The best Nintendo Switch games tend to cover all bases, from the epic open-world adventures and farming simulators to quirky cartoon racers and multiplayer madness for everyone in the family. The best Switch games are timeless, and excellent investments, as you'll find yourself playing them again and again.
One of the best features of the Nintendo Switch console is the removable controllers (known as Joy-Cons), which let you play in hand-held, table-top or TV mode. This means you can play a huge variety of games with no limits and with a friend too.
The best Nintendo Switch games
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Best solo adventure games
Best new adventure game for Nintendo Switch
Players: 1
Genre: Adventure
Released: 12 May 2023
The latest addition to The Legend of Zelda Series, Tears of the Kingdom will have you embarking on an epic quest as the loveable warrior Link to save the kingdom of Hyrule and defeat the evil Ganondorf. You'll venture through floating islands in the sky and dark caves. Players particularly love the building element of this game, taking imagination a little too far.
A new take on the Pokémon franchise
Players: 1 (Online: 2)
Genre: Action role-play
Released: 21 January 2022
The first ever open-world Pokémon game, Pokémon Legends: Arceus is a welcome reimagining of the ever-popular franchise with a unique and fun take on the series set long before the time we know. It completely changes the way players encounter and learn about each creature, and reimagines classic Pokémon battles into something completely new and exciting.
Best Nintendo Switch game for Super Mario fans
Players: 1-2 (Online: up to 10)
Genre: Platformer
Released: 27 October 2017
One of the first games to be released on the Nintendo Switch, this Mario title has its own twist. The plumber's loveable hat, Cappy, is sentient and lets you possess objects, animals and enemies to help you save Princess Peach from Bowser. Overall, the game offers top-rate Mario action all the way, with some brilliantly weird touches thrown in; an absolute must-buy.
Relaxed world building
Players: Up to 8 (local wireless play or online)
Genre: Simulation
Released: 20 March 2020
Want a chilled, laid-back experience? This title lets you jet off to your own little island and turn it into your own personal getaway, in a relaxing world-building game filled with delights. From the starting point of a deserted island, you can build your own home, add furniture and decorations and even customise the landscape.
Best Nintendo Switch game for sci-fi fans
Players: 1
Genre: Action
Released: 8 February 2023
This classic title has been remastered solely for the Nintendo Switch, and allows you to play as bounty hunter Samus Aran as she navigates a dangerous alien planet and explores the diverse biomes of Tallon IV. Journey through beautiful landscapes and complete objectives by fighting extraterrestrial terrors to complete this solo mission in a hostile world.
Best adventure game for Nintendo Switch
Players: 1
Genre: Adventure
Released: 3 March 2017
The prequel to Tears of the Kingdom (top of our list), BOTW is set in a vast open world, and this title takes the classic Zelda elements and shakes them up to create an absolute pearl of a game. We've been playing and replaying this game since it launched in 2017 and are still finding new missions, secrets and hidden items years later. There's also plenty of fantastic DLC.
Best Multiplayer titles
Best Nintendo Switch game for speedy thrills
Players: Up to 12
Genre: Racing
The fun racing game is chock-full of daft power-ups, a huge cast of Nintendo characters, and stacks of race tracks. Yes, it's silly, but its sheer playability still makes this high octane titles a joy, whether you're battling on single-player mode, huddling around the TV with friends, or racing against players from all over the world.
Best Nintendo Switch game for messy fun
Players: Up to 8
Genre: TPS
Want a third-person shooter without the violence? Then you'll love Splatoon 3, which uses the same kind of mechanics but shoots ink not bullets, and is full of colour and silliness. The main emphasis here is on online multiplayer mode; players have two main forms and you can switch between them at will.
Best farming game for Nintendo Switch
Players: 1-4
Genre: Farming sim
Stardew Valley takes players on a journey of building up their own farm, befriending charming characters in a quaint country town and discovering the secrets of the valley. Manage your farm through the seasons to make sure you crops don't die off and your animals are happy! It's a great game to switch your brain off whilst playing.
Best picks for young gamers
Best Nintendo Switch game for fans of cute adventures
Players: Up to 2
Genre: Adventure
Join Kirby, a beloved Nintendo character, on his latest adventure as he explores a mysterious new world where civilisation and nature have come together as one. Solve puzzles and save his friends, with the help of mysterious new companion Elfilin. Double up the fun in local co-op mode.
Best Nintendo Switch game for Yoshi lovers
Players: 1–2
Genre: Platform
Released: 29 March 2019
Who doesn't love Yoshi? This charming game is great for kids and easy to play, while you absorb your senses in a world made entirely from everyday objects such as cardboard, foam and wool. There are 40+ stages and levels to keep younger gamers busy and entertained for hours and can be played solo or as a couch co-op, meaning both joycons can be used for multiplayer.
Best Nintendo Switch game for puzzle solvers
Players: 1–2
Genre: Strategy and Puzzle
Released: 30 October 2020
This strategy game is great for young gamers to really get their minds thinking creatively. Pikmin are tiny earth creatures whom players can control in a crop to complete puzzles and story modes in a vibrant world with rich detail and adventure.
What modes does the Nintendo Switch have?
There are three modes that you can play with your Nintendo Switch. Handheld, Tabletop and TV mode. But what are the differences between each? They are all pretty self-explanatory, but we'll break down the main differences for those not in the know.
Handheld mode means the Joy-Cons are attached to the console and you're playing it as a handheld device not too dissimilar to older Nintendo consoles like the Wii U or the DS.
Tabletop mode is when the Joy-Cons are detached from the console and you are playing on the Switch's primary screen - this is a great way to play multiplayer games whilst out in public.
Finally, TV mode is the term for when the Nintendo Switch is placed into the dock and the image is being displayed on your TV or monitor.
