Best To Worst: Top Nintendo Switch Games Ranked!

Hey everyone! Are you looking to dive into the awesome world of Nintendo Switch games but feeling a bit overwhelmed? Don't worry, I've got you covered! I have personally played a LOT of games on this console. I'm going to give you a completely subjective, totally-my-opinion ranking from some of the absolute best to some that… well, might be better left on the shelf. Let's jump in!

The Pinnacle: Must-Have Nintendo Switch Games

Let's kick things off with the crème de la crème – the games that, in my humble opinion, truly showcase what the Nintendo Switch is all about. These aren't just great games; they're experiences.

The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild: Seriously, could I not start here? Breath of the Wild isn't just a game; it's a masterpiece. From the moment you step out into Hyrule's vast, open world, you're given an unparalleled sense of freedom. You can literally go anywhere and do almost anything. The physics-based gameplay is mind-blowing; use fire to create updrafts, cut down trees to make bridges, and experiment with the environment in countless ways. The story, while familiar, is delivered with a poignant touch. The characters you meet along the way are memorable, and the sense of discovery is constant. Even after hundreds of hours, you'll still stumble upon new secrets and hidden areas. The dungeons are cleverly designed, the combat is challenging but fair, and the world itself is breathtakingly beautiful. If you own a Switch and haven't played Breath of the Wild, you're doing yourself a disservice. Go play it now! Seriously, go!

Super Mario Odyssey: Mario's back, and he's brought a magical hat! Super Mario Odyssey is a pure joy from start to finish. Each kingdom is bursting with creativity, from the bustling streets of New Donk City to the sandy beaches of Seaside Kingdom. The capture mechanic, where Mario can possess enemies and objects with Cappy, opens up a whole new world of gameplay possibilities. You can become a T-Rex, a Goomba, a Cheep Cheep – the options are endless! The game is packed with secrets and collectibles, encouraging you to explore every nook and cranny. The movement is fluid and responsive, making even the most challenging platforming sections a delight to conquer. The boss battles are inventive and memorable, and the soundtrack is infectiously catchy. Super Mario Odyssey is a celebration of everything that makes Mario great, and it's an essential addition to any Switch library.

Animal Crossing: New Horizons: Okay, okay, hear me out. Yes, it's a very different game than the previous two. But Animal Crossing: New Horizons captured the world's attention for a reason. It's a comforting, relaxing escape from the stresses of everyday life. You arrive on a deserted island and slowly transform it into your own personal paradise. You can catch bugs, fish, decorate your house, and befriend adorable animal villagers. The game unfolds at a gentle pace, encouraging you to savor each moment. There's always something new to discover, whether it's a rare fossil, a new DIY recipe, or a special event. The online community is incredibly supportive, and it's fun to visit other players' islands and share your creations. Animal Crossing: New Horizons is the perfect game to unwind with after a long day, and it's a testament to the power of simple, wholesome gameplay.

Great Games, Minor Flaws: Still Worth Playing

These games are fantastic and deserve a spot in your collection, but they might have a few quirks or shortcomings that hold them back from being perfect.

Metroid Dread: Samus Aran returns in this thrilling side-scrolling adventure! Metroid Dread is a masterclass in atmosphere and tension. The ZDR planet is filled with eerie environments and lurking dangers. The E.M.M.I. robots are relentless and terrifying, forcing you to rely on stealth and cunning to survive. The game's combat is precise and satisfying, and the exploration is rewarding. The story is engaging, delving deeper into Samus's past and the mysteries of the Metroid. However, the game can be quite challenging, and some players may find the E.M.M.I. encounters frustrating. Also, while the environments are visually impressive, they can sometimes feel a bit repetitive. Overall, Metroid Dread is a must-play for fans of the Metroid series and anyone looking for a challenging and atmospheric action-adventure game.

Luigi's Mansion 3: Luigi steps out of Mario's shadow in this spooky and hilarious adventure! Luigi's Mansion 3 is a charming and inventive game that's perfect for players of all ages. You explore a haunted hotel, capturing ghosts with your trusty Poltergust G-00. The puzzles are clever and engaging, and the boss battles are creative and memorable. The game's visuals are stunning, with detailed environments and expressive character animations. The story is lighthearted and fun, and the voice acting is top-notch. However, the game can be a bit repetitive at times, and the controls can take some getting used to. Also, the multiplayer modes are a bit lackluster. Despite these minor flaws, Luigi's Mansion 3 is a delightful and entertaining game that's sure to put a smile on your face.

Pokémon Legends: Arceus: A bold new direction for the Pokémon franchise! Pokémon Legends: Arceus shakes up the traditional Pokémon formula with an open-world environment and a focus on exploration and discovery. You explore the Hisui region, studying Pokémon behavior and completing research tasks. The game's combat is more action-oriented, and you can even be attacked by Pokémon in the overworld. The story is intriguing, delving into the history of the Pokémon world. However, the game's visuals are a bit rough around the edges, and the performance can be inconsistent. Also, the story can feel a bit disjointed at times. Despite these flaws, Pokémon Legends: Arceus is a refreshing and innovative take on the Pokémon formula, and it's a must-play for fans of the series.

The Disappointments: Proceed with Caution

Okay, now we're getting into the territory of games that I personally found disappointing. These aren't necessarily bad games, but they just didn't live up to my expectations, or they had significant flaws that detracted from the experience.

Pokémon Sword and Shield: As a lifelong Pokémon fan, I was really excited for Pokémon Sword and Shield. However, I was ultimately left feeling underwhelmed. The Galar region felt linear and uninspired, and the story was predictable and bland. The removal of the National Pokédex was a major disappointment, and the game's difficulty was far too easy. While the Wild Area was a welcome addition, it felt underdeveloped and lacked polish. The Dynamax mechanic was interesting, but it didn't add much to the overall gameplay experience. Pokémon Sword and Shield felt like a step backward for the series, and it failed to capture the magic of previous Pokémon games.

Super Mario Party (Series): The Super Mario Party games on Switch have been a mixed bag. While the core gameplay is still fun, the lack of content and the reliance on motion controls have been disappointing. The boards are small and uninspired, and the minigames are often unbalanced. The online modes are limited and frustrating, and the lack of traditional party modes is a major omission. The Super Mario Party games on Switch feel like a missed opportunity, and they fail to capture the chaotic fun of previous Mario Party games.

The Avoidable: Save Your Money

These are the games that I would personally recommend avoiding altogether. They may have some redeeming qualities, but the flaws are too significant to ignore. Disclaimer: These are just my opinions, and others may disagree. I'm not trying to yuck anyone's yum!

(Insert Generic, Poorly-Made Game Here): Honestly, there are just too many shovelware titles on the Switch eShop to even begin to list them all. These are the games that are clearly made on the cheap, with little to no effort put into their development. They often feature poor graphics, clunky controls, and repetitive gameplay. They're usually overpriced and offer very little value for your money. Avoid these games at all costs!

Final Thoughts

The Nintendo Switch is home to an incredible library of games, but not all games are created equal. I hope this guide has helped you navigate the vast selection and find some new favorites. Remember, these are just my personal opinions, and your mileage may vary. Happy gaming, guys!