Top 10 Nintendo Switch Games You Need To Play

Hey guys! Are you looking for the absolute best games to play on your Nintendo Switch? Well, you've come to the right place! The Nintendo Switch has become a powerhouse of gaming goodness, boasting an incredible library that spans genres and playstyles. Whether you're into epic adventures, brain-teasing puzzles, or just some good old-fashioned multiplayer fun, the Switch has something for everyone. But with so many amazing titles to choose from, it can be tough to know where to start. That's why I've compiled this list of the top 10 Nintendo Switch games that you absolutely need to play. Get ready to dive into a world of unforgettable gaming experiences! This isn't just some random list; I've poured through countless reviews, spent hours playing these games myself, and considered the opinions of fellow Switch enthusiasts to bring you what I believe is a truly definitive guide. So, grab your Switch, charge up those Joy-Cons, and let's get started! We're going to explore a diverse range of games, from critically acclaimed masterpieces to hidden gems that deserve your attention. Each game on this list offers a unique and compelling experience, showcasing the versatility and charm of the Nintendo Switch. Whether you're a seasoned gamer or new to the world of Nintendo, you're sure to find something here that sparks your interest. Let's jump into the exciting world of Nintendo Switch gaming and discover some titles that will keep you glued to your screen for hours on end.

1. The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild

Okay, let's kick things off with a true masterpiece, a game that redefined open-world adventures: The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild! Guys, if you own a Switch and haven't played this yet, you're seriously missing out. This isn't just a game; it's an experience. From the moment you step out into the vast and breathtaking world of Hyrule, you're given an unparalleled sense of freedom. You can go anywhere, climb anything, and tackle challenges in any order you choose. It's like a giant, beautiful playground filled with secrets to discover and enemies to conquer. The story itself is captivating, filled with memorable characters and a compelling narrative, but the real magic of Breath of the Wild lies in its emergent gameplay. You'll stumble upon unexpected encounters, experiment with different approaches to combat, and craft your own unique adventures. The physics engine is incredible, allowing for creative solutions to puzzles and hilarious moments of improvisation. Want to start a fire? Rub a flint with a metal weapon! Want to take down a giant monster? Lure it into an electrical storm! The possibilities are endless. What truly sets Breath of the Wild apart is its ability to constantly surprise and delight. You might be exploring a seemingly empty field and suddenly discover a hidden shrine, or stumble upon a group of Bokoblins having a campfire party. Every corner of Hyrule feels alive and vibrant, brimming with secrets and opportunities. This game is not just about following a linear path; it's about forging your own legend. You'll learn to scavenge for resources, cook delicious meals, and master a variety of weapons and skills. The combat system is challenging but rewarding, encouraging you to think strategically and adapt to different enemy types. And the bosses? Oh, the bosses are epic! Each one requires a unique approach and a mastery of Link's abilities. Breath of the Wild is a game that you can easily sink hundreds of hours into, and you'll still be discovering new things. It's a testament to the power of open-world design and a must-have for any Switch owner. So, if you're looking for an adventure that will stay with you long after the credits roll, look no further than The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild.

2. Super Mario Odyssey

Next up, let's jump into the whimsical world of Super Mario Odyssey! This game is pure joy in video game form, guys. It's a vibrant, colorful, and endlessly inventive platformer that will put a smile on your face from start to finish. Mario's latest adventure takes him on a globe-trotting journey across a series of stunningly diverse kingdoms, each with its own unique atmosphere and challenges. From the bustling streets of New Donk City to the serene shores of the Seaside Kingdom, every location is a feast for the eyes. But the real game-changer in Super Mario Odyssey is Cappy, Mario's new companion. This sentient hat allows Mario to "capture" enemies and objects, transforming him into everything from a Goomba to a T-Rex! This mechanic opens up a whole new world of possibilities for gameplay and exploration. You'll be using Cappy to solve puzzles, traverse tricky platforms, and even battle bosses in creative and unexpected ways. The level design in Super Mario Odyssey is absolutely brilliant. Each kingdom is packed with secrets to discover, hidden Power Moons to collect, and challenging platforming sections to master. The game encourages you to explore every nook and cranny, rewarding your curiosity with new surprises and challenges. And the Power Moons? There are hundreds of them! Finding them all is a true test of your platforming skills and your ability to think outside the box. But it's not just the gameplay that makes Super Mario Odyssey so special. It's the sheer sense of fun and whimsy that permeates every aspect of the game. The characters are charming, the music is infectious, and the overall atmosphere is one of pure, unadulterated joy. Whether you're a longtime Mario fan or new to the series, you're sure to fall in love with this game. It's a celebration of everything that makes Mario games so great, and it's a perfect example of why Nintendo is the king of platformers. Super Mario Odyssey is a must-play for any Switch owner, a true masterpiece that will keep you entertained for hours on end. It's a game that will make you feel like a kid again, and that's something truly special.

