Top 10 Nintendo Switch Games

Finding the top 10 Nintendo Switch games might sound simple, but beneath the surface lies a digital library bursting with over 5,000 titles. With the right guide, you can find the perfect game that delivers a truly unforgettable experience—and most people don’t even realize how to look past the obvious blockbusters.

That feeling of “decision paralysis” is real, isn’t it?

You boot up the Nintendo eShop, your brand-new Nintendo Switch feeling perfect in your hands, and you’re hit with an endless wall of icons. You see the big names, the indie darlings, the deep discounts. You scroll… and you scroll… and you scroll. Every “top 10” list you find online seems to contradict the last. You’re just looking for something amazing to play, but you’re terrified of spending $60 on a game that just doesn’t click.

I’ve been there. As someone who has watched the video game industry evolve for decades—and has personally sunk thousands of hours into this incredible hybrid console—I can tell you this: The Switch isn’t just a piece of hardware. It’s a portal. It’s the magic of a home console you can take on a plane, a deep RPG you can play in bed, a party-starter you can bring to a friend’s house.

But a portal is only as good as the worlds it opens.

This isn’t just another subjective list. This is a curated guide. I’ve structured this list to represent the absolute best of what the Nintendo platform offers, from industry-defining epics to the indie gems that changed the rules. This is a map to help you find your next great adventure.

Here’s What You’ll Discover:

The 10 “must-play” games that define the console.
Why each game earned its spot (and exactly who it’s for).
The hidden truth about the console’s two Zelda masterpieces.
How to look beyond the list to find games that match your style.

Before We Begin: What Makes a “Top 10” Switch Game?

To build this list, I didn’t just look at sales numbers or review scores. A “top” game on the Switch has to do more. My criteria were based on three key things:

Definitive Experience: Does this game feel like a Nintendo Switch game? Does it use the console’s unique hybrid nature to its advantage?
Unmatched Quality: Is it polished, groundbreaking, or the absolute peak of its genre?
Lasting Impact: Is this a game people will still be talking about and playing five or ten years from now?

This list is a blend of first-party exclusives (the games you can only get from Nintendo) and genre-defining indies that feel most at home on this system.

Let’s dive in.

The 10 Nintendo Switch Games That Define the Console

1. The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild (The Game That Changed Everything)

What it is: A sprawling, open-world adventure that throws out the rulebook.
Why it’s special: Breath of the Wild (BotW) wasn’t just a launch title; it was a statement. It trusts you. From the moment you step out onto the Great Plateau, the entire world is open to you. If you can see it, you can go there. The physics-based “chemistry engine” means fire, ice, electricity, and wind all interact in logical, emergent ways.
Who it’s for: Everyone. The adventurer, the explorer, the puzzle-solver. If you own a Switch, this is the one game that is truly non-negotiable. It’s a masterpiece of curiosity-driven design.

2. Super Mario Odyssey (The Definition of Pure Joy)

What it is: A globe-trotting 3D platformer where Mario teams up with a magical hat named Cappy.
Why it’s special: This game is pure, unfiltered happiness. Cappy’s “capture” ability lets Mario possess everything from a T-Rex to a taxi, a mechanic that constantly reinvents the gameplay. Every kingdom is a dense, creative playground packed with secrets. This is Nintendo’s design philosophy perfected.
Who it’s for: Anyone looking for a smile. It’s accessible enough for a child to enjoy but has a high-skill ceiling for completionists.

3. Animal Crossing: New Horizons (The Global Phenomenon)

What it is: A charming, relaxing life simulator where you move to a deserted island and build your own paradise.
Why it’s special: Released in March 2020, New Horizons became more than a game; it was a global connection point. It operates in real-time—seasons change, holidays happen, and your island community grows. It’s the ultimate “cozy game,” a low-stress escape you can check in on for 20 minutes or 20 hours.
Who it’s for: The creative type, the casual gamer, and anyone who needs a digital vacation. It’s not for those who need high-octane action, but for millions, it’s a second home.

