If you, or the person you are shopping for, just got a Nintendo Switch you are probably thinking about what games are the best ones to buy first.
Maybe your kids are on break from school and they want to find some new games to play during their days off.
You might also be trying to think ahead and shopping for games that you could give for holiday gifts or birthday presents.
Regardless of your situation, you want to know which Nintendo Switch games are considered to be the best and which games are the most popular options to consider. It is not only important to get a good/fun game, but as a gamer, you also want to have a game that is popular with your friends. With more and more games incorporating online play with multiple players, getting a popular game is more important than ever. Getting a popular game increases the chances that your friends will also have the same game, which will allow you to play with them online, and being able to play your game with friends is always more fun.
Before we show you our list of the most popular games for the Nintendo Switch we wanted to highlight a few games that we really enjoy. Some of these might already be on your list and others may not, but all of them could be great gifts. If you want to skip directly to the list of most popular games click here.
Here Are Some of Our Favorite Nintendo Switch Video Games
Splatoon 3 is a third-person shooter video game developed and published by Nintendo exclusively for the Nintendo Switch. Like the previous games in the Splatoon series, Splatoon 3 features online multiplayer (PvP and PvE) modes in addition to a story-driven single-player mode. Built upon the formula of the previous games, Splatoon 3 comes with new weapons, specials, maps, and more. This super popular and fun game was released worldwide on September 9, 2022. Whether you’re a diehard fan of the series or simply looking for a fun and unique multiplayer experience, Splatoon 3 is sure to be a hit.
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On November 18, 2022, the latest Pokémon titles for the Nintendo Switch hit store shelves and became available at online retailers. Rated E for Everyone Pokémon Violet and Pokémon Scarlet both of these games are hugely popular among Pokémon fans of all ages. As with other Pokémon games that are released in pairs, the big difference between Pokémon Brilliant Diamond and Pokémon Shining Pearl is that each game has some Pokémon that are exclusive to that version. So you shouldn’t feel required to buy both or feel that you are missing out if you don’t have both games.
One of the most fun multiplayer games out there is Mario Kart 8 Deluxe. Mario Kart first appeared in 1992 with Super Mario Kart and the Mario Kart franchise has been a fan favorite ever since. You can play locally with up to 4 people in multiplayer TV Mode or compete against up to 12 players online. Mario Kart 8 Deluxe is one of the reasons why the Nintendo Switch is such a fun system to have.
If you or the person you are shopping for are a Mario Kart fan Mario Kart Live: Home Circuit could be just the game you are looking for. Unlike other games you could buy Mario Kart Live: Home Circuit is so much more than a video game. With the Mario Kart Live: Home Circuit you can turn your home into a Mario Kart course of your own design. After creating the course you can control your Kart with your Nintendo Switch and then watch as it reacts to what’s happening in the game as you boost and drift your way to victory.
The course actually comes to life on-screen with a view from right behind the driver’s seat. You can either play by yourself or with up to 3 friends as long as each person has their own Nintendo Switch system and the Mario Kart Live: Home Circuit game with the included Mario Kart or Luigi Kart. Mario Kart Live: Home Circuit was released on October 16, 2020. It is rated E for Everyone.
Here is a video that shows you what to expect from Mario Kart Live: Home Circuit:
Hands down one of the hottest games for the Nintendo Switch is Super Smash Bros. Ultimate. Not only does this version of the classic game come with new features, but this is the first time Super Smash Bros. has been released for the Switch. Play any way you want—locally, online, in TV mode, Tabletop mode, Handheld mode, or even with GameCube Controllers. The new stages and fighters are joined by the combined rosters of every past Super Smash Bros. game! Having been released on December 7, 2018, Super Smash Bros. Ultimate is still insanely popular and is on the top of a lot of gamer’s wish lists.
Sonic the Hedgehog is a popular video game franchise with a long history of providing fun and age-appropriate games for gamers of all ages. The latest installment in the franchise, Sonic Frontiers, was released on August 17, 2022.
In his latest adventure, Sonic the Hedgehog is stranded on an ancient island full of unusual creatures as he searches for the missing Chaos emeralds. As he makes his way across the massive Starfall Islands Sonic will encounter action, adventure, and mystery, which will require him to use all of his speed and agility to navigate through it. With challenges and puzzles around every corner, this open zone platforming adventure is one you won’t want to miss!
The much-anticipated LEGO Star Wars video game, The Skywalker Saga, was released on April 5, 2022, for Nintendo Switch. It is an excellent option for both children and adults who enjoy science fiction and the galaxy far, far away. The game recounts the history of the nine-episode Skywalker saga, featuring over 300 playable characters and 100 vehicles to use, and is loaded with puzzles to solve and creatures to fight. A cooperative multiplayer mode makes it possible for players to engage with one another and work together.
