Top 20 Best Games to Play on Nintendo Switch
WowVendor is excited to announce a giveaway from January 30 to February 20 with thrilling prizes. As the first-place winner, you will get to choose either a Nintendo Switch OLED or a Steam Deck as your ultimate reward. If you are interested, check out Steam Deck games you should play in 2023. While that, this article covers the top 20 best titles available on the Japanese console. The list is based on players’ preferences and Metacritic scores. It includes both single and multiplayer options. So, without further ado, let’s dive in!
BEST SINGLE-PLAYER GAMES ON NINTENDO SWITCH
THE LEGEND OF ZELDA: BREATH OF THE WILD (BOTW)
First released in 2017, BOTW has been widely acclaimed as a masterpiece in the gaming industry. Its exceptional visuals, audio, gameplay, combat, plot, and storytelling earned it the title Game of the Year in 2017.
BOTW’s iconic cel-shaded art style has inspired many popular titles, such as Genshin Impact and Immortals: Fenyx Rising. It not only breaks boundaries in the Zelda series, but also pushes the limit of possibilities in the gaming industry with its realistic physics, dynamic weather, and seamless integration of natural elements. The immersive mechanics of the open-world genre allows you to progress at your own pace however you like. You can also reach any nook and cranny of Hyrule without limitation. You’ll get to hunt, cook, solve puzzles, engage in thrilling battles, form strategies, and hone your skills to overcome more powerful foes. All the while regaining Link’s long-lost memory to piece together the event of what had happened 100 years ago.
With the highly-anticipated direct sequel, The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom, set to release this May, there’s no better time to own a Switch and immerse yourself in the Hyrule heroic tale.
SUPER MARIO ODYSSEY
The Mario franchise has been a beloved part of gaming culture for decades. Its latest addition, Super Mario Odyssey, is the Italian plumber’s biggest 3D adventure up until now.
It revitalizes the iconic series by introducing new moves made possible by Mario’s companion Cappy. The title combines nostalgic elements of the past with fresh and exciting new experiences outside the Mushroom Kingdom. Its stunning graphics and nostalgic charm make it a must-play title on Switch.
ANIMAL CROSSING: NEW HORIZONS
You feel overwhelmed by the fast-paced and hectic nature of modern life. You’re tired of endless heroic journeys. You are not interested in combat with powerful foes. If so, then look no further than the Nook Inc. Deserted Island Getaway Package in Animal Crossing: New Horizons.
The latest business venture from the one and only Tom Nook promises to bring you to a secluded island paradise, untouched by civilization, awaits to help you escape from the stresses of daily life. The possibilities are endless. Whether you want to focus on peaceful creativity, fishing, collecting bugs, or just enjoying the island’s natural beauty. With the ability to craft tools and interact with flora and fauna in many ways, the island is the perfect place to unleash your inner adventurer and explore the great outdoors. Make friends with new arrivals, experience the changing seasons, and discover hidden secrets as you settle into your new home. So why wait? Pack your bags, and let Tom Nook take you on the ultimate getaway experience.
HADES
Hades is a rogue-like dungeon crawler game from the creators of Bastion, Transistor, and Pyre. It presents a rich infusion of Greek mythology throughout its storyline and characters. You’ll take on the role of the immortal Prince of the Underworld, Zagreus. Your task is to escape the clutches of Hades to uncover the mysterious story behind it all.
The replayability of Hades is one of the most exciting features. You can choose from many weapons and dozens of powerful Boons provided by Olympian gods. It means thousands of builds, and every attempt will differ from one another. The same goes for interacting with the NPCs. Every time you meet a character, even if they are recurring, you’ll still have new conversations with them. You’ll learn more about their personalities, stories, and relationships with others in the Underworld. Thus, you can experience a new adventure whenever you jump out of Zagreus’s bedroom window.
Hades features stunning hand-painted environments. The soundtracks are beautiful and perfectly capture the essence of Greek mythology.
A sequel of Hades is also on its way. So isn’t it a great time to own yourself a Switch?
OKAMI HD
Okami is a highly underrated title. Its gameplay is inspired by The Legend of Zelda series. Yet, it’s not a clone like some people think. Rather, it’s a unique and beautiful tale of how the sun goddess Amaterasu saved the land of Nippon from eternal darkness. Set in ancient Japan, it weaves together elements of Japanese mythology and folklore to narrate how the goddess regains her sacred power, makes friends with the mortals, and protects the realm of the living.
Okami has a great story, outstanding soundtracks, exceptional dungeons, and beyond-fascinating characters. Even the side characters’ fates will easily touch your soul. The plot may seem straightforward at first. Still, as you progress, the narrative’s depth and complexity will unfold and undoubtedly leave an everlasting impact. Okami’s combat system is a standout feature, showcasing its innovation, originality, and creativity, bound only by the limits of one’s imagination.
