5 Best Switch Launch Titles, Ranked

It's hard to believe that Nintendo's Switch has kept us entertained for the past five years. But that's because no one's dared to compete with the portable gaming console, which appears to have a monopoly on the portable gaming scene at this point. However, that wasn't always the case. It actually took a bit of time for the Switch to amass a successful roster of games. That's why we'd like to look back at the best Switch launch titles that helped kickstart the system's success.

To be honest, we can attribute the Switch's early success to only a couple of games, with a little help from others. However, unlike the PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series One, the Switch did not launch with a stacked lineup of games. The Switch, on the other hand, had a much smaller but more diverse game lineup at launch. But even so, there was one game that made it all worthwhile, and we're guessing you already know what that game is. Nonetheless, keep reading to find out which games rank as the top five switch launch titles, in this list.

5. Fast RMX

It's no surprise that fans hoped for a long-awaited F-Zero remake to be released as a Switch launch title. And, while we didn't get it, we did get Fast RMX, a lightning-fast arcade racer that's still fun to play five years later. Fast RMX is a high-octane racing game that immerses you in a sci-fi world where you race anti-gravity vehicles across futuristic race tracks.

And we know you're thinking the same thing, but it sounds and looks a lot like pod racing from Star Wars: Episode I The Phantom Menace. And when Fast RMX first came out, that was the first thought that drew us in.

Fast RMX, on the other hand, delivered a noteworthy racing title upon release, with 30 unique tracks, 15 vehicles to choose from, and a fun online competitive scene. Furthermore, this game is always fun to play with friends, which was a big selling point for the Switch. Looking back, we can appreciate how much arcade racing fun Fast RMX brought us as a Switch Launch title.

4. Snipperclips – Cut It Out, Together!

Along with the Switch's powerful portable capabilities, playing couch games and the ability to play games with friends was a huge selling point. However, not many of the Switch's launch titles were couch or multiplayer games. Snipperclips – Cut It Out, Together! was one of the few games that offered this at launch. And, while it may not be as memorable now that we have a solid list of couch games like Mario Kart 8 Deluxe, it was still enough to demonstrate how much fun co-op switch games with friends can be.

in Snipperclips – Cut It Out, Together! you and your friends collaborate to trim and cut yourself into shapes in order to solve various in-game puzzles. And with so many of them, each one more distinct from the others, the game quickly becomes a joy to play with friends. You can even compete in competitive mini-games. All in all, behind Snipperclips' colorful and appealing aesthetic, is a great co-op game that showcases why gaming is better, with friends.

3. Shovel Knight: Specter of Torment

Nintendo's bread and butter have always been side-scrolling platformers. And a quick glance at the Nintendo Switch illustrates that the portable gaming system is ideal for side-scrolling platformers. That's why it's fantastic that the Switch launch title, Shovel Knight: Specter of Torment, provides a solid representation of that.

It's a grimmer and darker installment in the series, but most players and reviewers loved it. It's difficult and full of unique levels that are surprisingly different from one another, making you want to explore everything this game has to offer. What's more, if you liked Shovel Knight: Specter of Torment, you can get even more of the action with its second Switch launch title.

2. Shovel Knight: Treasure Trove

Shovel Knight: Treasure Trove debuted alongside Shovel Knight: Specter of Torment as Switch launch titles. Specter of Torment, on the other hand, was only a taste of what Treasure Trove has to offer, as the latter includes all five games in the series. Shovel Knight Treasure Trove includes Shovel of Hope, Plague of Shadows, Specter of Torment, King of Cards, and Showdown. That's why players who enjoyed Specter of Torment easily flocked to Treasure Trove with comfort.

Evidently, Shovel Knight: Treasure Trove showcased how perfect side-scrolling platformers are for Nintendo's Switch. As a result, the Switch appears to be the preferred console for the release of games in the genre. The Shovel Knight series may not be as relevant today, given the plethora of amazing side-scroller platformers currently available for the console, but the games certainly served their purpose as a Switch launch title.

1. The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild

Okay, you probably guessed that The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild would rank as the number one Switch launch title. That's because there's no argument to be had that it wasn't the best. This game is what got everyone excited about the Nintendo Switch's release. With that, it also got all the Zelda fans crawling out from under their desks because they finally got a notable Zelda entry that featured the best gameplay and graphics the series has ever seen.

Even after five years, you could argue that The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild is not only the best Switch launch title but also the best Switch game. You can't help but return to explore more of the game's adventurous open world, discover new secrets, and face new threats. Which truly demonstrated the Switch's true potential for supporting more demanding games. And by delivering a title as such that was flawlessly executed on all fronts, it wasn't long before other big-name titles wanted to join the game's pursuit on Switch.

So, what's your take? Do you agree with our top five? Are there other Switch launch titles that we should know about? Let us know in the comments below or over on our socials here!