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Best Nintendo Switch Games

Updated November 2023
Bottom line
Pros
Cons
Best of the Best
Nintendo The Legend Of Zelda: Tears Of The Kingdom
Nintendo
The Legend Of Zelda: Tears Of The Kingdom
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A Gigantic Adventure
Bottom Line

This open world Zelda game is a strong contender for best game of 2023.

Pros

You can build whatever you can think of using the new physics-based game mechanics. The story is incredibly intriguing for long-time Zelda fans. There are three layers of the world to explore: floating islands, the mainland, and an underground world.

Cons

The map is a reused and slightly updated version of the land from the original game.

Best Bang for the Buck
Nintendo Mario Kart 8 Deluxe
Nintendo
Mario Kart 8 Deluxe
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More stores

12-Player Karting Fun
Bottom Line

Boasts a huge number of characters and tracks, smooth controls, fun items, and online racing modes.

Pros

Offers 48 competitive wild-karting courses and 42 racers, including Donkey Kong, Toad, and Bowser Jr. Race online against up to 12 players. Intense Battle Mode is just the right thing for family game night. Compatible with Nintendo Labo and Joy-Con Wheel.

Cons

While there are 48 racetracks, you’ll have to win the game’s various Cups to unlock them all.

Nintendo Super Smash Bros. Ultimate
Nintendo
Super Smash Bros. Ultimate
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Most Comprehensive
Bottom Line

A gigantic cast of all-star gaming icons and countless ways to play with friends; a value-packed game.

Pros

Includes a cast of 82 legendary videogame characters. Supports up to 8 players both locally and online. Boasts an expansive single-player mode. Create your own stages. Supports regular balance updates. Has endless hours of gameplay thanks to the unique powerups and levels.

Cons

Fan-favorites like Banjo, Kazooie, and Minecraft’s Steve are sold separately.

Nintendo Metroid Dread
Nintendo
Metroid Dread
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Customer Favorite
Bottom Line

Nintendo Switch owners who enjoy unnerving sci-fi worlds will have a blast with Samus as she explores the twisting labyrinth of planet ZDR.

Pros

Atmospheric and spooky. Survive relentless E.M.M.I. robots. Massive maze-like world. Rewards exploration and creativity. Huge array of abilities and attacks. A nice return to the classic Metroid game style. Features unique puzzles that utilize powerups and are fun to figure out.

Cons

Not the longest game when compared to other options.

Nintendo Super Mario Bros. Wonder
Nintendo
Super Mario Bros. Wonder
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Classic Mario Fun
Bottom Line

This Mario game goes back to the series roots as a side-scrolling platformer.

Pros

The title refers to a new gameplay mechanic where you collect Wonder Flowers, with each one leading to crazy effects such as pipes coming alive. You can play as multiple characters, not just Mario. New powerups and a badge system allow for more creative ways to beat each level.

Cons

Some found it a little easy and light on storytelling.

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BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing, and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. We only make money if you purchase a product through our links, and all opinions about the products are our own. About BestReviews  
BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing, and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. We buy all products with our own funds, and we never accept free products from manufacturers.About BestReviews 
HOW WE TESTED

We recommend these products based on an intensive research process that's designed to cut through the noise and find the top products in this space. Guided by experts, we spend hours looking into the factors that matter, to bring you these selections.

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Buying guide for best nintendo switch games

Since its release in the spring of 2017, the Nintendo Switch has taken the gaming community by storm. A unique hybrid of traditional console and portable gaming unit, the Switch offers an experience unlike any other for gamers.

One of the main selling points of the Switch is the inclusion in its games of beloved Nintendo characters that you can’t find on any other system. Mario and Link have already made their debuts, and fan favorite faces from Metroid, Pokemon, Animal Crossing, and the rest are sure to follow.

But just because you know the names doesn’t mean you’ll like the games. That’s where we come in. Since the Nintendo Switch is a fairly new console, you may be wondering where to start in your search for fun, entertaining games.

Check out the product list above to learn about our five favorite Nintendo Switch games. And for more information about Nintendo Switch games, keep reading. We’ll give you pointers on what to look for when shopping for games for your new console.

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If you want to play against friends, The Nintendo Switch supports multiplayer gaming, both online and in person, using one system or multiple systems.

Top selling points

Portability

One of the top selling points of the Nintendo Switch is its ability to easily transform from a traditional gaming console into a handheld, portable one. You can dock your unit to access HD gaming on your television screen, or you can play anywhere by switching to handheld mode.

Multiplayer gaming

The Switch is great for multiplayer games since you can stand up the screen and split the controller between players. In fact, up to eight controllers can be used with one console. Speaking of the controller – which Nintendo calls “Joy-Con” – it can be used vertically or sideways with traditional buttons, motion control, or a combination of the two.

Advanced sensors and feedback

The Joy-Con is more than just a fancy controller. In addition to the amazing configurability, the Joy-Con boasts IR sensors that detect shape, motion, and distance of objects around the player. The HD rumble technology takes vibration feedback to the next level. All told, the Joy-Con produces an immersive experience that is remarkable for the relatively low cost.

Parental controls

For families with young children, the Switch comes equipped with parental controls. Parents can choose which games the kids have access to, keep track of what they play, and monitor the amount of time their kids play. An alarm can be set to signify the end of screen time, and there is even a game-suspension feature that can be activated remotely.

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Did you know?
Mario’s brother and BFF Luigi was originally colored green because of the technical limitations of the arcade game.
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Game genres

Even though the Nintendo Switch is less than a year old, there are many games to choose from – and more are on the way.

The popular Super Mario adventures are referred to as platform games. This type of game genre follows a character as it runs and jumps in its digital environment. Other genres include shooters like Metroid, role playing games (RPG) such as The Legend of Zelda series, and racing games, like the ultra-popular Mario Kart. There are also puzzle games, sports games, and simulators. Truly, there is something for everyone in the world of Nintendo Switch games.

Compatibility

The Nintendo Switch is a monster unto itself. There’s no backwards compatibility to WiiU or 3DS games. That means you’ll need to buy games specifically made for the Switch. Also, the lack of a virtual console (for now) means there’s no access to your favorite Nintendo games from the past.

Amiibo support

Amiibos – in the form of fun little character figures – are Nintendo’s wireless communications and storage system. They interact with software and allow data to be transferred over multiple platforms. Popular with both the 3DS and the WiiU, amiibos can now be used to access fun extras in compatible games on the Nintendo Switch.

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The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild for Nintendo Switch boasts a vast, open world and contains the first instance of voice acting in the Zelda franchise.

FAQ

Q. Are all Nintendo Switch games offered digitally as well as on game cards?
A.
While new Switch-specific games are available for download, there is no digital archive where popular games from previous Nintendo consoles can be purchased.

Q. I know that some video games have regional lockout. Does this apply to games for the Nintendo Switch?
A.
No. Nintendo Switch games are completely region-free.

Q. What comes in the box when I buy a Nintendo Switch?
A.
When you open your new Nintendo Switch, you’ll find the Nintendo Switch unit, the Nintendo Switch dock, the Joy-Con, the Joy-Con grip, the Joy-Con safety strap, an HDMI cable, and an AC adapter.

Our Top Picks