THE LEGEND OF ZELDA: LINK’S AWAKENING
Link’s Awakening is a great entry point for newcomers. After 26 years since its first release, it has made its way to the Nintendo Switch. Stranded on the mysterious Koholint Island, you will join Link as he navigates through treacherous dungeons, battles fierce monsters, and unravels the island’s secrets to find a way home.
Link’s Awakening features a bright art style, great soundtracks, and a not-too-complicated yet memorable plot. You’ll surely enjoy solving creative puzzles and battling challenging bosses. This updated version of the classic adventure brings back the nostalgia of the original Game Boy release. It retains the 2D platformer-style room and appearances from characters outside of The Legend of Zelda series.
CHICORY: A COLORFUL TALE
As the name suggested, Chicory’s central theme and gameplay revolve around colors. In a world void of colors and all that remains is a monotone landscape, you are the only one who can restore its vibrancy. You’ll embark on a journey to uncover the truth behind the disappearance of Chicory, the legendary artist and the true wielder of the Brush.
Chicory features vibrant characters, compelling stories, unique boss battles and combat systems, and beautiful soundtracks. The story is simple, kind, and captivating. Even when you don’t feel like advancing on your quest, you can still enjoy your laid-back time, coloring and bringing life back to the world. Thus, no Chicory will have the same colors as another.
The concept of using painting to restore the world is cleverly executed. With the sceneries and even NPCs as your canvas, you are free to unleash your creativity. Additionally, you can rewatch the timelapse of your paintings. Later on, you can create your own palette and experiment with even more colors.
HOLLOW KNIGHT
Hollow Knight is a 2D action-adventure platformer title. It invites you on a captivating journey through the vast and mysterious underground world of Hallownest. As the Knight, a nameless insectoid warrior, you’ll explore the fallen kingdom plagued by a supernatural disease.
Don’t be fooled by its cute design, however. It’s actually a Soulslike packed with challenging combat and a high difficulty level. A deep and complex world filled with formidable enemies and intricate level design is awaiting you to explore.
NIER: AUTOMATA – THE END OF YORHA EDITION
NieR: Automata – The End of YoRHa Edition takes place during an intense proxy war between advanced alien-created machines and human-crafted androids. You’ll follow the thrilling journey of combat android 2B, scanner android 9S, and rogue prototype A2. Each character has their own unique point of view on the situation. As you progress, you will unlock more of their insights and perspective. There are many endings based on your choices. Thus, it requires you to play through many times to unfold the true story and ending. In the end, it’ll leave you with much room to think about the nature of humanity and AI.
The gameplay is a masterful blend of action and RPG elements, featuring fast-paced hack-and-slash combat and a dynamic genre-switching system. The Plug-in Chips system adds a strategic layer to the gameplay, allowing you to customize your characters and adapt to different challenges.
PERSONA 5 ROYAL
Persona 5 is a JRPG developed by Atlus that was initially released for PS3 in 2016. In 2020, an extended version called Persona 5 Royal was released exclusively for PlayStation 4. Later on October 21, 2022, it was remastered and ported to other platforms, including PlayStation 5, Nintendo Switch, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, and PC.
Persona 5 Royal includes new characters, locations, and endings in addition to the content from the base one. The gameplay revolves around balancing a regular high school student’s life and helping change shady people’s way of life by infiltrating their metaphysical minds.
BEST MULTIPLAYER AND PARTY GAMES ON NINTENDO SWITCH
What to do when a social gathering suddenly enters awkward silence? What to say when everyone looks at their phone instead of communicating? How to bond with your relatives over family events? Just sit in one place and hope the whole thing will be over soon? That’s not the answer, my friend! Nintendo Switch is here to save the day with tons of multiplayer and party games to break the ice and bring people together.
MARIO PARTY SUPERSTARS
Mario Party Superstars is a turn-based party game. Each player uses one Joy-Con. The primary mode, “Mario Party,” has up to four players independently moving on the board, rolling dice to determine movement, and collecting items to change their course. Ultimately, the winner is the one with the most stars and coins.
Super Mario Party also features additional multiplayer modes and a single-player campaign.
SUPER SMASH BROS. ULTIMATE
Super Smash Bros. Ultimate is a top-notch Nintendo Switch multiplayer game. It’s an epic crossover experience that brings together some of the most iconic characters from different franchises, such as Mario, Zelda, Pokemon, Final Fantasy, and more.
As you battle through various single-player and multiplayer modes, tournaments, and multiplayer, you will have access to a wide roster of characters, each with their own specialties and move sets. The title offers endless hours of fast-paced and enjoyable gameplay with a treasure trove of content, impeccable mechanics, and a wide range of modes that are just as enjoyable in both docked and handheld modes.
