13 Best Nintendo Switch Games in 2024

The Nintendo Switch is a widely popular gaming console that was launched a couple of years ago. With Nintendo preparing to launch the Switch Lite in September this year, it’s a pretty good time to stock up on games for the platform. Since games for the original Switch will also be compatible with the new offering, your older Switch games will not be obsolete. Moreover, with Amazon’s Prime Day coming up, this is the best time to stock up on some new games with massive discounts currently running on the site.

So which are some of the best games for the Nintendo Switch? Well, there are plenty as you would expect and we’re going to talk about a few of them today. So without waiting any further, let’s get to our list.

13 Best Nintendo Switch Games in 2024

Rocket League: Ultimate Edition

This is an exciting game for the Nintendo Switch that fuses soccer with high adrenaline automobiles. The controls are extremely intuitive and easy to understand, with players getting more experience overtime. Given the vast gameplay and customization options, there are around 100 billion variables to choose from, making this a highly addictive game. The game also offers an offline season mode, which gives you time to play without an internet connection. All things considered, Rocket League is a game that can keep you hooked onto your Nintendo Switch for prolonged intervals. Its gameplay is fluid, action packed, and more importantly, makes you wanting more each time.

Given the popularity of this game, it’s likely that you’ve tried it already on your Switch console. However, if you’ve been held back because of the price, now may be the best time to pick up this Ultimate Edition variant of Rocket League. For those wondering, this is a physical copy of the game. The Nintendo Switch also supports digital downloads, although physical copies are preferred as they’re also a very good collectors’ item. Something unique here is the addition of Super Mario and Metroid themed cars that can be used during battles. It offers high intensity action, but is suitable for kids and adults alike as there’s no gore involved.

The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild

As the developers mention, this game makes you forget everything you know about the Zelda franchise. Breath of the Wild offers a vast open landscape for users to discover and engage with the environment. The player embarks on a journey to discover the fictional city of Hyrule. All of this while battling in dungeons, fly across the landscapes, scavenging weapons or simply solving some riddles while you’re on your quest. Given the large amount of options on offer here, the fate of each player may be determined based on the path they’ve chosen. This is what makes this one of the best games in the Zelda franchise, not to mention the amazing gameplay and storyline.

Taking all these factors into account it’s no surprise that Breath of the Wild won the Game of the Year award at the The Game Awards 2017. If you’ve owned a Nintendo Switch for a while, it would be hard not to know about the Zelda franchise at this point. If you were somehow still on the fence due to the pricing, now is perhaps the best time to invest in this game. Surprisingly, the physical copy is cheaper than the digital download version, which means you can also have something to remember this iconic game by Nintendo.

Super Mario Odyssey

Odyssey is an excellent take on the Mario franchise and rekindles the love for fans of the iconic character. Interestingly, this is the developers’ first sandbox-style game since Super Mario 64, giving you the classic running and jumping Mario experience that we associate with most classic games. However, the environments are much better designed and consists of massive 3D landscapes that will no doubt enhance the gameplay experience significantly.

Of course, you will also have the ability to sail between worlds on an airship, so this experience will not starve you of some breathtaking experiences as you leave the Mushroom Kingdom to discover the outer world. Users can also find ways to interact with the environment around them, which is a big change from the classic Mario games. Mario can toss his cap at something he finds on his journey and something exciting is bound to happen. The seller mentions that some multiplayer features on this game may not work as expected given that this is the Japanese variant. However, it should have no trouble working with your Nintendo Switch. This is the physical copy of the game, and not a digital download. A maximum of two players can play this game simultaneously. Be sure to have a closer look.

Mario Kart 8 Deluxe

Mario Kart really needs no introduction as it has continued to be one of the most popular multi-user racing games featuring popular characters from the Super Mario universe as well as Inklings from Splatoon. Other favorite Mario Kart characters like King Boo, Dry Bones, and Bowser Jr. are also present here. The eighth iteration of the franchise, the Mario Kart 8 Deluxe is an excellent installment in the franchise and retains the much loved aspects of the game, while adding some new features into the mix. However, Mario Kart 8 is by no means a new game and has been around since 2014. But since this is a formal re-release, the graphics are significantly amped up to perform better on bigger displays.

Up to four players can play Mario Kart by pairing their Switch locally or by simply connecting to a bigger television. Given the versatility of the Nintendo Switch, Mario Kart 8 is an excellent game to enjoy some good family time on a weekend. Users get to choose between multiple arenas to race in, while vehicles can also be extensively customized. The seller here is offering the physical copy of Mario Kart 8, so it can go into your collection of games.

