25 Best Nintendo Switch Games Of 2024

It’s the moment you’ve all been waiting for; we’ve made a list of the best Nintendo Switch games of all time!

As the most popular console in the United States alone for the last 30 months straight at the time of writing, it’s safe to say that the Nintendo Switch is the most popular next-gen console of our time.

The same story goes for here in the U.K too, with many households having multiple Switches, just like back in the glory days of the DS.

And the OLED Switch… what a masterpiece!

Why is this console so popular? Well, one factor is the portability aspect of Nintendo’s hybrid powerhouse, and the other is the fantastic list of games.

Because with names like Zelda, Mario, Donkey Kong, and Pokemon on the roster, the Nintendo Switch was always going to be successful.

But which are the best Nintendo Switch games on the shelves? Which titles grab audiences by the collar and pull them into another world, and which games are so good that they’re impossible to put down?

Check out our list of the best Nintendo games below and find out!

Best Single Player Nintendo Switch Games

1. The Legend Of Zelda: Breath Of The Wild (2017)

Zelda: Breath of the Wild

The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild is not only the best Nintendo Switch game of all time, but it’s also the best game I’ve ever played, period.

Strong words, I know, but still, I stand by it.

There’s a reason that the Switch shipped with a new Zelda game. Zelda sells consoles; it’s one of the greatest gaming franchises of all time, and Breath of the Wild brought things to the series that none of us ever thought possible.

Hyrule as your whole playground… who doesn’t like the sound of that!

The essence of what makes a Zelda game is still a dominant force behind the success of this title; solve puzzles, defeat big foes, and save the world. Now, however, players can climb anything, experience weather changes, wield new abilities, pick up mammoth weapons, and glide from great heights.

Cook food, craft items, and blow through weapons like there’s no tomorrow. Yes, you don’t just stick with one weapon or collect them through dungeons now. Pick them up from anywhere and steal them from enemies.

Oh yeah, it’s real warfare now folks. It’s a brand new mechanic that make the game so much different and far more panicky when you’re playing against a tough opponent.

Plus wielding a bow while riding around never… ever gets old.

And let’s give a little shout out to some of the deadly enemies; the Hinoxes, Lynels, and Guardians. Guys, you’ve caused me to swear and shout more than any other enemies!

I’m also a huge fan of the shrine and spirit orb system, allowing players to choose which skillset, health or stamina, they upgrade too.

2. The Legend Of Zelda: Tears Of The Kingdom (2023)

Tears of the Kingdom

The Legend Of Zelda: Tears Of The Kingdom takes the 3rd spot in this list of the best Nintendo Switch games of all time!

Stepping back into Hyrule again was always going to feel amazing, but no amount of waiting or guessing could have prepared us for how big this game is. We knew the sky would be involved in the game, but we had no idea that Link would be heading through the Depths on his mission to find out what has happened to Princess Zelda too!

This game brought something that has never been seen before in a Zelda title too – the building mechanic. You can pretty much put anything on anything and make any kind of vehicle your heart desires.

Make fan gliders, fuse enemy parts to swords to make them stronger, and create monstrous battle machines that are capable of taking down Hinoxes and Lynels.

The Zonaite collecting from the depths is fantastic, as are the evil villains who lurk down there. There are lots of faces from the first game to reconnect with too (as well as some unsavoury ones that you might wish had disappeared completely).

This game is huge, and sometimes it can feel a little bit daunting. But stick with it, it is an absolute masterpiece.

For me, the building mechanic sometimes distracts from the main story, however. That’s why I’ve put it in third place, but that’s just my opinion. So many people would tell me i’m wrong in a heartbeat!

Read our official review: Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom review

3. Animal Crossing: New Horizons (2020)

Best Nintendo Switch Games

Animal Crossing: New Horizons takes the 4th spot in this list of the best Nintendo Switch games of all time! It’s been dubbed as one of the most relaxing games to get stuck into of all time, giving players a chance to escape the norm with good ‘ol Tom Nook.

Take a trip to a tropical island and enjoy a different type of freedom with anthropomorphic animals in this fantasy life-sim game. Make your own version of paradise and live the way you’ve always wanted… again, with talking animals at every turn.

