10 Best Nintendo Switch Games of All Time

The Nintendo Switch launched in 2017 and completely flipped the console market. Nintendo packed power into a hybrid system you could play on the couch or on the bus.  It sold over 140 million units and, therefore, gave us some of the best games in gaming history. From massive open worlds to tight platformers, the library proved unstoppable. While the Switch 2 now grabs headlines, the original still deserves credit for its run. In fact, let’s rank the best games that defined the Switch era. To start with, the list kicks off with a fan-favorite RPG.

10. Tales of Vesperia: Definitive Edition

The Switch got a classic RPG refreshed here. Tales of Vesperia used the Linear Motion Battle System, where fights unfolded in real time. You directly controlled one character while AI handled the rest. Combos, special attacks, and spells flowed smoothly. The Definitive Edition also added new cutscenes, playable characters, and voice acting. The art style popped on Switch, while the story about Yuri Lowell’s fight against corruption hooked fans. Multiplayer lets friends control party members, thus turning battles into a co-op clash.    

9. Fire Emblem: Three Houses

Strategy fans got a masterpiece here. Three Houses lets you play as a professor at Garreg Mach Monastery. You chose a house to teach, and as a result, shaped the story’s direction. Time is split between social sim elements and tactical battles; moreover, building relationships with students boosts their performance in combat. The time-skip twist, however, raised the stakes. The maps tested planning and patience, ultimately rewarding smart decisions. Each house path gave different storylines, so multiple playthroughs felt necessary. Finally, the game earned its spot as one of the best Fire Emblems ever.

8. Hades

Indie magic struck gold here. Hades put you in control of Zagreus, the son of Hades, trying to escape the Underworld. Each run threw you into rooms with random enemies and layouts. So, no two attempts feel similar. The combat stayed fast and brutal, mixing melee, magic, and dashes. Boons from the Greek gods constantly changed builds, thus keeping gameplay fresh. Failures didn’t feel wasted, because each death gave upgrades and unlocked new story beats. Meanwhile, the voice acting and art style kept things stylish, while the music amped up every fight. 

7. Luigi’s Mansion 3

Mario’s brother got his best game yet. Luigi’s Mansion 3 dropped players into a haunted hotel with 17 unique floors. Every floor had its own vibe. Luigi’s new Poltergust had sick moves, like straight-up body-slamming ghosts. Gooigi, the slimy clone, also made puzzles way cooler since you could run two Luigis at once. In addition, boss ghosts oozed personality, each tied to their floor’s theme. Multiplayer modes, such as ScareScraper, let friends team up against waves of spirits. As a result, the charm, humor, and spooky vibe made this entry shine.

6. Metroid Dread

Samus made a brutal comeback with this one. Metroid Dread revived 2D Metroid after nearly two decades. The planet ZDR hid secrets and power-ups everywhere. The new slide and parry moves made Samus faster than ever. Exploration is tied directly to combat, keeping momentum strong. But the real stars were the EMMI robots. They stalked you through zones, forcing panic escapes and tense fights. Each victory felt earned. Additionally, the story leaned into Samus’ raw power, showing some of the coldest cutscenes in the series.

5. Animal Crossing: New Horizons

The timing of this game was unreal. New Horizons launched in 2020 and became the lockdown comfort for millions. You moved to a deserted island, built your home, and also decorated it however you wanted. Crafting lets you turn sticks, rocks, and iron into furniture. Seasonal events kept things exciting. There are fishing tournaments, Halloween, and fireworks shows. Multiplayer lets friends visit islands, trade items, and show off designs. The characters, from Isabelle to Tom Nook, once again became cultural icons. Consequently, players spent hundreds of hours shaping islands into dream towns. 

4. Mario Kart 8 Deluxe

No racer tops this one. Mario Kart 8 Deluxe took the Wii U version, cleaned it up, stacked it with extras, and made it the ultimate kart game. Every track from the original returned, plus extra cups and DLC expansions. The battle mode got a massive fix with arenas built just for balloon-popping chaos. Classic items like the Feather came back, letting players pull off crazy jumps. The game also added Smart Steering and Auto-Accelerate. Few games spark more laughs, rage, and shouting matches with friends. Not only that, it continues to dominate esports and casual lobbies. All in all, it’s the ultimate Mario Kart racer.

3. Super Mario Odyssey

Super Mario Odyssey gave players massive playgrounds called kingdoms as Mario went globe-trotting. Cappy, Mario’s hat buddy, lets you possess enemies and objects. You could become a dinosaur, a bullet, or even a taxi. Power Moons replaced stars, with hundreds hidden in clever spots. Some were easy grabs, but others demanded skillful jumps and tight timing. The sandbox vibe felt like Mario 64 evolved. Each kingdom carried its own theme, from the bustling New Donk City to the frozen Snow Kingdom. 

2. The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom

Tears of the Kingdom added sky islands and a creepy underground region. Exploration doubled in scope, and the new crafting system stole the show. Fuse let players stick weapons together, while Ultrahand built flying machines, cars, and wild contraptions. Some fans even built mechs. Temples returned, with themed puzzles and bosses like the Wind Temple dragon fight. The Depths flipped the vibe completely. It stayed dark, dangerous, and full of hazards that drained health. Still, every dive felt rewarding. 

1. The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild

Breath of the Wild threw you into Hyrule with almost no limits. The physics engine lets players burn fields, surf on shields, and launch enemies with bombs. Weather even mattered; lightning struck metal weapons, so you had to stay smart. Shrines are scattered across the map and replace dungeons, each packed with puzzles. Climbing nearly every surface gave true freedom, while the paraglider made exploring addictive. Bosses like Thunderblight Ganon kept players sharp. You could beat the final boss right after leaving the tutorial if you felt bold. Few games reward curiosity like this one.