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5 Best Switch Exclusives of All Time, Ranked

Published

2 years ago

March 30, 2022

best nintendo switch exclusives of all time ranked

Since its release, Nintendo Switch has evolved and expanded its library of games. While most popular titles like Apex Legends have made their way to the handheld console, Nintendo has also released several Switch exclusives in the store. The bottom line is – Nintendo Switch offers you a LOT of games. From RPGs to puzzles and casual games, picking the top 5 isn't that simple.

On top of that, Nintendo has several popular games being ported over to Switch and dozens of Switch exclusives lined up. So, 2022 is going to be a very busy year for the company.

Meanwhile, we looked at the exclusive titles that Nintendo has rolled out for the consoles and picked the based ones!

Top 5 Switch Exclusives You Shouldn't Miss Out On

Here are our top 5 picks for ‘must-haves' on your Switch!

5. Mario Kart 8 Deluxe

mario kart 8 deluxe switch exclusive

Let's start the list with one of the best-selling games of all time on Nintendo Switch. Mario Kart 8 and its deluxe version both were huge commercial and critical hits and sold millions of copies. Just like all other Mario games, Kart 8 Deluxe is cheerful and colorful.

The original version, Mario Kart 8, was first released on Wii U. However, it gained attention when it was rolled out on Switch. That's not all. The Deluxe version went on to become the best-selling game on the handheld console. All the credit goes to extensive content, smooth game mechanics, and vivid visuals. The deluxe version had a load of extra content, including new characters, tracks, vehicles, and much more.

The Balloon Battles, Bob-omb Blasts, and Renegade Roundup were cherries on the top. This Mario Kart bloated the online community and fostered it. With the new Booster Course Pass, Mario Kart 8 Deluxe will have even more interesting additions.

4. Luigi's Mansion 3

luigi's mansion 3

Over the years, Mario has made all its lead characters famous, and Luigi has carved out a space for himself. Notably, Luigi the ghost-buster really shone brightly in all the Luigi Mansion games. Out of those, Luigi's Mansion 3 was a cool mashup of the previous two titles.

For this one, Luigi takes us on a spooky tour of a haunted hotel. The villain, a wicked specter, has captured Luigi's brother Mario and his friends. Each level is a puzzle that you will have to decode to get ahead in the game. The haunted hotel has different sections (or floors), and in each section, you will have to solve a puzzle.

The entire Mario game is action-packed with new and advanced gadgets, scary spooks, and, of course, Gooigi. With the co-op mode, you can play online with your friends and have a spooky adventure!

3. Animal Crossing: New Horizons

animal crossing switch exclusives

Of course, Animal Crossing: New Horizons took the world by storm when it came out during the pandemic. As it coincided with the lockdown, people felt some relief with the game's socialization aspect. It was THE escape that our planet needed and it shows. The game has sold over 34 million copies all across the globe.

As a player, you have to plan and structure your island, go fishing, interact with the villagers, and do much more. You can make friends and invite your real-life buddies into the game to make it livelier. In terms of gameplay, New Horizons does not differ much from the previous games in the franchise.

Animal Crossing New Horizons' charm lies in its simplicity and the ‘routine' that the game establishes. The dialogue-writing is spot on and makes you smile throughout. With pleasing visuals and equally pleasing audio, New Horizons is a real treat for those who love casual games. Oh, and the new Happy Home Paradise update is a must-download.

2. The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild

legend of zelda breathe of the wild

You already knew this was coming. Breath of the Wild happens to be one of the best-selling Switch exclusives of all time. Surprisingly, BOTW was also one of the early games released for the handheld console.

The latest entry into the franchise took complete liberty and reimagined the in-game world. Players took an instant liking to the vast open world and liberal gameplay. And yet, the game doesn't lose its rich story and feels connected to the franchise. The visuals were stunning and many fans will describe it as one of the “best-looking games” on Switch.

For those who are eagerly waiting for the Breath of the Wild 2, we have a piece of good news – it's confirmed, and it's in the works. However, players will have to wait till spring 2023 for the yet-t0-be-named sequel to roll out.

1. Super Mario Odyssey

super mario odyssey exclusive

Without a doubt, Super Mario Odyssey was a game-changer. After all these years, the fan-favorite plumber has become somewhat of a mascot for Nintendo consoles. Somehow, each Mario game turns out to be super fun but Odyssey was a whole different level.

To begin with, Mario took us to all the best possible vacation destinations across the planet. Next, the gameplay was FUN. And for this game, we couldn't decide who was more adorable – Mario or the jumpy Cappy. You could literally toss the little red cap on foe's heads and control them for a few moments.

Coming to the gameplay, it was super fun with new mechanics and challenging levels. The stunning visuals just complement the whole entertaining theme of the game.

Bonus: Pokemon Sword and Shield

pokemon games on switch

We cannot talk about Nintendo Switch without mentioning all the Pokemon games. While almost all the Pokemon entries are great, Pokemon Sword and Shield are important ones.

With Sword and Shield, we venture into the Galar region and get to catch some powerful Pokemon. Both games are super fun and most importantly, they brought some changes. Random encounters were done away with, and several mechanics were enhanced to up the quality of the game. Sword and Shield is also the first pair in the franchise to receive expansion packs after release. You can add The Isle of Armor and The Crown Tundra to your Pokemon collection.

Very recently, the new entry Pokemon Legends: Arceus was rolled out and so far, it has received positive reviews. Meanwhile, Pokemon Scarlet and Violet are lined up for a late 2022 release.

Apart from this, there are a few other Nintendo Switch exclusives that deserve a special mention are –