It’s not just a case of saying ‘hey presto’ and kicking back though. Oh no; players have to craft their dreams ad work hard for them, creating tools in order to grow, build, and find natural resources.

As with other Animal Crossing titles, the seasons have a role to play in what can grow at specific times of the year. Certain things happen at night too, so playing at different times of the day (or non stop) is often recommended.

So many people bought this game through the coronavirus pandemic just to escape being locked down indoors. Still, thanks to the portable nature of the Nintendo Switch, you can carry on this epic adventure in the great outdoors now that the world is back to normal!

4. Luigi’s Mansion (2019)

Luigi's Mansion 3

Luigi’s Mansion 3 takes the 6th spot on this list of the best Nintendo Switch games of all time!

From the first moment that I turned this game on, I was transported back to 2002, twelve years old and sitting in front of my Gamecube. This series has been one incredibly popular with gamers of all ages due to its sense of humour, the (not so) spooky nature of the characters, and Luigi’s lovable persona.

Mario is old news, guys; Luigi’s where it’s at!

Luigi, Mario, and the gang have been invited to a hotel for a complimentary stay. It soon turns out that the hotel is run by ghosts, and Luigi’s companions are soon trapped within paintings.

After finding the Poltergust 3000, Luigi must defeat all of the ghosts and save his friends. With a little help from the unflappable Professor E. Gadd, Luigi can wield new and exciting abilities including Gooigi, a slime version of the green wonder himself that can slip into pipes and through cracks!

It’s always nice to see Luigi in the spotlight, and these games never fail to put a smile on your face. They certainly take a degree of thought and are difficult at times, and there’s so many secrets to uncover you’ll still be playing it years after purchasing!

If you’re looking for games like Luigi’s Mansion 3, then we have an article just for you.

5. Pokemon Legends: Arceus (2022)

Pokemon Legends Arceus

Changing the formula up and bringing open world adventures to the world of Pokemon, Pokemon Legends: Arceus sees players taking to the Hisui region riding steeds and throwing hand crafted Poke balls at little roaming critters.

Yeah; it’s Pokemon, but not as you know it.

Thus far, the main Pokemon canon has largely revolved around heading between gyms and then a final challenge to test your strength. This time, Gamefreak have reinvented the wheel, adding in new features such as Space Time Distortions, Noble Pokemon, and crafting your own items.

Catching Pokemon is so much different too, with the ability to sneak up and throw balls at them in the wild without having to battle them first. You actually have to catch them unawares to get points in your new physical Pokedex – book!

In addition to the new play-style there’s new Pokemon, a chance to discover a whole new region, open world areas that provide some very powerful “challenges” and now, for the first time ever, you can get mounts.

Flying, climbing, riding Pokemon on water and digging up treasure is now a thing, all thanks to the mount mechanics.

And to add the cherry on top, the storyline is great, making you discover how you fell from the sky, and an attempt at catching some legendary Pokemon before the end credits.

This is one of the best Pokemon games to date.

6. Kirby And The Forgotten Land (2022)

Kirby and the Forgotten Land

Kirby and the Forgotten Land is the latest offering in the Kirby canon, and what a game it is. It only dropped in the beginning of 2022 and it’s already bagged the silver medal in our best Kirby games.

This is the closest we’ve come to having a game like The Crystal Shards in a very long time. And I’m going to be honest with you… it’s much better than Super Mario Odyssey!

I know many of you will think that’s sacrilege., especially considering that The Forgotten Land looks similar to Mario’s latest outing, but it’s true!

Kirby’s back transforming into cool objects once again, inhaling everything from cars that can zoom around and ram into objects to tanks with dome serious shooting power.

But why enjoy all this excitement alone? Play with a mate in the co-op mode with one of you controlling Kirby and the other using the super cool Banana Waddle Dee.

It’s the Waddle Dees that are in danger in this game, and Kirby has to save them from a lifetime of misery. If you fancy playing one of the best games like Luigi’s Mansion 3, then you’re certainly on the right tracks!

7. Super Mario Odyssey (2017)

Super Mario Odyssey

Get ready for Mario to venture into more weird and wonderful worlds in Super Mario Odyssey. In this next entry in our best Nintendo Switch games list, he also heads into a place that looks remarkably like New York City, complete with yellow cabs and angry residents!

