Top Nintendo Switch Games: Must-Haves In 2024
Hey guys! Are you a proud owner of a Nintendo Switch and wondering what games you absolutely need to have in your collection? Or maybe you're planning to get one and want to know what the hype is all about? Well, you've come to the right place! The Nintendo Switch has become a powerhouse in the gaming world, offering a unique blend of handheld and console gaming experiences. With its versatile design and a fantastic library of games, it’s no wonder the Switch is a hit among gamers of all ages. In this comprehensive guide, we’re diving deep into the top games for Nintendo Switch, covering everything from action-packed adventures and immersive RPGs to family-friendly titles and indie gems. Whether you’re a seasoned gamer or new to the Switch, this article will help you discover the best Nintendo Switch games that fit your style. We’ll explore various genres, discuss what makes each game special, and provide insights to help you make the best choices for your gaming needs. So, grab your Joy-Cons, settle in, and let’s explore the amazing world of Nintendo Switch games!
The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild
The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild is not just a game; it’s an experience. Seriously, guys, if you own a Switch, this game is a must-have. This masterpiece redefined the open-world genre and set a new standard for action-adventure games. From the moment you step into the vast kingdom of Hyrule, you’re free to explore, discover, and create your own adventure. The game's sprawling landscape is filled with secrets, challenges, and breathtaking vistas, making every moment feel like a new discovery. Breath of the Wild's gameplay mechanics are incredibly deep and rewarding. You can climb any surface, cook meals to restore health, and experiment with different weapons and armor to find your preferred playstyle. The physics engine is incredibly realistic, allowing for emergent gameplay moments that are both surprising and delightful. For example, you might start a fire to create an updraft and then use your paraglider to reach a high ledge, or you might use a metal weapon to attract lightning during a thunderstorm. These kinds of interactions make the world feel alive and responsive. The story of Breath of the Wild is both epic and personal. As Link, you awaken from a 100-year slumber and must defeat Calamity Ganon to save Hyrule. Along the way, you’ll meet a cast of memorable characters, uncover ancient secrets, and relive the memories of the Champions who fought alongside you in the past. The narrative is interwoven with the exploration, making the world itself a character in the story. The dungeons, known as Divine Beasts, are ingeniously designed and offer unique challenges that require you to think creatively. Solving puzzles, battling guardians, and mastering the environment are all key to progressing through these dungeons. Each Divine Beast you conquer not only brings you closer to defeating Ganon but also grants you a powerful ability that can be used throughout the game. The sense of accomplishment you feel after completing one of these challenges is incredibly satisfying. But what truly sets Breath of the Wild apart is its sense of freedom. You can tackle the main quest in any order, or you can simply wander the world, completing side quests, discovering shrines, and gathering resources. The game never holds your hand, allowing you to forge your own path and create your own story. This freedom is liberating and makes each playthrough feel unique. Whether you’re a long-time Zelda fan or new to the series, Breath of the Wild is a game that will stay with you long after you finish it. Its beautiful world, deep gameplay mechanics, and sense of freedom make it a true masterpiece and one of the best games on the Nintendo Switch.
Super Mario Odyssey
Super Mario Odyssey is a joyous celebration of everything that makes Mario great. This game is an absolute blast from start to finish, offering a vibrant and whimsical adventure that’s perfect for players of all ages. With its innovative gameplay mechanics, imaginative worlds, and charming story, Super Mario Odyssey is a standout title in the Mario franchise and one of the top games for the Nintendo Switch. At its core, Super Mario Odyssey introduces a brilliant new gameplay mechanic: Cappy. This sentient hat allows Mario to capture and control a variety of creatures and objects in the game world. From Goombas and Bullet Bills to T-Rexes and taxis, the possibilities are endless. Cappy opens up a whole new level of gameplay, allowing you to solve puzzles, overcome obstacles, and discover hidden areas in creative ways. Capturing enemies and objects isn’t just a novelty; it’s an integral part of the game. Each capture has its own unique abilities and controls, adding a refreshing twist to the classic Mario gameplay formula. Whether you’re soaring through the air as a Bullet Bill, swimming through lava as a Lava Bubble, or stomping enemies as a T-Rex, there’s always something new and exciting to try. The worlds in Super Mario Odyssey are incredibly diverse and imaginative. Each kingdom is a unique destination with its own distinct theme, challenges, and secrets. From the bustling streets of New Donk City to the sandy beaches of Seaside Kingdom, there’s always something new to see and explore. The level design is masterful, encouraging you to wander off the beaten path and discover hidden areas. Each kingdom is packed with Power Moons, the game’s primary collectible, and finding them is a rewarding experience in itself. The story of Super Mario Odyssey is a classic Mario tale with a charming twist. Bowser has kidnapped Princess Peach (again!) and plans to force her into marriage. Mario teams up with Cappy, whose sister Tiara has also been kidnapped by Bowser, and sets off on a globetrotting adventure to rescue them. The narrative is lighthearted and fun, with plenty of memorable moments and characters. The cutscenes are beautifully animated and full of humor, adding to the game’s overall charm. But what truly makes Super Mario Odyssey special is its sense of pure joy. The game is filled with moments that will make you smile, laugh, and cheer. Whether you’re discovering a hidden area, pulling off a tricky jump, or capturing a new enemy, there’s always something to celebrate. The game’s upbeat music, vibrant visuals, and playful gameplay create an atmosphere of pure fun that’s infectious. Super Mario Odyssey is a game that you can pick up and play anytime, whether you have a few minutes or a few hours. Its accessible gameplay, charming story, and sense of wonder make it a perfect game for gamers of all ages and skill levels. If you’re looking for a game that will make you smile, Super Mario Odyssey is a must-have for your Nintendo Switch library.
