The Nintendo Switch hosts an ever-growing library brimming with outstanding games spanning action-adventures, party favorites, immersive RPGs and more.
But the abundance of options also overwhelms newcomers just discovering the portable console’s full potential. To solve that, we compiled must-play recommendations identifying the very best Switch games for all types of gamers – from casual mobile players to devoted home console fans.
Read on for the definitive guide to the Nintendo Switch classics no collection should exclude plus promising upcoming releases.
Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild
No game defines the transcendent Nintendo Switch experience better than Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild.
This open-world action-RPG masterpiece breaks Zelda conventions with a boundless Hyrule Kingdom inviting free roam exploration and nonlinear progression however you choose.
Notable for:
- Massive open worlds rich with secrets
- Myriad gameplay approaches encouraged
- Creative physics-based puzzles
- Ideal blend Nintendo magic wedded with modern AAA grandeur
Breath of the Wild avails seemingly limitless mystery encapsulating the purechild-like Nintendo magic better than nearly any first-party title before.
Super Mario Odyssey
Alongside Zelda’s reinvention, Super Mario Odyssey similarly propels its mascot franchise into uncharted 3D platforming territory.
This joyful adventure spans bizarre worlds from food-themed kingdoms to abstract art dimensions collectively constituting Mario’s strangest outing yet.
Notable for:
- Wildly varied level themes overflowing personality
- Clever cap throw possession mechanic
- Charming callbacks to classic Mario entries
- Local cooperative play
Those seeking the pure rush revisiting Mario 64 or Galaxy feats find their answer in Odyssey’s weird wild kingdoms.
Mario Kart 8 Deluxe
Transitioning from solo adventures to multiplayer magic, Mario Kart 8 Deluxe still reigns supreme delivering the definitive kart racing attraction on Nintendo Switch.
Beyond expected power-ups and drifting mechanics, Deluxe introduces improved visuals, previously absent characters plus integrated DLC expanding already marathon-length appeal.
Notable for:
- Massive track selection drawing heavily from franchise history
- Polished 4-player local and 8-player online multiplayer modes
- Inclusion of fan favorites like King Boo and Bowser Jr
- Ongoing free track additions further extending value
Gather your friends locally or globally and soak in the riotous competition/cooperation exploding off-screen as much as on when playing Mario Kart 8 Deluxe.
Pokemon Legends: Arceus
Another Nintendo evergreen seeing revolutionary new light on Switch – Pokemon – similarly won hearts early 2023 thanks to Pokemon Legends: Arceus.
This Sinnoh region prequel enthralls wandering vast wilderness engaging Pokemon to fill the first true open-world Pokedex hitherto attempted by the franchise.
Notable for:
- Massive zones rewarding player exploration freedom
- Unique strong/agile style battling system
- Deep creature research mechanics catching ‘em all
- Standout visuals and environments
Both series veterans and newcomers uncover incredible replayability discovering the Sinnoh origins through Arceus’ fresh lens modernizing Pokemon for an open world era.
Fire Emblem: Three Houses
Shifting to soil deeper strategy gaming yearnings, Fire Emblem: Three Houses triumphs crafting the series’ grandest turn-based battles yet.
The epic story features four competing houses struggling for continental dominance while the player guides forces, relationships and political alliances deftly over 60+ dramatic hours.
Notable for:
- Massive branching storylines with high replay value
- Deep weapon upgrade and battalion command options
- Four distinct narrative paths and endings
- Support system producing intricate character subplots
Scaled up dramatically over previous franchise iterations, Fire Emblem: Three Houses offers four full AAA solo experiences in one complete package.
Best Indie Gems
Lesser-known indie developers equally stand out crafting numerous creative Nintendo Switch exclusives matching first-party juggernauts through sheer artistry and fun.
Must-play hidden gems include:
- Hades – Roguelike dungeon crawler renowned for clever writing, fluid combat and eye-popping visual flair
- Dead Cells – Difficult side-scrolling action platformer with infectious “just one more run” loop
- Untitled Goose Game – Hilarious sandbox where being an obnoxious goose proves strangely satisfying
These represent but a sample of the diverse indie lineup populating the Switch marketplace with as much – or more at times – creativity than even Nintendo staple series.
Most Anticipated Upcoming Releases
And the hits keep coming as 2023 promises hotly anticipated Switch exclusives like:
- Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom – Breath of the Wild’s direct sequel
- Pikmin 4 – First new Pikmin entry in over a decade
- Advance Wars 1+2 Re-Boot Camp – Remaster of handheld strategy classics
With such wide-ranging variety gracing the diminutive dynamo console, all gamer tastes find themselves well addressed.
Find Your Next Nintendo Switch Obsession
Hopefully our curated recommendations help kickstart your personal Nintendo Switch backlogs with a compelling lineup of must-own tentpole titles, hidden indie surprises and promising exclusives ahead.
Let your Nintendo obsession begin as genres like open world adventures, platforming bliss, kart racing hijinks and tactical roleplaying await discovery!
What Nintendo Switch games rock your world? Share your favorites with us below!
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