I know Link was the posterboy for the Switch and helped to sell the console, but Mario games have always grabbed people by the collar and made them spend their hard-earned cash.

Take one look at the level of detail in Super Mario odyssey and you’ll be reaching for your card without even realising it! With so many new worlds outside of the Mushroom Kingdom to explore via the Odyssey, you’ll have serious trouble ever putting it down!

Remember how much we loved Ezlo, the cantankerous hat that Link donned in the Minish Cap? Well, Mario has his own headgear sidekick now – Cappy!

Cappy is a talking hat that helps Mario reach new places, attack enemies, and take control of items and characters.

Become a moustachioed T-Rex, a moustachioed tank… basically anything plus a moustache.

There’s a cool new mechanic where you have to purchase clothes on each level using different coins. Some areas will only open up if you’ve bought the garb favoured by that world, while others are just to mix up Mazza’s wardrobe.

The Switch mixed up Zelda with BotW, and Odyssey certainly gave the Mario canon a much-needed shake-up too!

8. Super Mario Bros. Wonder (2023)

Super Mario Bros Wonder

Super Mario Bros Wonder has changed up the Mario 2D side-scrolling formula for good. This could well be one of the trippiest games we’ve ever played, and it’s got some great new items and abilities that provide maximum excitement while playing.

The wonder flowers for example open up so many new possibilities, especially because you don’t know what’s going to happen when you touch one until you’ve touched it!

The levels are exquisitely designed too, with so many vibrant colours coming into play as well as an absolutely incredible soundtrack.

The game doesn’t take too long to complete, which is a little disapointing considering how much games cost these days, and we would have preferred the Boss Levels to be a little harder with more variety when it came to how to defeat them.

Still, this game is still one of the best Nintendo Switch games we’ve ever played and is without a doubt the best Super Mario 2D game around!

Read our official review: Super Mario Bros Wonder review

9. Pokemon Sword & Shield (2019)

Pokemon Shield

I couldn’t choose between Pokemon Sword & Shield, so, while we’ve showcased Zamazenta on the cover up above, I’m putting both games down.

Hey, it’s a two for the price of one – what’s not to love?

Every Nintendo Console has to have a cracking Pokemon game, and the Switch certainly doesn’t disappoint.

I’ve always been a huge fan of the 3D explorative Pokemon titles like Pokemon Colosseum, and having the chance to explore new lands through the original game and the DLC content with tonnes of pocket monsters along for the ride certainly made the Retro Dodo team very happy!

Everything about this game is perfect, from seeing Pokemon wandering around the Wild Area to dashing from place to place via your trusty bicycle.

Like Zelda: Link’s Awakening, it feels fresh and familiar in equal measure.

The different towns and cities in Pokemon Sword and Shield provide the scenes for many battles and hidden treasures. Venture from sleepy country villages through to desert paths and ice caverns in search of Pokemon to train and battle with.

This game would have gone further down this list if it wasn’t for Hop, the most annoying side character in the history of all games. That guy is one cocky son of a … well, he’s cocky, and he’s also no where near as good as you.

The berry system makes a return alongside new features such as camping and cooking for you and your Pokemon. Grab the DLC content and keep the game going with more legendary Pokemon to catch and even more side quests to solve!

10. Super Mario 3D World (2021)

Super Mario 3d World + Bowsers Fury

Super Mario 3D World takes the 13th spot in this list of the best Nintendo Switch games of all time!

If you played the Wii U version, then there’s nothing much different between this and the original, bar characters running faster and some tougher bonus modes. That being said, it’s still a fantastic game in its own right and a credit to the Switch, especially as you can play on the go!

Play as Mario. Luigi, Peach, and Toad as they complete levels together! Grab mates to play co-op or go it alone, picking up exciting powers such as the Super Bell to unlock cat character abilities.

Everyone loves Cat Mario!

As with pretty much all Mario games, 3D world is a vibrant and energetic adventure with classic Mushroom Kingdom graphics. And, in true Nintendo fashion, four people can play in the same household and not just online.

Couch co-op will never die!

Expect lots of goomba stomping action and coin collecting through fast-paced side-scrolling levels. And the best part is that you don’t have to save Peach for once!