Mario + Rabbids Kingdom Battle

This is a slightly different take on the classic Mario franchise, and takes quite a different direction from Mario Kart 8. The game consists of Mario, Luigi, Peach, and Yoshi who join teams with four other heroes from the Rabbids universe. Since this game involves plenty of battles, there are highly customizable weapons on offer here. A total of 250 weapons are available by default, with heavy customization options available for each equipment. Players will also have to make the decision about which of the eight to send into battle as factors like battle skill and defense come into the equation.

Kingdom Battle follows a turn based gameplay system, which means each user can take his/her own time to ascertain the best course of action for each play. The storyline involves Mario and his team heading on a journey to free their friends and restore order in the Mushroom Kingdom. I personally love how the game perfectly blends the humor and gameplay of both Mario and Rabbids characters, making for an exciting gameplay experience. This is definitely unlike any other Mario game you’ve played before. If you’ve been on the fence to try out Mario + Rabbids before, this is the time to get it. It’s available as a physical copy that ships out to your address upon confirmation of purchase.

Mortal Kombat 11

Mortal Kombat is a franchise that has spanned generations of fans both young and adults. Although the gore and violence used in the game has made is slightly unpopular with concerned parents, it’s no doubt an exciting game for adults who are deeply involved in the Mortal Kombat Universe. Mortal Kombat 11 is an epic take on the classic franchise, and offers the promise of more gore and blood with each battle. Moreover, each character has its own unique set of moves that can quickly help you assign favorites while battling with friends. It’s a multiplayer game by design, and is best enjoyed with another person, and/or on a big screen.

The game also offers the all-new Custom Character Variations, allowing you to modify characters without breaking a sweat. There’s an exceptional cinematic story mode here as well, which can be an exciting single player option for when you’re on the road. This is arguably one of the better games for the Nintendo Switch, at least in terms of graphics. However, given the limitations of the Switch, Mortal Kombat 11 on the console can’t quite replicate the performance we see on the PS4 or the Xbox One. However, users can expect slightly better performance when the Switch is hooked to a bigger screen. This game is currently available as a physical copy on Amazon.

Pokémon: Let’s Go, Pikachu!

Any list about Nintendo games is incomplete without a Pokémon game out there. This particular game revolves around the trainer’s role and involves training a myriad of Pokémon scattered across the universe. This game cleverly utilizes the motion sensor on the Nintendo Switch and uses a Pokémon Go style gesture to catch Pokémon wandering in the wild.

The player will explore areas of the fictional Kanto region. All the while, the user will walk around with their companion, which may be Pikachu or Eevee. This game can also be enjoyed with the additional Poké Ball Plus accessory that can light up and vibrate as you catch more Pokémon along the way. This game can also be played with the single Joy-Con controller that the Switch offers.

This is an excellent game for Pokémon fans and loyalists alike. It can also be an excellent game for those who are just getting started with Pokémon games and/or have tried your hand at Pokémon Go recently. This is yet another physical copy of the game, with digital downloads are slightly cheaper at the moment.

Octopath Traveler

This is a relatively old game and has been around for quite some time since the old days of the original Nintendo. Keeping this in mind, a re-release for the Nintendo Switch was not surprising. In terms of gameplay, this retains most aspects of the original, allowing you to become travelers and choosing the path that fits you best. Given the versatility of this game and its features, don’t be surprised if you find yourself spending hours on a single gameplay session. It has the same 2D pixelated characters, which may not be pleasing to the eye, but is a perfect homage for this game. All the characters roam around in a 3D dynamic world, which makes for a fruitful combination overall.

Given the style of gameplay, this is better suited for a single player. The box packaging of the game is well designed and has plenty of neat artwork that can get you acquainted with the in-game characters. You can choose to be a warrior or even an Apothecary to heal wounded warriors and launch attacks, the options are practically endless with Octopath Traveler. Each path you choose also comes with its own set of hurdles and personal weaknesses, which is what makes them unique. You can also choose to play the eDemo of the game from the Nintendo Shop, which allows a short span of gameplay. If you continue to proceed, you simply have to buy the game and your progress from the demo will be carried forward to the paid version.

Collection of Mana

This is perhaps one of the most popular JRPG games out there right now, so fans of the franchise should definitely give this a closer look. More importantly, this is not just one game, but a collection of three. This includes Final Fantasy Adventure, Secret of Mana, and the latest installment in the franchise, the Trials of Mana (Seiken Densetsu 3). Both Mana games revolve around exploring the vast expanse of Mana and fighting battles along the way. All three games on this collection come with a handy quick save feature, so your progress will not be lost midway through a game.

