles.
Combat can be annoying at points, but overall if you're a fan of the Sonic series like I am, you're likely in for a good time. One more thing, it can't go without saying ... the soundtrack absolutely slaps!
Jon Bolding, a writer at IGN said this chill action-adventure game has “all the stylings of a retro JRPG,” but that it “plays more like Zelda” than Dragon Quest. The game has a well-written story, lovable characters, and it's a relaxing but memorable title that's filled with hidden treasures, fun puzzles, and some combat.
Pokémon Legends: Arceus is basically Breath of the Wild crossed with Pokémon and I mean that in the absolute best way possible. The game takes place during the period when humans were first starting to encounter Pokémon and it's a welcomed addition to the series.
"Vast open fields, revamped battle mechanics, and an utterly addictive approach to exploration create the most immersive Pokemon experience yet," wrote Will Greenwald, an editor at PC Mag.
Kirby and the Forgotten Land marks Kirby's latest fully 3D platforming adventure after the colorful Crystal Shards game on the Nintendo 64. The game packs plenty of boss fights, puzzles, and new foes for Kirby to copy their unique abilities.
I recommend the game, especially for younger kids, but I promise it'll make grown-ups smile, too. I couldn't help but laugh the first time I made Kirby swallow a car.
Neon White is a first-person action game that has received high praise from gamers at CNET, The Verge, and Kotaku. A staff writer from the latter described the game as “a beautiful monster that’s a first-person shooter, dating simulator, puzzle game, and platformer” all in one.
It's a good fan for fans of speedrunners and has an incredibly fun storyline. There's really not many games like it!
Shovel Knight is a very good indie game and 2D platformer. I recommend it for gamers who appreciate 8-bit titles with complex and well-written storylines. The game is basically a steal. For just $30 you get other titles in the series, including Shovel of Hope, Plague of Shadows, Specter of Torment, King of Cards, and Showdown!
Moonlighter is a short but sweet action RPG with rogue-lite elements following the everyday routines of Will, a shopkeeper who dreams of becoming a hero. An editor at GamesRadar said this unique indie title "channels Stardew Valley with that 'just one more day' gameplay loop, but instead of tending a farm you're part-time dungeon crawler and part-time shopkeeper."
Baba Is You is a highly innovative puzzle game that was recognized on multiple occasions at the Independent Games Festival. What makes it stand out is the fact that the rules of the game are present as physical objects within each level, which means players are given the opportunity to alter the rules and game logic in order to solve the puzzles.
Broforce is best played with friends. In this couch co-op, your job is to save your bros from terrorist captivity. All characters are parodies of fictional action heroes, ranging from the Terminator’s Rambro (the Brominator), The Brode (aka The Bride from Kill Bill), Brodell Walker (Sergeant Cordell Walker, played by Chuck Norris in the original Walker, Texas Ranger), and more.
It’s a hilarious run-and-gun game that always turns to absolute chaos. Although some levels can be rage-inducing, this game is totally worth the buy just for the laughs alone.
Brandon Carte has been covering technology at BestProducts.com since 2017, where he's been writing about the latest gadgets, appliances, and scouring the internet for the products that make life easier. His reporting has been featured on TopTenReviews.com, Good Housekeeping and USA Today. When he's not researching washing machines or testing robot vacuums, you can find him at concerts, swimming laps, or at the movies. He thinks smartphones are too big, prefers MP3s to Spotify, and misses his iPhone’s headphone jack.