It’s been over five years since we were introduced to the Nintendo Switch. How time flies doesn’t it? A good time to take a look at which titles have left their footprints in recent years.
The games in this list stand out for a variety of reasons. Some have impressive gameplay, while others have a strong storyline or interface. In any case, there have been more than enough titles released in the past five years to make a good selection.
The 10 best Nintendo Switch games of the past few years
There is a delicious Nintendo Switch game for every game lover. Whether you’re looking for strategy games, competitive racers or platform games, Nintendo offers it. These are the best title of recent years.
1. Super Mario Odyssey
Super Mario Odyssey has a unique gameplay compared to other games in the franchise. This is because the game mixes elements from classic games, such as Super Mario 64, Super Mario Sunshine and Super Mario Galaxy, with surprising new elements. The popular plumber in this game has a talking hat, which he can take different forms. Among other things, you can play as a tank, fish and dinosaur, and you can even dress Mario in different outfits. You can play the Nintendo Switch game alone or invite a friend for a multiplayer session. Super Mario Odyssey is a must-have for any platform game lover.
Order Super Mario Odyssey here
2. Animal Crossing: New Horizons
You may have known about this game for a while. After all, the latest Animal Crossing came out during the first corona wave. For many people, the Nintendo Switch game was the ideal escape from reality. Animal Crossing is chill, accessible and addictive. As a player, you arrive on a desert island with minimal possessions. Together with your fellow inhabitants, you slowly build a whole new society. By catching insects, fishing and collecting materials you earn credit which you can use to open and pay off loans. With these materials you can also make tools, such as an axe and fishing net. As you collect more of these “do-it-yourself” recipes, you can create items to decorate the island. It’s the perfect way to take a break from the daily grind.
Order Animal Crossing: New Horizons here
3. Pokémon Sword
Sword is perhaps the most essential Pokémon game for the Nintendo Switch. You walk around in a fantasy world based in the United Kingdom and collect Pokémon with different expertise. For example, train Pokémon with fire, water and electricity powers. You have to strategically go through the attacks of your Pokémon so that you beat each gym leader. Furthermore, you can start a multiplayer session with your friends and compete against a huge Gigantmax Pokémon. You can also trade your catches with other players to complete your Pokédex. The game may not be as innovative as the previous two in this list, but it’s still a lot of fun to play.
Download Pokémon Sword here
4. The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild for Nintendo Switch
This is the perfect title for anyone who loves action-RPGs and open-world adventures. Breath of the Wild won Game of the Year at the 2017 Game Awards and has been hailed as one of the smartest physics systems ever made. Years after the release of the Nintendo Switch game, players are still discovering new things to do in the game. The game starts off somewhat mysteriously. In fact, you start with almost nothing except some shorts and the knowledge that the main character, Link, has been sleeping for 100 years. It is possible to quickly collect clothing, weapons, horses, skills and items as you explore the land. This is an open-world game which means that you decide what to do when. So you can basically beat the main boss right away. That would just be a shame, because the game offers a lot of exciting locations and secrets to discover. Hours of fun guaranteed!
Order The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild here
5. Mario Kart 8 Deluxe
Mario Kart 8 Deluxe is the best-selling game on Nintendo Switch and one of the best multiplayer games on the console, but also definitely one of the most chaotic. Up to four players can race against each other through the most bizarre maps. Choose from a large cast of Nintendo characters and attack your fellow racers with wacky weapons, including bananas or grenades. Actually, the only drawback is that playing alone is not nearly as fun as playing with friends. Fortunately, you have a solution for that. If you have a Nintendo Switch Online subscription, you can race against players from all over the world. That way, you’ll always have someone to play against.
Order Mario Kart 8 Deluxe here
6. Metroid Dread
Metroid Dread is a great return of the character Samus, who we know from the 2002 game Metroid Fusion. This time she has landed on the planet ZDR for a mysterious mission that ultimately turns out to be a dangerous trap. Upon landing, she is hunted by vicious EMMI robots that can kill her with a single blow. As a player, you must use stealth skills to avoid enemies them and explore caves. The boss fights are incredibly challenging, but worth playing. The soundtrack perfectly complements the gameplay, while the visuals are beautifully done. Together, they make you want to dive deeper and deeper into the story. Be careful not to get lost in the gameplay. This is very easy because of the enormous size. Therefore regularly check where you are with the help of the map.
Order Metroid Dread here
7. Luigi’s Mansion 3
This Nintendo Switch game is full of comedy and challenging puzzles from start to finish. It’s a game you don’t want to end. You play as Luigi, Mario’s clumsy brother. He, along with Mario, Peach and some Toads, are invited to a luxury resort. However, the hotel turns into a haunted house. All the guests are captured, but Luigi escapes. The green plumber must travel to the top of the hotel to save his friends. Along the way, he defeats ghosts and explores each floor. The opponents he faces are bizarre and are sure to make you laugh. Whether you’re playing with a younger child or a peer, Luigi’s Mansion 3 is a delightful game to share with others. No wonder it’s known as one of the best Switch games of all time.
Order Luigi’s Mansion 3 here
8. Ring Fit Adventure
Why go to the gym anymore when you have a Nintendo Switch in your possession? Thanks to Ring Fit Adventure, you have all the necessities for an effective workout without having to take a step outside the door. It’s a fun way to bring cardio, stretches and even yoga into your daily routine. This fitness game is more expensive than most other Switch offerings because it comes with a leg strap and ring-con accessories. You can attach the Joy-Cons to these devices, so you can see exactly how far you run or how much force you use. For those who aren’t necessarily happy with a lap of jogging, there are also a fun story mode. Dragaeux, for example. This is a powerful dragon that you defeat with squats and by jogging. If you are consistent, this game can challenge you quite a bit and improve your fitness.
Order Ring Fit Adventure here
9. Fire Emblem: Three Houses for Nintendo Switch
Fire Emblem: Three Houses was a hit when it came out in 2019 and is the best-selling Fire Emblem game of all time. That’s for good reason. It’s the perfect game for anyone who loves complex RPGs, strategic gameplay, and Harry Potter. Players take on the role of Byleth who can be either male or female. The character is snared to work as a professor at the Officer’s Academy in Garreg Mach Monastary (similar to Hogwarts). As a professor, you take charge of the students and tell them who to protect and where. You also give tips on which units they should attack with. During the game you make many decisions and choices that lead to different endings. You can even make different characters fall in love with each other, if you say the right things.
Order Fire Emblem: Three Houses here
10. Among Us: Crewmate Edition for Nintendo Switch
Among Us has become the go-to multiplayer game for millions of people around the world. The game where you complete tasks and unmask cheaters received Nintendo Switch support a year ago. One of the best things about Among Us: Crewmate Edition is that the game supports cross-platform. This means Switch players can play with people playing on their phones, PCs or other Switch consoles. The game is approachable, making it a great game for all ages. The buttons and joystics also make it very easy to navigate around the ship. The only downside is that Switch players cannot type as fast as other players, and do not support speech. This makes it a little more difficult to have discussions. Hopefully that won’t make you suspicious! Of course, it’s always possible to communicate via Discord.
Order Among Us: Crewmate Edition here