The developers have created a truly special, approachable, and challenging battlefield. It’s the perfect choice for casual gatherings and competitive Smash Bros tournaments. Super Smash Bros. Ultimate is a must-have, whether you’re a seasoned veteran or new to the series.
JUST DANCE
Just Dance is the perfect motion-based title to liven up any gathering. With many versions and a wide variety of songs spanning different genres, you’ll surely find something you’d love to dance to.
As the music starts, you must follow your on-screen coach’s movements. There are also dancing cues in the bottom right corner to help you perfect your moves. Just Dance also includes “gold moves.” They require you to strike a pose or execute the toughest motion to earn extra points.
The more precisely you dance, the more stars you will earn and the higher your rank will be. With support for up to six participants using Joy-Cons or smartphones at once, Just Dance is an excellent way for friends and family to bond and have a great time together.
OVERCOOKED! 2
Overcooked! 2 is a culinary chaos where you must work together to whip up delicious dishes in various kitchens. It may remind you of Diner Dash. You must navigate the kitchen madness and handle multiple tasks at once. Albeit in Overcooked 2, it’s a lot more chaotic. Strategizing is important here. You and your teammates need to be clear on who clean the dishes, cook, or prep the ingredients. All the while working to earn a passing score. It’s a perfect recipe for a fun and challenging co-op game. Overcooked! 2 is best enjoyed with friends and family as you race to fulfill orders and please your hungry customers.
1-2 SWITCH
1-2-Switch is a party game that utilizes the Switch’s Joy-Con controllers to create an interactive and engaging experience. It’s perfect for gatherings with non-gamers. After all, 1-2 Switch is designed to be played with two or more players. Your reflexes and real-life abilities will be tested instead of your in-game skills. It includes 28 mini-games and fun challenges, promising to be a great way to have some light-hearted fun with friends and family.
MARIO KART 8 DELUXE
Mario Kart 8 Deluxe lets you control characters from the Mario universe to compete against each other in a race. What’s funnier than a bit of competition spiced up with power-ups from item boxes?
The game includes many new characters, four difficulties, DLC courses, and more options for Battle Mode. It also has a single-player mode. But the gameplay will shine brighter when many people are playing together.
Mario Kart 8 Deluxe promises to be a great activity with countless fun and memorable hours.
GANG BEASTS
Talking about funny, you should really take a look at Gang beasts. Your task is to throw your opponent off various platforms while struggling to be the last one standing. After all, in desperate hours, your opponents may drag you down along with them.
Implementing ragdoll physics to characters adds to the goofiness and unpredictability of the brawls. Often, it leads to hilarious situations that none can stop laughing.
There are many modes to choose from: Local Play, Online Play, Melee, Gangs, Football, and Waves to enjoy. Its simple graphics and mechanics make it an excellent option for fans of portable party games.
SPLATOON 3
Splatoon 3 is the next evolution in Nintendo’s iconic ink-based multiplayer shooter series. Boasting an array of new and exciting gameplay features, it immerses you in a world of fast-paced, ink-splattering action. Get ready to engage in turf battles to dominate the battlefield with unique paint-based weapons!
Splatoon 3 offers a multiplayer mode that’s great for gatherings. But if you want to play alone sometimes, don’t worry. A single-player campaign always awaits. With its family-friendly approach and art style, Splatoon 3 is the ultimate ink-slinging experience. It offers something truly unique for people of all ages and skill levels.
NINTENDO SWITCH SPORTS
Nintendo Switch Sports is a unique and exciting way to bring physical activities and hearty waves of laughter to parties and gatherings. With six games in one package, it offers endless fun and entertainment. From tennis, badminton, and volleyball to bowling, football, and sword fighting, your Joy-Con will be your trusted sports equipment and bring you and your loved ones a delightful time.
With support for up to four participants and online play, you can challenge your friends, family, or even players worldwide.
KEEP TALKING AND NOBODY EXPLODES
Keep Talking and Nobody Explodes is a unique and thrilling experience. It tests your communication and problem-solving skills.
One of you is locked in a room with a ticking time bomb. The others act as “Experts” who provide instructions to defuse it by interpreting clues from the Bomb Defusal Manual. However, the Experts cannot see the bomb, making the situation all the more interesting as you must work together to diffuse it before time runs out. The title is fast-paced, exciting, sometimes goofy, and certainly keeps you on the edge of your seat. The puzzles are challenging, and the various combinations ensure the game won’t get too repetitive. The setup is also innovative, making Nintendo Switch a perfect platform to play it.
You are staring at the chance to unlock the door to endless gaming adventures with the Nintendo Switch. After all, you could be the lucky winner of one in the WowVendor giveaway. Don’t miss out on this chance to explore even more exciting titles beyond the ones listed above!
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