The Nintendo Switch is possibly the most unique console ever seen. With the ability to work as a handheld device or a tabletop console with a built-in kickstand or with a TV,it's truly versatile. The console's look and colors catch the eye, too -- and the games are no different.
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Read nowThere are titles for just about anyone on the Nintendo Switch. From RPGs to party games, you can enjoy a night on the couch by yourself or host a party with your friends, with the variety of titles the Switch library offers.
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To help you decide which titles are must-haves and guide you to the ones that might match your gaming preferences, I have broken down different hit games by category. And I personally played many of them.
Tech specs
As one of the most popular titles amongst the Nintendo gaming community,The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wildemerges as the best Switch game -- even though it was released over five years ago.
Although there are 29 Zelda games, you don't need to have prior experience playing the line of games to understand the storyline inBreath of the Wild. Of the 27 games released before it, it's the first one featuring a fully open world to explore. While roaming through vast fields and various other landscapes, players must solve over 100 puzzles, battle enemies, andhunt for food and elixirs that are essential to the progression of the game.
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Animal Crossing: New Horizonsis possibly one of the most relaxing games on the Switch. After being dropped off on a deserted island with only five other critters, your goal is to create an island of your own while completing quests and missions along the way. You will need to collect materials, construct furniture and tools, and build your own world to share with people on the same system or online.
The most unique thing about this game is that the time and season match your location. Other fun features include becoming friends with your island residents, fishing, catching insects, and snorkeling.
After playing this game for a week, I understand the hype surroundingAnimal Crossing: New Horizonsand highly recommend this title. Though it has multiplayer capabilities, the story and amount of content that this game has for single-player gaming are incredibly impressive.
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Mario Kart is one of the most iconic games of all time, but who knew the game could get even better and better? Many thought the game hit its peak with the Wii version, butMario Kart 8 Deluxehad solidified its spot as the best racing game on the Switch.
The game features its normal 50cc, 100cc, and 150cc modes -- and adds a mirror mode as well as an insanely tough 200cc level. This game can be challenging for even the best players.
With Nintendo Online, you can play against people no matter their location. But it's also a great game to play locally on your TV. I had a fierce battle with my friend the other night while playing, and let's just say the last lap got quite intense. If you're competitive, or even just a casual gamer, you can't go wrong withMario Kart 8 Deluxe.
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One of the many things that made the Nintendo Wii such a great console was the free game that came with it: Wii Sports. This classic sees a revamp in Switch Sports, which features an assortment of new games. New sports include: Soccer, badminton, volleyball, and chambara. As well, it still keeps two of the most iconic games, bowling, and tennis -- with golf coming later this fall.
While this game isn't quite as good as the original, it will fill the void of Wii Sports in your life. I have enjoyed playing this game a lot, and it makes me get up and move around -- especially when games get competitive.
Speaking of competitive, this game features online play allowing you to compete with people from all over the globe. If you have a friend over, you can compete together in games like volleyball, bowling, and tennis with online matchmaking.
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Mario Party Superstarsis the newest installment of the incredibly popular Mario Party line of games. With five boards stemming from the Nintendo 64 version, it allows you to compete with others through 100 classic games. While you can play this game by yourself in practice mode, it's most enjoyable when playing with people you know.
View now at AmazonThe worst feeling is when you spend your hard-earned money on something and then don't enjoy it. That's common in the gaming realm, especially as games are retailing at their highest prices ever. But you won't have to worry about buyer's remorse withThe Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild. It's worth every penny.
Offering 189 hours of playtime to completely beat the game, the open-world lets players explore breathtaking landscapes en route to defeating Calamity Ganon and restoring Hyrule.The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wildstands out as a challenging-yet-rewarding game that brings a new installment to a historic franchise.
Nintendo Switch game | Price | #of Players | Time to 100% Complete |
The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild | $59.99 | 1 | 189 hours |
Animal Crossing: New Horizons | $50.99 | 4 | 356 hours |
Mario Kart 8 Deluxe | $49.99 | 4 | 52 hours |
Nintendo Switch Sports | $39.99 | 4 | Variable by player |
Mario Party Superstars | $59.99 | 4 | 47 hours |
With over 4,000 games to choose from in the Nintendo Switch store, how do you figure out which games to choose? Well, consider these when deciding which games are the best fit for you.
Choose this Nintendo Switch game... | If you want... |
The Legend of Zelda: Breathe of the Wild | A Nintendo-exclusive story game that will challenge you through puzzles with breathtaking graphics |
Animal Crossing: New Horizons | A Nintendo Switch relaxing game where you create your own island with friends or by yourself |
Mario Kart 8 Deluxe | A Nintendo classic cartoon racing game that's perfect for playing online |
Nintendo Switch Sports | A Nintendo Switch game that gets you moving and provides a new spin on an older version |
Mario Party Superstars | A Nintendo Switch game perfect for playing with friends in person |
The Nintendo Switch is such a fun console to play, and the five games included on this list are just a few of the many highly rated games available.
I factored in popularity, time to complete the story in full, genre, and multiplayer functionality when narrowing down the choices. While other consoles feature more popular games, most games available on the Switch are specifically for the Switch due to Nintendo developing most of the titles, including all of the ones included here.
I have personally playedMario Kart 8 Deluxe, Animal Crossing: New Horizons, and Nintendo Switch Sports, and I especially recommend each of those titles.
In short, yes. The variety of games and uses that this console offers makes it a must-have for gamers. It is great for families, parties, or even just playing on the couch by yourself.
There are plenty of great titles being released for the Nintendo Switch this fall and winter including:Pok