Since its release, the Nintendo Switch has taken the gaming world by storm, revolutionizing the way we play and offering an unrivaled level of versatility. With its unique hybrid design and an impressive library of games, the Switch has captivated both casual and hardcore gamers alike, redefining what it means to have a gaming console on the go.
In this blog post, we will embark on a thrilling journey into the world of Nintendo Switch gaming, as we uncover the top five games that are absolute must-plays. These carefully curated titles represent the pinnacle of gaming excellence on the Switch, offering unforgettable experiences that will keep you immersed for hours on end.
Number 1. Mario Kart 8 Deluxe
Mario Kart 8 Deluxe is a racing game developed and published by Nintendo for the Nintendo Switch. It is an enhanced port of Mario Kart 8 for the Wii U, and was first released worldwide on April 28, 2017. The game features all of the content from the Wii U version, including all 48 tracks, 42 characters, and 120 vehicles. Additionally, the game includes new features such as a revised Battle Mode, the ability to hold two items at once, and the Inklings from Splatoon as playable characters.
Mario Kart 8 Deluxe has been praised for its fun and addictive gameplay, as well as its excellent graphics and sound. The game has also been a commercial success, selling over 28 million copies worldwide as of March 2023.
Here is a more detailed look at some of the features of Mario Kart 8 Deluxe:
- Battle Mode: Battle Mode has been completely overhauled for Mario Kart 8 Deluxe. There are now eight new Battle Mode courses, and players can choose from a variety of new items to use against their opponents.
- Holding Two Items: In Mario Kart 8 Deluxe, players can now hold two items at once. This gives players more options in battle, and allows them to use items more strategically.
- Inklings: The Inklings from Splatoon are playable characters in Mario Kart 8 Deluxe. They have their own unique karts and abilities, and they can use ink to cover the track and slow down their opponents.
Mario Kart 8 Deluxe is a great game for players of all ages. It is a lot of fun to play with friends and family, and it is also a great way to challenge yourself and improve your skills. If you are looking for a fun and addictive racing game, then Mario Kart 8 Deluxe is definitely worth checking out.
Number 2. Super Smash Bros. Ultimate
Super Smash Bros. Ultimate is a 2018 crossover fighting game developed by Bandai Namco Studios and Sora Ltd. and published by Nintendo for the Nintendo Switch. It is the fifth installment in the Super Smash Bros. series, succeeding Super Smash Bros. for Nintendo 3DS and Wii U.
The game features a roster of over 75 playable characters, including returning favorites like Mario, Link, and Pikachu, as well as new additions like Inkling from Splatoon and Ridley from Metroid. Players can battle each other in a variety of stages, including classic locations like Final Destination and Battlefield, as well as new stages based on popular Nintendo franchises like Super Mario Odyssey and The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild.
Super Smash Bros. Ultimate also features a number of new gameplay features, including a new story mode called World of Light, a new online mode called Smash Ultimate, and a new mode called Spirits, which allows players to collect and train spirits based on characters from Nintendo and third-party franchises.
The game was released to critical acclaim, with many critics praising its large roster of characters, its variety of stages, and its new gameplay features. Super Smash Bros. Ultimate was also a commercial success, selling over 20 million copies worldwide.
Here are some of the things that make Super Smash Bros. Ultimate a great game:
- Large roster of characters: Super Smash Bros. Ultimate features a roster of over 75 playable characters, including returning favorites like Mario, Link, and Pikachu, as well as new additions like Inkling from Splatoon and Ridley from Metroid. This gives players a wide variety of characters to choose from, each with their own unique movesets and playstyles.
- Variety of stages: Super Smash Bros. Ultimate features a variety of stages to battle on, including classic locations like Final Destination and Battlefield, as well as new stages based on popular Nintendo franchises like Super Mario Odyssey and The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild. This gives players a lot of variety in terms of the environments they can battle in.
- New gameplay features: Super Smash Bros. Ultimate features a number of new gameplay features, including a new story mode called World of Light, a new online mode called Smash Ultimate, and a new mode called Spirits, which allows players to collect and train spirits based on characters from Nintendo and third-party franchises. These new features add a lot of depth and replayability to the game.
Overall, Super Smash Bros. Ultimate is a great game that offers a lot of content for players to enjoy.
Number 3. Animal Crossing: New Horizons
Animal Crossing: New Horizons is a 2020 social simulation game developed and published by Nintendo for the Nintendo Switch. It is the fifth main entry in the Animal Crossing series, following Animal Crossing: New Leaf for the Nintendo 3DS. In New Horizons, players assume the role of a customizable character who moves to a deserted island after Tom Nook, a tanuki character who runs a real estate business, offers them a free vacation home as part of a new program he is testing. Players are tasked with building a new community on the island, which can be done by collecting resources, crafting items, and inviting other animals to live on the island. The game features a variety of activities, including fishing, bug-catching, gardening, and decorating.