3. Animal Crossing: New Horizons

Alright, guys, let's slow things down a bit and escape to a tropical paradise with Animal Crossing: New Horizons! This game is the ultimate chill-out experience, a charming and relaxing life simulator that will whisk you away to your own personal island getaway. In New Horizons, you'll move to a deserted island and build a new life for yourself, decorating your home, crafting furniture, catching bugs, and fishing in the ocean. But the real heart of the game is its social aspect. You'll meet a cast of adorable animal villagers, each with their own unique personalities and quirks. You'll build friendships with them, help them out with their problems, and invite them to live on your island. It's a truly heartwarming experience that will make you feel like you're part of a close-knit community. One of the best things about Animal Crossing: New Horizons is its freedom. There's no real objective or end goal. You're free to play the game at your own pace, focusing on the activities that you enjoy the most. If you love decorating, you can spend hours designing your dream home. If you're a collector, you can try to catch every bug and fish in the game. Or if you just want to relax and chat with your villagers, you can do that too! The game is constantly evolving, with new events and content being added regularly. There are seasonal holidays to celebrate, special visitors to meet, and new items to collect. This ensures that there's always something new to discover, even after you've been playing for hundreds of hours. Animal Crossing: New Horizons is a perfect game for anyone who's looking for a relaxing and engaging experience. It's a game that you can play for a few minutes each day, or for hours on end. It's a game that will make you smile, and it's a game that you'll want to keep coming back to again and again. If you need a break from the hustle and bustle of everyday life, escape to your own island paradise with Animal Crossing: New Horizons. You won't regret it!

4. Mario Kart 8 Deluxe

Okay, let's rev up those engines and get ready for some high-octane racing action with Mario Kart 8 Deluxe! This game is the ultimate party game, guys, guaranteed to bring out the competitive spirit in everyone. Whether you're playing with friends on the couch or battling it out online, Mario Kart 8 Deluxe is an absolute blast. This isn't just your average racing game; it's a chaotic and hilarious experience filled with power-ups, wacky tracks, and plenty of opportunities to sabotage your opponents. You'll be drifting around corners, launching shells, and dodging banana peels as you race to the finish line. The roster of characters is huge, featuring all your favorite Mario characters, plus a few surprises. And the tracks are incredibly diverse, ranging from classic Mario circuits to gravity-defying courses that will test your driving skills. One of the best things about Mario Kart 8 Deluxe is its accessibility. Anyone can pick up a controller and start playing, but there's also a surprising amount of depth for skilled players. You'll need to master the art of drifting, learn the best racing lines, and strategically use your power-ups if you want to come out on top. The game offers a variety of modes to keep things fresh, including Grand Prix, Time Trials, Battle Mode, and online multiplayer. You can race against your friends locally, compete against players from around the world, or even participate in tournaments. There's always something new to try, and the competition is always fierce. Mario Kart 8 Deluxe is a game that's perfect for any occasion. It's a great way to spend time with friends and family, and it's guaranteed to provide hours of entertainment. If you're looking for a fun, competitive, and endlessly replayable racing game, look no further than Mario Kart 8 Deluxe. It's a must-have for any Switch owner, and it's a game that will keep you coming back for more.

5. Super Smash Bros. Ultimate

Get ready to rumble, guys, because Super Smash Bros. Ultimate is here! This game is the ultimate crossover fighting game, bringing together an absolutely massive roster of characters from all corners of gaming. We're talking Mario, Link, Pikachu, Solid Snake, Cloud Strife – the list goes on and on! If you're a fan of video games, you're guaranteed to find some of your favorite characters in this game. But Super Smash Bros. Ultimate isn't just about the characters; it's about the chaotic and exhilarating gameplay. This isn't your typical fighting game with health bars and complex combos. Instead, you'll be battling it out on dynamic stages, trying to knock your opponents off the screen. The more damage you take, the further you'll fly, making you more vulnerable to a KO. It's a simple concept, but it leads to some incredibly exciting and unpredictable matches. The game offers a staggering amount of content, including a massive single-player campaign, a variety of multiplayer modes, and a seemingly endless supply of unlockable characters, stages, and music. You can play locally with friends, battle it out online, or even create your own custom tournaments. There's always something new to discover, and the possibilities are virtually limitless. Super Smash Bros. Ultimate is a game that's perfect for both casual players and hardcore fighting game enthusiasts. It's easy to pick up and play, but there's also a ton of depth for those who want to master the game's intricate mechanics. You can spend hours practicing your combos, learning the matchups, and strategizing your approach to each fight. But even if you're just mashing buttons, you're guaranteed to have a blast. The sheer spectacle of the game is enough to keep you entertained for hours on end. Watching your favorite characters duke it out in epic battles is a truly unforgettable experience. If you're looking for a fighting game that's packed with content, features a massive roster, and offers endless replayability, look no further than Super Smash Bros. Ultimate. It's a must-have for any Switch owner, and it's a game that will keep you entertained for years to come.

