The Nintendo Switch has become one of the most successful gaming consoles ever made, with over 140 million units sold worldwide. What makes it special isn’t just the hybrid design it’s the library of best Switch games that ranges from cozy indie titles to massive AAA adventures. After spending countless hours with the system since its 2017 launch, I’ve noticed that new Switch owners often struggle with where to start, especially with over 4,000 games available in the eShop.
This guide breaks down the genuinely essential Switch games based on actual gameplay experience, not just review scores. I’ll focus on what makes each game worth your time and money, plus who should actually buy them.
Why Finding the Right Switch Game Matters More Than You Think
Unlike PlayStation or Xbox, the Switch audience is incredibly diverse. A single household might have a 7-year-old playing Pokémon, a teenager grinding Splatoon 3, and a parent unwinding with Stardew Valley. This variety is great, but it also means generic “best games” lists fail most readers.
The biggest mistake I see new Switch owners make is buying games based purely on hype. Someone recommends The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild, they purchase it without understanding it’s a 60+ hour open-world game that demands patience and exploration. Three hours in, they’re frustrated because they expected something more linear and action-focused.
The Essential First-Party Nintendo Games
The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild (March 2017)
This remains the game that defines the Switch experience for many players. Released as a launch title, it transformed the Zelda formula by removing the traditional dungeon progression and creating a truly open world where you can tackle the final boss immediately if you’re skilled enough.
What actually makes it special: The chemistry engine. You can set grass on fire to create updrafts for your paraglider, freeze water to create ice platforms, or roll boulders down hills into enemy camps. Most open-world games give you a map full of icons to chase this one rewards creative problem-solving.
Reality check: The weapon durability system frustrates some players. Your favorite sword will break after 20-30 hits, forcing you to constantly switch weapons. I’ve watched friends quit the game over this mechanic alone. If you hate managing resources or prefer games where you find one weapon and stick with it, this might not click for you.
Super Mario Odyssey (October 2017)
The best 3D Mario game since Super Mario Galaxy. This globe-trotting adventure puts Mario in kingdoms themed around real-world locations New York City becomes New Donk City, Mexico becomes the Sand Kingdom.
The capture mechanic changes everything: Mario’s hat, Cappy, can possess nearly anything—enemies, objects, even electrical wires. You’ll control a T-Rex to smash through walls, become a Goomba to stack with others and reach high platforms, or turn into a bolt of electricity to travel through power lines.
For families: This game has remarkable difficulty scaling. Kids can blast through the main story collecting enough moons to progress, while completionists can hunt for 880+ moons that require genuine platforming skill. I’ve seen 6-year-olds enjoy it alongside speedrunners trying to beat it in under an hour.
Mario Kart 8 Deluxe (April 2017)
The definitive kart racer, originally released on Wii U but substantially improved for Switch. With the Booster Course Pass DLC (released throughout 2022-2023), you now have access to 96 tracks an absurd amount of content.
Why it works for everyone: The auto-steering and auto-acceleration options mean a 4-year-old can actually finish races without constantly hitting walls. Meanwhile, competitive players can turn these off and focus on mastering drift boosts and track shortcuts.
Local multiplayer reality: This game has saved countless family gatherings and road trips. Four players can race on one Switch in tabletop mode, or you can connect multiple Switches for 8-player local wireless racing without internet. No other Switch game gets played more in my household when guests visit.
Splatoon 3 (September 2022)
Nintendo’s take on competitive shooters, replacing bullets with ink. The core loop is simple: cover more ground in your team’s color than the opposing team in three minutes.
What separates good from great players: Beginners focus only on combat. Better players understand that covering ground and maintaining map control wins games. The game teaches this gradually through its excellent single-player campaign, which serves as an extended tutorial for multiplayer mechanics.
Important note about online: Unlike most Switch games, Splatoon 3 requires Nintendo Switch Online ($20/year) to access the main multiplayer modes. The single-player campaign is substantial enough to justify the purchase alone, but you’re missing 80% of the content without online access.
The Best Third-Party and Indie Games
Hades (September 2020 on Switch)
A roguelike that finally made the genre accessible to people who normally hate dying repeatedly. You play Zagreus, son of Hades, trying to escape the underworld. Each run lasts 30-45 minutes, and dying advances the story through conversations with gods and NPCs.
