Skip to Content

Top 50 Nintendo Switch Games You Need to Play ASAP

These winning titles will keep you entertained for hours.

nintendo switch games best 2018
BestProducts.com

We've been independently researching and testing products for over 120 years. If you buy through our links, we may earn a commission. Learn more about our review process.

We've been playing our Nintendo Switch since it first launched in March 2017, and have been addicted ever since. If you're on the fence about buying a Switch, Xbox, or PlayStation, or even if you just bought a Switch and need some Nintendo Switch games to play, we've got you covered. The Nintendo Switch has a highly extensive game library that's a bit intimidating given the fact that there are so many titles to choose from.

Rest assured that you can find the latest and greatest Nintendo Switch games that you can play anywhere right here. This list is spread across a wide variety of genres. We also made sure to include titles that appeal to gamers of all ages, as well as some multiplayer games that you can play with your friends and family.

1

Death's Door

Death's Door

Death's Door is a fabulous RPG game. The game perfectly blends exploration and combat and reminds me a bit of a 'Zelda' title. The more you play, the stronger you'll become so you can take on (and hopefully defeat) the big bosses. Death's Door is a unique title with humor, a great story, an exciting soundtrack, and simple controls. It's charming and I can't recommend it enough.

2

Xenoblade Chronicles: Definitive Edition

On Sale
Xenoblade Chronicles: Definitive Edition

Xenoblade Chronicles is one of those titles with a humungous world that you immediately get sucked into and next thing you know you've put close to 200 hours into playing it. We're huge fans of this game's engaging but emotional story, its lovable characters, and its upgraded graphics.

Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
3

Animal Crossing: New Horizons

On Sale
Animal Crossing: New Horizons
Credit: Nintendo

The latest installment of Animal Crossing is perfect for anybody searching for a form of escape. The game is delightful and great for fans of The Sims or Stardew Valley. It’s simple, friendly, and packed full of customization options. You have full control of your character’s appearance, their home, and even the geography of the island that you live on.

Players can invite their friends and family to interact together within the game. If you’ve been searching for a peaceful, creative, and colorful game to relax and have a good time playing, look no further!

4

Pokémon Violet

On Sale
Pokémon Violet

Pokémon Violet and Scarlet give fans of the franchise a gorgeous open world that lets trainers explore and catch all the Pokemon you could ever dream of. In the game, you play as a student in the Naranja or Uva Academy (depending on what game you get) where you'll learn about gameplay mechanics when you need a break from exploring the great outdoors in search of Pokémon. Of course, you could just cut class and participate in battles! We won't judge!

Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
5

Splatoon 3

Splatoon 3

Splatoon 2 is my favorite Switch game, so it shouldn't come as a surprise that I'm a huge fan of the latest installment. The premise is a bit like paintball, your character is equipped with a unique paint-filled weapon which could be anything from a giant paint roller to a rifle and you go around and color a map and take out your opponents. The winner is determined by who paints the largest portion of the map before time runs out. The game is highly competitive and is so much fun. Reader, I truly can't put it down.

6

Super Mario 3D World + Bowser's Fury

On Sale
Super Mario 3D World + Bowser's Fury

Don't let the "3D" in the name confuse you, in Super Mario 3D World the levels in the game are very much sidescrollers like the 'Mario' games you grew up with. You can move in all directions, but in this title, you won't be exploring large open worlds collecting items, but rather running through colorful environments stomping on enemies, and collecting coins before time runs out. It's a formula that works and this game is as addicting and entertaining as past titles in the franchise. We also love that it's multiplayer so kids can join in on the fun.

Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
7

Spiritfarer

Spiritfarer

Spiritfarer is a gorgeously animated adventure game with a bit of a heavy premise. In it, you have to care for the spirits of the recently dead. Spirits can ask you anything from building them a house, collecting items, or visiting specific areas. If you love Animal Crossing, I'm confident you'll enjoy Spiritfarer.

8

OlliOlli World

OlliOlli World

I grew up playing 'Tony Hawk' games, and although OlliOlli World appears much more simplified on the surface, I was surprised how true to skateboarding the game actually was. This is one of those games where you'll oftentimes want to rage quit and throw your console at the wall, but if you love a good challenge you'll appreciate this game. It's fantastic with its impressive animation and intrinsic-level design.

Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
9

Mario + Rabbids Sparks of Hope

On Sale
Mario + Rabbids Sparks of Hope

Despite its zany storyline, this well-polished game manages to keep you entertained thanks to its challenging X-Com-style mechanics, storytelling, and impressive musical score.

It's a funny, imaginative, and enjoyable strategy game that's difficult to put down. I enjoyed it more than the first game in the series but don't worry — you don't need to play the original game before picking this one up!

10

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Shredder's Revenge

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Shredder's Revenge

I first discovered Shredder’s Revenge in the Wirecutter's Best Couch Co-op game roundup. Their video game writer said the game is a "fantastic refresh of the classic arcade games from the late ’80s and early ’90s " and as someone who loves playing The Simpson's game at arcades, I couldn't agree more. What separates it from other multiplayer Switch titles is this one lets you play with six players total on a single screen (most other multiplayer games limit you to just four players.)