6. Pokémon Sword and Shield

Gotta catch 'em all! Let's dive into the world of Pokémon Sword and Shield, the latest mainline entries in the beloved Pokémon series. These games take you to the Galar region, a stunning land inspired by the United Kingdom, where you'll embark on an epic adventure to become the Champion. Guys, if you're a Pokémon fan, you already know the drill: you'll choose your starter Pokémon, explore the region, battle other trainers, and catch a whole bunch of new and exciting Pokémon. But Sword and Shield also introduce some new features that shake up the classic Pokémon formula. One of the biggest additions is the Wild Area, a vast open-world area where you can freely roam and encounter Pokémon in their natural habitats. This is a huge departure from the series' traditional linear structure, and it adds a whole new level of exploration and discovery to the game. Another exciting new feature is Dynamaxing, which allows your Pokémon to grow to gigantic sizes for a limited time. Dynamax battles are epic spectacles, and they require you to think strategically and work together with your team to take down powerful opponents. Sword and Shield also introduce a new generation of Pokémon, including some truly unique and memorable creatures. You'll encounter everything from adorable Wooloo to the fearsome Zacian and Zamazenta, the legendary Pokémon of the Galar region. The story in Sword and Shield is engaging, the characters are charming, and the world is brimming with secrets to discover. Whether you're battling Gym Leaders, exploring the Wild Area, or trading Pokémon with your friends, there's always something to do in the Galar region. If you're a longtime Pokémon fan or new to the series, Pokémon Sword and Shield are a must-play. They're a fantastic addition to the Pokémon franchise, and they're sure to provide you with hours of fun and excitement. So, grab your Poké Balls, choose your starter, and get ready to embark on an unforgettable adventure!

7. Splatoon 2

Get ready to ink up the turf, guys, because Splatoon 2 is here! This game is a unique and colorful take on the multiplayer shooter genre, replacing bullets with ink and focusing on teamwork and strategy. If you're tired of the same old shooters, Splatoon 2 is a breath of fresh air. In Splatoon 2, you play as Inklings, humanoid creatures that can transform into squids. You'll team up with other players to battle for territory, splatting your opponents with ink and covering the map in your team's color. The goal isn't just to get the most kills; it's to control the most turf. This simple twist on the shooter formula makes Splatoon 2 incredibly addictive and strategic. You'll need to work together with your team, communicate effectively, and use your weapons and abilities wisely if you want to come out on top. The game features a variety of modes to keep things fresh, including Turf War, Ranked Battles, and Salmon Run, a horde mode where you team up with other players to fight off waves of Salmonids. There's also a single-player campaign that's surprisingly engaging, telling the story of the Octarians and the missing Great Zapfish. Splatoon 2 is a game that's easy to pick up and play, but there's also a ton of depth for skilled players. You'll need to learn the intricacies of each weapon, master the art of inking turf, and develop strategies for each mode if you want to climb the ranks. But even if you're just having fun and splatting your friends, you're guaranteed to have a blast. The game's vibrant visuals, catchy music, and quirky characters make it a joy to play, and the constant updates and events keep the game feeling fresh and exciting. If you're looking for a shooter that's different from the rest, Splatoon 2 is a must-try. It's a unique, colorful, and incredibly fun game that will keep you coming back for more. So, grab your Inkling, choose your weapon, and get ready to splat!