Why it works when others don’t: Every death unlocks new dialogue, weapon upgrades, or story progression. The narrative is so strong that players actively look forward to returning to the House of Hades between escape attempts. Traditional roguelikes punish death this one rewards it with context and character development.
Performance consideration: The Switch version runs at 60fps in handheld mode but occasionally dips during chaotic combat encounters with many enemies on screen. It’s still very playable, but if you own a PC or PlayStation, those versions offer smoother performance.
Hollow Knight (June 2018 on Switch)
A brutally difficult 2D platformer that popularized the “metroidvania” genre among indie developers. You explore a fallen insect kingdom, gradually gaining abilities that open new areas.
The difficulty curve nobody warns you about: The first 2-3 hours are genuinely tough as you learn enemy patterns and the combat rhythm. Many players quit before reaching the first major ability upgrade that makes the game significantly more manageable. If you can push through to getting the dash ability, the entire game opens up.
Map confusion: Unlike modern games with GPS waypoints, Hollow Knight requires you to buy map updates from an NPC, and the maps don’t show your position until you equip a specific charm (item). I’ve seen players wander lost for 30 minutes, not realizing they needed to find the cartographer in each area first.
Stardew Valley (October 2017 on Switch)
The farming simulator that somehow became one of the most relaxing and addictive games on the platform. You inherit your grandfather’s old farm and rebuild it while befriending townsfolk, exploring caves, fishing, and farming.
The time management aspect: Each in-game day lasts 12-15 real minutes. You’ll constantly feel like there aren’t enough hours to water crops, talk to villagers, mine for ore, and fish. This creates a compelling “one more day” loop that has cost me more late nights than any action game.
Perfect for handheld play: This is one of those rare games that feels better in handheld mode. The cozy, low-stakes gameplay while sitting on the couch or in bed enhances the relaxation factor. It’s my go-to “wind down before sleep” game.
Celeste (January 2018)
A pixel-art platformer about climbing a mountain that doubles as a metaphor for anxiety and mental health struggles. Incredibly tight controls meet genuinely challenging level design.
Assist mode is not cheating: The game includes assist mode options that let you slow down time, grant infinite stamina, or become invincible. The developers explicitly say using these doesn’t diminish your accomplishment. I’ve recommended this to people who normally avoid difficult games, and assist mode let them experience the phenomenal story without controller-throwing frustration.
Games for Specific Audiences
Animal Crossing: New Horizons (March 2020) – For Relaxation
The game that dominated 2020 pandemic lockdowns. You develop a deserted island at your own pace, with no failure states or time pressure.
What the marketing doesn’t show: Progress is deliberately slow. You can only build one major building per day (real-time, not in-game). Trees take 3 days to grow. This frustrates players expecting instant gratification but perfectly suits anyone looking for a long-term, low-stress experience.
The game’s community-driven economy became fascinating to watch. Players created entire Discord servers for trading items, villagers, and designs. My spouse spent more time on “turnip trading” (the in-game stock market) than actually decorating the island.
Fire Emblem: Three Houses (July 2019) – For Strategy Fans
A tactical RPG that blends turn-based combat with a school life simulator. You’re a professor at a military academy, teaching students and leading them in strategic battles.
The time commitment: A single playthrough takes 60-80 hours, and the game is designed for three playthroughs (one for each house). That’s 180+ hours to see all unique routes. Make sure you actually want a game this long before purchasing.
Permadeath consideration: Characters who die in battle can be permanently gone (classic mode) or simply benched for that battle (casual mode). I strongly recommend casual mode for first-time players losing a character you’ve spent 30 hours developing because of one tactical mistake feels terrible.
Pok̩mon Legends: Arceus (January 2022) РFor Pok̩mon Fans Wanting Something Different
Game Freak’s most significant departure from the Pokémon formula. This prequel removes gyms, traditional routes, and even trainer battles for most of the game, focusing instead on exploration and Pokémon catching in semi-open areas.
Combat changes: You can throw Pokémon directly at wild creatures without entering a battle, use different catching styles (strong vs. agile), and actually dodge attacks yourself. These changes made Pokémon feel fresh after 25+ years of similar mechanics.
Fair warning: If you want a traditional Pokémon experience with gyms and a focus on trainer battles, play Pokémon Scarlet/Violet (November 2022) instead. Legends: Arceus prioritizes research and catching over competitive battling.
