TheNintendo Switch, since it was released in 2017, has had a number of phenomenal first-party games launched for it. From sprawling JRPGs to some of the best platformers ever made, the sheer variety and level of quality on display are impressive. Nintendo has cultivated a library of games worth playing, and that couldn’t be more true in the run-up to the Nintendo Switch 2.
With theSwitch 2 releasing soon, players are naturally waiting with bated breath. However, rather than twiddling thumbs, there is still that great selection of Switch games worth playing through. Whether players have beaten them many times or never touched them before, the very best Switch games are still absolutely worth playing before finally picking up a Switch 2. With games for all types of players from across a broad spectrum of genres,these Switch games are the best way to pass the time before the Switch 2 launches.
10Bayonetta 3 (Platinum Games)
A Great Action-Packed Adventure
Bayonetta 3is the long-awaited follow-up to the two critically acclaimed and absolutely action-packedBayonettagames that are both available on the Switch. It blew away critics when it launched thanks to its fast-paced action, weird and wonderful story, and an excellent continuation of everything that made the series so great. The third entry in the series may not be as beloved as the second, but it still manages to impress with each one of its amazing action set pieces.
The Best Skills To Use in Bayonetta 3
Here are the best skills to use in Bayonetta 3 for all characters and weapons. These can be used to defeat the many types of enemies the game offers.
Bayonetta 3also marks Nintendo’s significant shift away from exclusively family-friendly releases, as it features a lot of mature content that is definitely not suitable forMario-loving children.It’s a great game to play for action fans and those who missed out on the series when it came out, as well as to see just how varied the experiences on the Nintendo Switch are.Bayonetta 3’sbest featuresdefinitely make it something Switch owners need to play before the Switch 2 drops.
One Of The Best Metroidvania On Switch
Metroid Dreadmarked a historic return to the series after a very long hiatus, something that, naturally, pleased both fans and newcomers. It also showcased thatMetroidis still setting the bar exceptionally high for the genre it inspired.Metroid Dreadis a truly phenomenal Metroidvania, one that takes the genre to new heights thanks to its innovative exploration, unique worldbuilding, gorgeous visuals, and fluid movement.
Metroidvania fans will likely have triedMetroid Dreadalready, but for those who skipped it when it launched, it is absolutely worth playing. It is one of thebest accessible Metroidvaniasthat still offers plenty of challenge for those who are seeking it. With a darker tone than some of Nintendo’s other projects,Metroid Dreadis easily one of the best games on the Switch and a great way to get into a fantastic game genre.
8Splatoon 3 (Nintendo)
A Unique Multiplayer Game
For those who would rather sink their remaining time with the original Switch playing a multiplayer game, Nintendo has the perfect solution.Splatoon 3is an endlessly engrossing and action-packed multiplayer experiencethat sees teams compete in a plethora of game modes using their ink to splatter one another and the stages they fight on.Splatoon 3is easily the best entry in the series, taking all the lessons it has learned over the past to deliver a one-of-a-kind multiplayer experience that only Nintendo could have made.
How Splatoon 3 Can Solve Its Splatfest Problem
Splatoon 3’s Tricolor Battles are supposed to be its big new feature but they have failed to impress. A few tweaks to the game mode may be in order.
With a single-player campaign and even DLC for those who would rather play solo,Splatoon 3has something for everyone. It’s a challenging game that requires players to invest a lot of time to truly master, but the time spent is worth it. Before grabbing the Switch 2, people definitely have to giveSplatoon 3a go, if only once. Of course, once players start, it is extremely unlikely that they’ll want to stop.
7Xenoblade Chronicles 3 (Monolith Soft)
One Of The Greatest JRPGs Ever Made
Xenoblade Chronicles 3is one of thebest JRPGs ever madeand a truly staggering achievement on the Nintendo Switch. In typical Monolith Soft fashion,Xenoblade Chronicles 3pushes the console to its absolute limits, delivering stunning open area environments filled with monsters and enemies to fight, resources to collect, and secret areas to uncover. It also has an epic story, one that ties together the previous two games in the series - although it can be experienced as a standalone entry - through some of the best cutscenes in all of gaming.
With a compelling cast of characters, a beautiful soundtrack, and one of the most heartbreaking sequences in any JRPG,Xenoblade Chronicles 3is a masterpiece and something that all Switch owners, even those who’ve never touched a JRPG before, should play. With 100 hours of content on offer and a lengthy DLC, there should be plenty of time to beatXenoblade Chronicles 3before the Switch 2 releases.
6Pikmin 4 (Eighting)
A Truly Wonderful Switch Experience
Pikmin 4is a unique puzzle game on the Nintendo Switch that sees players gather objects, overcome obstacles, and even defeat enemies while attempting to reunite a team of stranded astronauts. Of course, all of this is done using the titular Pikmin, tiny alien creatures that can be thrown at any object and made to interact with it. With so many different types of Pikmin to collect and lots of unique challenges to solve,Pikmin 4is by far the best entry in the series.