Yes, proving that she can be kick-ass when she’s not wasting time being captured, Peach runs, climbs, and cat scratches along with the others as they hurtle through the game.

And don’t forget to check out Bowser’s Fury too. It’s a shorter game than the main offering but looks absolutely fantastic, and boy is Bowser furious!

11. Super Mario Maker 2 (2019)

Super Mario Maker 2

Ever thought that the Super Mario games were too easy or just not ultra impossibly hard? Super Mario Maker 2 can sort that out immediately!

A Mario game where you make levels from scratch to play through and then share with users all over the globe. Maybe courses filled with hundreds of Goombas and lasers too?

Now we’re talking!

As well as all the course building excitement from the 1st game, there’s now a cool Story mode with 100 courses.

Still, if you came here to put Bowser on a bullet bill or make a course that’s one massive downhill slip-n-slide, then fill your boots!

With a Nintendo Switch Online membership, players can play other creators courses and leave feedback too. It’s the gift that keeps on giving with an infinite number of ways to play!

12. Metroid Dread (2021)

Metroid Dread

When we first heard rumours of a new Metroid game, we hoped we were finally going to be seeing Metroid Prime 4 dropping. Metroid Dread, a side scrolling game like the Metroid titles of old initially felt like a bit of a cop-out.

Until we played it.

This game is true perfection. Ok, so it’s a bit of an homage to Samus’ SNES days, but is that a bad thing? The graphics, the gameplay, the movesets, Samus’ kick-ass actions – it’s a brilliant game for both nostalgic gamers or new Switch fans alike.

So what’s the deal in Metroid Dread?

We’ll, Samus is on Planet ZDR, trapped by an evil force and under constant threat from murderous robots.

Sounds like something she can tackle no problem!

Like other Metroid games of old, players need to resist old areas with new powerups to be able to access new secrets and playable areas.

Destroy the those killer robo-warriors and even throw an amibo or two into the mix!

13. The Legend Of Zelda: Link’s Awakening (2019)

The Legend of Zelda: Link's Awakening

The Legend of Zelda: Link’s Awakening takes the 15th spot in this list of the best Nintendo Switch games of all time. I went to pick this up while travelling around Italy in a camper van and couldn’t put it down!

This game was always a classic on the GBC. The story is different but feels oh so familiar at the same time, with other Nintendo enemies such as Goombas and Bloopers making cameos.

In the same way as Pokemon Let’s go Pikachu updated the classic Pokemon Red and Blue, this Nintendo Switch port has not only updated a terrific game, but it’s also made it more accessible for a new generation of gamers.

Instead of being based in the usual realm of Hyrule, Link washes ashore on Koholint Island. The same dungeon-crawling gameplay from the other early Zelda games aplies, though new features such as Dampe’s dungeon maker provide fans with a whole new way to play.

Koholint looks incredible with a new makeover and updated graphics. Ok, so it looks a little cutesy, but it’s not exactly a hack ‘n slash game after all. Collecting seashells to get new abilities adds an extra reason to keep playing, and the adventure itself is super engaging.

Once again, I could go on and on about Link’s Awakening. Any Zelda game is a winner in my book, and while I’ve played the game 100 times before on the GBC, the Switch version will always be one of the best Nintendo Switch games in my collection.

14. Super Mario 3D All-Stars (2020)

Super Mario 3D all-stars

Super Mario 3D All-Stars isn’t just a Nintendo Switch game… ok, it is, but its also a slice of Mario gaming history.

I can’t remember how many times I had wished for a way of playing Super Mario 64 on a handheld. It certainly made writing about this N64 Gameboy pretty tough, I can tell you!

But, back in 2020, I finally got my wish, along with Super Mario Sunshine and Super Mario Galaxy. Three of the best Mario games ever made in one place, with updated graphics, and the ability to play on the go…

… does it get any better than that?

For those of you that haven’t played any of these games before, seriously; what is wrong with you? Super Mario 64 topped our best Mario games list, Sunshine is the reason so many people bought a GameCube, and Galaxy is the trippiest title I think I’ve ever played!

While all three games have received the Nintendo Switch treatment, Super Mario 64 is the only title not to play in widescreen mode. It still looks like the original, or how we remember it anyway, which is perfect for those nostalgic vibes.

