10. The Legend of Zelda: Link's Awakening
A remake of one of the most beloved and bizarre Zelda titles, this has to be one of the best remasters of all time. Taking the original formula, it rebuilds the game into a 3D masterpiece without sacrificing any of the original spirit. Throw in modern conveniences to make it more palatable to the modern gamer, as well as a dungeon builder and you’ve got one of the best Switch games to date.
9. Super Mario 3D All-Stars
To celebrate the 35th anniversary of everyone’s favourite moustachioed plumber, Nintendo have released Super Mario 3D All-Stars, a collection of some of the crème de la crème of the series, featuring Super Mario 64, Super Mario Sunshine and Super Mario Galaxy. Playing it is like seeing the games the way they were always intended to be seen. The timeless art style finally has the technical support to show them off in all their glory. Whether you’ve played them a million times or just picking them up for the first time, there’s never been a better time to delve into the best of the past.
8. Splatoon 2
A multiplayer shooter game that’s suitable for kids and not insufferable like Fortnite - whodathunkit? Splatoon 2 definitely fits the bill, replacing blood and gore with vibrant paint without scrimping on the excitement and addictive gameplay. It takes the formula of its predecessor and builds on it with the inclusion of a single-player campaign as well as a smorgasbord of new multiplayer modes. Whether you're flying solo or squadding up, you’re bound to have a good time!
7. Pokémon Sword / Shield
Arguably the most popular handheld RPG series ever, Pokemon Sword and Shield prove the franchise is as strong as it’s ever been. Taking the adventure to a pseudo-London setting, it’s one of, if not the prettiest Pokemon experiences ever. Couple this with a great soundtrack, as well as all the classic battles and exploration fun, and you’ve got one of the definitive Pokemon generations.
Arguably the most popular handheld RPG series ever, Pokemon Sword and Shield prove the franchise is as strong as it’s ever been. Taking the adventure to a pseudo-London setting, it’s one of, if not the prettiest Pokemon experiences ever. Couple this with a great soundtrack, as well as all the classic battles and exploration fun, and you’ve got one of the definitive Pokemon generations.
6. Monster Hunter Rise
It’s Monster Hunter, but not as we know it. Much like recent games in the franchise, Rise streamlines the combat mechanics to be much more welcoming to new players. You still overcome mighty beasts in over the top action, only now you don’t have to sift through 20 menus to do so. The other big addition is the Wirebug, a tool that lets you zip around the world map like a feudal Spider-Man, making traversal much faster. This helps to make the world feel much more connected, and despite technically being a smaller game than previous entries, the series feels grander than ever.
It’s Monster Hunter, but not as we know it. Much like recent games in the franchise, Rise streamlines the combat mechanics to be much more welcoming to new players. You still overcome mighty beasts in over the top action, only now you don’t have to sift through 20 menus to do so. The other big addition is the Wirebug, a tool that lets you zip around the world map like a feudal Spider-Man, making traversal much faster. This helps to make the world feel much more connected, and despite technically being a smaller game than previous entries, the series feels grander than ever.
5. Mario Kart 8 Deluxe
The king of the kart racers, nothing comes close to Mario Kart on the Switch. With the near-perfect balance between pick-up-and-playability and challenge, MK8D truly does cater for everyone. Whether entertaining your grandparents or duking it out with the best online, you’ll find a satisfying experience no matter what you’re looking for.
4. Animal Crossing: New Horizons
The most complete, immersive and downright best Animal Crossing game to date, playing New Horizons is a joyous experience. There’s so much to see, do and explore as you help build your new home town, and it’s easy to lose several blissful hours doing jobs that would seem mundane in the real world. But such is the magic of Animal Crossing, even the every day is made to feel pleasant.
3. Super Smash Bros. Ultimate
Nintendo has been perfecting their Smash Bros series for the past 2 decades, an effort that culminates with the near-obnoxiously good Super Smash Bros Ultimate. The fighting/party game boasts one of the best rosters of characters found in any game ever, ranging from Pikachu to Solid Snake to Sonic and even the Wii Fit Trainer (because why not?), and each character feels unique, with a deep move set and individual play style.
2. Mario Odyssey
Mario Odyssey is a belter! Rather than resting on its laurels, Nintendo takes their moustachioed mascot and freshens him up in a new direction; new worlds, new mechanics and new challenges make playing it an absolute delight and a testament to the company’s expertise in game design.
1. The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild
The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild - there aren’t enough superlatives to describe how good this game is. Never have we played an open-world game that’s so immersive, so deep and just so gosh darn fun to play. Every aspect of the game is flawless, and the fact it works on a tablet is nothing short of witchcraft. Trust us, it’s worth buying a Switch for this game alone.