Prior to its release Animal Crossing: New Horizons, which is a reboot of a classic Nintendo game, was one of the most anticipated games for the Nintendo Switch in quite some time. After its release on March 202, 2020, Animal Crossing: New Horizons immediately became one of the best selling Nintendo Switch games. In Animal Crossing: New Horizons you can escape to a deserted island with a wealth of natural resources, that allows you to create everything you need as you unleash your creativity as you customize your character, home, decorations, and even the landscape itself. Animal Crossing: New Horizons is one of those rare video games that can be played for both fun and relaxation. It is rated E for Everyone.
If you are looking for a party game and like music and dancing, Just Dance 2023 is a terrific game to consider. Released on November 22, 2022, this new version is great fun during holiday gatherings or other get-togethers.
A new game that has gotten a lot of buzz in 2021 is Big Brain Academy: Brain vs. Brain, which is set to be released on December 3, 2021. Big Brain Academy: Brain vs. Brain is fun for the whole family as up to 4 people can compete in a series of fun activities. Set your difficulty level and get ready to have fun competing against friends and family at home or test yourself against people from around the world.
Below is a video showing you a bit of what to expect from Big Brain Academy: Brain vs. Brain.
With Super Mario Maker 2, which was released on June 28, 2019, you can play an almost unlimited number of Super Mario courses. You can start out with the 100+ built-in courses in the single-player story mode and move on to use a wide range of parts, tools, and customization options to create your own side-scrolling Super Mario courses. Then if you have a Nintendo Switch Online membership, you can share your courses, access courses made by others, enjoy online multiplayer play, and more.
NBA 2K23 came out on September 8, 2022, and is considered by many to be the best basketball video game out there. If you are an NBA fan or a basketball fan in general NBA 2K23 should be on your must-have video game list. So if you are looking for a video game for that basketball fan in your life NBA 2K23 will give them hours of entertainment.
The FIFA Soccer franchise from EA Sports continues to be one of the most polished sports video games out there. FIFA 23 is a must-have video game for that soccer player in your life. It was released on September 27, 2022.
Released on October 18, 2019, Ring Fit Adventure is another very unique video game as it is an adventure game that is also a great workout. In this adventure game, you explore a huge fantasy world to defeat a bodybuilding dragon and his minions using exercises. Using the Ring-Con and Leg Strap, measure your real-world actions and help turn them into in-game movements. If you want to compete against other people you can pass around the Ring-Con and play the included minigames. Ring Fit Adventure is rated E 10+ so it will be fun for almost everyone regardless of skill level.
Zelda fans were excited to see that a new game was released on September 20, 2019. In this new release of one of the most beloved The Legend of Zelda games, you play as Link, who awakens in a strange land away from Hyrule, where animals talk and monsters are abound. As you uncover the truth behind your whereabouts and rouse the legendary Wind Fish, you will explore Koholint Island and all its trap-ridden dungeons. Since its release Legend of Zelda Link’s Awakening has proved to be hugely popular with longtime Zelda fans and newcomers alike as it continues to be a top seller. It is rated E for Everyone.
Minecraft has made its’ way to the Switch. Between allowing players to unleash their creativity by playing in creative mode and going on adventures in survival mode, the action never ends. You can play alone or with friends in split-screen multiplayer and online. Know that you will need the Nintendo Switch Online service in order to play Minecraft online.
Fans of the Zelda games will enjoy the beautiful The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild. In the Breath of the Wild after waking from a 100-year slumber, Link must explore the visually stunning wild to regain his memories and save Hyrule.
Xenoblade Chronicles: Definitive Edition received rave reviews upon its release on May 28, 2020, and is still found on bestseller lists. Rated T for Teens this edition of the memorable Japanese role-playing game (JRPG) has been given a great visual upgrade from previous versions as it is now in HD. The premise of the game has your home being attacked by mechanical invaders known as the Mechon you and your friends set out on a quest as you travel through an incredible and unique world. If you want to try something that is a bit different than a lot of the other titles available for the Nintendo Switch, Xenoblade Chronicles: Definitive Edition could be what you are looking for.
Luigi’s Mansion 3 was released on October 31, 2019. In this game, Luigi has been invited to an otherworldly hotel and his friends have gone missing. Now Luigi needs to catch ghosts and solve puzzles to find Mario and friends in the Last Resort hotel. It is up to Luigi if he and his friends are going to check out in one piece.
1-2 Switch was one of the original games that came out for the Switch in 2017. 1-2 Switch is still a very fun party game. It has several different games to choose from and gives players a new play style where players look at each other instead of the screen. In addition, watching people play 1-2 Switch is almost as fun as playing it yourself.
Below is a list of the Top 10 Most Popular Nintendo Switch Games for 2024. Enjoy.
- Live the life of a Pokémon Trainer in the streets of Lumiose City!