And the best bit is that you can skip between them all without even getting out of the chair and changing discs! What a win!

Check out our review: Super Mario 3D All Stars review

15. Pikmin 3 Deluxe (2020)

Pikmin 3 Deluxe Game Case

Pikmin 3 Deluxe is up next in our list of the best Nintendo Switch games of the year. Regular readers will know that I have a bit of a love hate relationship with the Pikmin franchise as a whole. It’s so exciting to play, but it’s definitely a contributing factor as to why I am bald.

Once I get into this game, I can’t stop. I can’t stop thinking about keeping those little Pikmin safe, responsible for their wellbeing and wanting the best for their futures.

Maybe I should just treat it like a game rather than real life… 

So, here’s a cool fact for people who loved the first Pikmin game but felt angry about that timer… the timer has gone.

That’s right; you can spend as long as you want exploring Planet PN4-404 without worrying about the 30 days running out. That’s much better!

Plus, 2 new Pikmin have joined the ranks – a rock and a winged Pikmin. How cool is that; one heavy and one as light as air!

Take on big enemies and pull off unbelievable feats of strength… well, for little flower people at any rate!

Find more games like Pikmin here: More Games Like Pikmin

Best 2 Player Nintendo Switch Games

Some adventures are just too much for one person, and sometimes games just need an extra person there to promote a bit of (un)friendy competition. That’s why we’re checking out the best 2 Player Nintendo Switch games of 2023!

The Nintendo Switch just gets so many things right; it’s the king of modern day couch co-op as well as making it easy for players to play with each other all over the globe.

I can play Mario Kart with my girlfriend online, then get on a plane to go and see her and carry on playing with my same console when I get to her house in Vienna.

I’ve even played Mario Kart with people in the mountains of Italy in tabletop mode – there is nowhere you can’t take this thing, and multiplayer action always finds a way to prevail.

The Switch is a family-friendly console that promotes togetherness, be it with friends, parents, children, or a loved one. We spend a heck of a lot of time on our Switches playing 2 player titles, so we thought we’d list our 10 favourite games for you to check out!

1. It Takes Two (2022)

It Takes Two on Rob's Nintendo Switch - best 2 player Nintendo Switch games

It goes without question that the aptly named It Takes Two should take the top spot in this lit of the best 2 Player Nintendo Switch games!

I mean, the game comes with a free friend code to give to another player so that they can get a copy of the game, allowing you both to play online together.

So, not only is it the best game, but it’s the best value for money!

It Take Two is one of the most ingenious 2 player games that I’ve ever come across in all my time of gaming. The levels are exquisitely designed, the co-operative gameplay is so well thought out, and the entire game leaves you exclaiming in wonder as you play.

Follow a couple going through a divorce turned into little figurines of themselves. They must reluctantly work together in order to save themselves, and hopefully their marriage for the sake of their daughter.

Working out who needs to jump where to flick which switch so that the other player can dive through and hook onto a specific platform or avoid a flame – you’ve got to be on the ball 24/7 when playing, and it’s the perfect game for exercising your bran and your teamwork skills.

I played this game through with my housemate in couch co-op mode and then online with my girlfriend, so I can honestly say I’m a bit of an It Takes Two super fan! Give it a try; you’ll love it!

2. Unravel Two (2019)

Unravel Two on Rob's Nintendo Switch

Unravel Two is yet another game I’ve played with my other-half, with her becoming so addicted that I’ve still been trying to avoid a turkey by hiding in a tree and swinging from branches.

I definitely had strange dreams that night!

These two little yarn-spun creatures, one blue and one red, are connected by a single piece of thread. They can only move so fat away from each other before the thread pulls taught, so you and your playing partner will need to think on your feet and look before you leap, otherwise you both might get set on fire or eaten by a fish.

Walking through parks or along country lanes as an adult never feels scary, but when you’re a tiny woollen dude that can be eaten by a bird or squashed flat by a car, the world becomes a dangerous place.

Still, it’s not just you that’s in danger; your actions will also help background characters evade detection from enemies, allowing them to flee to safety. The over-arcing story is a little dark, but your bright and thready friends keep things lighthearted along the way.