4. Mario Kart 8 Deluxe (The Perfect “Anytime, Anywhere” Game)

What it is: The definitive arcade racing game, packed with decades of Mario characters, tracks, and power-ups.
Why it’s special: This is arguably the most essential multiplayer game on the console. It’s the definition of “pick up and play.” Hand a Joy-Con to a friend, and you’re instantly having fun (or yelling at each other over a blue shell). The Deluxe version includes all a-and an absolutely massive amount of DLC, making it the biggest Mario Kart ever.
Who it’s for: Families, friends, and solo players alike. It’s the ultimate party game and a perfect showcase of the Switch’s multiplayer-first design.

5. Super Smash Bros. Ultimate (The Most Ambitious Crossover in History)

What it is: A massive, chaotic, and brilliant fighting game featuring over 80 characters from dozens of video game franchises.
Why it’s special: The tagline “Everyone is Here!” isn’t an exaggeration. Seeing Mario fight Final Fantasy’s Sephiroth, or Metal Gear’s Snake take on Minecraft’s Steve, is a celebration of gaming history. Beneath the party-game chaos is a surprisingly deep and technical fighter.
Who it’s for: The competitive player, the historian of video games, and anyone who’s ever wanted to settle a “who would win” argument.

6. Hades (The Indie Darling That Redefined its Genre)

What it is: A “roguelike” dungeon-crawler steeped in Greek mythology. You play as Zagreus, the prince of the underworld, trying to escape your father, Hades.
Why it’s special: Hades perfects the roguelike loop. You die… a lot. But every failure advances the story. You build relationships, unlock new weapons, and learn more about the incredible cast of characters. The writing is sharp, the art is gorgeous, and the action is fast and fluid. It’s a game that respects your time even as it asks for all of it.
Who it’s for: Players who want a challenge, a great story, and “just one more run” gameplay. It’s the perfect game for the Switch’s handheld mode.

7. Stardew Valley (The “Just One More Day” Addiction)

What it is: A farming and life simulator made by a single developer. You inherit a rundown farm and are free to build it up, explore mines, fish, and even get married.
Why it’s special: This game is a portal to a simpler life. What started as a Harvest Moon clone has become a genre-defining masterpiece of its own, offering staggering depth and freedom. The developer, ConcernedApe, has continued to provide massive, free updates for years, making it one of the best-value purchases in all of gaming.
Who it’s for: The tinkerer, the builder, and anyone who wants to unwind. It’s the digital equivalent of a warm blanket and a cup of tea.

8. Fire Emblem: Three Houses (The Strategy RPG That Stole Hundreds of Hours)

What it is: A deep, tactical role-playing game mixed with a high-school relationship simulator.
Why it’s special: Three Houses is a masterpiece of two halves. By day, you’re a professor at a military academy, teaching students and building bonds. By night, you’re leading them in high-stakes, turn-based battles where (on classic mode) death is permanent. The story, which forces you to choose one of three houses, has massive replay value and genuine emotional weight.
Who it’s for: The strategic thinker, the JRPG fan, and anyone who loves a good story with complex characters you’ll grow to care about.

9. Hollow Knight (A Hauntingly Beautiful Metroidvania)

What it is: A challenging 2D action-adventure set in the vast, ruined insect kingdom of Hallownest.
Why it’s special: Hollow Knight is a masterclass in atmosphere and world-building. It tells its story not through cutscenes, but through its environments, its cryptic characters, and its items. The hand-drawn art is stunning, the combat is tight, and the sense of discovery is immense. It’s a huge, sprawling world that begs to be explored.
Who it’s for: The patient explorer, the player who loves a challenge, and fans of classic 2D action games. It’s tough, but incredibly rewarding.

10. The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom (The Sequel That Defied Gravity)

What it is: The direct sequel to Breath of the Wild, which takes the same world of Hyrule and expands it upwards into the sky and downwards into a dark, mysterious “Depths.”
Why it’s special: How do you follow up a perfect game? By giving the player even more tools and trusting them completely. The new “Ultrahand” ability lets you build anything—from simple carts to complex war machines and flying vehicles. It’s an engineering sandbox disguised as an adventure game. It turns your imagination into the primary game mechanic.
Who it’s for: The creator, the builder, and anyone who finished BotW and said, “What if…?” It’s a stunning technical and creative achievement.