It manages to evolve the various mechanics established in the previous series while delivering an entertaining narrative filled with fun level design. It’s also an exceptionally beautiful game, one that manages to get surprisingly photorealistic visuals out of the Switch’s old hardware.Pikmin 4may not immediately seem like it’s for everyone, butit is absolutely worth giving a go as it is one of the most enjoyable games on the Switch.
5Mario Kart 8 Deluxe (Nintendo)
The Best Racer On Switch
Mario Kart 8 Deluxeis a no-brainer when it comes to Switch exclusives worth playing before the Nintendo Switch 2 drops. It is one of the best-selling games on the console, despite being a Wii U title originally. It comes with a huge selection of maps, characters, and karts to choose from, as well as a robust multiplayer offering both online and locally.
Mario Kart 8 Deluxealso has DLC that doubles the number of tracks available, with many of them being remakes of beloved maps from pastMario Kartgames, as well as a handful of new ones. This is the definitive racing game on the Switch and something that everyone needs to play with their friends. Much like theMario Partyseries,Mario Kart 8 Deluxeis the easiest way to have fun while gaming on the Nintendo Switch.
4Yoshi’s Crafted World (Good-Feel)
A Gorgeous Platformer With One Of Nintendo’s Best Mascots
Yoshi’s Crafted Worldis a fun platformer that’s perfect for children and those looking for a fairly relaxed experienceon the Nintendo Switch. It’s not often that Mario’s friends get their own spin-off games, so it was great to see Yoshi get not just a compelling platformer, but one so creatively designed. Everything, from Yoshi to the surrounding environment is created from various materials like wool, cardboard, and paper.
There is a lot tolove aboutYoshi’s Crafted World, especially for those who are into platforming titles. While it isn’t the best platformer on the Nintendo Switch,Yoshi’s Crafted Worldmanages to offer a truly unique experience that will surprise and delight Switch users. For those looking for a quick, easy, and charming platformer to pass the time before the Switch 2 releases,Yoshi’s Crafted Worldis the ultimate choice.
3Super Mario Odyssey (Nintendo)
A Phenomenally Creative 3D Mario
Super Mario Odysseywas one of the first games to release on the Nintendo Switch, and it still remains one of its absolute best. It is undeniably one of the greatest platformers ever made, with its impressive levels, vast array of platforming challenges, and gorgeous visuals coalescing to create an endlessly engrossing experience.Super Mario Odysseyproved to be a worthy entry in the beloved 3DMarioseries of gamesand quickly established the Switch as a must-buy console.
A Super Mario Odyssey 2 Release Date Seems Inevitable Now
Given the trajectory of the Nintendo Switch and the achievements of Super Mario Odyssey, fans can probably expect a Mario Odyssey 2 announcement soon.
For those who have somehow missed it,playingSuper Mario Odysseyis absolutely necessary before getting a Switch 2. It has left a legacy few games could match and is likely to get some kind of follow-up later down the line. Experiencing this platforming masterpiece is a rite of passage and something all Switch owners must do at least once, but preferably multiple times.
2The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild (Nintendo)
It Set The Bar For Open-World RPGs
One of the greatest Switch games of all time isThe Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild.It is a game that cemented the Switch as a truly exceptional handheld device capable of running huge AAA experiencesand also completely revolutionized an entire genre that had been stagnating for quite some time. The open-world genre and its recent successes likeElden Ringowe a lot to the many innovations thatBreath of the Wildbrought to the table.
From its unique approach to exploration to its hauntingly beautiful apocalyptic atmosphere,practically everything is perfect aboutBreath of the Wild. Of course, its follow-up,Tears of the Kingdom, delivered a similarly brilliant experience and helped showcase Nintendo’s beautifully creative approach to gamemaking. Players should definitely make sure they play either game before ditching their Switch for the Switch 2.
1Super Mario Party Jamboree (Nintendo)
The Best Parts Of All The Switch Mario Party Games
Super Mario Party Jamboreetook the best parts of the other twoSwitch Mario Partygames and brought them togetherfor the ultimateMario Partyexperience. It is easily one of the most enjoyable games on the Switch, with its plethora of minigames and unlockable boards coalescing to create dynamic and endlessly hilarious matches that are fun both with friends and against the AI.
Super Mario Party Jamboree Review: More Like An Entire Amusement Park Than A Party
Nintendo’s Super Mario Party Jamboree is a refreshing mix of new and updated features tailor-made to be the most expansive and focused entry yet.
Super Mario Party Jamboreebrings a number of innovations to the table, showcasing Nintendo’s clear understanding and continued dominance over the party genre. It is not just one of the best party games on the Switch, but also just one of the best games on the platform. It is a creative and fun masterpiece that will help entertainNintendo Switchowners until the Switch 2 launches and likely for far longer still.