Advertisement - Continue Reading Below

Gris is a gorgeous game that really shines on the Switch OLED's vibrant display. In fact, gaming editors at GamesRadar say it's one of the most beautiful games they've had the privilege to play.

"The color spectrum evolves the more you play, and as you unlock colors and move through the game you'll be introduced to different areas and locales that are just so pretty I can't help but spam the screenshot button," wrote senior staff writer Heather Wald.

If you're in search of a game with detailed animation, original eye-catching art, and an elegant original score, you found your match!

12

Sonic Frontiers

On Sale
Sonic Frontiers

Unlike the majority of past 'Sonic' titles Frontiers has an open world brimming with dense forests, waterfalls, and plenty of ground for you to cover. I was sucked right in and found that the game had great boss fights and entertaining puzzles. Combat can be annoying at points, but overall if you're a fan of the 'Sonic' series like I am, you're likely in for a good time. One more thing, it can't go without saying.. the soundtrack absolutely slaps!

Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
13

Eastward

Eastward

Jon Bolding, a writer at IGN said this chill action-adventure game has "all the stylings of a retro JRPG" but it "plays more like 'Zelda' than Dragon Quest. The game has a well-written story, loveable characters, and it's a relaxing but memorable title that's filled with hidden treasures, fun puzzles, and some combat.

14

Pokémon Legends: Arceus

On Sale
Pokémon Legends: Arceus

Pokémon Legends: Arceus is basically Breath of the Wild crossed with Pokémon and I mean that in the absolute best way possible. The game takes place during the period when humans were first starting to encounter Pokémon and it's a welcomed addition to the series.

"Vast open fields, revamped battle mechanics, and an utterly addictive approach to exploration create the most immersive Pokemon experience yet," wrote Will Greenwald, an editor at PC Mag.

Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
15

Kirby and the Forgotten Land

On Sale
Kirby and the Forgotten Land

Kirby and the Forgotten Land marks Kirby's latest fully 3D platforming adventure after the colorful Crystal Shards game on the Nintendo 64. The game packs plenty of boss fights, puzzles, and new foes for Kirby to copy their unique abilities. I recommend the game, especially for younger kids, but I promise it'll make grown-ups smile, too. I couldn't help but laugh the first time I made Kirby swallow a car.

16

Neon White

Neon White

Neon White is a first-person action game that has received high praise from gamers at CNET, The Verge, and Kotaku. A staff writer from the latter described the game as "a beautiful monster that's a first-person shooter, dating simulator, puzzle game, and platformer" all in one. It's a good fan for fans of speedrunners and has an incredibly fun storyline. There's really not many games like it!

Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
17

Shovel Knight: Treasure Trove

Shovel Knight: Treasure Trove

Shovel Knight is a very good indie game and 2D platformer. I recommend it for gamers who appreciate 8-bit titles with complex and well-written storylines. The game is basically a steal. For just $30 you get other titles in the series including Shovel of Hope, Plague of Shadows, Specter of Torment, King of Cards, and Showdown!

18

Moonlighter

Moonlighter

Moonlighter is a short but sweet action RPG with rogue-lite elements following the everyday routines of Will, a shopkeeper who dreams of becoming a hero. An editor at GamesRadar said this unique indie title "channels Stardew Valley with that 'just one more day' gameplay loop, but instead of tending a farm you're part-time dungeon crawler and part-time shopkeeper."

Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
19

Baba Is You

Baba Is You

Baba Is You is a highly innovative puzzle game that was recognized on multiple occasions at the Independent Games Festival. What makes it stand out is the fact that the rules of the game are present as physical objects within each level, which means players are given the opportunity to alter the rules and game logic in order to solve the puzzles.

20

Broforce

Broforce

Broforce is best played with friends. In this couch co-op, your job is to save your bros from terrorist captivity. All characters are parodies of fictional action heroes, ranging from the Terminator’s Rambro (the Brominator), The Brode (aka The Bride from Kill Bill), Brodell Walker (Sergeant Cordell Walker, played by Chuck Norris in the original Walker, Texas Ranger), and more.

It’s a hilarious run-and-gun game that always turns to absolute chaos. Although some levels can be rage-inducing, this game is totally worth the buy just for the laughs alone.

Headshot of Brandon Carte
Brandon Carte
Senior Electronics Editor

Brandon Carte is a writer and editor with over a decade of experience covering technology, gadgets and appliances. His reporting has been featured on Best Products, Top Ten Revies, Good Housekeeping and USA Today. When he's not researching washing machines or testing robot vacuums, you can find him at concerts, swimming laps, or at the movies. He thinks smartphones are too big, prefers MP3s to Spotify and misses his iPhone’s headphone jack.

Watch Next 
nintendo switch games best 2018
Advertisement - Continue Reading Below