The Nintendo Switch has become a gaming hardware sensation as it now celebrates two years since entering the market this past Sunday. Thanks in part to its versatility in games and gamers of all play styles, it seems just about every game is a perfect fit and desired wish-list to be put onto this system. So whether you've been along for the ride since its launch or are now debating to jump aboard this dreamy hybrid console, let's take a look back at the best of the best this system has offered up. As is often the selling point of most any console, we'll start by taking a look at the exclusive (or mostly exclusive) titles available only on Switch. These are my Top 5 recommended Switch Exclusives:
(Updated 12/27/19 - Removed Golf Story in exchange for Luigi's Mansion 3)
(Updated 4/23/19 - Removed PlayDead's Limbo / Inside in exchange for Cuphead)
-1- The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild
Although technically also a bit of a swan song to the Nintendo Wii-U, Breath of the Wild has become synonymous with the launch of the Switch and perhaps one of the greatest launch games to any system ever. It has redefined and set a new standard for open-world adventure games, allowing unprecedented levels of freedom and creative play that make way for players of many skill levels and play styles to enjoy play each in their own unique way. Clocking over 100 hours myself in just my first play-through of this game, this is an epic adventure to behold, and the Switch is the perfect means to tackle shrines and explore new horizons whenever and however long the call for adventure beckons. Simply put, this is a must-have for any Zelda fan, adventure lover, or pretty much any Switch owner. For a more detailed review of this grand epic, click here.
-2- Super Mario Odyssey
Super Mario Odyssey marks the plumber's 3D platforming debut to the Switch and not only a fantastic return to form to 3D sandbox Mario-style play, but perhaps one of the most creative and wonderfully bizarre Mario games to grace its entire series. With a diverse, colorful cast of worlds to explore and the ability to take control of most any number of enemy, animal, or object found in the game, there is no end to the joy to be found tirelessly toying around in what are the undeniably best playgrounds around. Click here for a more in-depth look into this wonderfully weird and audacious world de' tour.
-3- Mario Kart 8 Deluxe
For those who never owned / played Mario Kart 8 for the Wii-U, Mario Kart 8 Deluxe is absolutely the king of all Mario Karts and a must-own for fans of the chaotic thrills and spills that is this racing series. The racing has never felt so smooth, so exhilarating, or looked so good than what is featured here across 48 vivid race tracks. And as a new feature to this Deluxe version, Battle Mode makes a fantastic return to form, offering some of the best frenzied fun yet to be found in the series with 5 distinct, but equally enjoyable modes to play in. For more on this topsy-turvy racing masterpiece, click here. And for tips and tricks using the new double-item system incorporated in this entry, study up here.
-4- Luigi's Mansion 3
It's hard to believe that Luigi's Mansion 3 only marks the series' third entry across nearly 20 years, but this latest installment still manages to capture the craft and joy that ghost bustin' action adventure fun. The humor and charm shine bright in this game thanks in part to some of the most gorgeous visuals and lively animation to grace the Nintendo Switch thus far. And there are so many creative surprises to uncover navigating these many themed halls and facing off against a slew of such original and memorable boss encounters. So despite his infrequent role as leading hero, Luigi has most assuredly earned the recognition and praise as a deserved addition to this system's gaming library.
-5- Super Smash Bros. Ultimate
With the tag line "Everyone is here", every character across the entire Smash Bros series makes a return to this latest installment, making sure no fan is left disappointed by lack of their favorite fighter. And incredibly for a roster of this size, the game remains astonishingly polished and well balanced across the board. As one of the rare exceptions in all of gaming to allow 8-player local multiplayer gaming while also allowing use of controllers that date back three generations of consoles now, Super Smash Bros. Ultimate truly is deserving of the title in delivering what is the ultimate game in the series and overall experiences in multiplayer gaming. Click here for the full review on this ambitious brawler.
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Of course, there are many other notable games to be found on Switch of which are not necessarily exclusive, but still as every bit as incredible gaming experiences, if not more so than some of those listed above. As such, let us also take a look at these wonderful multi-platform games to be fortunate enough to grace this system as well. These are my Top 5 Multi-platform Games found on Switch:
-1- Hollow Knight
The Metroidvania genre has been a rising and growing breed of tight action gameplay loaded with iterative upgrades for use in both combat and exploration means, made popular by the games who helped conceive the genre's name, Super Metroid and Castlevania: Symphony of the Night. Few games have been able to match what these shining examples crafted, but Hollow Knight easily dethrones these masters and claims the crown as one of the best in the Metroidvania genre, or really any game ever made. With its eerie, but charming aesthetics and deep, rich lore littered about every crevice of this expansive world, the halls of the Hallownest slowly entrance players deeper and deeper into what is one of the most engrossing and greatest gaming experiences to be found, at least for those who enjoy a hearty challenge. For a more detailed (and gushing) review on this game, please click here. Or for some tips and tricks for surviving these grueling tunnels, take a look here.
-2- Wandersong
If you're looking for a game to just warm your heart and soul, look no further than Wandersong. With its charming, paper-cut aesthetics, silly gameplay mechanics, and delightfully witty dialogue, Wandersong takes players on a whimsical adventure stuffed full of unexpectedly tender moments and compelling twists at every turn. It's not an particularly challenging game, but one sure to leave a fond, lasting impression. Find more details on this endearing indie gem in my glowing review here.
-3- Celeste
Celeste is an ingeniously creative and challenging platformer, which secretly hides at its core a surprisingly moving story about overcoming one's fears and self-doubts. Equipped with only a limited stamina to climb walls and a dash ability, the game continually introduces new and interesting means in which to push these fundamental mechanics to their fullest through captivating set pieces driven by its compelling narrative. This is again a game that offers tough as nails challenges at times, but also allows for more means of accessibility or choice for such challenge, making the game widely more approachable to players of all skill levels. Check out the full review here for more on this formidable, but rewarding journey.
-4- Shovel Knight: Treasure Trove
Games are often involve ridiculous concepts that if given enough care and attention, somehow seem perfectly natural and just work. Such is the case for Shovel Knight, a knight on a quest for justice and shovelry, steeling his blade to strike deep at evil and unearth hidden treasures. Shovel Knight is a love letter to games of the NES era, heralding many of the best elements from such classics as Mega Man, Duck Tales, Super Mario Bros. 3 and more, all the while still being uniquely all its own game. With tons of of free DLC added, the likes of which are whole sequels featuring new characters to play as and interweaving narratives, there is plenty a reason to return if you've slept on this gem the past two years, and even more reason to grab hold of this treasure if never experienced before. For a more nostalgic reflection on this retro-inspired throwback, check out our Throwback Thursday post on such here.
-5- Cuphead
I never thought this day would come, but the esteemed cartoon brawler that is the Microsoft exclusive Cuphead has graced its way onto the Nintendo Switch. Not only that, but this port feels perfect and right at home on this platform. With the superb animation and tough as nails, but oh so satisfying gameplay, this game offers an experience that is so easy to love and jump into bout after bout. For more details on this walloping wonder, check out our full review here.
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As you can see above just from this small sampling of games, there's plenty to love here already and be a proud and content Switch owner. Any particular favorite games for Switch not listed above? Be sure to share and discuss in the comments below. And check back regularly as we update this list with the best games to be found on Switch if ever looking for fresh new recommendations. Here's to more great game experiences to come and happy gaming!
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