Best Nintendo Switch Games of 2023, Ranked

2023 was a busy and fruitful year for Nintendo. With many phenomenal titles released throughout the year, we think now is the perfect time to reflect on this past year. Fans of a wide array of genres certainly had exceptionally well-crafted worlds to explore. As well as stellar characters to explore them with. This formula, coupled with the fantastic presentation that one has come to expect from a Nintendo IP, made for many unforgettable gaming experiences. To highlight some of our favorites, enjoy our picks for the Best Nintendo Switch Games of 2023, Ranked.

5. Super Mario Bros. Wonder

With so many phenomenal titles to its credit, 2023 was quite the year for Nintendo fans. One of the most well-received titles of the year was Super Mario Bros. Wonder. This game not only manages to bring new mechanics but also brings with it a fresh take on classic platforming game design. That isn't to say that there aren't similarities to past iterations of Mario either, far from it, actually. In fact, it is the homage to a more simple yet refined approach that makes this title so wonderful. As is the case with many Mario titles, fans have come to expect a new mechanic or two within this new game.

In that regard, Super Mario Bros. Wonder certainly doesn't disappoint. Everything from shape-shifting to being able to utilize a number of tools to affect the world around you significantly, it's all here. The Wonder Flower system in the game also makes for a more varied experience overall. This accomplishes quite a few things by greatly aiding the sense of replayability this title has. Couple this with the game's fun factor, and you have one of the most solid and best Nintendo Switch games of 2023.

4. Pikmin 4

For the next entry on our list of the best Nintendo Switch games of 2023, we have Pikmin 4. For players looking for a fantastic way to get into the beloved Pikmin franchise, this game has you covered. Pikmin 4 serves as a phenomenal vehicle to do so. As has been the case since the franchise's inception, a great emphasis is placed on the player's ability to command their Pikmin. This leads players to maneuver throughout the colorful world and recruit allies along the way. This not only inherently gives players a great sense of reward for collecting more allies but also feeds into the game's core resource management mechanics.

Each of the Pikmin within the game has its own distinct use, personality, and purpose. This makes getting to know how to utilize them essential to success properly. The game features creatures that aid the player in traversing the game's world. Including many different combat units for players to employ, this title has it all. The game has a healthy amount of puzzle-solving and exploration as well, which is fantastic. All around, Pikmin 4 is a strong contender for one of the best Nintendo Switch games released in 2023.

3. Octopath Traveler II

Our next entry on today's list of the best Nintendo Switch games of 2023 is Octopath Traveler II. For RPG, as well as JRPG fans, this title stands as a beacon for a bright future. The world within the game is not only well-realized, but it also features a vast array of compelling characters. Each of these characters, in their own distinct ways, manages to aid in telling the complete tale of the game. The world of Solistia manages to feel cozy at all the right moments and, in the next, sweepingly adventurous. Gathering your party and learning more about its members is an experience that is sure to stick with players long after completion.

In total, this title features eight fantastically fleshed-out characters to enjoy. This ensures that no matter what kind of motivations and stories you enjoy, there is something to love here. Additionally, when coupled with the game's combat improvements, there is plenty of praise to sing with this title. Each of the game's environments manages to not only feel lived-in but also serve to provide a backdrop for your journey. These are actions that players will see reverberate throughout the game world. In short, Octopath Traveler is stellar and one of the best Nintendo Switch games of 2023.

2. Metroid Prime Remastered

We are following up on our last impeccable title with a title that, in many ways, reignited a passion for a beloved franchise. The world of Metroid Prime is one that those who have delved into its world know the caliber of all too well. That said, getting into the franchise can be a bit daunting for some. However, with Metroid Prime Remastered, players are able to jump right in. This allows them to experience a well-polished game that remains faithful to the core design principles of the game. This is wonderful, as throughout the player's journey, they will have a varied experience with a memorable and meaningful arsenal.

The character of Samus Aran is one that is instantly recognizable as well, even for newcomers to the franchise. For long-time fans of the franchise, the game features a classic control scheme as well as a modernized version. This shows not only the wish to appeal to multiple tastes within the fanbase but also that it is excellent for game accessibility. The world of Tallon IV is one that begs to be explored. To wrap things up, Metroid Prime Remastered is one of the best games for Nintendo Switch that was released in 2023.

1. The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom

For our final entry on our list of the Switch games to release in 2023, we have The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom. In many ways, this title reigned over the year 2023. Since its initial announcement and inkings of information, the hype around this title has been palpable. Whether fans had jumped into the series in its modern iterations or were fans of the classic style of games, this title shows that there is much to love on both sides. The creative freedom that this game gave players, in many ways, was unmatched in its implementation.

However, this is by far the game's only shining aspect. The game also features that same level of polish to its world and its inhabitants. Maneuvering throughout the world and aiding its varied peoples feels phenomenal. This game manages to perfectly encapsulate the feeling of adventure from games of the past, with the smooth gameplay style of the franchise's more modern iterations. This is far from an easy balance to strike, and yet it balances the tightrope nearly perfectly. In conclusion, The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom was one of the best Nintendo Switch games on offer in 2023.

So, what's your take on our picks for the Best Nintendo Switch Games of 2023, Ranked? How would you rank these titles? Let us know over on our socials here or down in the comments below.