- For the first time in the Pokémon RPG series, command your Pokémon in real-time battles
- Use the power of Mega Evolution in battle and take on rampaging Rogue Mega-Evolved Pokémon
- Compete in the Z-A Royale each night to test your skills and try to become the strongest Pokémon Trainer
- Visit shops, restaurants, and places called wild zones—where Pokémon roam free—all centered around Prism Tower
- Minecraft is a game about placing blocks and going on adventures
- Explore randomly generated worlds and build amazing things from the simplest of homes to the grandest of castles
- Play in creative mode with unlimited resources or mine deep into the world in survival mode, crafting weapons and armor to fend off the dangerous mobs
- Play on the go in handheld or tabletop modes
- Includes Super Mario Mash-Up, Natural Texture Pack, Biome Settlers Skin Pack, Battle & Beasts Skin Pack, Campfire Tales Skin Pack; Compatible with Nintendo Switch only
- MICRO ADVENTURE: Trail of a Princess is a micro-adventure adjacent to the story from Unintentional Malum: Act 1, but isn't linked closely enough that the decisions affect the Act 1 adventure.
- QUICK BUILD GUIDE at the beginning of the adventure book to expedite set up and get you playing as quickly as possible! 4 Encounters total (you’ll only play through 3 in a playthrough) so it’s about 8-10 hours of gameplay.
- NEW COMPONENTS: Includes 20 new cards (Adventurer, Combatant, Initiative, Item, and Story Item Cards), 10 tokens, 5 cardboard character standups, and the Adventure Book.
- REQUIRED CONTENT: The Trail of a Princess Adventure Pack is an Expansion for Middara Unintentional Malum: Act 1 and cannot be used without that product. NDG: Narrative Driven Game.
- MIDDARA is a truly epic and massive, fully-cooperative, high-fantasy board game. With its inspiration deeply rooted in JRPG-tactics games, Middara is a unique strategic experience.
- Hit the road with the definitive version of Mario Kart 8 and play anytime, anywhere! Race your friends or battle them in a revised battle mode on new and returning battle courses
- Play locally in up to 4-player multiplayer in 1080p while playing in TV Mode. Every track from the Wii U version, including DLC, makes a glorious return
- Plus, the Inklings appear as all-new guest characters, along with returning favorites, such as King Boo, Dry Bones, and Bowser Jr.
- Players can choose a new Smart Steering feature which makes driving and staying on the track easy for novice players and kids even at 200cc
- 50 Exciting Levels: Explore iconic locations from the Dog Man universe, including the City Hall, Giant Marshmallow Factory, and the Police Station. Each location offers platforming and puzzle-solving challenges.
- Teamwork: Switch between Dog Man and his Supa Buddies, each with their own special abilities, to overcome obstacles and defeat bosses. o Dog Man: Digs underground and glides through the air. o Li’l Petey: Hacks gadgets and fits into small spaces. o 80-HD: Pushes heavy objects and jumps long distances.
- Fun Gadgets: Unlock new gadgets and abilities as you progress, like a grappling hook, rocket boots and power gloves to navigate through the levels. Puzzles and Bosses: Use your brain to solve puzzles and defeat unique bosses. Each boss fight requires clever use of your team’s abilities.
- Humor and Action: Enjoy funny dialogue, amusing interactions, and non-stop action that keeps you engaged in Dog Man’s world. Rewards and Collectibles: Revisit levels with new gadgets to find secret areas, and rescue the missing Comic Club members.
- Art Style: Great animations inspired by the books, with comic-style sound effects that add a fun, cartoonish touch to the action.
- Play time - Play as Bluey and her family including Chilli, Bingo and Bandit.
- Co-op play - Play with your family and friends in a variety of exciting games and challenges.
- Explore - Recreate iconic moments from the TV series and immerse yourself in Bluey’s world
- Play a brand-new story set across 4 interactive adventures.
- Explore iconic locations and play your favourite games from the TV show, including Keepy Uppy, Chattermax Chase, and more!
- Apostle of the Witch: Bohdan Lesnoi (Warlock)
- Strix: Character Heavy Warbeast
- Chosen of the Witch: Character Unit
- Vorony: Character Solo
- Witch Marked Totem: Solo
- SWAP CAPES FOR SHELLS - Fight and grow as the 4 heroes, unlocking moves and abilities to reach their full potential.
- HANGOUT IN THE NEIGHBORHOOD - Cross the 5 boroughs bumping into old and new faces, like April, Splinter, and more.
- RISE UP TO THE CHALLENGE TOGETHER - Team up with a friend in two-player couch co-op.
- IT'S TURTLE TIME - Patrol the streets and battle enemies who MUTATE throughout the game.
- A new Spin on a Classic: You've never played classic Sonic like this before!
- Multiply, swim up waterfalls, change form, and more with the powers of the Chaos Emeralds.
- lay as Sonic, Tails, Knuckles, and Amy Rose, using their unique abilities to explore and uncover new paths and secrets.
- More Friends, More Fun: Play with up to 3 other players in local Co-op and challenge players from around the world in Battle Mode!
- (Playback Language)
- Swing, kick, spike, and bowl your way to victory in 7 sports
- Play Golf, Soccer, Volleyball, Bowling, Tennis, Badminton and Chambara (swordplay)
- Motion controls will get you moving and help turn your real-world actions into in-game movements
- Use the Leg Strap accessory to kick the ball in Soccer
- Play with friends and family locally or online—in some sports, you and a friend can even team up on the same system to take on other teams online
Last update on 2025-12-02 at 07:06 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