3. Brothers: A Tale Of Two Sons (2019)

Brothers A Tale Of Two Sons on Rob's Nintendo Switch

Some of you might be wondering why I’ve includied Brothers: A Tale Of Two Sons in this list of the best 2 player Nintendo Switch games. It’s one of those notorious titles that people think is going to be two player but is actually one player controlling both characters, right?

Well, the Switch version is different, and that’s probably down to the fact that the Switch Controller naturally lends itself to splitting in half. I mean, it’s one of the main design elements that makes it so much of a hybrid hero.

You can still control both brothers yourself if you don’t have any friends, but everyone loves Brothers, so I’m sure it won’t take much to coax someone round for a game.

For those of you that haven’t played the game before, it’s a beautiful tale about two brothers working together to save their father. If you love the gameplay style of Unravel Two, then you’ll be all over this game. The puzzles are brain-tickling, the locations are incredible, and the story is one you won’t forget in a hurry.

There’s also news of a remake coming soon, but you’ll only get the co-op play right here on the Switch!

4. Yoshi’s Crafted World (2019)

Yoshi's Crafted World game case

This little dinosaur has also had a big part in my upbringing. I’m not trying to say that I was raised by a dinosaur (although my Dad is getting on a bit), rather that Yoshi always made an appearance in all of my favourite multiplayer games growing up.

My mum loves Yoshi so much that she even has a tattoo of him that I paid for for her 60th birthday. He was always her choice when playing Mario Kart on the N64, Mario Party on the GameCube, and that one time she had a go at Smash Bros on the Wii U before telling me it was ‘too fast for her’.

I have fond memories of playing Wooly World with friends on the Wii U too, and Crafted World is just as wholesome and fun to play. I’ve always said that both of the games in what I like to call ‘Yoshi’s yarn years’ are perfect for getting people who aren’t into gaming into videogames.

Heck, Yoshi is cute and his games have so much detail in them that you can’t help but get drawn into helping him gobble bad guys while marvelling at the exquisite levels

Fans of Snipperclips and Unravel Two should definitely give this one a look. And if you want a little more time to think it over, you can always check out where it placed in top picks from Yoshi’s back catalogue.

5. Donkey Kong Country: Tropical Freeze (2018)

Donkey Kong Country Tropical Freeze

The Kongs are a tight knit group that always work together to get stuff done. Since the very first Donkey Kong Country game, Donkey took Diddy out on the road with him in order to save his precious banana hoard.

That spirit continues on into Donkey Kong Country Tropical Freeze, and players can now go into the action together, swinging through Donkey’s frozen world with a new addition from the Kong family turning up for the show.

Heck, you know when Funky Kong turns up that it’s going to be a party!

The Snowmads have caused frosty havoc on Kong Island, which means it’s time for the ‘kourageous Kongs’ to swing in to save the day (I’m getting as bad as Midway with all of their Mortal Kombat ‘Kreate’ modes).

This game might be family firendly, bright and colourful, and the perfect 2 player title, but don’t underestimate it for a second. It’s a tough cookie to crack and has tonnes of items to find, so there won’t be any time to chill in any sense of the word!

Play with a friend through seven islands, revelling in the classic Nintendo simian-side-scrolling formula that hasn’t ever failed us yet.

Technically the second entry on our list for Nintendo’s beloved Ape, Donkey Kong Country: Tropical Freeze originally swung into action on the Wii-U back in 2014.

Take a look to see where Tropical Freeze came in our best Donkey Kong games list.

Best Multiplayer Nintendo Switch Games

Playing with a friend is fun, but when you’re on the same team, it’s hard to really let off steam or dance around when you’re victorious and rubbing people’s faces in your brilliance.

That’s where the best multiplayer Nintendo Switch games come in, giving you all of the multiplayer mayhem that we’ve come to experience from Nintendo both online and in couch co-op mode.

And it won’t surprise you to know that the master of multiplayer himself, Mario, takes the first four spots in this list!

1. Super Mario Party (2018)

Super Mario Party

I can’t begin to tell you how many hours I’ve put into the Mario Party series over the years. Whether playing with my mum on an evening as a kid or challenging my mates to some multiplayer madness on the weekend, these games have provided serious value for money and some truly fun times.

While Mario Party 4 will always have a special place in my heart, Super Mario Party is undoubtedly the best title yet. It’s vibrant, the graphics are superb, and the addition of special dice to spice up character selection is a nice touch.