What About…? The “Why Isn’t [Game] On This List?” Section

This is a top 10 list, and that means painful cuts. This doesn’t mean other games aren’t brilliant. This section addresses the “honorable mentions” that are just as worthy of your time.

The Case for Pokémon

Games like Pokémon Legends: Arceus or Pokémon Scarlet/Violet are massive sellers and incredibly fun. Arceus in particular was a huge, refreshing step forward for the formula. However, they’ve been held back by technical and performance issues that keep them just shy of the “unmatched quality” of the 10 above. Still, for a Pokémon fan, they are essential.

The JRPG Corner

The Switch is arguably the best JRPG console ever made. Games like Xenoblade Chronicles 3, Persona 5 Royal, and Dragon Quest XI S are all 10/10, 100+ hour epics. They’re just a bit more niche than the globe-trotting appeal of Fire Emblem. If you are a JRPG fan, your “top 10” list will look very different—and that’s amazing.

Hidden Gems You Shouldn’t Sleep On

Metroid Dread: A stunning, scary, and fast-paced return to 2D Metroid.
Celeste: A pixel-perfect (and very difficult) platformer with a beautiful story about mental health.
Into the Breach: A perfect, bite-sized strategy game where you fight kaiju in mechs.

How to Choose the Right Switch Game for You

Don’t just take my word for it. This list is a starting point. The best game for you depends on what you love.

Ask yourself these questions:

Do I have 100+ hours, or 10 hours?
- 100+: Tears of the Kingdom, Fire Emblem, Stardew Valley.
- 10: Hades (per run), Mario Kart, Hollow Knight (if you’re a genius, otherwise 100+).
Am I playing alone, or with friends?
- Friends: Smash Bros., Mario Kart, Animal Crossing.
- Alone: Zelda, Hollow Knight, Hades.
Do I want to relax, or be challenged?
- Relax: Animal Crossing, Stardew Valley.
- Challenge: Hollow Knight, Hades, Fire Emblem (Classic).

The true magic of the Nintendo Switch is its versatility. It can be whatever you want it to be.

🔍 Your Top Questions About Nintendo Switch Games, Answered

Here are some of the most common questions I hear from new Switch owners, answered in plain English.

What is the #1 must-have game for a new Nintendo Switch owner?
The one-sentence answer is The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild. It’s the single best showcase of the console’s philosophy of freedom and exploration, and it’s a game that will be remembered for decades.
What’s the difference between Breath of the Wild and Tears of the Kingdom?
Breath of the Wild is an exploration game about discovering a world. Tears of the Kingdom is a creation game about changing that world. Most people think you should play BotW first to appreciate the story and world, then play TotK to see how it’s been creatively shattered and rebuilt.
Is the Nintendo Switch OLED model worth it?
Yes, if you primarily play in handheld mode. The vibrant, larger-screen makes handheld-focused games (like Hollow Knight or Hades) look absolutely stunning. If you only play docked to your TV, you can save your money and stick with the standard model.
Can I play older Nintendo games on the Switch?
Yes, but only through the Nintendo Switch Online subscription service. This service gives you access to a growing library of classic NES, SNES, and Game Boy games. The more expensive “Expansion Pack” tier adds N64 and Sega Genesis games.
Are “indie” games on the Switch really worth it?
Absolutely. In fact, the Switch is arguably the best place to play them. Games like Hades, Stardew Valley, and Hollow Knight (all on this list) are industry-defining titles that cost a fraction of a $60 blockbuster. The Switch eShop is a treasure trove of indie gems.

Your Next Adventure is Waiting

The Nintendo Switch isn’t just a best-selling console; it’s a library of worlds. It has successfully bridged the gap between a powerful home console and a personal handheld, creating a collection of games that respect your time, spark your curiosity, and deliver pure, unadulterated fun.

We’ve covered the industry-defining titans, the world-changing cultural phenomena, and the perfect indie darlings that found their true home on this system.

Now that you have the map, don’t just scroll away. Pick a starting point. Pick a world that calls to you.

Your next great adventure is just one click away.