So you just got a Nintendo Switch, or maybe you’re waiting on that recently announced Switch Lite. Either way, you’re going to want to purchase some games for it. There’s a huge library of games for the Switch as of this writing so we may not be able to cover everything. Instead, we’re here to help you choose some of the best games you’ll want to buy to get the most out of your brand new Switch!
If you like Action-Adventure games…
You really cannot go wrong with almost any Mario game, especially Super Mario Odyssey. The game follows Mario and Cappy as they once again journey to save Princess Peach from, you guessed it, Bowser! You’ll need to learn and use Mario’s new tricks to navigate your way around the world in search for the Princess. On average, this game will take you anywhere from 15-20 hours just for the main storyline, but since there is so much to do, it can easily take you upwards of 80 hours for everything!
Ok, you can consider Zelda as an RPG as well but we’ll let other games shine on that genre. Breath of the Wild is a stunning rendition of the series and will put you up against a quest unlike any other to save the world from Ganon. The game is not easy by any means, but it’s not hard to love and appreciate the 2017 Game of the Year. The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild is simply a masterpiece, which takes upward of 100 hours to complete everything.
Notable Mentions – Quite a cross between an Action game and a Hack and Slash, Marvel Ultimate Alliance 3 is a Switch exclusive and is a great game for fans of the Ultimate Alliance series. Speaking of Action / Hack and Slash games, Bayonetta 2 should also be on your radar!
If you like Platformer / “Metroidvania” games…
A 2018 Game of the Year candidate, Celeste follows Madeline as she traverses a mountain filled with tough and deadly challenges to overcome. While it may seem like a normal platforming game, the beauty of Celeste lies in the story that awaits the player. We won’t spoil anything, so make sure to check out why this game is critically acclaimed!
Hollow Knight is one tough cookie. With a slew of ultra hard platformers across all platforms, Hollow Knight stood out because of its outstanding design, both for it’s combat design and beautiful creative direction. A sequel called Silksong if coming out, so be sure you get to play this first!
Notable Mentions – Super Mario Maker 2 should be right on your radar for great platforming fun along with endless levels to play with. Dead Cells is also worth a look, along with Bloodstained: Ritual of the Night. Caution about Bloodstained, the game is perfect for the Switch but currently suffers from playability issues that will get patched in future updates.
If you like Role Playing Games…
A tribute to classic JRPG’s, Octopath Traveler sees 8 unsuspecting heroes with stories that intertwine into one epic and unforgettable adventure. Get ready for old school graphics and JRPG mechanics similar to Bravely Default, this game will easily take you 80-100 hours!
Xenoblade Chronicles was released nearly 2 years ago, but up to now it stands as one of the best RPG’s the Switch has to offer. Selling nearly 2 million copies since it’s release, you’d be hard pressed to find a better game, especially with a soundtrack from the legendary Yasunori Mitsuda himself.
Fire Emblem: Three Houses
Fire Emblem: Three Houses is just the game the franchise needed after sub-par performances from Fates and Shadows of Valentia. Dare I say, that Three Houses may be just as good as Awakening. The story is top notch and the characters are very relateable, giving Three Houses a thumbs up from across the board, maybe even forging itself as a GOTY contender for 2019.
Notable Mentions – Mario+Rabbids Kingdom Battle and Tales of Vesperia: Definitive Edition are also strong contenders. If you like classics, then you have a slew of Final Fantasy games to choose from, with VII, IX, X, X-2, and XII rounding up the list.
If you like Shooter games…
On the go mayhem is fun, especially as you battle the demonic forces that have been pestering our hero for quite a while now. The game is fast paced and the gun fights are intense, turning your Switch into a portable gadget of destruction.
Wolfenstein II: The New Colossus is your no frills no apologies anti-Nazi game where in you take control of BJ Blazkowicz as you rid the world of Nazi forces. There is a surprisingly good storyline here, so it’s not quite the mindless shooter that you may be expecting!
Notable Mentions – Splatoon is also worth a look if you’re looking at teaming up with a buddy to create some neon colored mayhem.
If you like Fighting Games…
What’s a Nintendo system without a Smash game? The Switch holds the definitive Smash game yet, as Super Smash Bros. Ultimate puts literally EVERYONE on the roster including some that you may have never seen coming! It’s a great game for the gang and one that’s sure to put some friendships to the test.
From super fun to super gory, MK11 is the latest entry in the long running series and despite some negative reviews regarding it’s tough and stingy progression system, the game is a bloody good time. It surprisingly runs well on the Switch so you can take your fatalities on the go!
If you like Sports / Racing Games…
Mario Kart 8 Deluxe is a no brainer for this category. It boasts of being THE game to have in this category, basically being the definitive edition containing all previous content and gameplay tweaks. Not only looking good, the game plays great as well, hitting 1080p and 60FPS while docked!
A recent release but a fan favorite nonetheless, Crash Team Racing is back and is as hard as you can remember from 20 years ago. While the loading times are atrocious, especially for the Switch port, the gameplay is exceptional especially when you’re battling it out with friends!
Notable Mentions – NBA 2K19 is a must have for basketball lovers everywhere, but be warned of the huge patches and updates, you’ll be eating through your storage space in no time!
We know this list isn’t for everybody and some people may have other games in mind. What’s on your must buy list? Let us know what games you consider as a must buy for the Switch!
Videogame Content Editor. A father and gamer. Would gladly trade what’s left of his soul to witness a Final Fantasy 6 and Xenogears remake done during his lifetime.