8. Hades

Prepare to descend into the Underworld, guys, because Hades is an absolute masterpiece! This rogue-like dungeon crawler from Supergiant Games has taken the gaming world by storm, and for good reason. It's a challenging, rewarding, and incredibly addictive game that will keep you coming back for more, even after countless deaths. In Hades, you play as Zagreus, the Prince of the Underworld, who's trying to escape his father's domain and reach the surface. You'll battle your way through a series of procedurally generated dungeons, fighting hordes of enemies and facing off against powerful bosses. But here's the catch: if you die, you'll be sent back to the beginning, and you'll have to start your escape attempt all over again. But don't worry, death isn't the end in Hades. With each run, you'll learn new strategies, unlock new abilities, and earn permanent upgrades that will make you stronger and more resilient. You'll also meet a cast of fascinating characters, including the gods of Olympus, who will offer you boons that grant you special powers. The story in Hades is surprisingly deep and engaging, and the characters are incredibly well-developed. You'll learn more about Zagreus's motivations, his relationships with the gods, and the history of the Underworld as you progress through the game. But it's not just the story that makes Hades so special; it's the gameplay. The combat is fast-paced, fluid, and incredibly satisfying. You'll have access to a variety of weapons and abilities, and you'll need to experiment and find the build that suits your playstyle. The level design is also fantastic, with each dungeon offering a unique challenge. If you're looking for a game that's challenging, rewarding, and incredibly addictive, Hades is a must-play. It's a masterpiece of the rogue-like genre, and it's sure to keep you entertained for hours on end. So, prepare to die, learn from your mistakes, and keep fighting your way to the surface!

9. Fire Emblem: Three Houses

Let's head to the continent of Fódlan, guys, because Fire Emblem: Three Houses is calling! This tactical RPG is a must-play for fans of the genre, offering a compelling story, deep character customization, and challenging strategic battles. In Three Houses, you play as a professor at the Garreg Mach Monastery, a prestigious academy where students from three different nations come to train. You'll choose one of the three houses to lead, and you'll guide your students through their academic and military training. But this isn't just a school simulator; it's also a war story. As you progress through the game, you'll be drawn into a conflict that will shape the fate of Fódlan. You'll need to make difficult choices, forge alliances, and lead your students into battle against formidable foes. The gameplay in Fire Emblem: Three Houses is a blend of tactical combat and social simulation. You'll spend your time exploring the monastery, interacting with your students, and building relationships with them. You'll also train your students, teaching them new skills and abilities, and preparing them for battle. When it's time to fight, you'll engage in turn-based battles on a grid-based map. You'll need to strategically position your units, take advantage of terrain, and exploit enemy weaknesses if you want to succeed. The story in Fire Emblem: Three Houses is incredibly engaging, with complex characters, political intrigue, and emotional moments. You'll grow attached to your students, and you'll feel the weight of your decisions as you lead them through the war. The game also features multiple endings, depending on the choices you make, so there's plenty of replay value. If you're looking for a tactical RPG with a compelling story, deep character customization, and challenging battles, Fire Emblem: Three Houses is a must-play. It's a fantastic addition to the Fire Emblem series, and it's sure to keep you entertained for hours on end.

10. Stardew Valley

Last but definitely not least, let's escape to the countryside with Stardew Valley, guys! This charming farming simulator is a hidden gem on the Switch, offering a relaxing and rewarding experience that will keep you hooked for hours. In Stardew Valley, you inherit your grandfather's old farm in a quaint little town. You'll need to clear the land, plant crops, raise animals, and build your farm from the ground up. But Stardew Valley is more than just a farming simulator. It's also a social simulator, where you'll interact with the townsfolk, build relationships, and even find love. You can explore the town, go fishing, mine for resources, and even battle monsters in the local caves. The game offers a surprising amount of depth, with a variety of skills to learn, items to craft, and secrets to discover. You can customize your farm to your liking, choosing what crops to plant, what animals to raise, and what buildings to construct. You can also decorate your home, personalize your character, and even get married and start a family. Stardew Valley is a game that's easy to pick up and play, but it's also incredibly addictive. There's always something to do, and you'll find yourself constantly wanting to improve your farm, explore new areas, and build relationships with the townsfolk. The game's charming pixel art style, relaxing music, and heartwarming atmosphere make it a joy to play, and it's a perfect escape from the stresses of everyday life. If you're looking for a relaxing and rewarding game that will keep you entertained for hours on end, Stardew Valley is a must-play. It's a hidden gem on the Switch, and it's a game that you won't regret adding to your collection. So, pack your bags, grab your tools, and get ready to start your new life in Stardew Valley!

These are just a few of the amazing games available on the Nintendo Switch, guys. With its versatility, incredible library, and unique gameplay experiences, the Switch is a must-have for any gamer. So, what are you waiting for? Grab your Switch and start playing!