Animal Crossing: New Horizons
Animal Crossing: New Horizons is the ultimate escape. This charming and relaxing game allows you to create your own island paradise, build friendships with adorable animal villagers, and enjoy a life of simple pleasures. With its endless customization options, engaging gameplay loop, and soothing atmosphere, Animal Crossing: New Horizons has become a cultural phenomenon and one of the best Nintendo Switch games for unwinding. The core gameplay of Animal Crossing: New Horizons revolves around building and customizing your island. You start with a deserted island and gradually transform it into a thriving community. You can build houses, shops, and other facilities, decorate your home with furniture and decorations, and landscape your island with paths, flowers, and trees. The customization options are incredibly deep, allowing you to create an island that truly reflects your personality and style. One of the most appealing aspects of Animal Crossing: New Horizons is its real-time gameplay. The game world operates on the same clock as the real world, with days and nights, seasons, and holidays all unfolding in real-time. This creates a sense of immersion and connection to the game world, making it feel like a living, breathing place. You can participate in seasonal events, such as fishing tournaments, bug-catching contests, and holiday celebrations, adding variety and excitement to the gameplay. The animal villagers in Animal Crossing: New Horizons are one of the game’s biggest draws. These adorable characters have their own unique personalities, interests, and catchphrases. Building friendships with your villagers is a rewarding experience, as you’ll receive gifts, letters, and invitations to their homes. You can also help them with tasks, such as delivering items or catching bugs, to strengthen your bonds. The social aspect of Animal Crossing: New Horizons extends beyond the villagers on your island. You can visit other players’ islands online, trade items, and participate in events together. The game’s online community is incredibly welcoming and friendly, making it easy to connect with other players and share your island creations. Animal Crossing: New Horizons is a game that you can play at your own pace. There’s no pressure to rush or complete specific tasks, allowing you to relax and enjoy the simple pleasures of island life. You can spend your time fishing, catching bugs, digging for fossils, or simply chatting with your villagers. The game’s open-ended nature and lack of traditional goals make it a perfect escape from the stresses of everyday life. The game’s charming visuals, relaxing music, and soothing gameplay create an atmosphere of tranquility that’s hard to resist. Whether you’re spending a few minutes or a few hours on your island, you’re sure to feel refreshed and rejuvenated. If you’re looking for a game that will help you unwind, express your creativity, and connect with others, Animal Crossing: New Horizons is a must-have for your Nintendo Switch library.