Understanding Switch Game Performance and Ports
One aspect competitors rarely discuss honestly: the Switch is significantly less powerful than PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X, or even mid-range gaming PCs. This matters more for some games than others.
Good ports: The Witcher 3, Doom Eternal, and Apex Legends are technical miracles that run surprisingly well despite the hardware limitations. Developers made smart compromises on resolution and graphical effects while maintaining playable framerates.
Problematic ports: Ark: Survival Evolved and some older WWE 2K games run so poorly they’re barely playable. Before buying third-party games, check Digital Foundry or other tech analysis channels to verify performance.
When to buy on Switch vs. other platforms: I buy story-driven, slower-paced games on Switch for portability Persona 5 Royal, Divinity: Original Sin 2, Skyrim. Competitive multiplayer shooters and fighting games go on other platforms where performance matters more.
Price Strategies That Actually Save Money
Nintendo games rarely go on sale. Breath of the Wild released in March 2017 and still sells for $60 in 2025. However, there are legitimate ways to save:
Physical vs. Digital: Physical cartridges can be resold or shared. I buy single-player games physically, finish them, and sell them for $35-45 on local marketplaces, effectively “renting” games for $15-25. Digital games are convenient but locked to your account forever.
Nintendo Switch Online Expansion Pack: For $50/year (family plan can be split among 8 people), you get access to N64, Genesis, Game Boy, and GBA libraries. If you want to play Ocarina of Time, Super Mario 64, or Golden Sun, this is cheaper than buying them individually on other platforms.
Patient gaming approach: Third-party titles drop to $20-30 within 18 months. Witcher 3 Complete Edition regularly hits $10 during sales. Nintendo titles? Still full price years later unless bought used.
Common Mistakes New Switch Owners Make
Buying the wrong storage: The Switch has 32GB or 64GB internal storage (OLED model), which fills up fast with digital games. Get at least a 128GB microSD card immediately. Samsung and SanDisk are reliable brands; avoid ultra-cheap cards that can corrupt save data.
Not understanding cloud saves: Most games support cloud backup with Nintendo Switch Online, but major exceptions exist Pokémon games, Animal Crossing, and Splatoon either don’t support cloud saves or have special conditions. I’ve seen players lose 100+ hour saves by assuming all games auto-backup.
Ignoring the eShop wish list: Add interesting games to your wish list and enable email notifications. You’ll get alerts when they go on sale, which for third-party games happens frequently. I’ve saved $300+ this way over three years.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best game on Switch? The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild is widely considered the best Switch game, offering an open-world adventure with unmatched freedom and creativity. However, Mario Kart 8 Deluxe is the better choice if you primarily play with family or friends, as it appeals to all skill levels and age groups.
Is GTA on Switch? No, Grand Theft Auto (GTA) games are not available on Nintendo Switch. Rockstar Games has not released any GTA titles for the platform, likely due to hardware limitations and Nintendo’s family-friendly brand positioning.
What Nintendo game sold for $100,000? A sealed copy of Super Mario Bros. for the NES sold for $100,150 at auction in 2019, though this record has since been broken multiple times. In 2021, a sealed copy of Super Mario 64 sold for $1.56 million, setting a new record for the most expensive video game ever sold.
What is the #1 selling game? Minecraft is the #1 best-selling video game of all time with over 300 million copies sold across all platforms. On Nintendo Switch specifically, Mario Kart 8 Deluxe holds the top spot with over 60 million copies sold since its 2017 release.
What’s the difference between Switch, Switch Lite, and Switch OLED for gaming? Switch Lite is handheld-only (no TV connection) and 20% smaller, great for kids or commuters. Standard Switch connects to TV and has removable controllers. OLED has a bigger, better screen and slightly better battery but costs $50 more. Game performance is identical across all models it’s purely about how you want to play.
Final Thoughts
The Switch library has matured into something truly special a mix of Nintendo’s best work in decades alongside indie darlings that feel perfect in handheld mode. The biggest challenge isn’t finding good games; it’s finding games that match your actual playing habits.
Start with one or two proven titles from this list based on your genre preferences. Pay attention to whether you naturally gravitate toward handheld or TV mode, single-player or multiplayer. That self-knowledge will guide your next purchases better than any review score.
The Switch’s greatest strength is flexibility both in how you play and what you play. Whether you have 15 minutes or 5 hours, prefer relaxing farming sims or intense platformers, play alone or with family, there’s legitimately something here worth your time.
