The Top 10 Games On Switch

Nintendo Switch’s extensive library of games is impressive and well worth the recommendation. The following list contains our top 10 games. We will update this list as many times as new titles are added. As the Switch’s library expands, we will add and kick off new games.

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

Published 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. It was great fun to capture never-before seen versions of our favourite pocket monsters. There were also a lot of side quests that kept us on our Switch screens. 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 begged 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

We rarely give our attention to releases these days. However, we were so excited by the Wii U’s Mario 4 game that it was impossible not to jump in again for the Switch port. 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. Bowser’s Fury is a more expansive, open-world Mario adventure. We also loved that each stage ended in a Kaiju-sized boss struggle. Our Review | Our Review

Animal Crossing – New Horizons

Publication: March 20, 2020

Animal Crossing New Horizons, a calm and relaxed organization that offers low stress solutions for people all over the globe came at the perfect 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 features outstanding strategy gameplay, an engaging storyline, multiple ways to progress the narrative and excellent interaction with the characters. Our Review | Our Review

Super Smash Bros. Ultimate

Published December 7, 2018,

Super Smash Bros. is a crossover that has been in development for over 20 years. Ultimate captures the best of the series. Super Smash Bros. contains amazing fighting mechanics, an impressive suite of modes, and a roster that includes every character of series history. Ultimate is a must-have title for Switch. Our Review | Our Review

Super Mario Odyssey

Publication: October 27, 2017.

Each Nintendo console must have at least 1 Mario platformer. The Switch is no exception. Mario Odyssey, which was launched a few month after launch, hits all of the Mario boxes and even adds some new features. The game is whimsical and fun, with perfect controls and tons of things to find. It also features a level in which all humans are normal sized, while Mario can run around his cartoony, short self. This is a unique adventure that Switch owners must have. Our Review | Our Review

Stardew Valley

Published October 5, 2017,

Harvest Moon’s future is uncertain and the past has been disappointing. Stardew Valley has improved on almost all the mechanics that were popularized by Harvest Moon. While managing a farm sounds like work, Stardew Valley makes it a joyful experience. It’s a rewarding experience to watch your crops develop and then sell them to make a profit. You also get to meet the people of Stardew Valley, which makes it difficult to leave. The Switch’s portability makes it even better.Check out our Review of the PC Version | Our Review of the PC version

Mario Kart 8 Deluxe

Published April 28, 2017.

Deluxe is more than an easy port of Mario Kart 8 Wii U. The game includes all DLC, extra tracks, racesrs and cars, as well as Battle Mode which was oddly absent in the original version. 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 an amazing 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: Pokémon Sword & Shield, 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!