Mario Kart 8 Deluxe
Mario Kart 8 Deluxe is the definitive Mario Kart experience. This fast-paced and exhilarating racing game is perfect for playing with friends and family, offering hours of competitive fun. With its vast roster of characters, diverse tracks, and accessible gameplay, Mario Kart 8 Deluxe is a must-have for any Nintendo Switch owner looking for a party game. The gameplay in Mario Kart 8 Deluxe is simple to learn but difficult to master. You race against other players on a variety of tracks, collecting power-ups to gain an advantage and dodging obstacles to stay ahead. The controls are intuitive, making it easy for anyone to pick up and play, but the depth of the gameplay allows for skilled players to develop advanced techniques and strategies. One of the key elements of Mario Kart 8 Deluxe is its roster of characters. The game features a huge cast of characters from the Mario universe, each with their own unique stats and abilities. You can choose your favorite character and customize your kart with different parts to create a vehicle that suits your playstyle. The variety of characters and kart options adds depth and replayability to the game. The tracks in Mario Kart 8 Deluxe are incredibly diverse and imaginative. The game features a mix of classic Mario Kart tracks and brand-new courses, each with its own unique theme and challenges. From the vibrant streets of Mario Kart Stadium to the treacherous twists and turns of Rainbow Road, there’s always something new and exciting to race on. The game’s antigravity sections, which allow you to drive on walls and ceilings, add a thrilling new dimension to the racing experience. Mario Kart 8 Deluxe is designed for multiplayer fun. You can play with up to four players locally on a single Switch console, or you can compete online against players from around the world. The game’s online multiplayer mode is smooth and reliable, making it easy to connect with friends and rivals. Whether you’re playing with friends on the couch or competing online, Mario Kart 8 Deluxe is a game that’s always better with others. The game also includes a variety of battle modes, which offer a different kind of challenge from the traditional races. In battle mode, you compete against other players in arenas, using power-ups to attack and defend. The battle modes are chaotic and hilarious, adding even more replayability to the game. Mario Kart 8 Deluxe is a game that appeals to players of all ages and skill levels. Its accessible gameplay, vibrant visuals, and multiplayer focus make it a perfect game for family gatherings, parties, and casual get-togethers. Whether you’re a seasoned racing game veteran or new to the genre, you’re sure to have a blast playing Mario Kart 8 Deluxe. If you’re looking for a game that’s easy to pick up, fun to play, and perfect for multiplayer, Mario Kart 8 Deluxe is a must-have for your Nintendo Switch library.
Super Smash Bros. Ultimate
Super Smash Bros. Ultimate truly lives up to its name. This massive crossover fighting game brings together characters from across the gaming universe for epic battles that are both chaotic and strategic. With its enormous roster, deep gameplay mechanics, and endless customization options, Super Smash Bros. Ultimate is a must-have for fighting game fans and one of the best games on the Nintendo Switch. The defining feature of Super Smash Bros. Ultimate is its roster. The game includes every character that has ever appeared in a Smash Bros. game, along with several new additions, for a total of over 80 playable fighters. From Mario and Link to Pikachu and Samus, the game’s roster is a who’s who of gaming icons. Each character has their own unique moveset, playstyle, and strengths, making for a diverse and engaging fighting experience. The gameplay in Super Smash Bros. Ultimate is easy to pick up but difficult to master. The game’s basic controls are simple, allowing anyone to jump in and start fighting, but the depth of the gameplay allows for skilled players to develop complex strategies and techniques. The goal of the game is to knock your opponents off the stage, and the percentage meter mechanic adds a unique twist to the traditional fighting game formula. The higher your percentage, the further you’ll be knocked back, making you more vulnerable to being KO’d. The game’s stages are just as diverse and imaginative as its roster. Super Smash Bros. Ultimate features hundreds of stages from across the gaming universe, each with its own unique layout, hazards, and music. Some stages are simple and straightforward, while others are complex and require you to adapt your strategy. The stage selection adds another layer of depth to the gameplay, as you’ll need to consider the stage’s layout and hazards when choosing your character and planning your attacks. Super Smash Bros. Ultimate offers a variety of game modes to suit different playstyles. The game’s single-player mode, World of Light, is a massive adventure that tasks you with rescuing captured fighters and restoring the world to its former glory. The online multiplayer mode allows you to compete against players from around the world in a variety of formats, from casual matches to competitive tournaments. The game also includes a classic mode, which challenges you to complete a series of battles with a specific character, and a training mode, which allows you to practice your skills. One of the most appealing aspects of Super Smash Bros. Ultimate is its customization options. You can customize your character’s appearance, moveset, and taunts, and you can also create your own custom stages. The game’s customization options allow you to express your personality and create a unique fighting experience. Super Smash Bros. Ultimate is a game that appeals to players of all skill levels. Its accessible gameplay and massive roster make it easy for anyone to pick up and play, while its deep mechanics and competitive scene provide a challenge for experienced fighting game players. Whether you’re a casual fan or a hardcore competitor, Super Smash Bros. Ultimate is a game that you can enjoy for years to come. If you’re looking for a fighting game that’s packed with content, depth, and replayability, Super Smash Bros. Ultimate is a must-have for your Nintendo Switch library.
Conclusion
The Nintendo Switch is home to an incredible library of games, offering something for everyone. From epic adventures to relaxing simulations and intense multiplayer battles, the Switch has it all. The games we’ve discussed here – The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild, Super Mario Odyssey, Animal Crossing: New Horizons, Mario Kart 8 Deluxe, and Super Smash Bros. Ultimate – are just a taste of what the Switch has to offer. Each of these games is a masterpiece in its own right, offering unique gameplay experiences that will keep you entertained for hours. Whether you’re a long-time Nintendo fan or new to the Switch, these games are essential additions to your collection. So, grab your Nintendo Switch, pick up these titles, and get ready for some unforgettable gaming experiences! Happy gaming, guys!
