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The 13 best Nintendo Switch games to play in 2024, ranked

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As someone who has been playing video games for over three decades, I can confidently say that the Nintendo Switch has been home to some of the most exceptional titles ever released. Having grown up with the original NES and Super Nintendo, I have witnessed firsthand the evolution of gaming on Nintendo platforms.

The Nintendo Switch is home to some of the best gaming experiences this generation.

1. If you’re currently without a Nintendo Switch or considering an upgrade to an OLED version, we offer handy guides to help you decide which Nintendo Switch is best for you, along with the top deals available.

On the versatile Nintendo hybrid console, you won’t find a scarcity of games. From exclusive first-party titles that bear the distinct Nintendo flair to an extensive selection of highly-rated indie games perfect for portable gaming, there’s always something new to explore.

At Digital Spy, we’ve spent considerable time deliberating to bring you our top 13 picks for Nintendo Switch games that truly captivate us!

Certainly, there’s no way to feature every great game on the Nintendo Switch. The depth and versatility of its library make it a challenge to narrow down the selection. Here are some commendable titles that came close but didn’t quite make it into our definitive lineup:

  • Kirby and the Forgotten Land
  • The Legend of Zelda: Link’s Awakening
  • Metroid Dread
  • Spelunky
  • The Talos Principle
  • Tetris Effect: Connected

As someone who has been a dedicated gamer for years and has owned various gaming consoles throughout that time, I can tell you from my personal experience that retro games hold a special place in many of our hearts. They transport us back to our childhood or remind us of fond memories. However, when it comes to Nintendo Switch Online, the retro games are not factored into any membership deals or discounts I’ve encountered.

With that out of the way, here are our top 13 games on the Nintendo Switch…

13. Slay the Spire

1. “Slay the Spire” continues to be the standout deck-building card game available today. Unlike other games in its genre, it focuses less on acquiring the ideal card and more on creating harmonious combinations among your cards. The gameplay execution of this concept is nearly perfect.

The Nintendo Switch version of the game is equally impressive. With its touchscreen and mobility features, playing it on a handheld device offers the optimal gaming experience.

Buy Slay the Spire

12. Super Smash Bros. Ultimate

In its latest installation, “Smash Bros.” retains the fundamental gameplay, making it unsurprising that the fighting experience remains just as enjoyable as ever.

What sets Ultimate apart is its heartfelt and passionate tribute to Nintendo’s extensive game collection, showcased through its roster, levels, and the immersive single-player World of Light mode.

Playing it is a constant reminder of how rich and wonderful Nintendo’s history is.

Buy Super Smash Bros. Ultimate

11. A Monster’s Expedition

Leaving out this overlooked masterpiece of a puzzle game from our top picks would be unthinkable. This captivating, serene, and imaginative game, reminiscent of the classic Sokoban, invites players to traverse an interconnected two-dimensional world of islands by maneuvering logs to construct bridges and rafts for exploration.

The game is packed with engaging mechanics and enjoyable moments, making it a pleasure to experience. On Nintendo Switch in particular, you have the freedom to play at your convenience.

Buy A Monster’s Expedition

10. Metroid Prime Remastered

First introduced on the GameCube back in 2002, Metroid Prime consistently ranks among the top games from the last two decades. Given its remaster for the Nintendo Switch in 2023, it’s not surprising that this classic title continues to be celebrated as one of the best games currently on offer.

1. Incomparable world creation and discovery sets this action-adventure game apart, featuring the renowned Nintendo character Samus who enhances her weapons and armor to endure in a dangerous alien world.

Buy Metroid Prime Remastered

9. Persona 5 Royal

Persona 5 Royal is an exceptionally engaging and fashionable game released in recent times. It tells the story of a band of student rebels who confront morally corrupt individuals. The narrative encompasses a wide range of emotions, while its impressive visuals perfectly convey the defiant attitude of the Phantom Thieves.

1. Opting for gaming on a PC or another console might offer a slightly enhanced graphical quality. However, the Nintendo Switch edition stands as a strong adaptation, and its portability adds a unique advantage to your gaming experience.