New Horizons was released to critical acclaim, with praise for its relaxing gameplay, charming characters, and beautiful graphics. The game was a commercial success, selling over 30 million copies worldwide. It was also nominated for several awards, including Game of the Year at The Game Awards 2020.
Here are some of the things you can do in Animal Crossing: New Horizons:
- Explore your island. Your island is a vast and ever-changing place. Explore the beaches, forests, and mountains to find new resources and hidden treasures.
- Craft items. Use the resources you collect to craft tools, furniture, and other items. You can even craft custom designs for your clothes and home.
- Decorate your island. Make your island your own by decorating it with furniture, flowers, and other items. You can even build bridges and inclines to make it easier to get around.
- Make friends with animals. Meet and befriend the other animals on your island. You can even invite them to live on your island.
- Take part in events. There are always events happening on your island. These events can be anything from fishing tournaments to bug-catching contests.
- Visit other islands. You can visit other players’ islands using the Nook Miles Ticket. This is a great way to get new ideas for your own island.
Animal Crossing: New Horizons is a relaxing and enjoyable game that can be enjoyed by players of all ages.
Number 4. Super Mario Odyssey
Super Mario Odyssey is a 2017 platform game developed and published by Nintendo for the Nintendo Switch. It is the first 3D platformer in the Mario series since Super Mario 3D World in 2013, and the first sandbox-style 3D Mario game since Super Mario 64 in 1996. The game was released worldwide on October 27, 2017.
In Super Mario Odyssey, players control Mario as he travels across a variety of kingdoms in order to save Princess Peach from Bowser. Mario is aided by Cappy, a sentient hat that grants him new abilities, such as the ability to capture enemies and objects. Players can use Cappy to solve puzzles, explore the environment, and defeat enemies.
Super Mario Odyssey received critical acclaim, with praise for its gameplay, visuals, music, and level design. The game was a commercial success, selling over 20 million copies worldwide.
Here are some of the things that make Super Mario Odyssey a great game:
- Gripping gameplay: Super Mario Odyssey is a lot of fun to play. The controls are tight and responsive, and the levels are designed in a way that encourages exploration and creativity.
- Beautiful visuals: Super Mario Odyssey is a visually stunning game. The environments are colorful and detailed, and the characters are expressive and animated.
- Catchy music: The music in Super Mario Odyssey is catchy and upbeat. It helps to create a sense of fun and adventure.
- Varied levels: The levels in Super Mario Odyssey are all unique and offer a variety of challenges. There are platforming levels, puzzle levels, and even racing levels.
- Cappy: Cappy is a fun and useful new addition to the Mario series. He can be used to solve puzzles, defeat enemies, and explore the environment.
Overall, Super Mario Odyssey is a great game that is sure to please fans of the Mario series and platformers in general. It is a must-have for any Nintendo Switch owner.
Number 5. The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild
The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild is an open-world action-adventure game developed and published by Nintendo for the Nintendo Switch and Wii U consoles. Released worldwide in March 2017, it is the sequel to 2011’s The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword and the 15th main installment in The Legend of Zelda series. Taking place 100 years after the events of Skyward Sword, Breath of the Wild follows Link, a Hylian exile, as he sets out to free the land of Hyrule from Calamity Ganon’s control.
Breath of the Wild is a departure from previous Zelda games in several ways. It features a large open world that players can explore freely, and it emphasizes exploration and discovery over traditional Zelda gameplay elements such as dungeons and boss battles. The game also features a more realistic art style and a physics engine that allows players to interact with the environment in a variety of ways.
Breath of the Wild was critically acclaimed upon release, with praise for its open-world design, gameplay, and graphics. The game won numerous awards, including Game of the Year at The Game Awards 2017. It has also been commercially successful, selling over 20 million copies worldwide.
Here are some of the things that make The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild a great game:
- Open-world design: Breath of the Wild is an open-world game, which means that players are free to explore the world at their own pace. There are no strict objectives or goals, and players can choose to complete the game in any order they want. This gives players a great deal of freedom and allows them to explore the world at their own pace.
- Exploration and discovery: Breath of the Wild emphasizes exploration and discovery. Players are rewarded for exploring the world by finding new items, weapons, and secrets. There are also many side quests and challenges to complete, which adds to the game’s replay value.
- Physics engine: Breath of the Wild features a physics engine that allows players to interact with the environment in a variety of ways. Players can climb mountains, swim, and even fly using a glider. This gives players a lot of freedom to explore the world and approach challenges in different ways.
- Graphics: Breath of the Wild features stunning graphics that bring the world of Hyrule to life. The game’s art style is also very unique and stylish.
Overall, The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild is an excellent game that is sure to please fans of the series and newcomers alike.