The Top 10 Games On Switch

Nintendo Switch’s extensive library of games is impressive and well worth the recommendation. Below is a list of our top 10 favorite games. We will update this list as many times as new titles are added. We’ll kick games and add more as we grow the Switch library.

Please note that while the list below contains 10 entries, we aren’t actually ranking them – if a game has made it this far (and managed to stay here), it’s a must-play, period. As such, we’ll be listing entries in Reverse chronological order. Also, you’ll find a rundown of previous entries at the bottom of the list. While those titles have gotten bumped for bigger and better experiences, they are still all great games in their own right and worth exploring if you’re already caught up on the latest hits.

Here are Game Informer’s picks for the top 10 games on the Switch.

Pokémon Legends: Arceus

Publication: January 28, 2022

Pokémon Legends: Arceus stands as the biggest change of pace for the long-running franchise. Set in an ancient version of Sinnoh, you’re tasked with exploring a large world to fill out the first Pokédex. Though not a true open world, the sense of freedom still feels liberating as does the less restrictive battle system where players can freely sneak up, challenge, and even evade Pokémon. The adventure of capturing new versions of beloved pocket monsters was thrilling. A variety of side quests kept us busy on the Switch, as well as engaging narratives. Our Review Pokémon Legends: Arceus has its faults, but it represents a strong first step towards what we hope is the start of a new series. | Our Review

Metroid Dread

Publication: 8 October 2021

Metroid lovers have been begining Nintendo to create a new 2D Metroid story for almost two decades. Nintendo was finally able to deliver and it did not disappoint. As the name implies, Dread is a tense experience, full of challenging boss fights and deadly robots who doggedly chase Samus across the various biomes of Planet ZDR. Metroid’s classic exploration-based platforming remains intact, and we eagerly hunted down new upgrades like the Phantom Cloak and the Spider Magnet. We were unable to finish the 100 percent race in time, and we cannot wait to hear what Dread’s huge story means for the future of Metroid. Our Review | Our Review

Super Mario 3D World + Bowser’s Fury

Publication: February 12, 2021

Although we rarely pay attention to rereleases these days, the Wii U’s Mario 4-player title was so fun and joyful that we couldn’t help but jump back into the Switch version. Nintendo added a new single-player campaign called Bowser’s Fury to the mix. In this standalone experience, Mario travels across Lake Lapcat, completing various platforming challenges to collect Cat Shines. We loved the larger and more open world design Bowser’s Fury offers. Each act concludes in a Kaiju-sized boss fight. Our Review | Our Review

Animal Crossing New Horizons

Publication: March 20, 2020

Animal Crossing: New Horizons is a tranquil and low-stress refuge that was created at the right moment in time. With the news cycle becoming more tumultuous since 2020, Animal Crossing: New Horizons offers refuge in the form of a virtual tropical island. New Horizons is a great way to customize and build your home and island as you like. It also offers fun rewards and goals. Our Review | Our Review

Fire Emblem: 3 Houses

Publication: July 26, 2019,

Fire Emblem: Three Houses is the return of the turn-based strategic series. While the Fire Emblem series was popular on mobile platforms, it has gained a following in more recent years. Fire Emblem: Three Houses has outstanding strategy gameplay and a compelling story that you can influence and interact with. There are many paths through the narrative. It is one of today’s best strategy games. Our Review | Our Review

Super Smash Bros. Ultimate

Published December 7, 2018,

Super Smash Bros., a cross-over event that was two decades in making, is finally here. Ultimate captures the best of the series. Super Smash Bros. features amazing fighting mechanics and an incredible range of play modes. It also boasts a list of fighters featuring every character from series history. Ultimate is a must-have title for Switch. Our Review | Our Review

Super Mario Odyssey

Publication: October 27, 2017.

The Switch has at least one great Mario platformer on every Nintendo console. Mario Odyssey, which was launched a few month after launch, hits every Mario mark and even adds some new features. It is fun and whimsical with great controls. There are tons to explore. This is a unique adventure that Switch owners must have. Our Review | Our Review

Stardew Valley

Publication: October 5, 2017.

Harvest Moon’s future remains uncertain, and it has had a disappointing past. Stardew Valley has improved on almost all the mechanics that were popularized by Harvest Moon. Although managing a farm might sound tedious, it is actually a fun task in Stardew Valley. The experience of watching your crops grow and making a profit, while also getting to know the locals is something that will not be forgotten. The Switch makes this experience even more enjoyable.Read our review of the PC version | Our Review of the PC version

Mario Kart 8 Deluxe

Publication: April 28, 2017,

The Deluxe version of Mario Kart 8 Wii U is far more than just a port. It also includes the full DLC (extra tracks and racers) and Battle Mode. This mode was strangely missing from the original game. Split-screen Mario Kart has always been a huge hit. Deluxe includes two handheld controllers that you can use anywhere to play the game. Our Review | Our Review

The Legend of Zelda – Breath of the Wild

Published March 3, 2017.

The Legend of Zelda Breath of the Wild is a great game. It received a rare 10/10 rating in our review, and we awarded it our Game of the year award 2017. This game sets new standards for open-world games. Breath to the Wild allows you access any place you see on the map. It also features the same excellent puzzle design you would expect in a Zelda adventure. You won’t soon forget it. Optional DLC packs will add new challenges to your journey. Our Review | Our Review

The games considered for this list that didn’t make the cut, or have been cut since we originally published this article: Hollow Knight, Fortnite, Celeste, Golf Story, Mario + Rabbids Kingdom Battle, Splatoon 2, Donkey Kong Country: Tropical Freeze, Doom, The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim, Wolfenstein II: The New Colossus, Sonic Mania, Luigi’s Mansion 3, Dragon Quest XI S: Echoes of an Elusive Age – Definitive Edition, and recent classics that have been ported, Shovel Knight: Treasure Trove, Inside, and Axiom Verge. They’re all still great games, so give them a try, too!

Follow these links to read comparable lists for the PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X, PlayStation 4, and Xbox One!