The best Nintendo Switch games to play in 2024

The top Nintendo Switch games promise unforgettable adventures on this versatile hybrid console. The unique experience of playing a great game both in the palm of your hand and on a larger screen is truly special, and the Nintendo Switch’s extensive library delivers the best ways to enjoy this flexibility.

The Nintendo Switch caters to both seasoned gamers and newcomers, offering versatility and an impressively broad catalog of games, highlighted by Nintendo's renowned first-party titles. With the console having been around for a while, it now comes in various models. The Nintendo Switch OLED features a stunning display, while the Nintendo Switch Lite's sturdy design makes it perfect for younger gamers.

Additionally, the Nintendo Switch excels in multiplayer gaming, especially with in-person split-screen options. From party-friendly multiplayer games to immersive single-player adventures, the Nintendo Switch boasts a remarkably diverse library. With that in mind, here’s our list of the best games available for the Nintendo Switch.

Best Nintendo Switch games 2024

Super Mario Bros. Wonder

Super Mario Bros. Wonder is a triumphant addition to the 2D Mario series, perfectly encapsulating joy in gaming form. For those who grew up with Mario, this game will transport you back to a state of childlike glee. Even for newcomers to the series, there are many reasons to choose this game for your first adventure in the Mushroom Kingdom.

With numerous new features, Wonder feels fresh and exciting compared to its predecessors. Its many co-op options make it a great game to enjoy with friends and family. On the Nintendo Switch, its vibrant world will captivate you for hours, making it a fantastic addition to any game library and a perfect representation of Nintendo’s magic.

Animal Crossing: New Horizons

Animal Crossing: New Horizons, the first console game in the series in eight years, whisks you off to a deserted island via an exclusive Nook Inc. package. This island is yours to fill with villagers and customize in any way you can imagine, thanks to the game's new island-building tools. Make friends with your fellow islanders, fish, collect fruit, and decorate your island – with a plethora of cute tools and decorative items, there are countless ways to make your island uniquely yours.

New Horizons feels both familiar and fresh, blending the beloved elements of the series with much-needed improvements and greater depth than ever before. The game's robust online features allow you to visit friends' islands, swap items, and design and try custom clothing, making the social aspect of the game more engaging than ever. Nintendo expertly combines all these elements into a game that's hard to put down. Even if you don't end up playing Animal Crossing for years, you’ll undoubtedly be charmed by its tone and presentation. Check out our Animal Crossing: New Horizons review to discover what else the game has in store for you.

Kirby and the Forgotten Land

Kirby and the Forgotten Land is a delightful family platformer that is both ambitious and adorable. This boldest entry in the Kirby series yet pushes the pink puffball into new dimensions and contorted shapes. Kirby does what he does best: inhaling enemies to absorb their abilities, jumping and gliding through tight platforming segments, and tackling big bosses at the end of each stage.

Forgotten Land will feel familiar to those who have played a Kirby game before, but its 3D levels and Kirby's new abilities bring a refreshing twist to the series. The visuals perfectly showcase the graphical leap from the 3DS to the Switch, and the gameplay highlights Kirby at his finest. Whether you are new to Kirby or a longtime fan, you’re in for a charming platforming treat.

Mario Kart 8 Deluxe

This racer introduces several new features to the arcade classic that was previously available on the Wii U. It includes the return of battle mode, new characters, all the previously released DLC tracks, and the ability to hold two special items simultaneously, adding an extra layer of strategy to your races. Additionally, the game offers an excellent multiplayer experience. You can play online, in split-screen with up to four players, or link up to eight consoles for wireless multiplayer, allowing up to two players per console.

Mario Kart 8 on the Wii U was already one of the best entries in the franchise, and the Nintendo Switch version is no different. In fact, it stands out as one of the best Switch games overall and one of the top online multiplayer Switch games. It's a versatile release, making it a must-have for anyone who missed out on Mario Kart 8 the first time around. Plus, it continues to receive new DLC. Just remember, you'll need a Nintendo Switch Online subscription to play with friends over the internet.

Pokémon Legends: Arceus

Acting as a prequel to the main series, Pokémon Legends: Arceus takes players to a much older version of Pokémon Diamond and Pearl’s Sinnoh region, known here as the Hisui region. In this game, Pokémon roam freely, and you're tasked with completing one of the region's first Pokédexes. With no gym leaders or badges, Arceus focuses primarily on catching Pokémon rather than battling them.

Pokémon Legends: Arceus is unlike any Pokémon game you may have played before – in the best possible way. While Pokémon Scarlet and Violet introduced a wide range of modernizations to the main series, Arceus arguably did more with less, revitalizing the franchise with a more immersive and polished storytelling approach. This makes Pokémon Legends: Arceus one of the best Nintendo Switch games available and a must-play for both longtime Pokémon fans and newcomers to the series.

Splatoon 3

Splatoon turns the conventional idea of a shooter on its head. Instead of bullets, here you shoot ink, both to defeat other players and obstacles or to help with movement. In your typical Splatoon match, players will compete not to kill one another, but to cover as much of the stadium as possible in their chosen color of ink. Packed with fun modes that make the best of this idea, Splatoon 3 is the most fun in multiplayer, offering a colorful and stylish ride the whole family can enjoy.

Splatoon 3 changes nothing about the series on a fundamental level, but it offers a lot of quality-of-life improvements that show Nintendo is listening to its players, such as a hub world for players to interact, better connectivity, and a better campaign experience. Splatoon 3 is a strong series entry for one of the best series on the console.

Mario + Rabbids Sparks of Hope

One of the top strategy games on the Nintendo Switch, Mario + Rabbids: Sparks of Hope, offers a fresh take on the genre. Players engage in turn-based battles where they can attack, use special abilities, or evade incoming attacks. Nintendo's version provides a streamlined yet engaging tactical experience, making it accessible for newcomers while still appealing to veteran players.

Combining the vibrant world of Mario with the quirky charm of Ubisoft's Rabbids, this game is both inventive and enjoyable. Mario + Rabbids: Sparks of Hope builds on its predecessor's success, adding more puzzles and skills to navigate through iconic Mario villains. If you enjoy strategy games but want a break from the usual gritty military themes, this game is perfect for you. However, be aware that its target audience is slightly younger, so experienced strategy gamers might find it a bit easy.

Super Smash Bros. Ultimate

The long-running Smash series represents Nintendo's family-friendly approach to fighting games. In Super Smash Bros., beloved characters from Nintendo and other franchises battle with the goal of knocking opponents off the screen.

Our review of Super Smash Bros. Ultimate highlights its extensive content: more fighters, stages, gameplay modes, and tactical elements than any previous game in the series. This entry is the definitive Super Smash Bros. experience, complete with a wealth of DLC characters like Joker, Piranha Plant, and Banjo-Kazooie, all of which have now been released. If you're seeking one of the best Nintendo Switch games for multiplayer fun, you can't go wrong with Smash.

The Legend of Zelda series

The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom had big shoes to fill as the successor to the immensely successful Breath of the Wild, a launch title for the Nintendo Switch. Expectations were sky-high from the start, but this follow-up surpasses its predecessor by enhancing everything that made the original special. With a remarkably detailed and expansive open world, exciting dungeons, thrilling combat, and a new emphasis on creativity, it stands as the defining title for Nintendo's aging hybrid console.

In our review of The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom, we spent over 70 hours exploring and found it to be an absolute delight, brimming with welcome embellishments and bold innovations. Among the most significant additions are the new Zonai devices, such as Ultrahand and Fuse, which offer fresh ways to interact with the game world. This is just the tip of the iceberg of what makes this RPG truly exceptional.