As you would expect, since Trials of Mana is arriving outside Japan for the first time, there is quite a lot of hype and build up. It’s safe to say that Square Enix has lived up to every bit of it, appealing to hardcore JRPG loyalists as well as the newer breed of gamers. This game is pretty addictive which makes it very likely that you’ll spend hours on it without even realizing. All three games are offered in a single Nintendo Switch game card, which make this collection worth a look. Make sure you check it out.

Bayonetta 2

This is an action packed sword and gun fighting game that comes with an attractive gameplay and impressive graphics. You can play Bayonetta 2 in 60fps mode regardless of whether you’re playing it with or without the dock. This is a bundled game and offers the original Wii U game Bayonetta as well. However, this will be available in the form of a download code, which at the time is only compatible with UK Nintendo accounts. But Bayonetta 2 should work just as it would on any other device regardless of where you’re located. Since multiplayer gameplay is one of the key features here, Bayonetta 2 offers the ability to play in a variety of game modes, including Tag Climax co-op mode, allowing up to two players at a time.

Players can connect using a local network or online, so there’s no dearth of extensive gameplay options here. Bayonetta 2 also offers a wide array of outfits that can be unlocked using your Amiibo toy. These toys by Nintendo can be used on some games and have the ability to interact with in-game functions. There’s no doubt that Bayonetta 2 is one of the most stylish action games out there. With smooth gameplay and frame rate, it will be hard not to pick this shooter for your Nintendo Switch. It’s also a nice touch that the developers offer the original Bayonetta along with this game, albeit in the form of a digital download with a few limitations as we mentioned above. Given the violence and gore prominently displayed on the game, it has been rated as suitable for people aged 18 and over.

Final Fantasy XII: The Zodiac Age

One of Square Enix’s gems, the Zodiac Age is an excellent installment in the massively popular franchise. This version for the Nintendo Switch has been remastered with new graphics, background score, and some other key changes to distinguish it from other variants. For those unaware, Final Fantasy is an epic RPG game that revolves around conquering monsters and progressing further in the storyline. The game also introduces the Zodiac Job System allowing users to progress further through their missions and level up efficiently to unlock more potential. The storyline is pretty impressive too, as the characters are on their path to save their homeland.

If you’re new to the game and yet to try your hand at battles, the game’s built-in trial mode feature allows you to test out your skills before you enter into the virtual world within the game. There’s a multiplayer aspect in this game as well, allowing you to enjoy it with your friends and family alike. Since it’s a visual masterpiece and doesn’t involve too much gore, it has been rated as suitable for teens and over. The game has also seen an overhaul in terms of loading times as well as the inclusion of auto save, which is surprisingly missing on some games out there.

Tales of Vesperia – Definitive Edition

This is a popular game that revolves around a hero who roams the world to find justice. While this game has been around for a while, it’s been changed a bit for its arrival on the Nintendo Switch. First and foremost, the developers have overhauled the graphics, which now offers HD performance. There’s been some new background score as well, which will significantly enhance gameplay experience for players. You will also have a wide range of mini games and bosses to fight from, not to mention exciting costume DLC. In addition to the usual characters, the game also adds two more playable characters to the fray, thus expanding your group significantly.

This is pretty much everything you need to know about the game and it’s pretty much like every other JRPG game in terms of gameplay and storyline. Battles in the game are on par with some of the best we’ve seen in the business, although one of the criticisms of this game has been the storyline with some rating it as confusing. However, for true JRPG fans, a game like Tales of Vesperia will make a good addition to their collection of games. This is available as a physical Switch video card and doesn’t appear to have a digital download option, although you should be able to find something on the Nintendo store.

Super Smash Bros. Ultimate

If you thought we were done talking about the Mario games on our list, you were wrong. Super Smash Bros. is an exceptional one-on-one action game, offering every character from previous iterations, including new additions like characters from Splatoon and Metroid. Combat is very quick here, and the gameplay moves pretty quickly, allowing you to catch up with your opponents in due course. Difficulty amps up as you progress further and new challenges appear as you level up. The graphics of this game are worth mentioning as well, although that’s no surprise given that this game is relatively new in the market.

If you’re a big fan of the Super Mario series of games, this action-styled fighting game is definitely down your alley. There are no princesses or friends to save here, but simply fight your way through victory, and of course, have some fun while doing it. If you’ve been reading reviews of the game at all, you’d know that it’s also one of the most popular game for the Nintendo Switch right now. It’s highly regarded as one of the best fighting and party games out there. Given the things that the Switch can do, it’s an ideal match for the bigger screen as well.