The best Nintendo Switch games that every gamer will enjoy
The Nintendo Switch is one of the most popular gaming consoles in recent years joining the likes of the Xbox Series X and the PlayStation 5.
It's no surprise how much of a phenomenon it has become since its launch in 2017, with recent data showing Australians are spending billions of dollars a year on the gaming industry.
NOTE: Prices are accurate at time of publishing.
Why play the Nintendo Switch?
While it may be small, the Nintendo Switch packs a lot in. As a handheld console, you are not limited to where you play your favourite games. Anywhere in your home can be your gaming zone. You are also not limited to one console type, with the Joy-Con controllers able to detach from the console and be played with in any position.
Immersing you into the game, the console is built with HD Rumble which provides physical feedback to in-game events. You will have access to over 5,000 games with some only available to play on the Nintendo Switch. Many of these games are compatible with physical hardcopy versions as well as digital editions.
How to play with the Nintendo Switch
Unlike the PlayStation 5 or the Xbox Series X, the Nintendo Switch can be played in multiple ways to suit your gaming style. There are three gaming modes for you to choose from:
- Handheld mode where you can play on the console's 6.2-inch touchscreen display and use the Joy-Con controllers
- Tabletop mode where you can flip up the console's stand and play in multiplayer
- TV mode to dock the console into your TV and play as you would with a PlayStation or Xbox
So if you're new to gaming, want to re-enter the world or are trying to find the right game for you, we've got you covered. We've found some of the best games for you to try no matter how you game.
Best game for Nintendo Switch
Animal Crossing: New Horizons
Released in 2020 amid the pandemic chaos, Animal Crossing: New Horizons exploded onto the gaming scene and never slowed down. Suitable and enjoyable for all ages, the premise is based on creating a new life on a desert island.
You will get to create your own character and build up your own island home from scratch, building and crafting the resources you need and taking part in day-to-day activities like fishing and gardening. You'll come across some fun characters along the way and can even visit your friend's islands and see how they are building up their island.
Best for kids
Yoshi's Crafted World
Everyone's favourite green dinosaur is on his next adventure after magical gemstones went missing. It's now up to Yoshi and his friends to find them all. Rated G, this child-friendly treasure hunt game will have your kids find the treasures and other hidden artefacts in bright levels and stages. These stages can also be replayed backwards for a new way to play and discover items they may have missed the first time around. It can also be played in two-player mode where both get a Joy-Con so you can play with your child – you're bound to enjoy it too, because who doesn't love Yoshi?
Best for adults
Mortal Kombat 11
Released in 2019, Mortal Kombat 11 is one of the newest games in a saga most gamers not only would have heard of but have played some iteration of – whether that be on the first consoles or even in an arcade. You'll be able to customise your characters for greater control of how they fight while the improved graphics helps you see the impacts of the fighting and damage to the opponent. This game is bound to bring back the nostalgia to any long-time gamer.
Best for Mario fans
Super Mario Odyssey
Super Mario Odyssey throws together everything a Super Mario fan loves: bright worlds to explore, an evil plot by Bowser and finding a way to save Princess Peach. This time Bowser plans to marry the Princess and it's up to Mario and the player to stop that wedding. This sandbox style 3D game is the first of its kind in the Mario gaming universe since 2002's Super Mario Sunshine on the Nintendo GameCube, bringing back something fans haven't seen and played in a very long time.
Not only will you get to explore new kingdoms, but you'll also be introduced to a new friend called Cappy – AKA Mario's iconic red hat. This will let you master new skills like cap throwing, cap jumping and capturing animals and enemies. You can also play in co-op with one playing as Mario and the other as Cappy.
Best for Pokémon fans
Pokémon Legends: Arceus
Based in the Sinnoh region (the same location where Pokémon Diamond and Pokémon Pearl were set), players will discover the origins of Pokémon and create the first Pokédex ever in Sinnoh in Pokémon Legends: Arceus. Players will be guided to different regions to discover more Pokémon and you're bound to find your favourite. To capture a Pokémon, players will have to observe them and learn how they behave before sneakily throwing their Poké Ball. you can also have Pokémon battle against wild Pokémon to catch them.
Best for Legend of Zelda fans
The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom
The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom takes protagonist Link on an adventure across Hyrule and into the skies where unknown lands have been floating. Released in 2023, this sequel to The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild has been a huge hit, with five-star reviews on Amazon. Adding on to the lore, Link has new abilities to build and craft new weaponry and vehicles to fight off enemies, travel across the wide lands and reach Zelda.
READ MORE: The highly anticipated video games set for release in 2023
Best classic game
Mario Kart 8 Deluxe
There was a time when homes across the country and the world had a Wii, and if you had a Wii, that meant you owned Mario Kart. Even if you didn't own a Wii, if you went to someone's house who did, you would also end up playing Mario Kart. It's an undeniable classic and one you can now play on the Nintendo Switch.
Mario Kart 8 Deluxe takes the original games and puts a new spin on them, where you can drive as downloadable characters and on downloadable tracks as well as the ones we're all familiar with. You can play online or with others – up to eight players in local wireless multiplayer mode, four players when using TV mode and two players when using Tabletop mode. There are also new battle modes to pop balloons: Balloon Battle and Bob-omb Blast.
Best remastered game
Metroid Prime Remastered
Metroid Prime Remastered is the re-release of the original 2002 game with improved audio, visuals and controls specifically for playing on the Switch. In this first-person adventure game, players will restart the journey of Samus Aran, a galaxy bounty hunter landing on planet Tallon IV after receiving a distress call. When arriving, she sees her arch-enemy and space pirates have taken over. Players must explore the land and discover what it hides.
READ MORE: Nintendo Switch new releases we can't wait to play
Best multiplayer game
Splatoon 3
Set in the Splatlands desert where a battle between the Inklings and Octolings is occurring, this third-person shooter game will have you and your friends shooting colours to mark out your territory amongst the chaos. Outside of the narrative is Splatfest – these are limited-time events where you choose a time and fight for the cause, creating a Turf War so your team can earn points. Splatoon 3 is fun, vibrant and great for a group to play.
READ MORE: The best video game releases of 2022 that we can't stop playing
Best simulation game
Stardew Valley
Pelican Town has welcomed you as their newest farmer. In Stardew Valley you must create your own farm from the ground, growing crops, raising livestock and building must-have farming machinery. You can customise who your farmer is as well as choose from five different farm settings and layouts to best suit your playing style.
You also get to live a life outside of the daily grind of farming, with over 30 characters to meet around town, being able to marry and have children with up to 12 characters able to live with you. You can also explore Pelican Town's local caves, fishing spots and hotspots and become a real member of the community.
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