TheNintendo Switchhas an incredibly diverse portfolio of games. Its catalog of games pans different genres, characters, and tones. The thing I love about theNintendo Switchis that no matter what I feel like playing, there’s something on Nintendo’s incredibly sucessful console. From marquee AAA experiences toindie darlings, there are so many games to choose from. Best of all, they all play well, no matter if you opt to dock the Switch and play on a TV or play the handheld on your couch or while traveling.
With an exceedingly far-reaching library, I took it upon myself to name 5 must-play games every Switch owner should play.
My dream Nintendo Switch 2 launch lineup would be game over for the competition
The Switch 2 needs a strong set of launch titles to get people to buy it over any other handheld. These would be a dream come true for me.
1Super Smash Bros. Ultimate
Everyone is here and it’s a party worth playing
Super Smash Bros. Ultimate
One of the best fighting games ever released, there are so many characters to master.
The crossover fighting game from Nintendo is the quintessential multiplayer game on Nintendo Switch. As a successor to Super Smash Bros. for WiiU, director Mashahiro Sakurai and his team asked, “what if we threw everything at the wall?” That’s exactly what Sora Ltd. did, incorporating 89 playable characters, including fighters from every previous game in the franchise.
That wasn’t enough though, Super Smash Bros. Ultimate incorporates a ton of new characters including Banjo & Kazooie, Sephiroth, Sora, and Minecraft’s Steve. All of this is paired with cutting-edge fighting mechanics and a ton of multiplayer fun to be had.
Nintendo Switch 2: Everything we know so far
A new Switch is on the way.
2The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom
Build, explore, and save Hyrule in this epic-scaled open world adventure
The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom
It was difficult to choose between The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild and Tears of the Kingdom as both do so many things well on the Nintendo Switch. However, the most recent Tears of the Kingdom earned a rightful place on the list as it is the definitive open-world Zelda experience from Nintendo.
It pairs wonderfully crafted open-ended gameplay systems with an epic-sprawling map. With five new powers available and the ability to construct vehicles, Tears of the Kingdom encourages players to use their imagination to the fullest while saving Hyrule once more.
The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom review: A soaring achievement
Breath of the Wild is surpassed in a litany of ways in this exceptional sequel.
You’ll probably end up swooning over a god or two
Although I’m not a die-hard roguelike fan, Hades is one of the must-play Switch games. The 2020 title from Supergiant Games became an all-timer on the hardware for its expert use of roguelike mechanics paired with a rich tapestry of Greek mythology. Hades also incorporates branching stories, making it perfect for multiple playthroughs.
The game revolves around Zagreus, the son of Hades, as he attempts to escape from the Underworld. It’s also perfect timing, as Hades 2 was released in early access earlier this year.
I don’t believe the latest Nintendo Switch 2 leak and you shouldn’t either
Not every blurry video you find on social media is legitimate.
Traverse a physical and emotional mountain in this sleek platformer
If you’re looking for indie darlings, look no further than Celeste. The 2018 2D title looks like a simple platformer with streamlined controls. However, it quickly humbles even the most expert players. Controlling Madeline, players must venture up a mountain, completing levels across nine chapters.
Each level is composed of multiple single-screen challenges with checkpoints between each one. So, while one screen can give you trouble, you won’t have to worry about losing progress. Celeste combines its sharp platforming mechanics and stunning art style with a story about self-doubt, anxiety, and depression. It’s a beautiful game from stem to stern.
How to connect your Nintendo Switch to a TV
Set up your Switch to enjoy your games in big-screen glory.
5Animal Crossing: New Horizons
Settle in, get cozy, and start earning some Bells
Animal Crossing: New Horizons
What’s a Nintendo Switch game list without a cozy game?Animal Crossing: New Horizonshas become a beloved title for many. Personally, this was a game that got me through the COVID-19 pandemic as it was released March 2020. Its gameplay loop encourages daily check-ins while building out your island is easy to digest and quickly becomes addicting.
With so many customization options to build and decorate your home and that of other inhabitants. Players jumping in now also gain access to a full calendar’s worth of in-game events, including the Festive Season, Halloween, Toy Day and more.
How Animal Crossing: New Horizons' Photo Mode lets you take screenshots
One of Animal Crossing: New Horizons' neatest features is something called NookPhone, and it lets you take screenshots.