If you’ve never played a Mario Party game before, then it’s fair to say that you’ve never lived. They don’t just provide fun and friendly family entertainment; they create a platform to crush your friends in competitive mini games…

… because that’s what gaming is about, after all!

The premise is simple; move around a board by rolling a dice. Yes it’s a digital board game with a difference, and that difference is that Mario and pals can fire items at each other, call in allies, and collect coins.

Get the most stars and win the game. Play with up to 4 people in console mode and now stretch your audience far and wide with the new online mode!

2. Mario Kart 8 Deluxe (2017)

Mario Kart 8 Deluxe game case cover art

Does Mario Kart Deluxe 8 really need an introduction? It’s been in existence for almost 10 year as I write this article, coming to us on the Wii U back in 2014 and then launching onto the Switch as a new deluxe package in 2017.

I know you can play this game online with 11 other people from across the globe or head into rooms with 7 of your friends, but there’s nothing like kicking back with a friend for some proper, old-school split-screen karting action.

It’s one of the best multiplayer Nintendo Switch games for 2 reasons; racing, and battling.

Yes, avoiding pinballs in Waluigi’s insane stadium or racing along Big Blue is all well and good, but one it’s the battles that really get your pulse racing in this game.

Steal shines, collect coins, burst balloons… this mode tests your friendships to the limits. My advice guys; if you see a guy called Andrew Denville (codename Xvillager) online, then avoid him like the plague. He always wins!

3. Mario Strikers: Battle League Football (2022)

Mario Strikers Battle League Football

Mario Strikers: Battle League Football harnesses all of the excitement from the original Super Mario Strikers game for the GameCube and turns it up to 11. It’s madness from the very first whistle, with fast paced games on crazy courts where there are very few rules.

The main and only rule being which goal you need to score in… that’s about it.

If I had to describe it, I’d say it’s like Fifa crossed with Mario Kart. Players use items as they dash and slide tackle each other in order to get the ball. Time your shot right and you might even perform an unblockable Super Strike!

I got incredibly into this game when it came out, playing my friends online and upgrading my characters after winning championships. There are multiple different gear choices that you can implement in order to up character’s stats, and you can pick the ultimate team of 4 to take into battle with you.

If you thought Frantic Items on Mario Kart was intense, then you’ve seen nothing yet!

Check out our guide on making the best team: How to pick the best team in Super Mario Strikers Battle League.

4. Super Smash Bros Ultimate (2018)

Super Smash Bros Ultimate

Super Smash Bros. Ultimate might not take the top spot in this list of the best Nintendo Switch games of all time, but it’s certainly the best brawler title in the world right now.

It’s also the biggest fighting title ever made too, with over 77 characters plus tonnes more being announced all the time from famous Nintendo franchises and beyond.

Play everywhere from the Mushroom Kingdom to Pokemon Stadiums, battling in key locations from all your favourite series.

Because who doesn’t want to see Banjo and Kazooie squaring off against the blockheaded dude from Minecraft.

Whether you’re a button-masher or a super-smasher, there are so many different ways to beat opponents in this fast paced game. It’s action like you’ve never experienced before… unless you’ve played any of the other Smash Bros. titles, that is…

And I still maintain that seeing ‘New Challenger Approaching’ is one of the most exciting screens on any game ever made too, especially with so many different fighters to keep track of!

I’m not gonna lie, I’m terrible at Smash Bros. whenever I play against my mates, which is why I sacked them all off and just play solo now instead!

5. Splatoon 2 (2017)

Splatoon 2 game case

Splatoon 2 is the perfect game to kick back with mates, shooting rival inklings and slip-n-sliding around courts as you try go for glory.

Imagine if you crossed Goldeneye 007 with Tony Hawks Tag mode… that’s the general vibe here.

The second offering is largely the same as the first, though a new single player mode and local multiplayer mean that there’s much more for players to get involved with.

Also, we’re looking at some serious firepower too.

Well, inkpower, but you get the gist.

Splatoon is wholly inoffensive; it couldn’t be brutal if it tried. But that doesn’t matter; it’s still one of the most exciting shooting games on the Switch and a real battle-royale that gamers of any age can enjoy.

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