Buy Persona 5 Royal

8. Return of the Obra Dinn

At Obra Dinn, you’re faced with an intricate logic conundrum. Your mission is to determine the identities and outcomes for the 60 deceased or absent individuals who were aboard a vessel. By revisiting each person’s moment of demise, you can unravel the mystery.

As a captivated enthusiast, I find myself irresistibly drawn into the intricate gameplay loop of Obra Dinn. The balance between difficulty and fairness keeps me engaged, while solving each tiny enigma and riddle unveils yet another tantalizing layer of the broader storyline, leaving me yearning for more.

In simple terms, few puzzle games can match the satisfaction of Obra Dinn, and its captivating art style significantly enhances its unique identity.

Buy Return of the Obra Dinn

7. Mario Kart 8 Deluxe

In summary, “Mario Kart 8 Deluxe” stands among the top-tier multiplayer games due to its exceptional design. The tracks are captivating, featuring anti-gravity sections that introduce an extra layer of diversity. Throwing shells remains just as enjoyable as before.

The Booster Course Pass DLC doubles the number of tracks you can play, for a total of 96.

Buy Mario Kart 8 Deluxe

6. Fire Emblem: Three Houses

In simple terms, among all the Fire Emblem games, Three Houses stands out as a exceptional one. Its strategic gameplay in turns is impressively robust. However, what truly sets it apart is the bonds you build with your non-combat allies, adding depth and richness to the overall experience.

The contrasting elements – the intense battles and the relaxing downtime – work together to heighten the tension and add depth to the narrative. The intense competition among the three house heads results in a fierce and merciless war.

Buy Fire Emblem: Three Houses

5. Hades

Hades, an engrossing roguelike game with a captivating hack-and-slash mechanic, offers exceptional value for money by skillfully blending immersive character development.

As a devoted fan, I can’t help but appreciate how the game’s high replay value and “one more try” attitude make it an ideal fit for the convenience of the Nintendo Switch. With its handheld mode, I can easily pick up and play a few rounds whenever I have some spare time, making each session feel fresh and engaging.

Buy Hades

4. Celeste

1 – Playing Celeste is a delight due to its precise controls, Lena Raine’s award-winning soundtrack, and challenging levels that effectively utilize the game’s mechanics. What truly sets it apart, though, is how seamlessly the story is integrated into the gameplay, making Celeste an unforgettable gaming experience.

Madeline faces challenges with anxiety and depression. Her arduous climb up the mountain results in a deeply cleansing conclusion.

Buy Celeste

3. Animal Crossing: New Horizons

Nearly everyone who owned a Nintendo Switch was found immersed in the game “New Horizons” throughout the year 2020, during lockdown periods. This virtual world served as a kind of stand-in for reality – offering an escape from daily life and providing an unusual means to interact with friends.

1. Abounding in endearing townsfolk and numerous personalization features, this game radiates appeal and provides ample opportunities for players to showcase their creativity. If you haven’t tried it yet, it remains an engaging choice even now.

Buy Animal Crossing: New Horizons

2. Super Mario Odyssey

1. Super Mario Odyssey is nearly flawless in its execution as a 3D platformer. From beginning to end, the game brims with pure delight, following Mario’s adventures through vibrant realms as he attempts to thwart Bowser once more.

An explanation for this is that Cappy, Mario’s latest companion, enables him to take control of foes and items, providing benefits in various situations. Even water stages become enjoyable due to this engaging feature.

Buy Super Mario Odyssey

1. The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom

2023 saw Nintendo surpassing expectations by creating a game even greater than the critically acclaimed 2017 release, “The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild,” which was widely regarded as one of the best games ever made.

1. In the realm of Tears of the Kingdom, the world-construction stands out uniquely, and the exceptionally versatile crafting instruments available to Link bring an innovative twist to exploring, problem-solving, and various other activities.

In the realm of video games, there’s nothing comparable to the unique experience that Tears of the Kingdom offers. This exceptional game sets itself apart as a remarkable accomplishment.

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2024-07-30 19:20

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